Abstract: In a multi-function imaging machine, a termination condition for each application is managed at a remote location, and a termination operation of the application based on the termination condition is controlled at the imaging apparatus. This imaging apparatus implements a plurality of different applications related to imaging and includes a communication unit that enables transmission and reception of information between an external apparatus, a table that records an application usage state and a termination condition set by the external apparatus for each application, and a control unit that determines whether or not any of the applications satisfies the termination condition during activation by referring to the table, and terminates the application when the termination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including applications and system side software for providing system side services to the applications is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: an authentication module for displaying an authentication screen on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, wherein the authentication module allows the image forming apparatus to display a screen for using the image forming apparatus instead of the authentication screen if authentication data input from the authentication screen satisfies an authentication condition, and wherein the authentication module is provided in the image forming apparatus separately from the system side software.

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: When a USB memory 10 is attached to the USB port 8a and identification data of a user is inputted on a control panel 3, it is determined whether the identification data inputted coincides with identification data registered in advance. When a determination result of this determination is affirmative, a saving operation for saving, in the USB memory 10, image data in a hard disk drive 25 is permitted. However, when the determination result is negative, the saving operation is prohibited.

Abstract: The image of a document is depicted on a sheet of paper together with a background pattern image expressing a password, and the password is notified to a person having authority to duplicate the document. A requestor requesting duplication of the document is caused to enter a password (#104), and the document image and the background pattern image are obtained by scanning the sheet (#101). Then, it is determined whether the requestor has the above-described authority, based on the entered password and the password expressed by the obtained background pattern image (#105). When it is determined that the requestor has the authority, a different password is issued. The document image is printed on a separate sheet of paper together with a background pattern image expressing the different password, and the different password is notified to a person having authority to duplicate the document printed on the separate sheet of paper.

Abstract: The image printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a communications device which communicates data with a service server for providing a chargeable service over a network, a print device which prints an image on a predetermined print medium, a request input device through which a user input a request, a request execution device which uses a chargeable service by communicating data with the service server through the communications device in accordance with a request input through the request input device, obtains an image to be printed, and prints the image on a predetermined print medium by the print device, and a payment device which performs a paying process on separate payees between a printing rate for the image and a use rate for the chargeable service in a charge on the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet, including: an image forming section to form an image; a display section to display an operation procedure for maintenance associated with a maintenance object; a first input section to input identification information to identify a user; a storage section to store permission information showing whether or not to allow display of the operation procedure with respect to users and maintenance objects; and a control section to perform a user authentication according to the identification information input in the first input section, to refer to the permission information associated with the authenticated user, and to display the operation procedure permitted to be displayed on the display section.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a first image processing apparatus executing a job of processing an image, and a second image processing apparatus connectable to the first image processing apparatus over a network. The second image processing apparatus includes an authentication unit authenticating a user. The first image processing apparatus includes a job storing unit storing the job in a manner linked to information specifying the user, and a job transferring unit transferring to the second image processing apparatus the job linked to the information specifying the user authenticated by the authentication unit in the job storing unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paperless billing process for enabling expedited and simplified payments of print volume bills by customers of printing systems. A method of performing a billing process for the copies or prints produced by customer of a printing system is provided where the printing system comprises a memory that stores product usage data indicating a measurement of the actual use of the printing system. The printing system first accesses the memory to retrieve the product usage data. Then, the printing system calculates billing data using the retrieved product usage data. A bill is presented to the customer based on billing data, and the printing system receives user input from the customer indicating whether the customer authorizes the billing data. If so, a message is sent from the printing system to a billing service, wherein the message includes information indicating the authorized billing data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and job display control method for authenticating a job processing requester when a job process is requested. Upon authentication of the job processing requester, attributes of the job processing requester are determined, and based on this determination, the job processing records of the job processing requester are either displayed or masked when other users view the job processing requester's job processing records.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes: a control panel capable of displaying a menu screen; an image forming unit configured to carry out image forming processing under a condition set by the control panel; a reader and writer capable of communicating with a portable storage medium; a first control unit configured to control the reader and writer to write setting information at the time the image forming condition is set, into the storage medium, and to read the setting information stored in the storage medium; and a second control unit configured to control a content of the menu screen in accordance with the setting information read from the storage medium when the control panel is operated to set an image forming condition, and to display plural setting items for condition setting on the menu screen in predetermined order.

Abstract: A job execution system comprises a job execution apparatus, a mode storage portion which stores mode control information that indicates the relationship between a user and a job execution mode of a group to which the user belongs, and a mode identification portion which identifies the job execution mode of the group to which the user belongs in accordance with the user information entered by the user and the mode control information. Furthermore, the job execution apparatus is equipped with a job execution portion which executes the job and a controller which allows the job execution portion to execute the job directed by the user for execution in a job execution mode identified by the mode identification portion.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus according to the present invention transmits an electromagnetic wave signal to a memory card carried by a user who enters a detection area, scans identification information of the user for user authentication, and starts a warm-up operation immediately after the authentication. Accordingly, the time period spent by the user starting from the user's arrival at the multifunction apparatus until the completion of the warm-up operation is shortened. In addition, the multifunction apparatus determines whether the user remains in the detection area after a job is completed, and transitions from a normal mode to an energy-save mode when it is determined that the user is not remaining in the detection area, the normal mode being in a state where sufficient electrical power is supplied for a job execution, the energy-save mode being in a state where the power supply is decreased compared to the normal mode.

Abstract: When a USB memory 10 is attached to the USB port 8a and identification data of a user is inputted on a control panel 3, it is determined whether the identification data inputted coincides with identification data registered in advance. When a determination result of this determination is affirmative, a saving operation for saving, in the USB memory 10, image data in a hard disk drive 25 is permitted. However, when the determination result is negative, the saving operation is prohibited.

Abstract: The number of prints necessary for execution of a print job of a storage type, together with the surplus number of prints, is calculated. A difference B between an upper limit value A and the number C of prints is calculated during execution of a print job. When there is a print job of the storage type having the number of prints not lower than the difference B, notification that the upper limit value of the number of prints approaches is given to a user having issued the print job.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including applications and system side software for providing system side services to the applications is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: an authentication module for displaying an authentication screen on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, wherein the authentication module allows the image forming apparatus to display a screen for using the image forming apparatus instead of the authentication screen if authentication data input from the authentication screen satisfies an authentication condition, and wherein the authentication module is provided in the image forming apparatus separately from the system side software.

Abstract: For a network printer function and a network scan function, a trial using mode whose use frequency is limited can be set. When the preset trial using mode is finished, the use of the tried function is permitted according to setting of an exclusive key.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image data input unit; an image forming unit adapted to print an image on a printing sheet in accordance with image data from the image data input unit; a control unit connected to the image forming unit; and a billing setting unit adapted to enable to selectively set either a first mode for billing per side of the printing sheet or a second mode for billing per sheet of the printing sheet for double-sided printing, wherein the control unit executes a printing service in accordance with the set mode by the billing setting unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the invention has a connection port to which portable storage media (USB memories), each having stored therein a different kind of identification information, are connectable and a storage device (an HDD). The storage device (the HDD) includes a management table in which user information for specifying users allowed to use the image forming apparatus and permission information for specifying usable functions are stored. When the portable storage medium (the USB memory) is connected to the connection port by a user, the identification information stored therein is read out and the identification information is collated with the user information in the management table to perform authentication check for the user.

Abstract: It is determined whether a print job to be output on a color laser-printing device is to have reduced color toner usage. In response to determining that the print job is to have reduced color toner usage, the print job is adjusted so that the print job consumes less color toner when output on the color laser-printing device, by color-desaturating the print job.

Abstract: A management server is connected to an MFP and a client PC through LAN. The management server includes a leaving information acquiring portion that acquires leaving information related to recording paper sheets left unremoved for each print job accepted by the MFP, a leaving information count portion that counts the acquired leaving information for each user, and a warning portion that transmits warning information for prompting a user not to leave a recording paper sheet. The leaving information count portion counts the number of print jobs associated with the detection of the recording paper sheets left unremoved for each time zone based on the leaving detection time and the user ID from the leaving information acquiring portion, and when accepting a print job from a client PC, the warning portion transmits warning information to the client PC for a user having the counted number not less than a predetermined number.

Abstract: A user name entered on a user authentication screen is searched and if it found to be an unregistered user name a different, registered image formation apparatus is asked to act as a proxy to perform user authentication. If the apparatus returns “OK” a decision is made that the authentication of interest is “OK” and the authentication process ends. If all of the image formation apparatuses registered in a proxy authentication apparatus registration table are requested to perform user authentication do not provide an authentication “OK” a decision is made that the authentication of interest is “NG” and the authentication process ends. Thus in networked environment an image formation apparatus can be provided that can eliminate the necessity of registering information for user authentication with all image formation apparatuses and also prevent improper use by a user registered with an unintended image formation apparatus.

Abstract: A convenient environment flexibly coping with an environment in which an image forming apparatus capable of accepting a plurality of jobs is used can be constructed. For this purpose, in a job processing method of an image forming system including the image forming apparatus capable of accepting a plurality of jobs including a first job, print processing of the first job is performed by the image forming apparatus, and performance of print processing of a second job input after the first job can be prohibited based on checking information including at least any one of information associated with the first job subjected to the print processing and information associated with the second job although print processing of the second job can be performed by the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: When it is detected that a USB cable has been connected, a status of a function is discriminated. If there is no problem even if a USB enumeration is started, a USB signal is pulled up and the enumeration is started. If it is determined that trouble occurs as a function when the enumeration is started, the pull-up of the USB signal is extended and, after the trouble is solved, the USB signal is pulled up and the enumeration is started.

Abstract: At forming an image only on one side of a sheet, an image forming unit is controlled by a control unit to form a back-side pattern image on the back side of the sheet. At forming images on both sides of sheets, when a blank side where no image is formed exists, similarly, the back-side pattern image is formed on the blank side. In single-sided printing, a back-side pattern image is formed on the back side of the sheet. In double-sided printing, a predetermined image is formed on a blank page and thus no blank page occurs. It is therefore possible to prevent the back side of a sheet on which an important document is printed from being used for other purpose, and consequently security is enhanced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including applications and system side software for providing system side services to the applications is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: an authentication module for displaying an authentication screen on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, wherein the authentication module allows the image forming apparatus to display a screen for using the image forming apparatus instead of the authentication screen if authentication data input from the authentication screen satisfies an authentication condition, and wherein the authentication module is provided in the image forming apparatus separately from the system side software.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of achieving both enhanced userfriendliness and improved energy saving efficiency without being released from a reduced power consumption state by a user who has no will to use the same passing thereby. When a copying machine 200 is in a sleep mode, it is detected whether or not a user has come near to the copying machine 200. If a contactless IC 600 is present within the range of radio wave signals emitted from an IC tag reader/writer 500, it is determined that a user has come near because the communication between the contactless IC 600 and the IC tag reader/write 500 can be carried out. Reading of data from the contactless IC 600 is started, and user authentication is executed based on the data. If, as a result of the user authentication, the user is a licensed user, it is determined whether or not an original document has been set on an automatic feeder 800.

Abstract: An apparatus manages a usage amount associated with each of a plurality of functions included in a work flow. The work flow is executed after it is determined whether an operation of each step included in the work flow can be executed or not.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a communication interface configured to couple to a network, and a printing unit configured to process print data received via the communication interface. Also provided is a registration unit configured to register a plurality of user information for a plurality of users, each of the plurality of user information including hierarchy information corresponding to one of the plurality of users. The image forming apparatus further includes a managing unit configured to determine if operations of the image forming apparatus requested by the plurality of users are executable based on the corresponding hierarchy information. The managing unit is also configured to manage a verification process for the plurality of users based on the corresponding hierarchy information.

Abstract: For example, an image processing device which can be operated from both remote user interface such as a Web browser and local interface by an operation panel or a card reader, and a computer system communicating with the device are embodied. A system of integrating authenticating processes by each of the remote and local user interfaces can be provided. In this case, an adjustment is made not to cause inconsistency by the conflict between the operation from the remote user interface and the operation from the local user interface so as to practically utilize each user interface.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus detects a predetermined image data included in image data and transmits an electromagnetic signal to a memory card within a predetermined vicinity of the image forming apparatus. The memory card is configured to carried by a user of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives identification information of the user from the memory card and has a memory which stores predetermined function information. The predetermined function information is associated with to the identification information of a predetermined user and defines functions of the image forming apparatus which the predetermined user is authorized to use. When the predetermined image data is detected by the detector, the image forming apparatus restricts the functions of the image forming apparatus based on the predetermined function information associated with the identification information of the predetermined user.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus preferably includes a process unit, an acquisition unit, a detection unit, and a selection unit. The process unit executes processes in a plurality of modes corresponding to identification information for identifying a user. The acquisition unit acquires identification information for identifying a user. The detection unit detects presence or absence of an object to be used in at least any one of the plurality of modes. The selection unit selects a mode corresponding to the presence or absence of the object detected by the detection unit from the plurality of modes corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: The image of a document is depicted on a sheet of paper together with a background pattern image expressing a password, and the password is notified to a person having authority to duplicate the document. A requestor requesting duplication of the document is caused to enter a password (#104), and the document image and the background pattern image are obtained by scanning the sheet (#101). Then, it is determined whether the requestor has the above-described authority, based on the entered password and the password expressed by the obtained background pattern image (#105). When it is determined that the requestor has the authority, a different password is issued. The document image is printed on a separate sheet of paper together with a background pattern image expressing the different password, and the different password is notified to a person having authority to duplicate the document printed on the separate sheet of paper.

Abstract: An image forming device having an adjusting mode for making settings related to image formation, using a setting unit that sets whether change to the adjusting mode is inhibited, as well as a change unit that inhibits the change to the adjusting mode when it is set to do so by the setting unit.

Abstract: For a network printer function and a network scan function, a trial using mode whose use frequency is limited can be set. When the preset trial using mode is finished, the use of the tried function is permitted according to setting of an exclusive key.

Abstract: Image processing operations, such as settings of copying conditions of a copier, are facilitated, with the setting being made on a terminal such as a personal computer or other copier. Data of the image processing operation settings to be executed by an image processing apparatus, are set on a terminal such as a personal computer which is interconnected with the image processing apparatus through LAN, and to which a user has been accustomed in operation. The set data are transmitted to the image processing apparatus and names of the image processing operations are displayed on a display window of the image processing apparatus, as candidates to be executed by the apparatus.

Abstract: If a code input by an operation of a user is a permission code, use of a scanner function is permitted. When the enable key is set, an enable code stored in an enable key is read. In a case where the read enable code coincides with a preregistered enable code, use of a printer function is permitted. If use of the scanner function and use of the printer function are both permitted, use of a facsimile function is permitted.

Abstract: A destination for a job completion notification that is preset by a user is stored. When the user enters a detection area, an electromagnetic wave signal is transmitted to a memory card that is carried by the user so that the user identification information is scanned. When the job is completed, the job completion notification is transmitted to the stored destination for the job completion notification. Therefore, it is possible to transmit the job completion notification to a desired address even when the user instructs a job, such as copying job or facsimile memory transmission job, by directly setting a document on a multifunction apparatus.

Abstract: A printer determines the condition of connection with a peripheral device. When detecting a paper ejector is connected, the printer reads out the model name and the serial number, for identifying the paper ejector, stored in a memory, and transmits the model name and the serial number to a server connected to a network. Then, the printer receives a program for controlling the paper ejector from the server, and writes the received control program into a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The printer executes the control program to thereby control the peripheral device connected to the printer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an administrative device that stores and administrates authorization information in connection with an image formation job. The authorization information is used to determine if an operator is permitted to apply a prescribed operation to a reserved job. An authorization device requests an operator to input identification information while temporarily stopping execution of a previously reserved job. The authorization device performs authorization based upon the identification information when application of the prescribed operation is requested, and forwards the authorization. A control device validates the prescribed operation when the authorization device forwards the authorization.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus according to the present invention transmits an electromagnetic wave signal to a memory card carried by a user who enters a detection area, scans identification information of the user for user authentication, and starts a warm-up operation immediately after the authentication. Accordingly, the time period spent by the user starting from the user's arrival at the multifunction apparatus until the completion of the warm-up operation is shortened. In addition, the multifunction apparatus determines whether the user remains in the detection area after a job is completed, and transitions from a normal mode to an energy-save mode when it is determined that the user is not remaining in the detection area, the normal mode being in a state where sufficient electrical power is supplied for a job execution, the energy-save mode being in a state where the power supply is decreased compared to the normal mode.

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: For a network printer function and a network scan function, a trial using mode whose use frequency is limited can be set. When the preset trial using mode is finished, the use of the tried function is permitted according to setting of an exclusive key.

Abstract: Embodiments enable controlling a proximity transaction between first and second communications devices, each of which is provided with a short-range transceiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the first communications device has an RF/ID reader, and the second communications device has an RF/ID tag, the RF/ID tag containing the same identifier information as the second communications device. The second communications device is positioned within the range of the reader of the first communications device. Then, the transceiver of the second communications device transmits a transaction request and the identifies information of that device to the first communications device. The reader of the first communications device then interrogates the tag of the second communications device and the transaction is completed upon the reader of the first communications device receiving identifier information from the tag of the second communications device that is identical to the identifier information already received.

Abstract: If a code input by an operation of a user is a permission code, use of a scanner function is permitted. When the enable key is set, an enable code stored in an enable key is read. In a case where the read enable code coincides with a preregistered enable code, use of a printer function is permitted. If use of the scanner function and use of the printer function are both permitted, use of a facsimile function is permitted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including applications and system side software for providing system side services to the applications is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: an authentication module for displaying an authentication screen on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, wherein the authentication module allows the image forming apparatus to display a screen for using the image forming apparatus instead of the authentication screen if authentication data input from the authentication screen satisfies an authentication condition, and wherein the authentication module is provided in the image forming apparatus separately from the system side software.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable mediums are provided for print production cost accounting. In one embodiment, a pre-print cost of a print production of a document by an image forming device is stored in a memory. The print production of the document by the image forming device is initiated after the pre-print cost is stored in the memory. Then, a post-print cost of the print production of the document by the image forming device is generated if the print production of the document is completed. A user is charged the post-print cost if the post-print cost is available before the pre-print cost has been stored in the memory for a predefined period of time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer or copying machine which operates according to several different functional and operational modes, a host computer which sends a print or copy order to the printer or copying machine, which order may include the number of copies to be made, the time of printing or copying, and an operational mode, such as size of copy, two-sided copying, collating, stapling, etc., and an accounting means which calculates charges based on the order before it is carried out by the printer or copying machine and which transmits those charge to the host computer.

Abstract: A network-attached peripheral appliance (NAPA), including a powered peripheral node (PPN), enabling connection of peripheral devices to a network without a computer at the node. The PPN further comprises a data connection enabling data communication between the appliance and a network, and is configured to accommodate data connection of a plurality of peripheral devices at the appliance, and a power supply configured to provide power to said plurality of peripheral devices. The appliance can include a case which can carry two or more peripheral devices, which are shareable between clients on the network via the NAPA.

Abstract: On the basis of information obtained from an IC card and concerning the physical features of a user, it is judged whether or not the user is a handicapped person. When it is judged that the user is a handicapped person, a fixed sheet supply source is not displayed on an LCD of an operation panel. When the user is a handicapped person, therefore, it is possible to inhibit sheet feeding from the fixed sheet supply source, from which it is difficult to remove a jammed sheet.