Abstract: Disclosed are an inspection system and method through which the actual operation of an image processing apparatus can be dealt with satisfactorily, and in which the image processing apparatus can be inspected in a short period of time. A work station sends part of a control program, which has been stored in a hard disk, to an interface. In accordance with the control program, the interface sets the operating mode and an inspection image processing area of an item under inspection and requests the work station for test image data to be inputted to the item under inspection. From plural items of image data that have been stored in the hard disk, the work station loads image data requested by the interface, as well as reference data corresponding to this image data, to the interface and a reference-data memory. The interface inputs this test image data to the item under inspection and sends image data, which has been outputted by the item under inspection, to the work station.

Abstract: A structure of an image forming apparatus has first and a second side members and a holding member for supporting an optical unit. The holding member has a nearly perpendicularly bent portion on at least one edge of the holding member and a connecting portion, extended from the base of the bent portion, for connecting the first and second side members. Further, the first and second side members have openings into which the connecting portion of the holding member is inserted and elastic portions for pressing the inserted connecting portion against the openings. The holding member is aligned in its place at reference positions of the openings of the first and second side members by inserting the connecting portion of the holding member into the openings of the first and second side members.