Patents by Inventor Kazuo Inui

Kazuo Inui has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20060221355
    Abstract: A user interface which displays information regarding a job registered in an image forming apparatus comprises a job information acquisition unit which acquires information regarding the job, an editing function selection unit which acquires selection of an editing function to the information regarding the job by a user, a job information editing unit which carries out the selected editing function to the information regarding the job, limiting the editing of a predetermined item of the information regarding the job, and a job information display unit which displays the edited job information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Kimie Mishima, Yoshiki Tokimoto
  • Publication number: 20050273620
    Abstract: A multifunction device includes a storage controlling portion for causing document data, which are to be given by a user who has logged in to a different user, to be stored in a box owned by the different user, and an access authority setting portion for granting an access authority to make access to the document data, to both of the users in the event that the document data are stored in the box and, also, for erasing the access authority, which has been granted to the user, when the user logs out. Thus, in the event that the user stores the data such as document data or the like in the box other than his or her personal box, the user can be permitted to make access to the data, while the owner of such box is warranted a high security and conveniences of data management are ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawabata, Hisashi Uchida, Kiyoshi Emori, Kazuo Inui
  • Publication number: 20050198330
    Abstract: A data management server that can prevent data stored in a user's folder on the server from being used by others when the user is not working, even in a client-server network environment. The data management server that manages data that can be used by multiple terminal devices, and constitutes a storage device in which separate storage areas are allocated for each user. A determination unit determines which of the terminal devices is in a state in which it is able to access the data management server. When a terminal device issues a request to access a separate storage area of the storage device, if it is determined by the determination unit that the terminal device of a user associated with the separate storage area is in a state in which it can access the data management server, an access management unit permits the requesting terminal device to access the data stored in the separate storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawabata, Kazuo Inui, Hisashi Uchida, Kiyoshi Emori, Daisetsu Tohyama
  • Publication number: 20050044246
    Abstract: A data management server that, even in a client-server network environment, can prevent data stored in a user's folder on the server from being used by others when the user is not working.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawabata, Kazuo Inui, Hisashi Uchida, Kiyoshi Emori
  • Patent number: 6859290
    Abstract: A digital copier has a memory for storage of image data, reads image data and stores the image data in the memory, and prints an image depending on the image data stored in the memory. The digital copier can also register a plurality of jobs. Based on a registered job an image is printed. Then, based on the subsequent job an image is printed. When an image data corresponding to a new job cannot be stored in the memory, the digital copier effects the process for calculation of job execution time, a process of calculating a free memory capacity, and a process of calculating the time required for obtaining a timing at which a free memory space is provided, to display the time at which the image data corresponding to the new job can be stored. Thus, a digital copier can be provided allowing the user to form images efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Mishima, Yoshikazu Ikenoue, Kazuo Inui
  • Publication number: 20030217178
    Abstract: A data sending apparatus, on sending data to a receiving apparatus, searches its storage for a transmission method to the receiving apparatus. After sending data to the receiving apparatus, the sending apparatus receives from the receiving apparatus a transmission result including a transmission condition and capabilities of the receiving apparatus. When an error occurs during the data transmission, the sending apparatus reads the communication and processing capabilities of the receiving apparatus from the transmission result, and resends the data by a transmission method in accordance with the receiving apparatus. It then acquires the transmission result and stores the same in the storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonari Yoshimura, Kazuo Inui, Hiroyuki Ideyama
  • Publication number: 20030164970
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus has a first controller which specifies an output mode for image data to be processed and a second controller which determines whether the image data is stored in a memory or not based on the output mode specified by the first controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: MINOLTA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Hiroyuki Ideyama, Tomonari Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20030131083
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus, a management system and a computer program product are disclosed that enable firmware that controls operations of the image processing apparatus to be updated appropriately, even when, for example, an initial setting in the image processing apparatus has been changed. Firmware in the image processing apparatus is stored in a rewritable storage device such as a flash ROM, and is updated by transmitting a new firmware to the image processing apparatus and rewriting the contents of the storage device. The new firmware is transmitted together with a control program (including script) that describes processing to be executed in the image processing apparatus before and/or after updating the firmware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Atsushi Tomita, Yoshikazu Ikenoue
  • Patent number: 6577822
    Abstract: In a printer in a system comprising multiple printers connected to a LAN, the service technician executes certain diagnostic adjustment through the operation of keys on the operation unit. When this is done, the controller of the printer generates a script that describes that the same service as indicated via the key input by the service technician in this diagnostic adjustment episode should be executed. The generated script is sent to the other printers. Each printer that receives the script automatically executes diagnostic adjustment based on the description of the script. As a result, the same diagnostic adjustment tasks as those executed regarding the printer from which the script was received is performed on each printer that received the script.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Atsushi Tomita, Yoshikazu Ikenoue
  • Publication number: 20030049034
    Abstract: In a printer in a system comprising multiple printers connected to a LAN, the service technician executes certain diagnostic adjustment through the operation of keys on the operation unit. When this is done, the controller of the printer generates a script that describes that the same service as indicated via the key input by the service technician in this diagnostic adjustment episode should be executed. The generated script is sent to the other printers. Each printer that receives the script automatically executes diagnostic adjustment based on the description of the script. As a result, the same diagnostic adjustment tasks as those executed regarding the printer from which the script was received is performed on each printer that received the script.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Atsushi Tomita, Yoshikazu Ikenoue
  • Publication number: 20020118376
    Abstract: A digital copier has a memory for storage of image data, reads image data and stores the image data in the memory, and prints an image depending on the image data stored in the memory. The digital copier can also register a plurality of jobs. Based on a registered job an image is printed. Then, based on the subsequent job an image is printed. When an image data corresponding to a new job cannot be stored in the memory, the digital copier effects the process for calculation of job execution time, a process of calculating a free memory capacity, and a process of calculating the time required for obtaining a timing at which a free memory space is provided, to display the time at which the image data corresponding to the new job can be stored. Thus, a digital copier can be provided allowing the user to form images efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: MINOLTA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Mishima, Yoshikazu Ikenoue, Kazuo Inui
  • Patent number: 6295389
    Abstract: In a copy machine which is one type of an image forming apparatus, a job out of a plurality of jobs to be displayed on a display is selected according to a state of the copy machine and an operation towards the copy machine. When the copy machine is currently carrying out an operation, either a print operation or a read operation is selected with the read operation having a higher priority. When an error occurs resulting in of the copy machine being halted, the job causing the error is selected. When the copy machine currently attains a stop state, a predetermined setting carried out by the operator with respect to the copy machine is selected. The selected job is displayed on the display as the current job which is a job of the operator. Since the operator can identify the contents of the job according to the state of the copy machine, an image forming apparatus with a multi-job function is provided that can be easily handled by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Junko Natsume, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6249658
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus such as digital copying machine can perform an operation to read the original document by an image reader and an operation to output image data stored in an image memory by a printer, independently of each other. A first timer measures a period of time that has elapsed since the suspension of reading of the original document by the image reader. A second timer measures a period of time that has elapsed since the suspension of output of image data stored in the image by the printer. The timers running independently of each other. Therefore even when one of the processes is continuing, if the other process is suspended due to either intentional discontinuation or an error, this other process may be cleared. As a result, an operator who wishes to input a job to the digital copying machine can learn the current status of each job residing in the digital copying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Junko Takuwa, Hiroshi Sumiyama
  • Patent number: 6078404
    Abstract: A copy machine can store image data corresponding to a plurality of original groups. The user can carry out an editing process such as confirmation, erasure, and modification, and the like on the stored image data. A control unit of the copy machine provides control so that, when printing of a previous job has ended, and the mode to confirm, erase or modify the image data of a registered original group is not selected, printing of a next job is initiated if there is a job to be printed out. When the edit mode is selected, the control returns to the main routine. Therefore, printing of a job subsequent to the job that has been ended will not be initiated. Thus, a copy machine can be provided that can appropriately process image data of a registered original group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Natsume, Hiroshi Yamada, Kazuo Inui
  • Patent number: 6029026
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of performing a plurality of processes for a sheet provided with an image such as stapling and punching. When two different processes are set together, the image forming apparatus displays a particular screen for making a user select positions for these processes. Thus, the incidence of setting errors can be reduced when the user sets the two processes in combination with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Natsume, Hiroshi Yamada, Kazuo Inui
  • Patent number: 6027107
    Abstract: A user sets a function of corner stapling, two-point stapling or punching on an operation panel of a copying machine, as a process for a paper after copying. Then, the copying machine determines whether or not a function of folding the paper after copying is set, for setting a position for corner stapling, two-point stapling or punching on a portion suitable for each folding method. The user can set the paper folding function and the stapling or punching function in a combined manner, and the facility of the copying machine is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Natsume, Hiroshi Yamada, Kazuo Inui
  • Patent number: 6014528
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of simultaneously performing an image forming operation of a first job and an image reading operation of a second job wherein the jobs comprise a plurality of sheets. The apparatus has a controller which continues the image reading operation of the second job even when the image forming operation of the first job is stopped, and prohibits the start of an image reading operation of a third job different from said first and second job when the image reading operation of said second job ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Natsume, Kazuo Inui, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5995779
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine which is capable of multi print job is disclosed, the image forming apparatus stores identification information of the recording sheet tray selected by a selection means for each registered print job in memory for each print job. When a recording sheet tray for a new print job is selected, selection of the recording sheet tray for the registered print job stored in memory is inhibited or a notice will be issued. Thereby, the recording sheet tray selected for the preceding print job will not be selected for the subsequent print job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Minolta Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Junko Natsume, Hiroshi Sumiyama, Kazuo Inui
  • Patent number: 5978619
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of controlling the conditions of use for each user by employing a user ID code and supplying identical images to multiple users by means of a simple operation, the image forming apparatus provided with a code input unit for inputting user ID codes, a number input unit for inputting the number of images to be formed for each user ID code, a processing unit for summing up the input number of images for each user ID code and setting the summed number as the number of images to be formed, and an image forming unit for forming images based on the set number of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Kato, Kazuo Inui, Tatsuji Nozawa
  • Patent number: 5878302
    Abstract: A copying machine according to the present invention having a multi-job function can perform processing to a current job and a sub job, and errors are divided into two stages. If a high level error occurs in a job processed as the sub job, the job is switched to the current job, and the error is widely displayed on the entire display portion. If a low level error occurs in a job processed as the sub job, the error is displayed in a small sub job display portion in the display. As a result, the user can be accurately informed of an error occurring in the sub job in the copying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inui, Hiroshi Yamada, Junko Natsume