Abstract: An image forming apparatus, when exiting the service mode, in response to receiving an operation to exit a service mode before a work related to maintenance ends, performs processing of a job if authentication based on generated authentication information is successful. Further, the image forming apparatus shifts to a normal mode when receiving the operation to exit the service mode after the work related to maintenance ends.

Abstract: A first image processing apparatus detects pressing of a call button, and issues call-button pressing identifying information serving as request identifying information. The first image processing apparatus searches for another image processing apparatus, and when detecting a second image processing apparatus, the first image processing apparatus transmits the issued call-button pressing identifying information to the detected second image processing apparatus. Furthermore, the first image processing apparatus transmits the call-button pressing identifying information serving as the request identifying information and image processing apparatus identifying information of the first image processing apparatus to a management apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-function machine is provided. The multi-function machine includes a scanning module for scanning in a document and generating a corresponding image. The multi-function machine also includes one or more processors operatively connected to a user interface module executable by a user and a service log module having a set of programmable instructions configured for execution by the at least one processor for receiving an image corresponding to a scanned in service log form having service log information. Additionally, a service log record with service log information from the scanned in image is included.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can provide a method for replacing a customer replaceable unit (CRU) in a printing system. The method can include determining a historic usage pattern for a CRU during a usage of the CRU, calculating a remaining time for the CRU based on the historic usage pattern, and signaling a user for ordering a new CRC when the remaining time for the CRU is substantially equivalent to a pre-determined value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating remote access and customization of internally generated printing node status reports. In some embodiments, the methods and systems advantageously facilitate remote access and customization of internally generated printing node status reports by adapting preexisting features that generate local hard copies of printing node status reports in response to locally initiated commands. Such adaptation enables a printing node to receive, process and respond to remotely initiated requests for printing node status reports in a manner that permits remote customization of the style of printing node status reports.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer provided on a surface of the conductive substrate is provided. In the electrophotographic photoreceptor, an outermost layer of the photosensitive layer containing a crosslinked product formed from at least one charge transporting material having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of —OH, —OCH3, —NH2, —SH, and —COOH, an acidic substance, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following formula (A) and compounds represented by the following formula (B).

Abstract: An image forming system which enables a service person to accurately and promptly replace or adjust a faulty component part of an image forming apparatus at the occurrence of a malfunction or during a periodic inspection. An external storage device stores to-do items and reference data. A service person performs a malfunction-correcting operation according to each to-do-item sent from the central control unit in response to his request via the image forming apparatus. Upon receipt of data input by the service person according to the to-do-item, the central control unit generates a synthetic data of the input data and the reference data. Based on the synthetic data, the service person determines whether or not a malfunction is corrected or the present to-do-item is cleared, and performs part replacement/adjustment, if necessary, to input new check/measurement data, which is sent to the central control unit again. This process is continued until the malfunction is corrected.

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 forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus connected to a network. Each image forming apparatus includes a remaining-toner sensor for detecting remaining amounts of toner in cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) toner cartridges. The information processing apparatus includes (i) a storage device for storing various types of information obtained from the image forming apparatuses, including apparatus status information such as the remaining amounts of toner, and (ii) a display device for displaying icons representing the remaining amounts of C/M/Y/K toners in a line on a respective apparatus basis, and displaying the icons representing the remaining amounts of C/M/Y/K toners for all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in lines on a respective color basis so that said lines are perpendicular to said line in which the icons representing the remaining amounts of toner are displayed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an image forming engine for performing image forming operation, at least one RFID tag storing attribute information, a fit-in member detachably mounted in the apparatus body, the fit-in member being fitted with the RFID tag, an RFID tag interface through which the attribute information is read out from the RFID tag, a controller for controlling the image forming engine according to the attribute information read out through the RFID tag interface, and a mode switcher for switching the image forming apparatus from image forming mode which enables execution of the image forming operation to maintenance mode which enables execution of maintenance operation. The mode switcher enables a transfer from the image forming mode to the maintenance mode if maintenance mode startup information is detected from the attribute information read out through the RFID tag interface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that holds counter information obtained by integrating a consumption of a consumable that depends on usage of service provided by the image forming apparatus. A log corresponding to the usage of the service is set in job log information with a synchronization flag set off. The log in the job log information, for which the synchronization flag is set off, is set on. The counter information and the job log information are output after the synchronization flag for the log having the synchronization flag set off has been set on.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; a corona charger provided with a discharging wire for electrically charging the photosensitive member; an exposure device for exposing to light the photosensitive member; a developing device for developing the electrostatic image; a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto a sheet; an adjusting device for adjusting a distance from the discharging wire to the photosensitive member; a detecting device for detecting information corresponding to a surface potential of the photosensitive member at least two points; and an executing device configured to execute an operation in a mode in which an image including a reference mark positioned at a reference portion of said corona charger, for adjusting the position of the discharging wire by the adjusting mechanism and an adjusting mark for adjusting a distance of the discharging wire from the photosensitive member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a calculating device configured to, in a testing mode to replace a discharge path between a charging wire and a grid of a charger with a testing resistor having a predetermined resistance, calculate a charge voltage using the resistance of the testing resistor and a detection value by a grid-current detecting circuit; and a controller configured to, in an image forming mode to actually form an image, detect the charge voltage from a feedback voltage using a relation between a value of the feedback voltage which is detected by a charge-voltage detecting circuit in the testing mode and the charge voltage calculated by the calculating device.

Abstract: When a replaceable unit is mounted, a CPU of an image forming apparatus recognizes whether or not a corresponding machine type code and a corresponding country code are stored in a main body NVM. When the corresponding machine type code and the corresponding country code are not stored in the main body NVM, the CPU reads a machine type code and a country code stored in the unit NVM of the mounted replaceable unit from the unit NVM. The CPU stores the machine type code and the country code read from the unit NVM in the corresponding machine type code and the corresponding country code of the main body NVM.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus management server, a Service Continuity Score (SCS) calculating method of the management server, and an image forming apparatus management system. A setup manager sets a priority with respect to items required to calculate an SCS indicative of a normal operation time of an image forming apparatus, an incident manager registers and manages an incident related to the image forming apparatus, and an SCS manager calculates the SCS using the registered incident and the priority set for the items.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a printing method that can utilize a lightly pigmented toner along with a darkly pigmented toner to improve the image quality. The method can include receiving a dataset corresponding to a printing of a printing system using a darkly pigmented toner. The printing system may have an undesirable optical density printing range for the darkly pigmented toner. Further, the method can include converting the dataset to a first dataset corresponding to a first printing of the printing system using the darkly pigmented toner, and a second dataset corresponding to a second printing of the printing system using a lightly pigmented toner. The first dataset can avoid the undesirable optical density printing range for the darkly pigmented toner, and a combination of the first printing and the second printing providing a substantially same printed optical density corresponding to the received dataset.

Abstract: If the device-specific maintenance rate statistics is higher than the average maintenance rate statistics, method embodiments herein alter replacement warning thresholds for components of the device by extending the replacement warning thresholds to produce modified replacement warning thresholds. If the specific device incurs unscheduled maintenance visits more often than average, the embodiments herein extend the replacement warning thresholds for components of the device. The amount that the replacement warning thresholds are extended is different for different parts, and is based on part life, part cost, and part service cost. If the device-specific maintenance rate statistics is lower than the average maintenance rate statistics, method embodiments herein alter replacement warning thresholds for components of the device by shortening the replacement warning thresholds to produce modified replacement warning thresholds.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including maintenance function for maintaining the image forming apparatus at a given operating condition includes an operation screen unit. The operation screen unit is useable for conducting maintenance on the image forming apparatus. The maintenance is categorized into a service-maintenance work conductable by a service engineer within service-operation content, and a user-maintenance work conductable by a user within user-allowed-operation content. The operation screen unit includes a user-specific operation screen, with which the user-maintenance work is conductable for adjusting the maintenance function within the user-allowed-operation content. The user-specific operation screen displays the user-allowed-operation content, which is different from the service-operation content.

Abstract: A diagnostic system that provides a service technician with service information during servicing of an image processing apparatus includes at least one counter that is incremented during operation of the image processing apparatus, a pressure detecting unit that detects a pressure at a point in an air flow path on the condition that the at least one counter is reset to zero after initial servicing of the image processing apparatus, a determining unit that determines whether a difference between the detected pressure and a fault threshold pressure is less than a predetermined margin, and a display unit that displays a fault code indicating additional servicing of the image processing apparatus is recommended on the condition that the determining unit determines that the difference between the detected pressure and the predetermined threshold pressure is less than the predetermined margin.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes; a main body; a detachable member; a cover; a displacement member movable between a preventing position and a permitting position; a one-way link mechanism provided for displacing the displacement member from the preventing position to the permitting position when the cover is opened from a state in which the cover is closed and the displacement member is disposed in the preventing position, and for keeping the displacement member in the permitting position when the cover is closed from a state in which the cover is opened; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the displacement member right after a power supply unit has been switched on; and a history determination unit for determining an existence of a history showing an opening and closure of the cover while the power supply unit is left off based on the position of the displacement member.

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: An image forming apparatus of which maintenance work can always be conducted appropriately independent of time-degradation of the apparatus is provided. In the image forming apparatus of which maintenance work is done in accordance with either a user mode or a service engineer mode, an image forming unit including an image forming station prints an image in accordance with image data, and a main CPU calculates duration of use of the apparatus as an index indicating time-degradation, and determines whether or not the calculated duration of use of the apparatus has reached one year as a predetermined threshold value. Based on the result of determination, a user mode or a service engineer mode is set as a maintenance method for conducting maintenance work.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a condition determining device that calculates a deviation amount of image data from a normal condition and determines if the image forming apparatus is in an abnormal condition. An abnormal section specifying device specifies an abnormal section in the image forming apparatus based on a condition of the image forming apparatus. An image processing device executes image processing for abnormal use in accordance with an output of the abnormal section specifying device when the image data condition determining device determines that the image forming apparatus is in an abnormal condition. A service person call output device outputs a service person call signal indicative of calling a service person to a center when the image data condition determining device determines that the image forming apparatus is in an abnormal condition.

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: A driver system of image forming apparatuses whose structure is improved to receive a necessary service without additional confirmation by automatically requesting a management service and to improve the efficiency of use of the image forming apparatuses and a method of controlling the same. The driver system of the image forming apparatuses that is provided in a host computer to connect the host computer to the image forming apparatuses in order to perform a management service includes an input unit to receive state information on the image forming apparatuses from the image forming apparatuses and a transmitting unit to transmit a management service requesting signal to a management service supplying unit using the input state information.

Abstract: An image forming device which enables a user to determine a diagnostic item and to perform a system diagnosis easily. The image forming device includes a storage unit to store information corresponding to diagnostic items and keyword information for the respective diagnostic items, an input unit to receive an input of at least one input device, and a control unit to search for information corresponding to a diagnostic item stored in the storage unit which corresponds to the at least one input keyword if the at least one keyword is inputted, and performing a system diagnosis of the image forming device.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring hardware devices of the hardware devices network to detect failures, past logged jobs are analyzed to determine a pattern of past usage of hardware devices by users of the hardware devices network. A failure of a hardware device is inferred based on a deviation in usage of the hardware devices from the pattern of past usage. In some embodiments, a state model is constructed that assigns one of two or more available operational states to each hardware device of the hardware devices network based on a recent load of jobs logged to the hardware device and a stored history of logged jobs indicative of typical loading of the hardware devices. One or more failing hardware devices are identified based on the assigned operational states.

Abstract: The image forming device according to the present invention can making accurate failure prediction without using a high-capacity storage device is provided. The image forming device has a detecting unit for detecting certain abnormality which portends a breakdown of the image forming device itself, an instructing unit for instructing user about an operation test on the region where the abnormality has been detected by the detecting unit (S201), a testing unit for performing the operation test on the region with assistance of the user who has been instructed by the instructing unit (S203), a measuring unit for measuring values describing the current status of the region during the operation test by the testing unit (S204), and a predicting unit for conducting the failure prediction on the region based on the valued measured by the measuring unit (S205).

Abstract: A printer, fax machine, copier, scanner, or any other office device used by multiple users from multiple locations is provided with improved apparatus and/or software for locking out all incoming commands from reaching the device's internal controller except for commands coming from a newly-designated primary controller used by the service technician. This lockout can be used with any type of office machine that has it's own internal controller, so it applies equally to all types of office machines and systems generally used in today's office environments.

Abstract: There is provided an image output method including the steps of reading image data in a predetermined format, outputting an image based on the read image data according to a first output method, outputting an image based on the read image data according to a second output method, and inputting a parameter for a process of the read image data in parallel to the reading of the image data, wherein the predetermined format is adaptable to the first output method and the second output method.

Abstract: An image forming system that makes it possible to open or remove an external cover of an apparatus to perform maintenance on the apparatus even while the system is operating. Out of a plurality of conveying paths, at least one conveying path for which at least one part related to the conveying path can be subjected to maintenance is determined, in accordance with a type of the image forming process being executed. The conveying path for which it has been determined that the part related to the conveying path can be subjected to maintenance is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, when exiting the service mode, in response to receiving an operation to exit a service mode before a work related to maintenance ends, performs processing of a job if authentication based on generated authentication information is successful. Further, the image forming apparatus shifts to a normal mode when receiving the operation to exit the service mode after the work related to maintenance ends.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including maintenance function for maintaining the image forming apparatus at a given operating condition includes an operation screen unit. The operation screen unit is useable for conducting maintenance on the image forming apparatus. The maintenance is categorized into a service-maintenance work conductable by a service engineer within service-operation content, and a user-maintenance work conductable by a user within user-allowed-operation content. The operation screen unit includes a user-specific operation screen, with which the user-maintenance work is conductable for adjusting the maintenance function within the user-allowed-operation content. The user-specific operation screen displays the user-allowed-operation content, which is different from the service-operation content.

Abstract: A diagnostic system that provides a service technician with service information during servicing of an image processing apparatus includes at least one counter that is incremented during operation of the image processing apparatus, a pressure detecting unit that detects a pressure at a point in an air flow path on the condition that the at least one counter is reset to zero after initial servicing of the image processing apparatus, a determining unit that determines whether a difference between the detected pressure and a fault threshold pressure is less than a predetermined margin, and a display unit that displays a fault code indicating additional servicing of the image processing apparatus is recommended on the condition that the determining unit determines that the difference between the detected pressure and the predetermined threshold pressure is less than the predetermined margin.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting the need to service a machine. The system includes a processor and at least one of a device component and a supply component. The processor determines a time at which the device component will require repair or replacement and when the supply component will need replenishment and sends an electronic message addressed to a communication device accessible by the user or supplier. The electronic message includes data which facilitates ordering services and sending the supplies to the user of the machine.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of minimizing the deterioration of image quality by suspending a calibrating process in a predetermined case while improving user convenience. While in the suspended state, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the multifunction machine can force the calibrating process in the print job, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the calibrating process is not forced in the print job.

Abstract: It is possible to print a test page or a set page held originally in a controller regardless of printing limitation, even when a division management function works. A printer controller judges whether or not input identification information added to a printing job agrees with registered division management identification information at a printing request time of the printing job, permits a printer unit to print the printing job at an agreement time, and does not permit the printing at a disagreement time. Moreover, when special division management identification information is detected instead of the input identification information at the printing request time, existing information stored beforehand in the printer controller is printed.

Abstract: A technique is proposed to provide an appropriate notification in accordance with the state of occurrence of conveyance errors. The level of maintenance required to normalize a conveying function is determined depending on the number of errors, and a notification is provided by displaying a message to a user or by transmitting a message to a service center depending on the level of maintenance. Since the message to the user indicates a specific content of maintenance to normalize the conveying function, the user can normalize the conveying function by taking appropriate measures. On the other hand, since the message to the service center indicates the required level of maintenance, a service person of the service center can normalize the conveying function by going to a place where a multi-function machine, for example, is installed and repairing the multi-function machine.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which programs for controlling processes that are provided by the image forming apparatus are installed. The image forming apparatus includes means for managing the use amount of each program by use of a counter, means for recognizing the counter which corresponds to the identification information of the program and can manage the use amount of the program, means for correlating the program with the counter recognized by the recognizing means to manage the counter, means which can set an upper limit on the use amount of each program for the use amount managing means, and means for controlling the process by the image forming apparatus based on the upper limit of the use amount set by the setting means for each of the types of the programs.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operational status of and initiating image processing device control commands on one or more image processing devices from a remote location, said image processing devices each having a control computer for controlling operation of the device, including representing one of said image processing devices at the remote location; posting operational status indications relating to the one of said image processing devices and/or device set-up parameters at said remote location; adjusting the device set-up parameters by generating an image processing device control command from the remote location; and transmitting said command to the image processing device control computer. This method includes the ability to adjust such things as contrast, enlargement/reduction, network configuration and passwords from the remote location.

Abstract: A laser printer having a self-diagnostic function includes a first sensing unit that changes in detection status when one of a process cartridge and an inspection cartridge is mounted therein, and a second sensing unit that changes in detection status when at least the other of the process cartridge and inspection cartridge is mounted therein. A control unit of the laser printer identifies the type of cartridge mounted in the laser printer based on detection results from the first and second sensing units and switches the operating mode of the laser printer from a normal mode for performing image-forming operations to a self-diagnostic mode for diagnosing the status of its components when the control unit determines that the inspection cartridge is mounted in the laser printer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus whereby recording liquid is jetted onto a recording medium so that an image is formed, the image forming apparatus includes an operations part configured to operate the apparatus in a predetermined special mode different from a normal mode in a case where a machine number stored in advance is a specific character string.

Abstract: A facsimile device includes a printing unit for printing an image by using an expendable component, and a communication circuit connectable to a supplier of the expendable component via a communication network. Particularly, the facsimile device further includes an order controller for confirming that maintenance of the expendable component is required a number of times corresponding to an order-unit quantity, and for controlling the communication circuit such that order information for ordering the expendable component of the order-unit quantity is transmitted to the supplier.

Abstract: Patches to be measured are formed (S110), density of each formed patch is measured (S120), and density of patches that are not formed is estimated from the measured density values using correspondence data representing correlation between density measurements of patches of a specific tone and density measurements of patches of tones other than the specific tone (S130). Density values for all tones are then calculated from the acquired density data by interpolation (S140) to produce correction data (calibration data) (S150). Thus estimating the density of unformed patches enables reducing a number of patches to be formed, and therefore reduces time required to form and measure the patches.

Abstract: In a system and method for remote maintenance, remote configuration and/or remote operation of an electrophotographic printing or copying system, a data processing system is connected with a communication unit of the printing or copying system via a network. Given a deactivated printing or copying system, the communication unit receives first data transmitted by the data processing system via the network and processes the transmitted first data. After receiving the first data, the communication unit activates a data processing unit of the printing or copying system. After the activation of the data processing unit, second data can be transmitted between the data processing system and the data processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the cause of degradation in a product or device. A reference time is established and recorded, then a process or function of the device or product is enabled. As anomalous events occur, a user actuates an actuator that causes the recordation of an event time with respect to the reference time. Events may be repetitive or non-repetitive. At completion of the function, the recorded times are compared to a table of known product or device cycle function times, and a correlation is made to determine the most likely cycle function related to the events recorded. This information can then be correlated to parts previously known to operate at such times thereby providing a diagnostic tool useful in maintenance or repair of the device or product.

Abstract: A modular device, that includes an operation event log in respective modules of the device to record time-stamped events, e.g., errors, and a configuration log in a central controller to keep track of changing configurations due to swapping or removal of modules. A controller updates the configuration log each time a module is added to or removed from the device. Log information may be stored locally with the device or in a remote server accessible via a network to facilitate remote diagnostics. To assist in diagnostics, the disclosed method includes merging the configuration and events logs in a way to display log entries according to a selected configuration where errors in current modules are demarcated. The apparatus includes routines in the controller to effect retrieval, processing, and display of demarcated events according to a selected configuration.

Abstract: In an image forming device, a first transmitting unit periodically transmits a regular message, indicating a state information of the device, to a central management equipment by connecting the device to the management equipment via a communication line when a timing of dispatch of the regular message is detected. A second transmitting unit transmits an irregular message, indicating a malfunction information of the device, to the management equipment by connecting the device to the management equipment via the communication line when a malfunction in the device is detected. A transmission judgment unit determines, immediately before the regular message transmission is started, whether the irregular message has been transmitted within a preset period prior to a timing of the regular message transmission, based on a stored newest malfunction information.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling machines, such as printers, copiers, facsimile machine and other image forming machines. A server is used for transmitting and communicating information among machines and computers. The server acquires, after machine installation, reference values and during operation, current condition information. The server evaluates this information with the reference values such that a response to the machine may be executed remotely. The server also may update the reference values which change during operation.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling machines, such as printers, copiers, facsimile machine and other image forming machines. A server is used for transmitting and communicating information among machines and computers. The server acquires, after machine installation, reference values and during operation, current condition information. The server evaluates this information with the reference values such that a response to the machine may be executed remotely. The server also may update the reference values which change during operation.