Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus (1) comprises an image forming part (150, 160) that carries out an image forming and reproducing process; a data storage (20) that stores possible problems occurring in connection with the image forming and reproducing process, each problem being stored in association with addressee information; an acquiring unit (13) that acquires problem information when one of the problems occurs in connection with the image forming and reproducing process; an addressee determination unit (14) that selects an addressee corresponding to the occurring problem with reference to the data storage; and a communication unit (17) that reports the-occurring problem to the selected addressee.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus (1) comprises an image forming part (150, 160) that carries out an image forming and reproducing process; a data storage (20) that stores possible problems occurring in connection with the image forming and reproducing process, each problem being stored in association with addressee information; an acquiring unit (13) that acquires problem information when one of the problems occurs in connection with the image forming and reproducing process; an addressee determination unit (14) that selects an addressee corresponding to the occurring problem with reference to the data storage; and a communication unit (17) that reports the-occurring problem to the selected addressee.

Abstract: A file transfer system includes a file management server, a file transmitting terminal, and a file receiving terminal connected each other via a network. The file transmitting terminal transmits to the file management server a file and an authorization condition for accessing the file. The file management server stores the file and the authorization condition relating each other. The file receiving terminal transmits to the file management server a request for transferring the file. The file management server, in response to the request, determines whether the authorization condition is satisfied, and if the authorization condition is satisfied, transfers the file to the file receiving terminal. Accordingly, a user can safely receive the file via the network even if the user does not have an information apparatus having memory capacity large enough to receive the file.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus functions as a Web server, and portable telephones, personal computers function as clients. A manual that guides the setting operation (i.e., simulates the progress of the proceeding of the setting operation, by adding voice to a motion picture) is provided as a Web page. A user inputs instructions on a screen displayed on a display of the portable telephone. The instructions input are transmitted to the multi-functions apparatus. The multi-functional apparatus changes own settings according to the instructions received and notifies the portable telephone about the new settings.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can perform a number of jobs usually performed by a host computer. The image forming apparatus has a printer and a scanner, and is used with a host computer having a standard bus line provided with an external connection.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for selectively performing a document reading mode and an image printing mode, which includes a scanner unit for reading an image from a document sheet, an image forming part for forming a latent image on a photosensitive medium with a light beam, a transfer part for transferring the latent image of the photosensitive medium to a copy sheet as a visible image, a fixing part for producing an image recorded on the copy sheet by fixing the visible image to the copy sheet, a first transporting part for transporting a sheet to a registration roller through a common sheet transport path, the common sheet transport path usable for transporting either a document sheet passed through the scanner unit or a copy sheet fed by a paper feeding cassette, and a second transporting part for transporting a sheet from the registration roller to a paper ejection part through a second sheet transport path.

Abstract: A printer system using a cassette housing therein printing ribbon is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cassette provided with an electrically conductive sheet for preventing the cassette from accumulating charge. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermal printing process in which a heat-sensitive ink ribbon is separated away from a recording medium while the ink is still half-melted thereby allowing to prevent a printed image from becoming reflective. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer system in which a printing ribbon is extended as inclined with respect to a recording medium such that the printing ribbon is separated farther away from the recording medium in a printing direction.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge includes a feed core and a takeup core around which an ink ribbon is wound. The cartridge is formed substantially symmetrically in the right-left direction and reversibly loaded in a printer. The ribbon whose width is great enough to accommodate two characters has a upper and a lower parts which each extend in the lengthwise direction of the ribbon, the upper and lower parts being usable in sequence for printing out data. A ribbon feed belt is passed over a drive roller and a pair of rollers which are located to define apexes of a triangle, remaining in frictional contact with the outer peripheries of the ribbon on the opposite cores. The drive roller drives the belt to feed the ribbon.