Abstract: A printing system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a server, and a plurality of client terminals. The client terminal displays a setting screen for a user to select, as a print mode, one of a first print mode in which user authentication is not required and a second print mode in which the user authentication is required. When the second print mode is selected as the print mode, the user terminal transmits to the server information related to the user, a print instruction in accordance with the second print mode, and the print job. The server determines whether the user has authority to perform printing in the second print mode. When the user is determined to have the authority, the server transmits the print instruction and the print job to the particular image forming apparatus registered for that user.

Abstract: A printing system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a server, and a plurality of client terminals. The client terminal displays a setting screen for a user to select, as a print mode, one of a first print mode in which user authentication is not required and a second print mode in which the user authentication is required. When the second print mode is selected as the print mode, the user terminal transmits to the server information related to the user, a print instruction in accordance with the second print mode, and the print job. The server determines whether the user has authority to perform printing in the second print mode. When the user is determined to have the authority, the server transmits the print instruction and the print job to the particular image forming apparatus registered for that user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a digital multi-function peripheral comprises an interface, a data storage section, a memory and a processor. The interface connects an external memory device. The processor holds the authentication information of a user who connects the external memory device, generates a hash value from the information containing the authentication information of the user who connects the external memory device in a case where the state of connection of the external memory device with the interface meets a data saving condition, stores the data obtained by encrypting the data in the external memory device using the generated hash value in the data storage section, and erases the data in the external memory device.

Abstract: A printing system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a server, and a plurality of client terminals. The client terminal displays a setting screen for a user to select, as a print mode, one of a first print mode in which user authentication is not required and a second print mode in which the user authentication is required. When the second print mode is selected as the print mode, the user terminal transmits to the server information related to the user, a print instruction in accordance with the second print mode, and the print job. The server determines whether the user has authority to perform printing in the second print mode. When the user is determined to have the authority, the server transmits the print instruction and the print job to the particular image forming apparatus registered for that user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a digital multi-function peripheral comprises an interface, a data storage section, a memory and a processor. The interface connects an external memory device. The processor holds the authentication information of a user who connects the external memory device, generates a hash value from the information containing the authentication information of the user who connects the external memory device in a case where the state of connection of the external memory device with the interface meets a data saving condition, stores the data obtained by encrypting the data in the external memory device using the generated hash value in the data storage section, and erases the data in the external memory device.

Abstract: In an exhaust mechanism of the present invention, an upper surface of a part of a main body case in which exhaust ports are formed is formed into a curved or inclined shape, so that no object can be placed thereon, and therefore, there can be provided an image forming apparatus wherein the exhaust ports are not closed, whereby a constant exhaust efficiency can be maintained, a higher exhaust efficiency can be realized, and safety is improved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that allows easy implementation of options or other extensions to a multi-functional peripheral or the like is provided, together with a function extension program for use in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads a predetermined function program from a storage section storing at least one function program on which usage restrictions have previously been placed and enables the read function program. It is detected whether or not a cancellation device (2, 3 or 4) that cancels the usage restrictions on the at least one function program is connected to a hot-pluggable connecting terminal. Cancellation information is read from the cancellation device when the cancellation device is detected being connected to the connecting terminal. The usage restrictions on the at least one function program are canceled according to the read cancellation information.

Abstract: In an exhaust mechanism of the present invention, an upper surface of a part of a main body case in which exhaust ports are formed is formed into a curved or inclined shape, so that no object can be placed thereon, and therefore, there can be provided an image forming apparatus wherein the exhaust ports are not closed, whereby a constant exhaust efficiency can be maintained, a higher exhaust efficiency can be realized, and safety is improved.

Abstract: In an exhaust mechanism of the present invention, an upper surface of a part of a main body case in which exhaust ports are formed is formed into a curved or inclined shape, so that no object can be placed thereon, and therefore, there can be provided an image forming apparatus wherein the exhaust ports are not closed, whereby a constant exhaust efficiency can be maintained, a higher exhaust efficiency can be realized, and safety is improved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that allows easy implementation of options or other extensions to a multi-functional peripheral or the like is provided, together with a function extension program for use in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads a predetermined function program from a storage section storing at least one function program on which usage restrictions have previously been placed and enables the read function program. It is detected whether or not a cancellation device (2, 3 or 4) that cancels the usage restrictions on the at least one function program is connected to a hot-pluggable connecting terminal. Cancellation information is read from the cancellation device when the cancellation device is detected being connected to the connecting terminal. The usage restrictions on the at least one function program are canceled according to the read cancellation information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that allows easy implementation of options or other extensions to a multi-functional peripheral or the like is provided, together with a function extension program for use in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads a predetermined function program from a storage section storing at least one function program on which usage restrictions have previously been placed and enables the read function program. It is detected whether or not a cancellation device (2, 3 or 4) that cancels the usage restrictions on the at least one function program is connected to a hot-pluggable connecting terminal. Cancellation information is read from the cancellation device when the cancellation device is detected being connected to the connecting terminal. The usage restrictions on the at least one function program are canceled according to the read cancellation information.

Abstract: In an exhaust mechanism of the present invention, an upper surface of a part of a main body case in which exhaust ports are formed is formed into a curved or inclined shape, so that no object can be placed thereon, and therefore, there can be provided an image forming apparatus wherein the exhaust ports are not closed, whereby a constant exhaust efficiency can be maintained, a higher exhaust efficiency can be realized, and safety is improved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that allows easy implementation of options or other extensions to a multi-functional peripheral or the like is provided, together with a function extension program for use in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads a predetermined function program from a storage section storing at least one function program on which usage restrictions have previously been placed and enables the read function program. It is detected whether or not a cancellation device (2, 3 or 4) that cancels the usage restrictions on the at least one function program is connected to a hot-pluggable connecting terminal. Cancellation information is read from the cancellation device when the cancellation device is detected being connected to the connecting terminal. The usage restrictions on the at least one function program are canceled according to the read cancellation information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of continuous casting with the use of a mold oscillating system adapted to oscillate a casting mold supported by a oscillating frame, the method including oscillating the mold by applying vibration at a preselected frequency higher than the natural frequency of the oscillating system; and increasing the amplitude of applied oscillation to a value in a range as determined by the ratio of a length of time of a downward movement period of the mold to a time length in which the speed of the mold exceeds the casting speed during the downward period. Preferably the preselected frequency of applied oscillation of the mold is approximately 1.5 times higher than the natural frequency of the oscillating frame.