Patents by Inventor Toru Tsuzuki

Toru Tsuzuki has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8804181
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first designation portion which designates a directory from plural directories stored in a storage medium; a first printing portion which index prints images on a first print medium based on files stored in the directory designated by the first designation portion, the files including at least one of an image data file and a sub-directory; a display portion; a first display control portion which controls the display portion to display information for designating the files after the images are index-printed by the first printing portion; a second designation portion which designates one of the files based on the information displayed on the display portion; and a second printing portion which prints an image on a second print medium based on the designated one of the files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Toru Tsuzuki, Masashi Kato, Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 8797610
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a photosensor, a processing unit and a control unit. The control unit detects a light receiving signal output from the photosensor during a first light emission period and obtains a first detection result, and makes first determination based on the first detection result by determining whether the processing unit can execute a function. The control unit detects the light receiving signal after a waiting period and obtains a second detection result. The control unit makes second determination based on the second detection result by determining whether the processing unit can execute the function. The control unit makes the second determination in a second mode that requires small consumption power, and according to determination in the second determination in the second mode that the processing unit can execute the function, the control unit keeps the second mode and makes the first determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Hirata, Toru Tsuzuki, Shingo Itoh
  • Patent number: 8780389
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a detecting unit, a processing unit, a plurality of controllers, a command determination unit, and a load determination unit. The detecting unit is for detecting a command. The processing unit executes a process for the command. The plurality of controllers controls the processing unit and includes a first controller. The command determination unit determines whether or not the command indicates that the process is to be executed by the processing unit under the control of the first controller. The load determination unit determines whether or not a load required for the process is larger than a prescribed threshold value. While the first controller is in a halted state, if the command determination unit makes a negative determination and if the load determination unit makes a positive determination, the first controller is activated and controls the processing unit to execute the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Tsuzuki, Masahiro Nagami
  • Patent number: 8780371
    Abstract: A printing apparatus to make a number of copies of a printed material on which an image is formed according to print data stored in a removable memory medium is provided. The printing apparatus includes an interface to which the removable memory medium is connected so that the print data stored in the removable memory medium is inputted to the printing apparatus, a printable number detecting system, which is configured to detect a number of copies of the printed material to be made being stored in the removable memory medium, a printing system, which is configured to make the printed material, and a controlling system, which is configured to control a total of the number of copies of the printed material to be made by the printing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuma Aoki, Masashi Kato, Toru Tsuzuki, Hiroyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8736890
    Abstract: A copier is provided. The copier is configured to copy an image of an original document, which has a storage medium, and the storage medium, wherein a process of copying the original document, which has the storage medium, has three operation modes (A), (B), and (C) of (A) copying the storage medium and the image of the original document, (B) copying only the storage medium, and (C) copying only the image of the original document. Further, the copier has a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be performed among the operation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8649034
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion on which an external memory device is mountable, a detecting unit that detects mounting or non-mounting of the external memory device to the mounting portion, a printing unit that prints data acquired from the external memory device, a memory unit that stores the data, and a controller. The controller is operable to control the printing unit to reprint the data stored on the memory unit, and prohibit the data from being reprinted when a detection result by the detecting unit indicates non-mounting of the external memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8531716
    Abstract: A duplicate setting prevention system for an image processing apparatus includes a setting file, a set of history information, a determination unit, a setting unit, a prohibiting unit, and a history information recording unit. The setting file is stored in a removable memory removably mounted on an image processing apparatus and is for setting the image processing apparatus. The set of history information is stored in the removable memory and indicates that the image processing apparatus has been set based on the setting file. When the removable memory is mounted on the image processing apparatus, the determination unit reads out the history information set and determines that a setting has been performed to the image processing apparatus based on the setting file. The setting unit performs the setting to the image processing apparatus based on the setting file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Kato, Toru Tsuzuki, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 8503022
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a connector unit to which an external memory device is connected; a detecting unit configured to detect whether the external memory device is connected to the connector unit or not and output a detection result indicating that the connector unit is in a connected state or an unconnected state; a printing unit configured to execute a printing according to data from the external memory device connected to the connector unit; and a suspending unit configured to suspend operation of the printing unit according to a predetermined timing in response to a change in the detection result from the connected state to the unconnected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Toru Tsuzuki, Masashi Kato, Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 8441679
    Abstract: There is provided an image forming device that includes a conveyor section, an image forming section, an accessing section and a control unit. The conveyor section conveys recording media in a conveying path, the recording media including a recording medium having a data storage unit attached thereto and a recording medium with no data storage unit attached thereto, the data storage unit storing data or being capable of storing data. The image forming section forms an image on the recording medium. The accessing section is disposed at an access position along the conveying path and accesses the data storage unit to execute an access operation to write data into or read data from the data storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8345299
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that can read data from a storage medium having hierarchically structured directories includes a first directory and a second directory which is stored in the first directory. The apparatus includes: a display portion that displays designation information of the first directory; an operation portion configured to receive a designation of the second directory based on the first directory designation information displayed on the display portion; a display control portion that controls the display portion to display designation information of the second directory when the second directory is designated; and a printing portion that index-prints images on a print medium based on files stored in one of the first and second directories, the designation information of which is currently displayed on the display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuma Aoki, Masashi Kato, Toru Tsuzuki, Hiroyuki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120140295
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a photosensor, a processing unit and a control unit. The control unit detects a light receiving signal output from the photosensor during a first light emission period and obtains a first detection result, and makes first determination based on the first detection result by determining whether the processing unit can execute a function. The control unit detects the light receiving signal after a waiting period and obtains a second detection result. The control unit makes second determination based on the second detection result by determining whether the processing unit can execute the function. The control unit makes the second determination in a second mode that requires small consumption power, and according to determination in the second determination in the second mode that the processing unit can execute the function, the control unit keeps the second mode and makes the first determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Hironori HIRATA, Toru TSUZUKI, Shingo ITOH
  • Patent number: 8186574
    Abstract: An image-forming system includes: a data-reading unit, an image-forming unit, and a restricting unit. The data-reading unit reads first additional data from a first storing member of a sheet member. The image-forming unit forms a first image based on the read first additional data by the data-reading unit. The restricting unit gives a restriction to the first additional data stored in the first storing member after the first additional data is read, in order to restrict the first image from being formed based on the first additional data stored in the first storing member subsequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8174715
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a memory connecting portion, to which an external memory is detachably connected; a detecting portion that detects a connection state of the external memory; a printing portion that prints an image based on an image file to be printed which is stored in the external memory; and a controller that performs an automatic printing processing in which the controller controls the printing portion to automatically start printing the image in response to a detection by the detecting portion of connection of the external memory to the memory connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Kato, Toru Tsuzuki, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Kazuma Aoki
  • Publication number: 20110249291
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a detecting unit, a processing unit, a plurality of controllers, a command determination unit, and a load determination unit. The detecting unit is for detecting a command. The processing unit executes a process for the command. The plurality of controllers controls the processing unit and includes a first controller. The command determination unit determines whether or not the command indicates that the process is to be executed by the processing unit under the control of the first controller. The load determination unit determines whether or not a load required for the process is larger than a prescribed threshold value. While the first controller is in a halted state, if the command determination unit makes a negative determination and if the load determination unit makes a positive determination, the first controller is activated and controls the processing unit to execute the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toru TSUZUKI, Masahiro NAGAMI
  • Patent number: 7885935
    Abstract: A peripheral device has a mounting portion and a storage unit. The mounting portion is configured to mount a removable storage. The storage unit is configured to store data. The reading out unit reads out specific information from the removable storage medium when the removable storage medium is mounted to the mounting portion. The deletion unit deletes at least part of the data in the storage unit based on the specific information read out by the reading out unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Kato, Toru Tsuzuki, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 7831927
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a display, a reading unit, a display controlling unit, and an operating unit. The reading unit reads at least one file stored in a removable memory. The display controlling unit displays on the display a first selection item together with at least one second selection item. The first selection item is used for performing index printing for the at least one file. The at least one second selection item is used for printing each of the at least one file. Each of the at least one second selection item corresponds to one of the at least one file. The operating unit is capable of selecting one of the first selection item and the at least one second selection item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Tsuzuki, Masashi Kato, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 7796281
    Abstract: In an image forming system in which a printing device is communicably connected to a server and a terminal, an automatic determination is performed to determine whether or not print data created by the terminal needs to be stored in a memory for placing the data in a reprintable condition. The print data stored in the memory can be reprinted without need for resending the same print data from the terminal or server to the printing device. The automatic determination is, for example, performed by referring to the header of the print data and determining whether the print data is from the terminal or the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Tsuzuki
  • Publication number: 20100157392
    Abstract: A copier is provided. The copier is configured to copy an image of an original document, which has a storage medium, and the storage medium, wherein a process of copying the original document, which has the storage medium, has three operation modes (A), (B), and (C) of (A) copying the storage medium and the image of the original document, (B) copying only the storage medium, and (C) copying only the image of the original document. Further, the copier has a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be performed among the operation modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toru TSUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20100127068
    Abstract: An image-forming system includes: a data-reading unit, an image-forming unit, and a restricting unit. The data-reading unit reads first additional data from a first storing member of a sheet member. The image-forming unit fowls a first image based on the read first additional data by the data-reading unit. The restricting unit gives a restriction to the first additional data stored in the first storing member after the first additional data is read, in order to restrict the first image from being formed based on the first additional data stored in the first storing member subsequently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toru TSUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20100103451
    Abstract: There is provided an image forming device that includes a conveyor section, an image forming section, an accessing section and a control unit. The conveyor section conveys recording media in a conveying path, the recording media including a recording medium having a data storage unit attached thereto and a recording medium with no data storage unit attached thereto, the data storage unit storing data or being capable of storing data. The image forming section forms an image on the recording medium. The accessing section is disposed at an access position along the conveying path and accesses the data storage unit to execute an access operation to write data into or read data from the data storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toru Tsuzuki