Abstract: In order to facilitate an input of a process condition for allowing any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, a PC communicative to a plurality of MFPs connected via a network obtains function information defining a function held by each of a plurality of MFPs, displays a common condition setting window for accepting an input of a process condition for performing a common function held by all of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on the obtained function information, accepts an input of a process condition, and outputs the accepted process condition to any one of a plurality of MFPs.

Abstract: A digital data recording apparatus, which can record the exact acquisition time of data, a sampling data identification method thereof, and a program for identifying sampling data, are provided. A CPU 11 reads out the program of a first conversion formula. The CPU 11 uses the first conversion formula to convert a time series of detection temperature data into a time series of actual oscillation frequencies f? of a reference clock signal. At a subsequent step, the CPU 11 calculates the respective normal sampling timings employing the current time as a reference time by dividing a time series of count values by each of the actual oscillation frequencies f? corresponding to the respective count values.

Abstract: In order to facilitate an input of a process condition for allowing any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, a PC communicative to a plurality of MFPs connected via a network obtains function information defining a function held by each of a plurality of MFPs, displays a common condition setting window for accepting an input of a process condition for performing a common function held by all of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on the obtained function information, accepts an input of a process condition, and outputs the accepted process condition to any one of a plurality of MFPs.

Abstract: A digital data recording apparatus, which can record the exact acquisition time of data, a sampling data identification method thereof, and a program for identifying sampling data, are provided. A CPU 11 reads out the program of a first conversion formula. The CPU 11 uses the first conversion formula to convert a time series of detection temperature data into a time series of actual oscillation frequencies f? of a reference clock signal. At a subsequent step, the CPU 11 calculates the respective normal sampling timings employing the current time as a reference time by dividing a time series of count values by each of the actual oscillation frequencies f? corresponding to the respective count values.

Abstract: An image recognition apparatus, an image recognition method and a recording medium are provided, each capable of decreasing the reduction in the success rate in recognition, particularly, when a subject of a photographic image is recognized. An image input from a PC, or the like, can be recognized by use of the reference images stored in a reference image memory, and a date of photo taking of the reference image that is determined to be similar to the input image can be compared with the date of photo taking of the input image. When the input image is newer, the reference image can be renewed based on the input image.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording device for recording an image on a recording sheet by means of an ink film. The device has a cassette accommodating recording sheets and a unit accommodating an ink film both of which are loadable into the main body of the device, and further has a first sensor for detecting the type of the cassette and a second sensor for detecting the type of the unit. The device alerts the operator when the type of the unit is judged to be incompatible with the type of the cassette according to the result of detection by the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A CPU of a thermal printer operates an estimated temperature of a thermal head 2 after printing image data of one line, based on image data of each line stored in a memory and a pulse width corresponding to the temperature of the thermal head and the like. The CPU compares the estimated temperature with the temperature of the thermal head after the printing, and the thermal head is released from its contact with a platen roller when the temperature of the thermal head is higher than the estimated temperature.

Abstract: A paper feeding device which extracts from a cassette accommodating a stack of sheets such sheets one at a time and feeds them to the next step, namely an image forming part, comprises an attracting member capable of being moved between an attracting position at which the attracting member attracts a sheet from within the cassette and a feeding position which lies above the attracting position, a pressing roller capable of being moved between a position of retraction and the feeding position, and a rotary roller capable of cooperating with the pressing roller in nipping the sheet at the feeding position. The pressing roller moves to the feeding position after the elapse of a prescribed time following the completion of the motion of the sheet by the attracting member to the feeding position. The rotary roller is rotatably set in place at the feeding position.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording apparatus permitting detachable disposition therein of an inked film cassette provided with a takeup reel holding part and a supply reel holding part. In the inked film cassette, the takeup reel holding part disposed at one end thereof and the supply reel holding part disposed at the other end thereof protrude in mutually opposite directions from the cassette casing.

Abstract: A multihead thermal printer comprises a plurality of thermal heads arranged around a platen roller. An ink film associated with each thermal head includes an end mark leaving a length to an end of the ink film at least equal to that of one sheet of recording paper. A device for detecting the end mark is disposed adjacent to each thermal head. When the detecting device detects the end mark, the printer completes the printing of a sheet of recording paper in the process of printing, but stops the feed of a succeeding sheet.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording technique for printing a multiple tone image by applying energy to a recording head for a period of time corresponding to digital tone data which represents the levels of tones as binary digits.In this technique, a least significant digit of the digital tone data is output as a first signal and second signals are output repeatedly the number of times being equal to the digital tone data of binary form except the least significant digit data. The recording head is driven in response to the first and second signals so as to electrify the recording head for the unit time according to the first signal and for a period of twice as long as the unit time according to the second signal.

Abstract: A thermal printer comprising a transfer section where an ink film is pressed into tight contact with recording paper for transferring ink from the ink film to the recording paper by means of a thermal head, thereby to form an image on the recording paper. When the printer is switched on, the ink film and the recording paper located at the transfer section are moved onward to a recording paper separating device. The ink film and the recording paper remain in tight contact with each other when the power is cut in a printing operation. However, when the power supply for the printer is resumed, the ink film and the recording paper are moved to the separating means to release the ink film and recording paper from the mutual tight contact, thereby facilitating ink film takeup.