Abstract: An operation-definition-file creating apparatus includes a setting data file in which setting data of a setting item that is to be set in an MFP is defined. A creating unit creates, on the basis of the setting data, an operation definition file in which an operation for reflecting the setting data in the MFP is described and a saving unit saves the created operation definition file in an external storage medium.

Abstract: An operation-definition-file creating apparatus includes a setting data file in which setting data of a setting item that is to be set in an MFP is defined. A creating unit creates, on the basis of the setting data, an operation definition file in which an operation for reflecting the setting data in the MFP is described and a saving unit saves the created operation definition file in an external storage medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a failure prediction unit, an image identification unit, a simulated-image generating unit, and an output unit. The failure prediction unit prepares an index value indicating a condition of the image forming apparatus based on multidimensional signal, obtained by monitoring the image forming apparatus, and compares the index value with a first threshold value to predict a failure mode of the image forming apparatus. The image identification unit identifies types of abnormal images based on the failure mode predicted by the failure prediction unit. An identified abnormal image is predicted to be appear a given time later. The simulated-image generating unit generates a simulated image of the identified abnormal image. The output unit outputs the identified abnormal image as the simulated image.

Abstract: A communication system, and a method of managing the communication system are provided, each of which allows an apparatus in the communication system is replaced in a timely manner when an error is detected in the apparatus.

Abstract: A data storing unit stores therein first data that includes replaceable data and can be printed by a printing unit or generate print data to be printed. A map-information storing unit stores therein data identification information for identifying the replaceable data and its position in the first data in association with each other. A replacement-data obtaining unit obtains the data identification information and replacement data for replacing the replaceable data. A data generating unit generates second data in which the replaceable data is replaced with the replacement data at the position corresponding to the data identification information.

Abstract: An operation request accepting apparatus is provided with a reading part to read from a detachable recording medium setting information that is used when a remote end sends an operation request with respect to the operation request accepting apparatus, and an accepting part having an essential setting that does not accept the operation request from the remote end if the setting information is non-readable from the recording medium.

Abstract: An operation-definition-file creating apparatus includes a setting data file in which setting data of a setting item that is to be set in an MFP is defined. A creating unit creates, on the basis of the setting data, an operation definition file in which an operation for reflecting the setting data in the MFP is described and a saving unit saves the created operation definition file in an external storage medium.

Abstract: A data storing unit stores therein first data that includes replaceable data and can be printed by a printing unit or generate print data to be printed. A map-information storing unit stores therein data identification information for identifying the replaceable data and its position in the first data in association with each other. A replacement-data obtaining unit obtains the data identification information and replacement data for replacing the replaceable data. A data generating unit generates second data in which the replaceable data is replaced with the replacement data at the position corresponding to the data identification information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a failure prediction unit, an image identification unit, a simulated-image generating unit, and an output unit. The failure prediction unit prepares an index value indicating a condition of the image forming apparatus based on multidimensional signal, obtained by monitoring the image forming apparatus, and compares the index value with a first threshold value to predict a failure mode of the image forming apparatus. The image identification unit identifies types of abnormal images based on the failure mode predicted by the failure prediction unit. An identified abnormal image is predicted to be appear a given time later. The simulated-image generating unit generates a simulated image of the identified abnormal image. The output unit outputs the identified abnormal image as the simulated image.

Abstract: A communication system, and a method of managing the communication system are provided, each of which allows an apparatus in the communication system is replaced in a timely manner when an error is detected in the apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus effectively reduces its maintenance cost and prevents a failure of the image forming apparatus in a period of busy use by the user, which includes a failure prediction distinction device configured to predict a failure based on an internal state signal, a maintenance time determination device configured to determine a time when maintenance is needed based on the internal state signal, and a maintenance need distinction device configured to distinguish whether or not maintenance is needed based on a result from the failure prediction distinction device at the maintenance time determined by the maintenance time determination device.

Abstract: An operation request accepting apparatus is provided with a reading part to read from a detachable recording medium setting information that is used when a remote end sends an operation request with respect to the operation request accepting apparatus, and an accepting part having an essential setting that does not accept the operation request from the remote end if the setting information is non-readable from the recording medium.