Abstract: An information processing apparatus determines whether an authentication portion on an image forming apparatus side can authenticate user authentication information input on the information processing apparatus side. If it is determined that the authentication portion on the image forming apparatus side can authenticate the user authentication information input on the information processing apparatus side, transmission of image data from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus is controlled.

Abstract: A plurality of subsystems having diverse individual functions can be connected to an image forming apparatus. Each of the subsystems is made up of, for example, plural kinds of units which are different in performance from each other. Each of the units has inherent information related to the performance, and decides the operation specification of the entire image forming apparatus according to the combination of those units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a configuration in which a plurality of subsystems, each having a specific function, are interchangeably connected to a base platform. Each of the subsystems includes a plurality of units having a variety of different performances. A control unit is capable of control each of the subsystems so that the image forming apparatus flexibly provides functions that are tailored to individual users' requirements.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a position detection circuit which detects the registration error amount between a recording medium conveyance unit and an image forming unit positioned by a positioning mechanism, on the basis of reading of a reference pattern arranged on either unit, and a controller which calculates a correction amount on the basis of the detected registration error amount and controls the operation timings of the image forming unit and recording medium conveyance unit in accordance with the correction amount.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a position detection circuit which detects the registration error amount between a recording medium conveyance unit and an image forming unit positioned by a positioning mechanism, on the basis of reading of a reference pattern arranged on either unit, and a controller which calculates a correction amount on the basis of the detected registration error amount and controls the operation timings of the image forming unit and recording medium conveyance unit in accordance with the correction amount.

Abstract: A plurality of subsystems having diverse individual functions can be connected to an image forming apparatus. Each of the subsystems is made up of, for example, plural kinds of units which are different in performance from each other. Each of the units has inherent information related to the performance, and decides the operation specification of the entire image forming apparatus according to the combination of those units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a configuration in which a plurality of subsystems, each having a specific function, are interchangeably connected to a base platform. Each of the subsystems includes a plurality of units having a variety of different performances. A control unit is capable of control each of the subsystems so that the image forming apparatus flexibly provides functions that are tailored to individual users' requirements.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus in which print data is inputted, whether or not authentication information has been added to the print data is discriminated, and an output destination of the print data is controlled on the basis of the discrimination result, thereby making it possible to prevent the print data from being sent to an image output apparatus of a low security level.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus determines whether an authentication portion on an image forming apparatus side can authenticate user authentication information input on the information processing apparatus side. If it is determined that the authentication portion on the image forming apparatus side can authenticate the user authentication information input on the information processing apparatus side, transmission of image data from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus is controlled.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a magnetic field generator that generates an alternating magnetic field, a rotatable member disposed in the alternating magnetic field and capable of generating heat by electromagnetic induction, a temperature detector that detects a temperature of the rotatable member, a comparator that compares the detected temperature to a target temperature: and a controller that controls electric energy supply to the magnetic field generator based on detected temperatures of different positions of the rotatable member.

Abstract: Image data is stored into an image memory, then an image processing unit performs image processing on the image data stored in the image memory and generates information on a predicted amount of developer consumed in image formation, based on the image data resulted from the image processing. A printer forms an image by using the developer based on the processed image data, thereafter, the developer is supplied in correspondence with the information on the predicted consumption amount of the developer. Thus, primary image processing functions can be integrated on an image processing board, and the developer consumption amount can be predicted by the image processing board based on the image data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a recording element array including plural recording elements, an image forming section for causing a relative movement between the recording element array and a recording medium, thereby to form an image, and a drive section for driving the recording element array based on image data. A duty control unit varies the recording duty of the recording elements according to the relative movement speed between the recording element array and the recording medium.

Abstract: Image data is stored into an image memory, then an image processing unit performs image processing on the image data stored in the image memory and generates information on a predicted amount of developer consumed in image formation, based on the image data resulted from the image processing. A printer forms an image by using the developer based on the processed image data, thereafter, the developer is supplied in correspondence with the information on the predicted consumption amount of the developer. Thus, primary image processing functions can be integrated on an image processing board, and the developer consumption amount can be predicted by the image processing board based on the image data.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes magnetic field generating means for generating an alternating magnetic field; a rotatable member disposed in the alternating magnetic field and capable or generating heat by electromagnetic induction; temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of of the rotatable member; and control means for controlling electric energy supply to set magnetic field generating means of the basis of the temperatures detected by the temperature detecting means at positions, which are different in a rotational direction, of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A unit connector for electrical connection with a main assembly connector provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes memory for storing information; a memory connecting portion for electrical connection with said memory when said unit connector is mounted to a unit; an electrical part connecting portion for electrical connection with an electrical part of the unit when said unit connector is mounted to the unit; and a connector connecting portion for electrical connection with the main assembly connector of said apparatus.

Abstract: A vibration control device of a vibration type motor stops motor driving when the actual driving speed, does not come close to a target speed though the frequency of a driving periodic signal is feedback-controlled to the target speed, to prevent an error when the driving circuit fails.

Abstract: A unit connector for electrical connection with a main assembly connector provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes memory for storing information; a memory connecting portion for electrical connection with said memory when said unit connector is mounted to a unit; an electrical part connecting portion for electrical connection with an electrical part of the unit when said unit connector is mounted to the unit; and a connector connecting portion for electrical connection with the main assembly connector of said apparatus.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus which records an image on a recording medium is provided. The apparatus has a recording element array head on which plural recording chips are arranged, plural recording elements being arrayed on the recording chip, a reference clock generation unit for generating a reference clock, a main scan sync signal generation unit for generating a main scan sync signal by dividing the reference clock into 2n1 (n1: positive number) parts, an input unit for raster inputting image data for one line in synchronism with the main scan sync signal, a drive clock generation unit for generating a drive clock by dividing the reference clock into 2n2 (n2: positive number) parts and a drive unit for driving the recording chips in synchronism with the drive clock.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first detection unit for detecting an edge of an input image on the basis of an input image signal, a second detection unit for detecting a screen portion of the input image on the basis of the input image signal, a processing unit for executing processing of the input image signal according to detection results of the first and second detection units, and a setting unit for setting detection modes of the first and second detection units.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method includes a device for judging the degree of color or lack of color of an input color image signal, judging dot areas in input color image signal and controlling a spacial filter or a density conversion device for processing the input image signal according to a judgment by the first and second judging results, the spacial filter or the density conversion device being controlled according to the judgment by the first and second judging results, wherein the image processing also includes the ability to independently set sharpness of each of a plurality of color component signals.