Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a drum cartridge removably attached to the main body, and a belt unit removably attached to the main body. The main body includes a drum power supply, a belt power supply, and a controller configured to start supplying power from the drum power supply to a drum memory of the drum cartridge, start supplying power from the belt power supply to a belt memory of the belt unit, stop supplying the power from the drum power supply to the drum memory after starting supplying the power from the drum power supply to the drum memory, and stop supplying the power from the belt power supply to the belt memory after starting supplying the power from the belt power supply to the belt memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, an intermediate transfer member, a transfer member, a power source, a fixing unit, a photo sensor photosensor, and a control unit configured to perform a mode to output a test chart which is formed by transferring a plurality of test toner images from the intermediate transfer member onto a plurality of sheets of the recording material, the test chart being used to adjust the transfer voltage applied to the transfer member. The control unit is configured to adjust the transfer voltage based on a detection result of the photo sensor photosensor detecting the plurality of test toner images recovered fixed on the recording material. In a case where a jam occurred during execution of the mode, the control unit is configured to resume the mode after the jam has been recovered.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, an intermediate transfer member, a power source, and a control unit configured to perform a mode to output a test chart which is formed by transferring a plurality of test toner images from the intermediate transfer member to a plurality of sheets of the recording material. In a case where a jam occurred during execution of the mode, the control unit is configured to resume the mode after the jam has been recovered. In a case where the control unit resumes the mode after the jam has occurred during the execution of the mode, the control unit is configured to resume the mode from a first sheet of the plurality of sheets of the recording material regardless of a number of sheets of the recording material not discharged due to the jam.

Abstract: The illustrative systems and methods advantageously reduce the amount of storage space occupied by data that no longer has a useful life—as established by the data objects' user(s) and overcoming predetermined rules required by information management policies. An illustrative data agent may receive instructions from an illustrative storage manager to perform secondary copy operations for a given set of data objects. The instructions may generally instruct that expiry-marked data objects are to be treated based on parsing each data object's user-supplied expiry timeframe.

Abstract: An image forming unit forms a toner image on an image carrier using toner. A transfer unit transfers the toner image to a sheet. A cleaner removes, from the image carrier, residual toner that was not transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit. In a detection mode for detecting a part of the image forming apparatus causing a streak, a controller may control the image forming unit to form a pattern on the image carrier, control the transfer unit so that the pattern passes through a transfer position without transferring the pattern to the sheet, control the cleaner to remove the pattern on the image carrier, and control the transfer unit to transfer a residual streak from the image carrier to the sheet. The residual streak occurs from the pattern image by causing an error of the cleaner.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to receive message information from a terminal device, and transmit responding message information to the terminal device based on setting information in which query information and answer information are associated with each other, switch a state between a first state and a second state, the first state being a state in which the message information is to be received from the terminal device and a change of the setting information is to be received, the second state being a state in which the message information is not to be received and a change of the setting information is to be received, and when switching from the second state to the first state is performed, transmit the responding message information based on the setting information for which the change has been received in the second state before the switching is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automated personalized guidance include the evaluation of interaction content data. At least one automated guidance is assigned to an agent based upon the evaluation. The automated guidance is defined by at least one interaction type and at least one guidance trigger. Interaction content data is monitored to identify instances of the interaction type and the guidance trigger. Upon identification of the interaction type and the guidance trigger, the automated guidance is automatedly provided. The automated guidance is then evaluated based upon the interaction content data.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus that performs control so as to display a first maintenance screen containing a moving image indicating a work content required to resolve a maintenance event on a display unit in a case where occurrence of the maintenance event is detected by an event detection unit configured to detect the occurrence of the maintenance event that has occurred therein. Then, the image forming apparatus performs control so as to display a second maintenance screen containing the moving image indicating the work content required to resolve the maintenance event on the display unit according to a display instruction issued from a user in a case where the occurrence of the maintenance event is not detected by the event detection unit.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for managing access of functions in a Multi-Functional Printer (MFP) by an access manager. The access manager receives information regarding occurrence of at least one error in at least one functional unit of the MFP, and identifies one or more functions operably dependent on at least one functional unit one or more functions operably independent of at least one functional unit, based on a pre-defined master error list. The, access manager divides a display screen of MFP into a plurality of display portions, where a first display portion of a plurality of display portions displays one or more functions operably independent of at least the one functional unit and a second display portion of the plurality of display portions displays information associated with at least one error that has occurred in at least one functional unit of the MFP.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a printer using a reflective scanner is disclosed. Because the reflective scanner used for calibration may only be able to accurately measure a limited density range that is less than the full density range of the printer, some information from the reflective scanner is disregarded or deemphasized during the calibration process. A calibration page is printed and scanned. Lookup tables (LUTs) that comprise the printer calibration values are updated based on adjustments calculated from the scanner for density regions where the scanner produces relatively accurate measurements, but updated based on the preexisting settings for density regions where the scanner produces relatively inaccurate measurements. In transitions regions between accurate and inaccurate regions, the LUTs are adjusted based on a combination of measurements from the scanner and the preexisting settings.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising an identifying unit configured to identify a part being a forming target in the forming apparatus on the basis of information acquired from a forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object, an acquiring unit configured to acquire model data describing a shape of the identified part to form the part in the forming apparatus, and an instructing unit configured to instruct the forming apparatus to form the identified part by using the acquired model data.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus in such a manner that communication is possible, the image forming apparatus forming an image in accordance with image-quality adjustment information that is set therein. The information processing apparatus includes a controller and a storage, the controller obtains, through the network, first information set in a first image forming apparatus, and second information set in a second image forming apparatus. The controller stores the first and second information in the storage, reads the first and second information from the storage, creates third information based on the first and second information, and transmits the third information, through the network, to the second image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus displays, based on detection of a maintenance event, a first maintenance screen including a moving image illustrating a maintenance method corresponding to the maintenance event, and displays a second maintenance screen including the moving image illustrating the maintenance method based on receipt of a display instruction to display the maintenance method in a state where the maintenance event is not detected.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a photosensitive member, a charger, a developing device, a transfer device, and a controller. In a printing control, the controller rotates the photosensitive member in a forward direction and applies a first transfer bias. In a reverse rotation control, the controller rotates the photosensitive member in a reverse direction and applies a second transfer bias being zero after finishing the printing control. In a forward rotation control, the controller rotates the photosensitive member in the forward direction and applies a third transfer bias for a period including a time that a part of the photosensitive member reaches the transfer device after finishing the reverse rotation control. The part faces the developing device when the rotating direction of the photosensitive member is switched. The third transfer bias has an opposite polarity to the first transfer bias and an absolute value larger than the second transfer bias.

Abstract: The illustrative systems and methods advantageously reduce the amount of storage space occupied by data that no longer has a useful life—as established by the data objects' user(s) and overcoming predetermined rules required by information management policies. An illustrative data agent may receive instructions from an illustrative storage manager to perform secondary copy operations for a given set of data objects. The instructions may generally instruct that expiry-marked data objects are to be treated based on parsing each data object's user-supplied expiry timeframe.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device is configured to be mounted on a substrate of a host device. The memory device includes a non-volatile memory, a controller circuit, and a wireless communication circuit. The controller circuit is configured to perform data transfer between the host device and the non-volatile memory. The wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit data read from the non-volatile memory with wireless communication, after the controller circuit is set in a state where the data transfer cannot be performed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus determines whether there is a possibility of tearing of the recording material occurring for a recording material. Furthermore, if there is the possibility of paper tearing, the apparatus locks an opening/closing unit related to the occurrence of the tearing of the recording material, displays a first screen indicating that the opening/closing unit is locked, and after the first screen is displayed displays a second screen indicating a procedure in which a jam processing unit is operating for resolving the jam.

Abstract: A printing apparatus operating in a service mode is reactivated when the printing apparatus receives a reactivation instruction from an external device connected to the printing apparatus by a direct wireless communication function. The reactivated printing apparatus starts an operation in the service mode instead of a normal operation mode.

Abstract: A server is connected to an image forming apparatus in such a manner that communication is possible, the image forming apparatus forming an image in accordance with image-quality adjustment information that is set therein. The server includes a setting-information creating unit that creates, from the image-quality adjustment information including setting information and status information, the image-quality adjustment information having been set in a machine to be replaced, and from status information in image-quality adjustment information that has been set in the image forming apparatus that is an adjustment target, setting information to be included in the image-quality adjustment information of the image forming apparatus; and a communication processing unit that transmits the created setting information to be included in the image-quality adjustment information of the image forming apparatus to be set in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A motor control device includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit includes an issuing unit that issues a command that schedules a next operation of a motor according to an instruction from a controller. The second control unit includes a receiving unit that receives the command, a detecting unit that detects a state of the motor, a determining unit that makes a determination as to whether to drive the motor to perform the operation according to the state detected by the detecting unit, and an executing unit that drives the motor to perform the operation scheduled by the command as determined by the determination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an image forming apparatus and method that determines whether a photo sensor used for color registration is contaminated and a contamination level thereof so as to automatically clean the photo sensor. The image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer medium onto which images having different colors are to be overlapped and transferred, a photo sensor which emits light to receive light reflected by the intermediate transfer medium, a cleaning unit which cleans the photo sensor, and a control unit which controls the cleaning unit to clean the photo sensor based on an amount of light received by the photo sensor meeting a contamination indicating threshold.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer, a developing device, a toner container, a toner feed connector, a processor, and a notifier. The developing device develops, with toner, a latent image on the latent image bearer. The toner container contains the toner. The toner container is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus. The toner feed connector guides the toner of the toner container to the developing device. The information detector detects identification information including toner type information and maintenance contract information stored in the toner container. The processor determines whether the toner type information of the toner container coincides before and after replacement and whether the maintenance contract information of the toner container is matched with maintenance contract information of the image forming apparatus. The notifier indicates a determination made by the processor.

Abstract: A frequency of a residual amount signal which includes the absence of consumables and is issued by a printing apparatus is analyzed, whether new consumables have been attached or not is properly discriminated, and proper stock management is made.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system evaluating performance of a printing device. In accordance with the method a diagnostic routine is executed on the printing device. The diagnostic routine evaluates performance of the printing device using a set of instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. The set of instructions are configured to identify a fault in the performance of the printing device based on an artifact identifiable on at least one diagnostic output. The diagnostic output is generated by the printing device with the identifiable artifact in accordance with the diagnostic routine for identifying the artifact and associated fault of the printing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: a detection unit which detects a light amount of reflected light from a measurement image, and includes an irradiation unit which irradiates the measurement image with light, a first unit which receives specular light from the measurement image, and a second unit which receives diffused light from the measurement image; a controller which controls an image forming condition based on a detection result; and a determination unit which determines a first emission intensity based on a light amount of the specular light, and determines a second emission intensity based on the first emission intensity, the light amount of the specular light, and a light amount of the diffused light, wherein the emission intensity of light with which the irradiation unit irradiates the measurement image is controlled based on the second emission intensity.

Abstract: The present specification discloses systems and methods for enabling users to troubleshoot multifunction devices using handheld devices, such as mobile phones. In one embodiment, software executing on the handheld device receives data indicative of an error state in a multifunction device, causes the handheld device to obtain and display an image representative of an area of the multifunction device which would need to be serviced to address the error state, determines instructions for addressing the error state, and causes the handheld device to display the instructions in relation to the image representative of an area of the multifunction device.

Abstract: A multifunction print device and a method of using the multifunction device is disclosed. The multifunction print device includes a user interface comprising at least one input mechanism configured to transmit a user request to enter at least one of a print mode and a non-print mode; a plurality of elements configured to be in either an active or inactive state, wherein the elements comprise one or more first elements configured to perform printing functions and one or more second elements configured to perform non-printing functions; and a control system configured to, in response to a user request to enter non-print mode, switch the one or more second elements from an inactive state to an active state while keeping the one or more second elements in an inactive state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum; a charging rotatable member for charging the drum by applying a voltage comprising a DC voltage component and an AC voltage component; a current detector for detecting a current flowing when a predetermined inspecting voltage is applied to the charging rotatable member; a storing portion for storing information corresponding to a reference current; a supplying portion for supplying a signal for notifying information corresponding to a lifetime of the drum on the basis of information stored in the storing portion and an output of the current detector; and a renewing portion for renewing information stored in the storing portion in accordance with the output of the current detector.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically rendering labeling service prints with print engine parameters. An auto-labeling application can be configured in association with a print engine controller for labeling the service prints with the print engine parameters via a built-in marker integrated with a fault multi-function device. A portable inline marker can also be separately attached to a baffle assembly of the fault device and connected to the print engine controller via a connector in order to receive the print engine parameters from the print engine controller. A setup routine configured with the auto-labeling application can be employed to customize the service print labels in a modular format and the parameters can be appended to each other based on the information required to troubleshoot the fault multi-function device.

Abstract: An imaging device provided with a latent image carrying body rotatably disposed to carry a latent image, a developing unit that develops the latent image carried on the carrying body by using a developer containing toner at least, and a duct disposed downstream of the developing unit and having a wall with an upstream suction port and a downstream suction port formed. An air flow path is formed by a surface of the latent image carrying body and a surface of the duct wall, between the upstream suction port and the downstream suction port. A gap of the air flow path is wider at the downstream side than at the upstream side with respect to the rotational direction of the latent image carrying body.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for registering a printing apparatus connected by a network including a printing apparatus detection unit configured to detect the printing apparatus connected by the network, an operation instruction unit configured to instruct a user of the information processing apparatus to execute an initial setting relevant operation on a printing apparatus to be registered, a status information acquisition unit configured to acquire status information indicating a status of the detected printing apparatus, a printing apparatus identification unit configured to detect a printing apparatus in which the initial setting relevant operation is executed based on the status indicated by the acquired status information and identify the detected printing apparatus in which the initial setting relevant operation is executed as the printing apparatus to be registered, and a printing apparatus registration unit configured to register the identified printing apparatus.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a media path within a body of the printing apparatus. The media path moves sheets of media through the body of the printing apparatus. A marking engine is also within the body of the printing apparatus. The media path supplies the printing media to the marking engine. A processor is within the body of the printing apparatus. The processor is operatively connected to the marking engine, and the processor controls actions of the marking engine. Sensors are within the body of the printing apparatus. The sensors are operatively connected to the processor, and the sensors are positioned along the media path. The sensors detect locations and conditions of the sheets of media as the sheets of media travel along the media path. The sensors have a first clip shape. Further, clip connectors are located within the body of the printing apparatus. The clip connectors are connected to the sensors. Additionally, light structures are connected to the clip connectors.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a job management method thereof are provided. The job management method includes detecting an occurrence of an error during a processing of a job, and upon detecting the occurrence of the error, providing information about one or more jobs related with the error from among a list of jobs. As a result, it is possible to manage the jobs related with an error and more convenient job management is provided.

Abstract: A multifunction peripheral 1 includes a communication portion 102, a control portion 101, a certified reference time storage portion 103, and a determining portion 104. A communication portion 102 receives a total maintenance time stored in a communication terminal unit 31 from the communication terminal unit 31. A control portion 101 switches its operation mode between a maintenance mode and a normal operation mode to activate the multifunction peripheral 1. A certified reference time storage portion 103 stores a certified reference time that permits switching to the maintenance mode. A determining portion 104 determines whether the total maintenance time has reached the certified reference time. When it is determined that the total maintenance time has reached the certified reference time by the determining portion 104, the control portion 101 switches the multifunction peripheral 1 to the maintenance mode to activate the multifunction peripheral 1.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that generate a screen capture image together with processing selectable options for a user. The screen capture image is saved to a memory of the system and the selectable options are chosen to communicate with an external device and/or helpdesk where information related to the screen can be analyzed or diagnosed for technical issues.

Abstract: The disclosure proposes the automatic use of the job or image content information of a print job. This information is used to automatically adjust the general printing procedure for a print engine. The job's image content information is analyzed in the context of the constraints of the print engine to determine an improved printing procedure, which may include cycle-up operation, process control cycles, or maintenance cycles for that particular print job.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a management apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires any one of simple data or detailed data including the simple data from a plurality of image processing apparatuses. If the detailed data is acquired, the determination unit determines maintenance data to be applied to the image processing apparatus which is an output source of the detailed data. The storage unit stores the maintenance data in association with related data included in the detailed data. If the acquisition unit acquires the simple data, the selection unit selects the maintenance data associated with the related data similar to the acquired simple data. The output unit outputs the maintenance data as the data for update with respect to the image processing apparatus which is an output source of the simple data.

Abstract: An error guide offering method of an image forming apparatus which includes a display unit to display a user interface (UI) offering an error guide to an error, the method including: detecting the error from the image forming apparatus; determining whether the error occurs from a plurality of locations; determining whether error guides to the error occurring from the plurality of locations have a common procedure; displaying a first error guide to a first error; displaying a second error guide to a second error instead of returning to a standby mode upon a completion of the processing of the error according to the first error guide; processing the second error according to the second error guide, the displaying the second error guide including displaying a common procedure in the first and second error guides. With this, an error guide integrating a common procedure to a plurality of errors occurring from the image forming apparatus efficiently processes the error and reduces waste of time.

Abstract: A data centric, cloud architecture for managing image forming device information through interactive communication with customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) associated with customer replaceable units (CRUs) installed in image forming devices is provided. CRUM identifiers and a cloud data objects containing the same unique identifiers are used to aid a supplier or manufacturer in keying individual CRUs to particular installations in printers and/or other image forming devices. This association strengthens the ability to logistically control the CRUs. A cloud administration system is used to track an identifier for a CRU installed in a particular image forming device such as, for example, a printer, to determine whether the CRU identifier matches an associated cloud object identifier for that printer.

Abstract: A multifunction peripheral (MFP) and a method for restricting the use of the same. A user ID and a password are registered according to a user's input, accessible functions are set according to the registered user, and even the authenticated user is restricted to using only the set functions. Therefore, use of the MFP and specific functions of the MFP can be restricted according to the particular registered user.

Abstract: A toner supply device configured to be detachably attached into an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus and supplying a toner to a developing device, the toner supply device being: provided with a container main body configured substantially in a rectangular solid shape and configured to be inserted into the apparatus main body along a longitudinal direction of the container main body, having a toner containing part communicating with a developing device, and a barrel part that moves downward upon receipt of a biasing force from a direction of the apparatus main body when being inserted into the apparatus main body and a lock part arranged at a rear of the barrel part; the handle member being inserted into said apparatus main body side according to the downward movement of said barrel part and fixing said toner supply device in said apparatus main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: sensor detecting light intensity and output voltage based on the light intensity; data acquisition part setting reference voltages for the sensor to detect light intensity of bare surface of intermediate transfer member, acquiring, at set reference voltage, voltage output by the sensor on the bare surface as detection data; storage storing the detection data corresponding to the reference voltages; judgment part judging whether to perform image density correction processing; voltage calibration part adjusting output level at light intensity detection; density acquisition part forming toner pattern, and acquiring density data of the toner pattern by causing the sensor having adjusted output level to detect its light intensity; density data correction part reading one piece of detection data referring to output level, and correcting the density data based on the detection data; and image density correction part performing the processing based on the density data.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a display unit that displays operation information about a user's operation procedure; a communication unit that performs communication with a mobile terminal device; and a transmission unit that transmits, in case that a predetermined operation information is to be displayed on the display unit, image data for displaying the predetermined operation information to the mobile terminal device via the communication unit.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a main casing, a drum unit, an image-forming unit, and a transfer unit. The drum unit is detachable from the main casing and includes a photosensitive drum having a rotational axis extending in an axis direction. The drum unit is formed with a plurality of symbols juxtaposed along the axis direction. The image-forming unit forms an image on the photosensitive drum in an image-forming mode. The transfer unit transfers the first developer image onto the photosensitive drum onto a sheet. The image-forming unit forms a first developer image on the photosensitive drum in a maintenance mode. The first developer image transferred onto the sheet divides the sheet into a plurality of regions along the axis direction, the plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of symbols, respectively.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus that can identify contents of work conducted to repair an image forming apparatus with its power supply turned off. A terminal apparatus can communicate with the image forming apparatus. An obtaining unit obtains information related to an error occurred in the image forming apparatus. A display unit displays work required to cancel the error. An input unit causes a user to selectively input contents of work. A control unit stores the contents of work selectively inputted through the input unit in a storage unit when the terminal apparatus stops communicating with the image forming apparatus and transmits the contents of work stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus when the terminal apparatus starts communicating with the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image data, includes: a power source for supplying power to various sections of the apparatus; a display section for displaying; and a control section for executing a controlling regarding operations of the apparatus, wherein the control section is provided with a normal power supply mode representing a state of normal power supply, and a power supply mode for operator part replacement representing the state of power supply different from said normal power supply mode, the power supply mode for operator part replacement to which an operator changes the state of power supply on changing a part or a unit of the apparatus.

Abstract: According to an instruction by a manager, information about the image forming apparatus to be monitored is set with the management server. A communication test is conducted between the management server and the image forming apparatus. The management server confirms an ID of the image forming apparatus. Subsequently, upon receiving a setting information request from the image forming apparatus, the management server responds with generated UI button information and access-destination information which can be extended by the UI button information to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A main control section 41 displays a prompt for cleaning of a discharge wire 15-2 to a user together with a prompt for maintenance work for replacement of a toner container (consumable item) 21 to the user on a display screen of a touch panel section 53, for example, when a replacement timing of the toner container (consumable item) 21 that has been reached is detected. The user who sees the content of the display carries out cleaning work of the discharge wire 15-2 at the same time with maintenance work for replacement of the toner container 21. This can contribute to an improvement in user convenience and also increase the operating capacity of an apparatus body to the extent possible.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an apparatus main unit control software storage unit configured to store new apparatus main unit control software used to control a main unit of the image processing apparatus on a non-volatile storage device, a combination appropriateness determination unit configured to determine whether a combination of the new apparatus main unit control software and post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on a post-processing apparatus is appropriate based on version information about the post-processing apparatus control software used to control the post-processing apparatus, which is operable in combination with the new apparatus main unit control software, and version information about the post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on the post-processing apparatus, a determination result storage unit configured to store a result of the determination by the combination appropriateness determination unit, and an activation unit con

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge. In the case where the process cartridge is a fresh cartridge, after toner (developer) is sufficiently fed to a developer carrying member in the entire longitudinal area of the developer carrying member, an initializing operation for depositing the toner on a contact portion between an image bearing member and a cleaning blade.