Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms a composite image on a sheet, based on image data and a cut guide; an operation section to input an image forming condition; and a control unit that controls operation of each section of the apparatus. Herein, the operation section includes a cutting times number setting unit to set a number of times of cutting a sheet and cut end designating units to designate sheet ends to be cut. The control unit performs control to change each display by replacing a respective cut end designating unit, according to the number of times of cutting having been set by the cutting times number setting unit, and controls the image forming section to form the composite image on the sheet, corresponding to the ends having been designated to be cut via the cut end designating unit.

Abstract: A printer comprises a receiving section which receives printing jobs from a networked personal computers, a storage section which stores the received printing jobs, and a printing section which executes a printing job extracted from the storage section. A control section of the printer determines whether the printing jobs received by the receiving section include special printing, and causes a display section to display a list of the printing jobs including the special printing. The printing section executes the printing job selected from the displayed list by the user through an input section.

Abstract: A duplex printer, in which when a first thermal head prints information on a front side as an information printing side of a printing medium, a second thermal head repeatedly prints a previously registered and selected fixed pattern or notice information on a back side as an information non-printing side of a printing medium at regular cycle or at an optional timing.

Abstract: An image forming device has a setting means for setting the copy mode for a document, a detection means for detecting whether or not a document has been placed on a document holder, an assessment means for assessing, when it is detected that a document has been placed on the document holder, whether or not the set copy mode is identical to the default mode, and a warning means for issuing a warning if the assessed mode is not the default. If the set copy mode is not identical to the default mode, by issuing a warning without automatically reverting to the default mode, the copy mode does not revert to the initial state against the user's intent.

Abstract: An inspection device having a reading portion for reading an image on a sheet having an image formed thereon, a storage portion for storing therein image data read by the reading portion, and a selecting portion for selecting one of a first mode for storing the image data read by the reading portion in the storage portion, and a second mode for judging whether the image data read by the reading portion is similar to the image data stored in the storage portion.

Abstract: Drawbacks in the prior technology, such as operation histories of other persons having a low possibility of re-use are also displayed and the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find and an older operation history is deleted by an operation of another person when the memory of the operation history reaches an upper limit of the memory, can be resolved. To enable the operator to easily select and re-use a desired operation history, a main controller executes an individual authentication for authenticating an operator, an operation history based on an input operation instruction is stored in an HDD for each authenticated individual, then an operation history of an authenticated individual is displayed on an LCD panel from thus memorized individual operation histories, an arbitrary operation history is selected from such display and an image forming device is set based on the selected operation history.

Abstract: A method for a finishing module coordinator controller used in a finishing system comprised of finishing devices controlled separately from production equipment. The method comprises receiving finishing job description information, including identification of job segments of the job; and using such information for programming at least one finishing device. The method further comprises tracking performance of the job and adjusting the job model and device performance in response to conditions during performance of the finishing job.

Abstract: A printer comprises a receiving section which receives printing jobs from a networked personal computers, a storage section which stores the received printing jobs, and a printing section which executes a printing job extracted from the storage section. A control section of the printer determines whether the printing jobs received by the receiving section include special printing, and causes a display section to display a list of the printing jobs including the special printing. The printing section executes the printing job selected from the displayed list by the user through an input section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of printing units each having an image bearing member for rotation about an axis and a process member which cooperates with the image bearing member in an image forming process; a transfer member for moving in contact with the image bearing member of each of the plurality of printing units, an image on each of the image bearing members being transferred onto the transfer member or a recording medium that is transported on the transfer member; a switch unit for switching between a contact state where the image bearing members in the plurality of printing units are in contact with the transfer member and a separate state where the image bearing member(s) in the printing unit(s) other than one of the plurality of printing units are separated from the transfer member; a memory for storing life expectancies of the image bearing member and the process member with regard to the printing unit(s) other than the one of the plurality of printing units; and a control sectio

Abstract: A list of print jobs stored in a printer, namely, print jobs by which an instruction of a change in attributes of the print jobs and an execution of the printing of the print jobs can be issued anytime is displayed on a display apparatus, thereby enabling the user to recognize such print jobs, select one of them, and issue a print executing instruction for the selected print job.

Abstract: A multifunctional printer retains image data in an image memory when paper runs out during a copying operation, until another operation is requested or a predetermined time period expires. Also, the multifunctional printer retains information of the document that has not been recorded in a RAM when erasing the image data. Then, the information is displayed on an operation panel when the document needs to be re-scanned in order to enable the user to re-scan the document.

Abstract: Informing the user when consumables and/or customer replaceable units will have to be resupplied, changed and/or replaced, relative to the jobs sent to the image forming system, is a beneficial way to avoid unnecessary printing delays. When a job is added to a job queue or repositioned within the job queue, a warning can be associated with that job, and displayed to the user. With this information, the user can pre-emptively add a consumable and/or to replace a customer replaceable unit to avoid delays and maintain productivity. Alternatively, if such a system fault would occur prior to an urgent job reaching the top of the job queue, the user can manipulate the order and/or presence of the various jobs in the queue to ensure the high-priority job is completed before the consumable is fully exhausted and/or the customer replaceable unit reaches the end of its useful life.

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: The present invention relates to a printer for printing a collated multi-page document when presented with a plurality of manually collated pages, the printer including a code sensor which senses machine-readable codes on the manually collated pages, a control unit which uses the machine-readable codes to identify and retrieve previously stored electronic versions of the pages, and a print engine which prints the retrieved pages.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for executing a job by using a job parameter set including a combination of values of various setup items which define an operation condition of the job as a work unit, the image processing apparatus provided with: a job parameter memory for memorizing a plurality of job parameter sets, each of the plurality of job parameter sets being associated with a page size of an input image of a job having been executed; a page size acquiring device for acquiring a present page size of an input image of a present job to be executed; and a job parameter election device for electing a candidate for a job parameter set for the present job by retrieving the present page size among the plurality of job parameter sets memorized in the parameter memory.

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 preferably are stored in data structures, most preferably 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: Disclosed herein are economical methods and apparatuses for controlling a printer based on whether there are toner stations designated as “special toner stations.” Specifically, a printer running a print job is controlled based on whether a hold jobs mode is enabled only for the special toner stations. If the hold mode procedure is not enabled, printing is then allowed. If the hold jobs mode is enabled only for special toner stations, the identity of the installed toner is determined. Additionally, if the hold mode procedure is enabled, the print job is subjected to additional procedures before being allowed to print. These additional procedures may include determining if any predefined attributes exist for the job ticket and automatically applying these attributes, placing the print job into a “hold status,” permitting manual changes to be made to the print ticket, and forwarding notification of the print job upon its completion.

Abstract: Editing a printing job of printing data temporarily stored in an intermediate-code format is restricted such that an error does not occur in the result of printing. A user interface for editing the printing-setting information of the data temporarily stored in the intermediate-code format is controlled such that a change of printing settings which can be edited is restricted and the printing settings are displayed.

Abstract: In an administrative program controlling a plurality of printers and copiers, an administrator is provided with a matrix whereby different billing requirements can be associated with different discrete functions, such as printing, scanning, faxing, and finishing, within a single machine. The administrator is provided with options to control the behavior of the machine when required billing codes are not entered,such as holding image data relating to a requested job in a machine until the required billing codes have been entered.

Abstract: A print job is displayed as a sequence of pages. An operator is enabled to create artificial pages representing such elements as cover pages and preprinted sheets which are normally apart from the print job data file. The artificial pages are inserted into a display of the real pages defined by the print job data file or original document and are therefore displayed visually just as the other document pages are displayed. They can be manipulated just like other pages; that is, they can be moved, deleted, replaced and so on.

Abstract: A print request managing task (61) for managing a print request is placed between a language interpreting task (60) and a print execution task (63). Upon receipt of a print request (PREQ) from the language interpreting task (60), if it requests collate printing, for the printing process of the first copy, the print request managing task 61 generates a print data (PDAT) changed in the number of copies into 1 and transmits it to a print execution task (63) for the first copy. Then, after receiving a print end report from the print execution task 63, the print request managing task 61 stores data necessary for printing the second copy, et seq. as a storage data (SDAT)in a hard disc (39). For the printing process of the second copy, et seq., the print request managing task (61) read out the storage data (SDAT) stored in the hard disk (39), and transmits a print data (PDAT) generated from the storage data (SDAT) to the print execution task (63).

Abstract: A multifunction copying apparatus, a control method of the apparatus, and a recording medium storing control software according to this invention can reduce the number of operations before the user reaches a necessary operation and improve the operability, by storing user's operation logs and changing the display contents and display settings on the basis of the stored information.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus capable of easily preparing a document having plural kinds of images and printing sheets, a plurality of management jobs containing linkage data, such as the order of linking image jobs are stored and registered in storage 32. In linking the image jobs, one of the registered management jobs is selected. Then, a controller 34 causes the execution of linking the plurality of image jobs on the basis of the linkage data of the selected management job. Accordingly, the information of the plurality of image jobs can be treated independently of the information of the data for linking the plurality of image jobs. This permits easy preparation of a linked document having a plurality of images.

Abstract: Four original size and paper size combinations are displayed together with arrow indicators on a display panel, in order of use frequency. Each size is displayed by text and pattern and enlargement or reduction with the necessity of rotation also indicated. By operating scroll keys, the display of the arrows in the arrow indicators moves from one to another while the display of four possible original size and paper size combinations among all the possible combinations is shown in a scrolling manner. The operator operates the scroll keys to scroll the four combinations displayed within the display panel and selects the arrow indicator indicating the arrow that corresponds to the desired combination to be set up for the copying operation.

Abstract: An image reading device and image forming device has an operation device provided with keys for reducing the number of operations. A shortcut key display screen having a shortcut key to which an arbitrary function among a plurality of functions may be allocated thereto is displayable on a display unit. At least one function setting screen has an allocation instruction key for allocating a function to the shortcut key. When the allocation instruction key is selected, a series of functions set, before the function setting screen having the allocation instruction key is displayed on the display screen, is allocated to the shortcut key.

Abstract: An image processing device is made convenient for a user to specify and cancel jobs one by one when there are a plurality of recorded jobs containing image data a user wants to cancel. The operating unit of the image processing device receives a cancellation command from a user and executes memory recall and extracts the image data for a job which is the target of a cancellation command when a document reading operation is not being executed and when a print operation is not being executed. Then, all jobs including such image data are extracted, and the target job table of the destruction command and other jobs including the image data included in the target job are extracted from the memory unit of the image processing device and canceled.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of printing images on tab-sheets as well as on normal sheets can automatically perform a mixed printing job including image printing for the normal sheets and image printing for the tab-sheets. The apparatus makes it possible to use image information a number of times and that preparation of the image information is easy. In the apparatus, image information of a text sheet document to be printed on the text sheets and image information of a tab-sheet document to be printed on the tab-sheet are separately inputted to the apparatus and separately stored in an image memory in advance. The apparatus performs combined printing in which printing of the image information of the text sheet document stored in the image memory and printing of the image information of the tab-sheet document stored in the image memory are so combined that the printings of the pages of the tab-sheet document are inserted intervening in the printing of the text sheet document at designated page positions.

Abstract: When a user stands in front of an image forming apparatus, sets originals on an ADF, and depresses a start key, a central control unit effects issuance of a print job, which is to be executed subsequent to a scanner job, on a print control order management table. Then, if print data is sent from a client to the image forming apparatus via an external controller, the central control unit issues as a second print job the print request from the client because the first print job was issued on the print control order management table. The central control unit does not operate a printer unit until the original reading operation by the ADF is finished. The moment the original reading operation by the ADF is finished, the central control unit executes printing by the printer unit on the basis of the read original data. After completing printing of all original data read by the ADF, the central control unit starts the print job sent from the client.

Abstract: An image forming system for connecting a plurality of image forming apparatus and being capable of conducting a tandem operation such that an image inputted by one of the plurality of image forming apparatus is outputted by the plurality of image forming apparatus, the system comprises:

Abstract: The image forming apparatus is capable of storing a plurality of jobs in memory, and the stored plurality of jobs are printed and output in the storage sequence. A permitted time for exclusive use of the image forming apparatus to print a first job (print time upper limit) can be set and changed by a user using an operation panel. When the permitted time has elapsed after starting printing of the first job, the first job is interrupted and printing of another job is started. This arrangement prevents delaying the printing of other jobs due to the continuous printing of the first job over a long time period.

Abstract: Image forming apparatus including a sheet feeder for feeding a sheet, a sheet size detector for detecting a size of the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, the sheet size includes an orientation of the sheet, an image size detector for detecting a size of an image to be formed, the image size includes an orientation of the image, an image rotator for rotating the image, an image forming unit for forming the image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, an operation panel for inputting a cover/sheet insertion mode, a staple mode, or a different size documents mode, and a controller for controlling the image rotator in accordance with detection results of the sheet size detector and image size detector, and for inhibiting the image rotation by the image rotator in a case where the cover/sheet insertion mode, staple mode, or different size documents mode is input from the operation panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image forming apparatus and an image forming method for, in the halted state where trial copying of one set is completed, determining whether a mode has been changed, and for automatically changing a numeral accordingly.

Abstract: A sheet output device having a stack for storing sheets and a plurality of discharge bins includes a sheet transport device for transporting a discharged sheet from a discharge bin to the stack and an indicator for indicating that the sheet has been transported by the sheet transport device, so that the user can know where the job sheet is to be output. The sheet output device further includes a memory for storing information related to a sheet output for each of the discharge bins, and the indicator indicates information related to the sheet transported by the sheet transport device.

Abstract: A quotient (rounding up at one decimal place) obtained by dividing a user-designated number UNum of copies by a limit number PNum of copies unique to a printer is set as a number J of print jobs. PNum copies of print data obtained by one despool operation are printed. After printing of the PNum copies is performed (J-1) times, the number of copies for the final job (Jth job) is calculated. Since PNum x (J-1) copies have already been output at that time, N copies as the remainder of division of UNum by PNum suffice to be printed by the final job. Hence, the N copies are printed as the number of copies for the Jth print job, and printing is complete. This makes it possible to print the user-designated number of copies regardless of the printer limitation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of reading out an image from stored data, after an image forming job has been executed, and copying the image data onto a copy paper. The apparatus reads image data on a document, stores the image data in a memory, and thereafter copies the image data stored in the memory on copy paper. The apparatus employs an operation mode switching key for switching between a normal mode and a re-output mode. Image data corresponding to a job which has been stored most recently in the memory is read out to copy the image data read out on a copy paper. This occurs when a start key is operated while the apparatus is in the re-output mode, as selected by an operation mode switching key.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a memory for storing a first job and a second job, an output unit for sequentially outputting the first and second jobs stored in the memory, a setter for setting a recall function effective to the first job and a job controller. The recall function is a function enabling a re-output of the first job in accordance with a request of an operator after a completion of the first job. The job controller controls the output unit so as to output the second job a predetermined time later after a completion of the first job where the recall function is set effective to the first job, or output the second job immediately after a completion of the first job where the recall function is set ineffective to the first job.

Abstract: Where any one of a plurality of print jobs is not normally executable due to a cause such as run-out of paper, the print job which is not normally executable is suspended, and another print job is successively executed. Thereby, even where any one of a plurality of print jobs is not normally executable, another print job can be successively executed without interrupting the operation of a copying machine.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of minimizing local degradation of the image carrier and effectively preventing image defects due to resistance reduction and adhesion of release agent, without lowering productivity. The image forming apparatus includes an image making unit, having an image carrier, with plural image carrying regions, the image making unit adapted to cause the image carrying regions on the image carrier to carry images and then to transfer the images onto the sheet in a series of image making cycles, and an image making controller for controlling the image making unit according to job commands for making images. The image making controller includes a reference signal changing circuit for changing reference signal for each job, and the reference signal determines which of the image carrying regions on the image carrier should be an image writing position.

Abstract: Status information control methods and status information control systems allow operators to define the criteria that provides a “ready” indication for an image forming device. An operator determines a number of required features for an output job. The control systems then monitor a selected image forming device to determine if the selected image forming device has all of the required features and if all the required features are available. If the selected image forming device has all the required features and if they are available, a “ready” status is indicated, otherwise a “not ready” status is indicate .Alternatively, the status confirmation control methods and systems allow operators to track an output job by displaying detailed information about an image form device's features and each feature's availability.

Abstract: An image printing system for generating multiple printed image copies in response to an order. A processor can divide the order into multiple sub-orders for respective image printers, each sub-order having a sub-order header which includes a unique order identification and an indication of the number of copies of the image to be printed by the corresponding printer. A plurality of image printers are connected to the processor, to each receive a corresponding sub-order and print the corresponding sub-order header, and the numbers of image copies indicated in that header. A method which can be executed by such a system and a computer program product which can execute the method on a programmable computer, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a digital copying machine which provides an image scanner part for reading an original image to reproduce image data of the original image, a laser printer part for printing an image according to given image data, a removable memory card, and a reader/writer of the memory card is provided. For offline print, the image data of a document prepared in an external computer and output control data are stored into the memory card. By installing this memory card in the digital copying machine, the digital copying machine prints the image data read out from the memory card offline in a desired output form. For offline image input, read control data obtained by using an image scanner such as a read gradation level, a read size, density, and the degree of edge enhancement is stored in the removable memory card using software executed in an external computer.

Abstract: A finisher is disclosed which is connected to a copying machine and possessed of a stapler which effects a stapling treatment on the sheets discharged from the copying machine and a binder which inserts the discharged sheets into a cover and binds by adhesion the sheets and the cover for bookbinding. This finisher has a memory for memorizing the stapling treatment or the binding treatment as a treating mode in advance, a staple sensor for detecting the existence of the staple, and a cover sensor for detecting the existence of the cover. When either of the sensors detects the lack of staple or cover, a feasible treating mode other than the unfeasible treating mode due to the lack of staple or cover in the treating mode memorized in the memory is executed prior to the unfeasible treating mode.

Abstract: A digital copy machine with a memory feature can have a plurality of jobs registered in a memory to execute the registered jobs in order. When the content of a job already registered in the memory is corrected, the time required for the job prior to correction and after correction is calculated. When the required time of the job is prolonged by the correction, execution of that job is deferred for a later execution. Thus, unexpected delay in processing another job can be prevented.

Abstract: A time distance notifying system for an image forming apparatus sets an image forming mode composed of one or plural image forming parameters, generates attribute data to discriminate the set image forming mode, stores time data representing a time required for forming an image in the image forming mode represented by various attribute data, measures a time required for performing an operation of a predetermined unit during the set image forming mode, judges whether or not time corresponding to the generated attribute data has been stored in the memory, derives a time required for the image forming on the basis of a corresponding time data in a case where it is judged that a time data corresponding to the attribute data has been stored and for deriving a time required for the image forming on the basis of a time measured in a case where it is judged that a time data corresponding to the attribute data is not stored in a memory, and notifying a time derived.

Abstract: The input device for controlling an apparatus includes: a display device for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots; a touch panel disposed over the display face of the display device for outputting information of a position where the panel is operated in accordance with the displayed image on the display device; a command content determining device for determining the content of the command selected, based on the relationship between the positional information output from the touch panel and the image displayed on the display device, wherein the image displayed on the display device includes an external outline of the apparatus having the input device; and a switching device for switching the display on the display device, into the display frame for setting the operation of a unit corresponding to the operated part of the external outline of the apparatus when part of the external outline of the apparatus displayed on the display portion is operated through the touch panel.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus and method for forming an image on plural surfaces in which the image forming sequence is practiced at the same time regardless of the type of sheets of the manuscript document which are sent from the ADF to the manuscript document reading-out apparatus and set thereon. The image information read out by scanning the first manuscript document sent from the ADF to the first reading-out position 25 at the upstream side of the manuscript document reading-out section is temporarily stored and kept therein. At the time point of finishing the scanning operation for the first manuscript document, the first manuscript document set on the first reading-out position of the manuscript document reading-out section is sent to the second reading-out position 26 at the downstream side. The second manuscript document mounted on the document mounting stand is sent to the first reading-out position.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is utilized for a copying machine capable of executing successively a first job and then a second job. An user inputs the number of originals, the number of copies to be made, or the like using a picture plane for setting the first job. Based on information about the input numbers of originals and copies, and information about a copying operation that can be carried out by the copying machine, the number of originals and the number of copies that can be set for the second job are determined. The determined numbers of originals and copies are displayed. Accordingly, the number of originals and the number of copies which exceed a limitation of processing by the copying machine would not be input, thereby improving handling of the apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple print engine configuration allows a plurality of workstations (10) to create individual print jobs and then transfer them to a distributing processor (14). The distributing processor (14) is operable to spool the jobs in a print spooler (20) and then perform a software RIP on the print jobs. The RIP process divides the jobs into multiple individual jobs which are stored in the page buffer (24). An image task manager (26) in conjunction with an engine manager (28) are then operable to selectively distribute the pages to multiple print engines (16). They are distributed in such a manner that they are placed in the output bins (40) in the order that the pages were received in the print jobs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including plural paper sheet feeding trays and an operating panel to input information for setting of copying operations. An image memory and a reading and recording portion scan character(s) in a predetermined area of documents and store the character(s) in the image memory. Further, a sorting portion sorts the scanned documents based on the character(s), and an output portion outputs copied document based on the stored characters.

Abstract: A printing apparatus, which includes document data management unit 3 for receiving from a computer document data 5 to be printed and for storing and managing the document data 5, printing unit 1 for printing, on a predetermined sheet of paper, the document data 5 that is output by the document data management unit 3, and document sorting unit 2 for sorting and discharging, onto a sorting tray 22, the sheet of paper that is printed by the printing unit 1, includes: arrangement and editing unit 4 for each destination, for receiving and storing page data for each destination, for employing the page data to calculate a printing number required for each page of a document and for employing the sorting tray 22 for each destination, whereby a printed sheet of a necessary page is discharged onto the sorting tray 22.