Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a system receives selections from a user based on a list of pre-defined monitoring categories and/or optionally receives custom category definitions from the user. The option for custom category definitions may be advantageous due to the flexibility provided to a system administrator or other user. In embodiments of the invention, the pre-defined and/or custom monitoring categories may be or include complex hierarchical behavior. Such an approach provides monitoring algorithms that can achieve improved accuracy compared to known methods. In embodiments of the invention, the order of computations used in resolving a monitoring category may be re-ordered, statically and/or dynamically, to improve the efficiency of monitoring operations.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a system receives selections from a user based on a list of pre-defined monitoring categories and/or optionally receives custom category definitions from the user. The option for custom category definitions may be advantageous due to the flexibility provided to a system administrator or other user. In embodiments of the invention, the pre-defined and/or custom monitoring categories may be or include complex hierarchical behavior. Such an approach provides monitoring algorithms that can achieve improved accuracy compared to known methods. In embodiments of the invention, the order of computations used in resolving a monitoring category may be re-ordered, statically and/or dynamically, to improve the efficiency of monitoring operations.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus allows mounting thereon and dismounting therefrom a plurality of types of cartridges, each of the cartridges including a plurality of process members used for image formation and a storage medium for storing information. The image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of setting information for setting an image forming condition in accordance with a plurality of characteristics of the cartridges; and a controller that sets the image forming condition based on information regarding a usage amount of each of the plurality of types of cartridges and selection information for selecting one of the plurality of pieces of setting information, the selection information being stored in the storage medium in the cartridge.

Abstract: A developing apparatus having a developer carrying member carrying developer including toner, a developer regulating member regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member, and a lubricant provided in a contact portion between the carrying member and the regulating member with the developer being not present on the carrying member, wherein the lubricant includes a first polymer particle which is of a spherical shape having an average degree of circularity of 0.90 or greater and is of a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner, and a second polymer particle of a scalelike shape and of the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes: a developing sleeve that carries a mono-component developer; and a developing blade that abuts on the sleeve to regulate a layer thickness of the developer on the sleeve, wherein surface roughness parameters of the sleeve satisfy: 3.0?Rpk?9.0; and 2?Pc2?10. At an abutment portion between the sleeve and the blade, surface roughness parameters of the blade satisfy: 0.030?Sm?0.170; and 0.10?Rvk×(100?Mr2)/100?1.30, where Sm is a mean spacing of profile irregularities [mm]; Rpk is an initial wear height [?m]; Rvk is an oil retaining depth [?m]; Mr2 is a profile bearing length ratio 2 [%]; and Pc2 denotes the number of profile peaks having a height larger than a count level from a center line per the evaluation length of 1 mm.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member including a first photosensitive layer having a first thickness provided in a first cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus or including a second photosensitive layer having a second thickness provided in a second cartridge detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a developer carrying member for carrying a developer to develop with a developer an electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member; a voltage source for applying a development DC voltage to the developer carrying member; a density changing device for changing a density of the image by changing the development DC voltage, wherein when the density changing device changes a density set level from a standard value to a changed value, an amount of the change of the development DC voltage is different between when the first cartridge is used and when the second cartridge is used.

Abstract: A developing apparatus having a developer carrying member carrying developer including toner, a developer regulating member regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member, and a lubricant provided in a contact portion between the carrying member and the regulating member with the developer being not present on the carrying member, wherein the lubricant includes a first polymer particle which is of a spherical shape having an average degree of circularity of 0.90 or greater and is of a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner, and a second polymer particle of a scalelike shape and of the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus allows mounting thereon and dismounting therefrom a plurality of types of cartridges, each of the cartridges including a plurality of process members used for image formation and a storage medium for storing information. The image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of setting information for setting an image forming condition in accordance with a plurality of characteristics of the cartridges; and a controller that sets the image forming condition based on information regarding a usage amount of each of the plurality of types of cartridges and selection information for selecting one of the plurality of pieces of setting information, the selection information being stored in the storage medium in the cartridge.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a system receives selections from a user based on a list of pre-defined monitoring categories and/or optionally receives custom category definitions from the user. The option for custom category definitions may be advantageous due to the flexibility provided to a system administrator or other user. In embodiments of the invention, the pre-defined and/or custom monitoring categories may be or include complex hierarchical behavior. Such an approach provides monitoring algorithms that can achieve improved accuracy compared to known methods. In embodiments of the invention, the order of computations used in resolving a monitoring category may be re-ordered, statically and/or dynamically, to improve the efficiency of monitoring operations.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developer carrying member for carrying a developer; a developer regulating member, contacted to the developer carrying member, for regulating a thickness of a layer of the developer on the developer carrying member: and a lubricant provided between the developer carrying member and the developer regulating member, wherein a charge polarity of the lubricant is opposite to a charge polarity of the developer, and a weight average particle size of the lubricant is not more than ⅓ of a weight average particle size of the developer.