Abstract: The invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, for printing an image based on image data, capable of deleting data unnecessary for the user, thereby effectively utilizing limited memory area. The invention provides an image forming apparatus for printing an image based on image data, including a memory unit for memorizing the image data; a determination unit for determining a category of the image data; and a selection unit for selecting whether to erase or to store the image data after being printed, according to a result of determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing system in which a management server, a host computer, and a printer are connected via a network, and said host computer prints image data received from said management server based on a printing parameter indicating a printing condition set by a user using said printer, wherein said host computer receives image data appended with a visible digital watermark from said management server, detects a printing parameter set in said printer, collates the detected printing parameter with a limited parameter which is set in advance for the image data, and removes the visible digital watermark from the image data in accordance with the collation result.

Abstract: An image input apparatus reliably detects occurrence of an error in the receiving of a plurality of image signals for obtaining a high-resolution still image, and prevents time loss caused by meaningless processing in a later stage of processing. By performing pixel shifting control of a lens unit by a lens control unit, a plurality of image signals are produced from an image of an object by an image pickup unit, and are stored in a memory unit. Thereafter, the lens unit is returned to its original position. A calculation unit compares an image signal produced again at that time with the image signal stored in the memory unit, and an invalidity determination unit determines validity/invalidity of the stored image signals. When it has been determined that the stored image signals are invalid, the data stored in the memory unit is cancelled. A plurality of image signals are reinput from the image pickup unit and are stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: A table generator generates a mask table for outputting print data corresponding to each of a plurality of scanning operations. A mask processing unit changes the contents of the generated mask table on the basis of a non-discharge orifice among a plurality of orifices. Print data corresponding to the plurality of orifices in each of a plurality of scanning operations is output based on image information about an image to be printed using the generated or changed mask table.

Abstract: A table generator generates a mask table for outputting print data corresponding to each of a plurality of scanning operations. A mask processing unit changes the contents of the generated mask table on the basis of a non-discharge orifice among a plurality of orifices. Print data corresponding to the plurality of orifices in each of a plurality of scanning operations is output based on image information about an image to be printed using the generated or changed mask table.

Abstract: An image input apparatus reliably detects occurrence of an error in the receiving of a plurality of image signals for obtaining a high-resolution still image, and prevents time loss caused by meaningless processing in a later stage of processing. By performing pixel shifting control of a lens unit by a lens control unit, a plurality of image signals are produced from an image of an object by an image pickup unit, and are stored in a memory unit. Thereafter, the lens unit is returned to its original position. A calculation unit compares an image signal produced again at that time with the image signal stored in the memory unit, and an invalidity determination unit determines validity/invalidity of the stored image signals. When it has been determined that the stored image signals are invalid, the data stored in the memory unit is cancelled. A plurality of image signals are reinput from the image pickup unit and are stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: A printing apparatus acquires image characteristic information about the image characteristics of input image information. The printer apparatus includes a first printhead having ink orifices which are arranged in the printing medium convey direction and correspond to the types of inks used for printing, and a second printhead having ink orifices which are laid out symmetrically to the ink orifices of the first printhead. A multipath/double-head data generator distributes print dots based on the input image information to first and second print dots on the basis of the image characteristic information. A first printhead controller controls multipath printing of the first printhead in accordance with the first print dots. A second printhead controller controls multipath printing of the second printhead in accordance with the second print dots.

Abstract: In a communication system having a plurality of communication terminals connected by a communication circuit in the form of a loop or a bus, data circulated through the communication circuit has a multi-frame structure having a multiplicity of frames in which data fields are assigned to the terminals, and the circulated data is relayed and updated. If all data generated by the terminals is circulated through the communication circuit, each terminal may receive data generated from itself, which is essentially meaningless for the terminal. Data which has become essentially meaningless is deleted during communication to prevent such meaningless data from always occupying a part of the communication circuit to reduce the communication speed and the efficiency of utilization of the communication circuit.

Abstract: A multi-point communication system comprising a communication terminal station apparatus which is connected to a communication line constructing a loop and includes a recognition unit to recognize connection formations of other plurality of communication terminal stations for the loop constructed by the communication line, a separation unit to separate reception information inputted in correspondence to the other enclosed communication terminal stations, a determination unit to determine whether each of the separation reception information separated by the separation unit is relayed and transmitted or not on the basis of each of the terminal connection formations recognized by the recognition unit, and a transmission unit to relay and transmit the separation reception information on the basis of the determination unit, and the communication line constructing the loop to which a plurality of such terminal station apparatuses are connected.