Abstract: An image forming apparatus (1) according to the present invention includes a high voltage circuit board (14) and a driving unit (10). A frame (4B) is provided in the apparatus (1) to support an image forming unit (2). The frame (4B) has a partition face (5), which defines a boundary between an inner side (D1) and an outer side (D2) and faces toward the outer side (D2). An electric discharger (7) and driving mechanisms (11, 12, 13) are provided on the inner side (D1) inward of the partition face (5). The high voltage circuit board (14) and the driving unit (10) for operating the driving mechanisms (11, 12, 13) are provided on the outer side (D2) outward of the partition face (5). The high voltage circuit board (14) is fixed directly to the partition face (5) on the outer side (D2). The driving unit (10) is fixed to the partition face (5) from the outer side (D2) so as to be located outwardly of the high voltage circuit board (14) on the outer side (D2) and overlap the high voltage circuit board (14).

Abstract: A technique that can realize efficiency of control of an image forming process corresponding to a motion state of a user is provided. An image forming apparatus that performs a predetermined process according to a motion state of a user includes a schedule-information acquiring unit 101 that acquires information on a schedule of the user, a user estimating unit 102 that estimates, on the basis of the information acquired by the schedule-information acquiring unit, a user who is highly likely to use the image forming apparatus, a state-information acquiring unit 103 that acquires state information concerning a motion state of the user estimated by the user estimating unit 102, and a process executing unit 104 that causes, on the basis of the state information acquired by the state-information acquiring unit, the image forming apparatus to execute the predetermined process for the user, the state information of whom is acquired.

Abstract: Upon occurrence of jamming in an apparatus, an electrification unit 4 ceases electrification of a surface of a photosensitive drum 3 and, simultaneously, an exposure unit 5 starts to expose the entire surface in a width direction to light. Further, a development unit 6 forms a toner adhesion region T on the photosensitive drum 3 and, also, stops a drum motor and a belt motor in such a manner that the toner adhesion region T stops at a transfer nip section N. Thus, it is possible to alleviate a rub between the photosensitive drum 3 and a conveyance belt 8 at the time when jamming is cleared, and to suppress generation of scratches on the photosensitive drum 3 and a surface of the conveyance belt 8.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of developing units, a cam shaft, and a plurality of cams disposed on the cam shaft corresponding to the respective developing units. A power transmitting device disposed between the developing units and the cams selectively transmits rotational force from a driving source to the plurality of developing units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus receives, from a server connected to a network, a notification that a module operating units composing the apparatus can be added. The apparatus requests distribution of a program including the module to the server. Further, when a function of the module can be realized from information of the module stored in each hierarchy composing the program of the apparatus acquired each predetermined period and information of main and option devices, the server transmits program distributing information including the module. The device stores the module in an area of a predetermined hierarchy on the basis of the program distributing information.

Abstract: A copying machine of the present invention includes a photosensitive drum, a transfer belt which is extended between a plurality of rollers and has a contact section in contact with the photosensitive drum, and a transfer bias supply which applies an electrical charge for transfer to the contact section. At the time of the start of an image forming operation, first, (a) the transfer bias supply is operated, and (b) the rollers are rotated, and then (c) the photosensitive drum is started rotation. By turning on the transfer bias supply prior to the operations of the photosensitive drum and the transfer belt, the photosensitive drum and the transfer belt are attracted to each other at the contact section, thereby preventing the photosensitive drum from rubbing against a foreign matter at the contact section.

Abstract: A coupler board includes an antenna that generates an electromagnetic field for wireless communication of data with multiple memory devices. The memory devices have data associated with operation of the machine stored therein, and may be configured as customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) or system operation keys (SOKs). The memory devices may be in the form of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The electromagnetic field may have a dual-lobe radiation pattern to communicate with memory devices on either side of the coupler board. In one embodiment, the machine is a printing apparatus.

Abstract: A digital printer is operable in an inactive mode, such as a sleep mode or a cycle-in mode, and an active mode. In response to receiving a first print request, the digital printer delays beginning switching from the inactive mode to the active mode, for a delay period of predetermined duration. In response to receiving a second print request during the delay period, the digital printer begins switching from the inactive mode to the active mode substantially immediately. The delay increases opportunities for processing multiple print requests within one switching to the active mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is operable with a first sheet processing device and a second sheet processing device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. The image forming apparatus includes a memory configured to store a control program for the first and second sheet processing devices; and a controller configured to exercise control so that the control program stored in the memory is transmitted to the first sheet processing device or the second sheet processing device. When the first and second sheet processing devices are of the same type, the controller transmits the control program to either the first sheet processing device or the second sheet processing device, and after completion of the transmission, the controller causes the sheet processing device to which the control program has been transmitted to transmit the control program to the other sheet processing device.

Abstract: A delaying section for obtaining from an image processing section a printing rate of image data used for forming a toner image, and delaying in accordance with the obtained printing rate a start timing of a toner image forming by the toner image forming section. The delaying section does not delay the start timing of the present toner image forming by the toner image forming section in the case where the when a printing rate of image data for the preceding toner image forming and a printing rate of image data for the present toner image forming are the same. In the case where the printing rates are different from each other, the delaying section delays the start timing for the present toner image a predetermined delaying time, the predetermined delaying time being predetermined in accordance with a printing rate of image data determined for the present toner image forming.

Abstract: When an instruction reception section receives an image forming instruction from an operator, a detector detects an toner image forming unit which performs an image forming operation in connection with the operator's instruction. A mode determining section determines which one of an image formation preceding mode or a sheet conveyance preceding mode is set for the toner image forming unit detected by the detector, and a drive controller controls drivings of the sheet conveying section and the image forming section according to the determined mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device capable of performing an operation in response to a job ticket includes comparing the job ticket with options within the capabilities of the device for fulfilling the job. One such device is a printer coupled to a computer for printing text and the like in accordance with such a job ticket. The job configuration and the options defining the plurality of operations may be stored in data structures, such as XML files validated under an XML schema defining options for a universe of similar operations. Each comparison of the job configuration with a device capability option results in a score. These scores are compared to obtain an optimal or preferred option which best approximates the job ticket within the capabilities of the device.

Abstract: A band-like developer (toner) image is formed on an image bearing member by a developing member without performing a charging operation by a charger for electrically charging the image bearing member and then is removed by a cleaner. Thereafter, the charging operation is started after an area, in which the band-like developer image is removed by the cleaner, passes through an opposing portion between the image bearing member and the charger.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus reduces the wait time before completion of an image stabilization process executed for preparation for image formation while ensuring image quality. In the image forming apparatus, image formation is performed using developers having four colors respectively (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black). The image forming apparatus has a monochrome mode in which only black color is used, a full color mode in which four colors are used and an automatic color selection (ACS) mode in which one of the monochrome mode and the full color mode is selected by automatically recognizing image data and image formation is carried out in the selected mode. One of the monochrome mode, the full color mode, and the ACS mode is set to a default mode upon turning on the image forming apparatus. The image stabilization process is then executed based on the default mode.

Abstract: A driving apparatus with a power disconnecting part for disconnecting power transmitted to an image fixing unit while an image formed on an image transfer belt is cleaned when a paper jam occurs, and an image forming apparatus and method for performing the same. The image forming apparatus includes a driving motor, a belt unit driving part having a belt driving gear connected to the driving motor to drive an image belt, an image fixing unit driving part having an image fixing gear for driving an image fixing roller for fixing a toner image onto a recording medium, a power disconnecting part for transmitting the power of the driving motor of the belt unit driving part to the image fixing unit driving part or for disconnecting the power transmission of the driving motor from the image fixing unit driving part, and a power disconnection actuating part for actuating the power disconnecting part.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit which forms an image on a medium for each page, and a notification unit which, when image formation start instructions cannot be successively issued to the image forming unit for successive pages to be formed on media, notifies the image forming unit of the interval between the instructions. The image forming unit shifts to a stop state when the notified interval exceeds a predetermined time.

Abstract: An image recording system is provided which includes two image recording apparatuses that can independently record images and can sequentially start up the two image recording apparatuses one by one rather than starting up at the same time. A bypass transporting path apparatus is disposed on a color image recording apparatus and a transporting path connecting apparatus is disposed between a front portion of a monochrome image recording apparatus and a rear portion of the color image recording apparatus. This system includes a start-up controlling portion that performs control such that after any one image recording apparatus is started up and put into a recordable state, the other image recording apparatus is started up and put into a recordable state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an input portion to input data, an image forming portion to form a latent image on an image carrying member by irradiating a laser beam onto a reflecting member rotatably driven by a motor and irradiating light reflected by the reflecting member onto the image carrying member, and to enable a pre-rotation of the reflecting member by driving the motor prior to irradiation of the laser beam, and a control portion to cause a pre-rotation of the reflecting member when a first function using the image forming portion for the data inputted from the input portion is selected, and to prohibit the pre-rotation of the reflecting member when a second function to store the data inputted from the input portion in a storing medium or to transmit the data to an external terminal apparatus without using the image forming portion is selected.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a document table on which a document can be placed. A document position detector detects the position of the document on the document table. A scanning mode selector selects a scanning mode according to the position detected by the document position detector. A scanning unit scans the document in the selected mode. Different image processing modes may also be selected according to the detected position. The scanning and image processing modes are selected automatically, relieving the user of the need to make mode selections from a control panel.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, in which the influence of the overall controlling section startup time is reduced, thereby cutting down the time from turning on of power to enabling of image formation. The image forming apparatus includes: a main power switch to turn ON/OFF an AC power source to be supplied into the image forming apparatus; a DC power current generating section to convert AC power current, fed from the AC power source, to DC power current; an overall-controlling section to control overall operations of the image forming apparatus; an engine-controlling section to conduct a predetermined controlling operation among from controlling operations to be conducted in the image forming apparatus; a first power-controlling section, included in the overall-controlling section and/or controlled by the overall-controlling section; and a second power-controlling section, having a starting time shorter than that of the first power-controlling section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that allows easy implementation of options or other extensions to a multi-functional peripheral or the like is provided, together with a function extension program for use in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads a predetermined function program from a storage section storing at least one function program on which usage restrictions have previously been placed and enables the read function program. It is detected whether or not a cancellation device (2, 3 or 4) that cancels the usage restrictions on the at least one function program is connected to a hot-pluggable connecting terminal. Cancellation information is read from the cancellation device when the cancellation device is detected being connected to the connecting terminal. The usage restrictions on the at least one function program are canceled according to the read cancellation information.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit which forms an image on a medium for each page, and a notification unit which, when image formation start instructions cannot be successively issued to the image forming unit for successive pages to be formed on media, notifies the image forming unit of the interval between the instructions. The image forming unit shifts to a stop state when the notified interval exceeds a predetermined time.

Abstract: Detection of a potential user of an imaging device is utilized to begin the initialization of the imaging device prior to when the user is expected to access the imaging device. By beginning the initialization process prior to the user's expected access of the device, wait time experienced by the user may be reduced without a need to continuously maintain the device in a full powered-up state or even to maintain the device in a stand-by state.

Abstract: A control program is previously stored in a flash ROM, and when update of the control program stored in the flash ROM is requested, control is changed to that based on a program stored in a mask ROM, and a control program as the subject of update is received and written into the flash ROM under the control of the program stored in the mask ROM. When writing of the new control program into the flash ROM has ended and the update of the control program in the flash ROM has been completed, the control is changed to that based on the updated control program. Further, information indicating whether or not the update of the control program has been normally completed is stored in an EEPROM, and control processing is performed based on the control program stored in the flash ROM or the control program stored in the mask ROM in accordance with the information.

Abstract: A printing machine (1) and a printing system (A) are disclosed as having a ROM (5) which stores, in addition to a program for realizing a specific function available for service, all programs for realizing specific functions rendered non-available for service, with service permit information representative of service permit/prohibition of these specific functions being stored in a service permit information storing unit (7). A display and input device (4) provides a display of only the specific function rendered available for service in service permit information stored in the service permit information storing unit (7) whereby, when a particular specific function displayed over the display and input device (4), the program interrelated with the selected specific function is retrieved from the ROM (5) to be executed for operation to realize the selected specific function.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an image printing apparatus having a fixing control section which controls a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on a paper sheet by applying pressure and heat. The image printing apparatus of this invention includes, in the fixing control section, an interface which can receive data from an external data input device so as to shorten the warmup time of the fixing unit and perform direct instructing operation from the data input device to the fixing-unit.

Abstract: A method to enhance the copy or printout efficiency and decrease the number of output jobs that are abandoned because of undesirable outputs. Abort of output due to absence of sheets or staples, overload of a delivery tray, or the like is predicted. If output abort is determined, data is removed from an output queue and re-registered as an output reserve job at the end of the queue.

Abstract: There is disclosed a copying machine in which, to end a copy job, a reading-operation control process for causing a reading section to generate image data on an original document to be copied and a printing section control process for causing a printing section to print (output the copying result) in accordance with the image data are independently and concurrently carried out (time period t0 to t1, t2 to t4, t5 to t6). When the reading unit is not in reading operation (after time t2, and after time t5), the machine accepts a start command of a copy job.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses which are connected to each other via a communication line. Each of the image forming apparatuses includes an image reader that reads an image of an original document as image data; an image data storage that stores the image data; an image forming unit that forms an image onto a sheet of paper from the image data; and a communication unit that transmits and receives any one of the image data and control data for controlling an image forming operation. At least one of the image forming apparatuses includes an output timing controller that controls the plurality of image forming apparatuses so that start time of an image forming operation are different among the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Abstract: In a tandem type color printer, a second memory memorizes bitmap data sets in a second arrangement. In the second arrangement, each of the bitmap data sets is divided into a plurality of data units. In addition, the data units of all of the bitmap data sets are arranged on the basis of predetermined output order regardless of the colors. A first memory separately memorizes the bitmap data sets in a first arrangement different from the second arrangement. A data line control circuit reads out the bitmap data sets from the first memory when a first copy of a printed matter is made by the use of the bitmap data sets. In this time, the data line control circuit stores the bitmap data sets in the second memory with changing its arrangement. When a second or later copy of the printed matter is made, the data line control circuit reads out the bitmap data sets at high speed.

Abstract: An image formation device using an I2C bus and a control method therefor. The image formation device includes a plurality of detection sensors for detecting operation states of the peripheral devices; a plurality of A/D conversion units for converting into digital signals detection result signals output from the plurality of detection sensors; a plurality of slave devices for separating and storing by detection sensor the detection result signals converted into the digital signals by the A/D conversion units, and sending the stored detection result signals according to a signal requesting detection results; and a master device for requesting to the slave devices the detection result signal from at least one detection sensor out of the plurality of detection sensors in order to verify the operation states of the peripheral devices, such that the slave devices and the master device send and receive data to and from each other through a serial bus.

Abstract: Sensitive consumable components of printing devices involved in the process of transferring and fixing an image with toner onto a print medium are protected from harmful exposure to the environment and handling through designating and consistently positioning non-use regions of the components toward exposure gaps in their protective housings upon the completion of every printing process. The need for shutter mechanisms on consumable housings to cover up exposure gaps to protect consumables while in a general handling environment is therefore reduced.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of responding to a status request with the minimum possible energy consumption even when the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state, to thereby achieve energy conservation. A main-chip microcomputer Q701 responds to an externally input status request when the image forming apparatus is in a normal standby mode, and enters an inoperative state where it does not respond to the externally input status request when the image forming apparatus is in a reduced power consumption mode. A 1-chip microcomputer Q702 responds to the externally input status request on behalf of the main-chip microcomputer Q701 when the image forming apparatus is in the reduced power consumption mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that reduces an influence of the variation of rotation speed of an image carrier, which is ascribable to, e.g., the eccentricity of a driven transmission member mounted on the image carrier, on the misregister of different colors. Further, the apparatus reduces the influence of the load variation of the image carrier acting on a transfer medium drive member on the misregister of different colors.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, such as a copier or a printer, in which recyclable components to be discarded are recycled in newly producing an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a first image forming section for forming an image of first type, a control board and a first drive circuit. The first drive circuit drives the first image forming section. The first drive circuit is connected to the control board. The control board has a connection section to be connected to a second board on which a second drive circuit for driving a second image forming section is mounted. The second image forming section forms an image of second type.

Abstract: A printing apparatus to perform a printing operation by driving hardware provided thereto according to a printing command received from a user, including a firmware unit to store function information of a plurality of models of the printing apparatus, and selectively perform the function of one of the plurality of models which corresponds to a model index designated as the printing apparatus is initialized.

Abstract: By providing a secure EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) device or other non-volatile memory (NVM) as a system operation key (SOK) to control the configurable machine option attributes, various problems associated with machine option configuration and updates may be accommodated. At initial SOK install the identity of the machine is written to the NVM, i.e. the machine serial number. This is performed during the initial machine power up or reboot sequence. As part of the power on or reboot routine the machine will check to ensure no tampering has taken place and that the machine identity and the NVM serial number location data match. A new swapped in SOK can be installed so long as the NVM serial number location has not been previously written to with a conflicting identification number. The machine will then write the serial number to the new SOK thereby protecting it.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is configured to facilitate design modification. The image forming apparatus has an engine mechanism to carry out a printing job with respect to a print data applied from an external device, an image processing unit to convert the print data into image data, and an engine controlling unit to control the engine mechanism to carry out the print job with respect to the image data. The engine controlling unit and the image processing unit are arranged on a single printed circuit board (PCB) in which a first and a second division are defined, with the engine controlling unit being arranged in the first division and the image processing unit being arranged in the second division. A circuit element in the second division is shared by the engine controlling unit and the image processing unit to reduce costs and redesign time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes hardware resources used by an image forming process, a storage section that stores programs for carrying out processes of user services and control services related to the image forming process, an updating data selection section that selects an updating data for at least one of programs from an updating data group, based on a program of a control service that is started or is startable, and an updating section that updates at least one arbitrary program stored in the storage section based on the selected updating data.

Abstract: A method for power management of a printer. In the method, a power mode is determined for the printer from one or more calendar entries. In addition, a power save mode is entered into in response a determination that the one or more calendar entries indicates that the printer should enter a power save mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can reduce a system return time by reducing a time required for initialization of peripheral control integrated circuits according to a control program and achieves a low-power consumption so as to improve convenience for a user. A CPU performs a control of the image forming apparatus. A control bus for address and data is controlled by the CPU. A memory is connected to the control bus and is configured to store a control program of the CPU. A reset IC initializes the CPU when a power is turned on. A peripheral control ASIC controls each part of the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction of the CPU. An exclusive control bus is connected to the peripheral control ASIC. An operation of the exclusive control bus is started according to an input from the reset IC so as to perform an initializing process of the peripheral control ASIC.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit which forms an image on a medium for each page, and a notification unit which, when image formation start instructions cannot be successively issued to the image forming unit for successive pages to be formed on media, notifies the image forming unit of the interval between the instructions. The image forming unit shifts to a stop state when the notified interval exceeds a predetermined time.

Abstract: An image formation device using an I2C bus and a control method therefor. The image formation device comprises a plurality of detection sensors for detecting operation states of the peripheral devices; a plurality of A/D conversion units for converting into digital signals detection result signals output from the plurality of detection sensors; a plurality of slave devices for separating and storing by detection sensor the detection result signals converted into the digital signals by the A/D conversion units, and sending the stored detection result signals according to a signal requesting detection results; and a master device for requesting to the slave devices the detection result signal from at least one detection sensor out of the plurality of detection sensors in order to verify the operation states of the peripheral devices, such that the slave devices and the master device send and receive data to and from each other through a serial bus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing member; a charging rotatable member, contactable to the image bearing member at a contact position, for electrically charging the image bearing member, the charging rotatable member being rotatable for counterdirectional peripheral movement relative to rotation of the image bearing member at the contact position; developing means for developing an electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member with a developer, the developing means being capable of collecting a residual developer from the image bearing member; and wherein start of rotation of the charging rotatable member is simultaneous with or prior to start of rotation of the image bearing member.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus is provided with a driving circuit board for driving an apparatus main body, a control circuit board for controlling the apparatus main body, and an image controller board for controlling image data, in which the driving circuit substrate and the image controller board are arranged substantially vertically, and the control circuit board is arranged substantially horizontally. Consequently, a high-frequency wiring part can be shortened, and reduction of radiation field noises and costs for coping with the noises can be realized. Moreover, since heat radiation efficiency increases, deterioration of components and degradation of an image quality due to increase in temperature inside the apparatus can be prevented.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of responding to a status request with the minimum possible energy consumption even when the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state, to thereby achieve energy conservation. A main-chip microcomputer Q701 responds to an externally input status request when the image forming apparatus is in a normal standby mode, and enters an inoperative state where it does not respond to the externally input status request when the image forming apparatus is in a reduced power consumption mode. A 1-chip microcomputer Q702 responds to the externally input status request on behalf of the main-chip microcomputer Q701 when the image forming apparatus is in the reduced power consumption mode.

Abstract: A drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus includes a first part including a conveyor to convey an image transfer body, an image forming apparatus to form an image on the image transfer body, a first motor to drive the conveyor and the image forming apparatus, and a first transmitter to transmit power generated in the first motor to the conveyor and the image forming apparatus. The drive mechanism also includes a second part including a fixing device to fix the formed image on the image transfer body, a delivery roller to discharge the image transfer body having the image fixed thereon, a conveying roller to convey the image transfer body for duplex printing, a second motor to drive the fixing device, and the rollers, and a second transmitter to transmit power generated in the second motor to the fixing device, and the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus to warm up a light source lamp of an image input device and a method thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier for carrying a toner image thereon while being driven to rotate. A conveyor conveys a recording medium, to which the toner image is to be transferred from the image carrier, to an image transfer position. An image carrier controller controls the linear velocity of the image carrier in rotation. A conveyance controller controls the linear velocity of the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyor. A main controller controls the image carrier controller and conveyance controller such that the mean linear velocity of the image carrier and that of the recording medium are different from each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus judges whether first processing information of current sheet information is different from that of preceding sheet information. If they are different, the current first processing information is notified to a finishing device. The finishing device prepares for processing based on the first processing information. Upon completing the preparation, the finishing device notifies preparation completion information to the image processing apparatus. Upon receiving the preparation completion information, the image processing apparatus starts image formation processing on the next sheet and notifies second processing information to the finishing device. Upon receiving the second processing information, the finishing device calculates a processing time necessary to perform a finishing operation and notifies it to the image forming apparatus.