Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable photosensitive member, a charging roller, an electrostatic image forming portion, a developing sleeve, a charging voltage source, a charging voltage conducting path, a developing voltage source, a developing voltage conducting path, and a capacitor electrically connected between an output terminal of the charging voltage source and a ground potential or between the charging voltage conducting path and the ground potential. The capacitor satisfies the following relationship: {C1/(C1+C2)}×Vpp?5 (V), where C1 (pF) is electrostatic capacity formed by the first and second conducting paths, C2 (pF) is electrostatic capacity of the capacitor, and Vpp (V) is a peak-to-peak voltage of the AC component of the developing voltage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a discharging device for discharging the drum at a discharging portion opposing the surface of the drum; and a control unit for executing, during non-image formation, a cleaning operation for transferring the toner deposited on the transfer member onto the drum by applying a voltage from transfer voltage source to the transfer member. The control unit does not effect discharge by the discharging device for at least a region of the drum where a transfer voltage for transferring a normal-polarity toner of the toner deposited on the transfer member onto the drum is applied to the transfer member in the cleaning operation, and then passes the region of the drum through the charging portion in a state in which a voltage larger than a surface potential of the drum in a normal polarity side is applied to the charging member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a discharging device for discharging the drum at a discharging portion opposing the surface of the drum; and a control unit for executing, during non-image formation, a cleaning operation for transferring the toner deposited on the transfer member onto the drum by applying a voltage from transfer voltage source to the transfer member. The control unit does not effect discharge by the discharging device for at least a region of the drum where a transfer voltage for transferring a normal-polarity toner of the toner deposited on the transfer member onto the drum is applied to the transfer member in the cleaning operation, and then passes the region of the drum through the charging portion in a state in which a voltage larger than a surface potential of the drum in a normal polarity side is applied to the charging member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sample pattern outputting part holding a sample pattern and supplying the held sample pattern to the image forming part, a selection part allowing a user to select one of the color sample images that configure the sample pattern, an image formation density adjustment amount holding part determining and holding image formation density adjustment amounts for increasing or decreasing image formation densities of the plurality of the colors, an image formation density adjusting part adjusting image formation densities of the plurality of the colors according to the image formation density adjustment amounts, a presenting part presenting to the user the image formation density adjustment amounts; and an image formation density adjustment amount modifying part receiving from the user modifications with respect to the image formation density adjustment amounts and updating the image formation density adjustment amounts.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which reduces downtime by starting image density detection without waiting for identification of the same position on a rotary member. A detection unit detects a surface condition of a rotary member on which a toner image on a photosensitive drum is transferred. An identifying unit matches first data detected by the detection unit on a reference point on the surface of the rotary member and second data detected by the detection unit after obtainment of the first data to identify the reference point. A control unit controls image density based on a detection result obtained by the detection unit on a base of the rotary member corresponding to a range where a measurement image is formed and an obtained detection result on the measurement image by referring to the reference point identified as a reference.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an input part for receiving image data; an image processor for image-processing the input image data; an output part for outputting data processed at the image processor; and a controller for controlling the image processor to process the image using one of a plurality of image processing modes having a toner consumption lower than a toner density to use when the toner density to use for outputting the input image data exceeds a preset reference density. The plurality of the image processing modes includes a boundary image processing mode which outputs only boundaries of objects in the image data. Thus, the toner used for the image forming can be saved.

Abstract: A control method of an image forming apparatus which is connected to an external apparatus, supports a resource saving mode, and outputs document data is provided. The control method includes: selecting the document data to be output, selecting an output option to be applied to the selected document data, comparing a resource saving value corresponding to the output option to be applied to the document data and a resource saving set value which is pre-set in the image forming apparatus, displaying at least one suggestion option to save resources of the document data according to a result of comparison, and selecting one of the displayed suggestion option and outputting the document data.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image forming apparatus including a photoconductor, a latent image forming portion, an image processing portion, a developer, a transferred body, a sensor that detects an image density of a toner image by the amount of toner attached to a surface and has a sensor characteristic in which a sensor output substantially monotonously decreases according to an increase in the amount of toner, a nonlinear amplifier that has a nonlinear amplification characteristic having one or more inflection points, and enlarges and corrects a value read by the sensor in a range where the sensor output monotonously decreases with respect to the amount of toner by amplification, and an image quality control portion that controls a forming condition of an electrostatic latent image using a correction value of a variation amount of the value at a side where the amount of toner is large in the range.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a density detector that detects image density, and a memory that stores information relating image density to dot size. When a dot size is specified, the image forming device automatically obtains the corresponding image density from the information in the memory, prints a test pattern, compares its density with the density corresponding to the specified dot size, and adjusts an image forming parameter until the density corresponding to the specified dot size is obtained. Dot size can be accurately adjusted in this way without the need for elaborate measuring equipment. In particular, the size of dots used to embed invisible information in images can be accurately controlled.

Abstract: A system for visualizing a print job includes a print job simulator which applies a print job model to print job image data to generate an image which simulates a rendered image of the print job if the print job were to be printed on a specific marking device. The system also includes a display in communication with the print job simulator for displaying the simulation image. The modified image data displayed on the display enables a customer to see a defect in the print job which would appear if the print job were to be rendered on the specific marking device. The print job model may be derived, at least in part, from information derived from the marking device, such as information derived from image data acquired by scanning a test image which has been rendered by the marking device.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: print data generating unit for generating gradation correction test chart print data to juxtapose and draw a basis density pattern having a basis density of a yellow color and plural reference density patterns having respective densities of the yellow color compared with the basis density and additionally draw a contrast effect pattern composed of colors having a contrast effect on the yellow color; printing unit for printing a gradation correction test chart including a yellow color gradation correction pattern in which the basis density pattern and the plurality of reference density patterns are juxtaposed and printed and the contrast effect pattern is additionally printed; receiving unit for receiving an input of a density adjustment value of any pattern based on a shading comparison of the basis density pattern and the reference density patterns; and gradation correcting unit for performing a gradation correction.

Abstract: In a method or system for operation of at least one electrophotographic printing or copying system, at least one setting value of a parameter of a printing unit of the printing or copying system is displayed via a graphical user interface with a graphical representation. At least the setting value is input via the user interface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is able to maintain an image density at a constant level. The apparatus has a FC mode selecting key for allowing a user to selectively designate a low FC mode indicating that the apparatus is in a less-used state where the number of times of image formation is smaller than a predetermined value and a high FC mode indicating that the apparatus is in a highly-used state where the number of times of image formation is not smaller than the predetermined value, and a CPU for correctively setting a target value of toner density at a value higher than a target value of toner density at the low FC mode when the apparatus is in the high FC mode.

Abstract: After forming solid patch images under various patch generating conditions (E, Vb), the optical densities of the respective patch images are measured by a patch sensor, and patch generating conditions matching with a higher-density side target density (OD=1.2) are extracted as “higher-density side correlation data.” Further, line patch images are formed under various patch generating conditions (E, Vb), the optical densities of the respective line patch images are measured by the patch sensor, and patch generating conditions matching with a lower-density side target density (OD=0.2) are extracted as “lower-density side correlation data.” An optimal exposure energy and an optimal developing bias are set based on one piece of correlation data (E2, Vb(3)) belonging to said product set of the higher-density side correlation data and the lower-density side correlation data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing a latent image and a charger for charging the image bearing member. The charged image bearing member is exposed to form the latent image and a developing unit develops the latent image. One of an exposure amount reduction mode for executing image formation by reducing an exposure amount and a normal mode for executing image formation with a normal exposure amount is selected. A correction amount of a look-up table for gradational correction is changed when the exposure amount reduction mode is selected.

Abstract: A protective film for a polarizing plate is disclosed in which an contact angle of the surface in contact with a polarizer with respect to pure water is less than 55° and the surface in contact with a polarizer becomes hydrophilic due to a plasma treatment. In such a manner, the protective film for the polarizing plate is readily adhered with a ployvinyl alcohol film employed as a polarizer and can be produced employing processing which is sage in work and does not adversely affect the environment. Thus highly efficient protective film for the polarizing plate, which exhibits excellent adhesion with a polyvinyl alcohol film, and a polarizing plate employing the same, are provided.

Abstract: By providing a printing density controller for changing a printing density in a range from a dropout color to non-dropout color, an electrophotographic printing apparatus can conduct the light and shade adjustment of the printing density in a broad range, and also cope with the dropout color printing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming device and a changing device, and the image forming device is capable of forming an image by the use of a recording device, and forming an image without the use of the recording device, and when an image is to be formed without the use of the recording device, the changing device converts the image signal and changes the density of the image, and when an image is to be formed by the use of the recording device, the changing device does not convert the image signal, but controls the image forming condition of the image forming device and changes the density of the image when the density of the image is to be changed in the course of the formation of the image.

Abstract: An intuitive menu for visual displays is provided. Modern complex printed pages consist of several printed objects which may be overlaid upon each other. Examples are a main object such as text, a background such as a picture, colored or gray scale field, and the texture or watermark of the page itself. When duplicating such a page using a scanner, a user must choose the relative visibility of the background and watermark with respect to the main object. The invention provides a series of choices representing the relative visibility of the printed objects. Several images are presented to the user who selects the image most closely representing the desired output.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprises an image bearing member, developing means for developing by use of toner the electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member, transfer charging means for transferring the toner image from the image bearing member to a transfer material in the transfer position, and separation means for de-electrifying the transfer material for separating the transfer material from the image bearing member. Then, after the toner image formed on the transfer material for the first time is fixed, the toner image is formed on the same transfer material for the second time. For this apparatus, modifying means is further provided for modifying the development conditions of the first toner image and the second toner image formed on the transfer material, and modifying the adhesive amount of fogging toner adhering to the image background of the toner image on the image bearing member.

Abstract: A light source drive controlling device for use in an image forming apparatus is provided for controlling a light source for illuminating a surface of a document wherein the light amount of the light source is adjusted in accordance with a level of drive voltage supplied thereto by a light source driving device for supplying a drive voltage of a specified level to the light source. A scanning mechanism for moving the light source to and from a home position and a return position whereat scanning is completed moves the light source through an image reading start position whereat scanning an image of the document begins. A drive voltage supply timing controller varies a drive voltage supply start timing for applying the drive voltage to the light source in accordance with the level of drive voltage such that the light amount of the light source reaches a predetermined level when the light source reaches the image reading start position.

Abstract: A multicolor electrostatic recording apparatus in which two or more different color toner image are superimposed by respective electrostatic recording units. Each of the electrostatic recording units includes an electrostatic latent image carrier, a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the carrier with a color toner, and a detector for detecting the density of the developed image on the basis of a detecting mark which is formed on the carrier as a part of the latent image and developed by the developer. A discriminating means compares the density data with an optional desired density value to discriminate whether the density data falls in an allowable range. A controller feed-back controls at least one of parameters for determining the density of the developed image so that the density becomes to be in the allowable range, when the density falls out of the allowable range.

Abstract: An expansion unit for expanding print data from an upper layer device into image data according to predetermined control data, a printing unit for printing the image data on a recording medium according to predetermined process condition control data, and a recording medium conveyor for transporting the medium to the print unit are combined. The expansion unit includes a conversion process unit for receiving an image quality request instruction from an external device and a medium specifying instruction specifying a type of the recording medium transported by the recording medium conveyor, a rational data unit for storing a plurality of expansion control data items and identifying an expansion control data item corresponding to each instruction, and a rational process condition unit for storing a plurality of process condition control data items and identifying a process condition control data item corresponding to each instruction.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine that includes an image bearing member means for forming a latent image having image areas and background areas; at least a development housing containing charged carrier beads, charged fragments of the charged carrier beads which undesirably cause image deletions, and charged toner particles for developing image areas to form a toner image; means for transferring the toner image to a sheet of paper, and means for fusing the toner image to the sheet of paper. Importantly the reproduction machine includes a method and control system for reducing halftone image deletions in future halftone images.

Abstract: An exposure step input circuit inputs a desired brightness of a printing image as one of a plurality of exposure steps and a lamp application voltage adjusting unit allows the application voltage of an exposure lamp to, on the bright side of the exposure steps, be increased with a smaller predetermined slope than a dark side each time the exposure step is switched in the bright direction. At this time, a shortage of an exposure is compensated for by lowering a surface potential on a photosensitive drum through the decreasing of a charge current by a charger or raising a developing bias voltage of a developing unit. An image forming apparatus thus provided can obtain a better image at all times by, even on the bright side of the exposure steps in the adjustment of an exposure amount, preventing a lowering in density of an image, deposition of carriers, and other disadvantages.

Abstract: A recording apparatus wherein an original image is recorded in a matrix of dots by applications of a toner tolocal spots on a recording medium, and which includes a non-toner-save controller for recording the original image in a non-toner-save mode, a toner-save controller for recording a toner-save image in a toner-save mode such that the toner-save image generated on the basis of the original immage has a lower density of image dots than the original image, and a mode selector for activating one of the non-toner-save controller and the toner-save controller to select the corresponding non-toner-save or toner-save recording mode, on the basis of the type of the original image data.

Abstract: A facsimile system wherein an original image is recorded in a matrix of dots by application of a toner to local spots on a recording medium, and which includes a non-toner-save controller for recording the original image in a non-toner-save mode, a toner-save controller for recording a toner-save image in a toner-save mode such that the toner-save image generated on the basis of the original image has a lower density of image dots than the original image, and a mode selector for activating one of the non-toner-save controller and the toner-save controller to select the corresponding non-toner-save or toner-save recording mode, on the basis of a degree of importance of the subject matter or content of the original image data.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an image forming apparatus and method which enables an operator to easily adjust to the desired printing density. A paper feeding roller is driven in timing along with a registration roller. The irradiation of a modulated laser beam is started, a developing high-voltage is changed from "0" V to a predetermined voltage V1, and the voltage is changed to V2 at other timings. By sequentially changing the voltage in this manner, the printing densities from laser modulating data d1 to d10 are adjusted and printing in different densities can be performed.