Abstract: Copy discouraging information which is used for prohibiting or discouraging copying of image information is formed so that it can be positively recognized by a copy machine. The copy discouraging information which is used for prohibiting or discouraging copying is printed so that the number, position and shape of the items of the copy discouraging information are made different depending upon the importance degree of the image information to be printed. If the image information has, for example, a relatively higher importance degree, a plurality of items of the copy discouraging information are printed in the inner sides and in the vicinity of four sides of recording paper. When someone tries to copy this recording paper by the copy machine, presence of the copy discouraging information can be immediately recognized in the copy machine regardless of the scanning direction.

Abstract: When a user transmits data from a PC to the outside, log information can be accumulated in a composite machine connected via network to the PC and an unnecessary data outflow due to the data transmission can be prevented. In the PC, a transmission acceptance portion accepts from a user an operation for transmitting data to the outside of network and a data transfer portion transfers outside transmission data defined as a transmission target by the transmission acceptance portion to the composite machine via the network without transmitting directly to the outside. In the image forming apparatus (composite machine, etc.), a data reception portion receives the outside transmission data transmitted from the PC via the network, which are transmitted to the outside by a data transmission portion, and a log accumulation portion accumulates log information of the outside transmission data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention carries out an image processing with respect to a sheet size based on a print request and image information based on the print request, so as to obtain a write image on a photoreceptor. On the basis of a printing ratio of the write image obtained by the image processing, the image forming apparatus predicts the occurrence of an image elongation. If the image forming apparatus predicts that the image elongation occurs, the image forming apparatus calculates a bending amount of a bended portion on the basis of the difference between the peripheral velocity of a photoreceptor and the peripheral velocity of the idle roller, and the image forming apparatus variably controls the peripheral velocity of an idle roller so that the bending amount calculated is adjusted so as not to cause a slip phenomenon.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to determine, when installing a program in a terminal through the Internet, whether the program is operable or not, and notify the result of the determination to the terminal. In a system of the present invention, the operating environment of an image forming apparatus is determined, a program list showing programs operable in the operating environment is generated at a server, and the program list is supplied to the image forming apparatus. A program selected from the program list is requested from the server, and then the program is supplied from the server to the image forming apparatus. That is, a program is selected from a list of programs determined operable in the operating environment of the image forming apparatus, and is supplied to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an image forming apparatus capable of effectively preventing the formation of images related to illegal conducts by making provisions so that, even in situations where images can be formed based on image data outputted from any arbitrary image output apparatus, the image output apparatus which outputted the image data can be identified without fail. When image data is inputted from a portable image output apparatus, first it is checked whether identification information has been inputted together with the image data, then an image of an identification pattern is created, and image formation is performed based on image data obtained by attaching the image data of the identification pattern to the input image data.

Abstract: An image transmission device, which is connected to such external devices as a facsimile, etc., via a public line and a computer network and can be operated in accordance with a request for image data transmission from the external device, includes a scanning section for scanning a document image and generating image data, a fax sending/receiving section for sending the image data to the external device by the request of the external device, a specific document judging section for judging whether or not the image data generated in the scanning section is that of a specific document, and a control section for controlling transmission of the image data by the fax sending/receiving section according to a result of judgment by the specific document judging section, thereby preventing the forgery of a specific document that is enabled by obtaining the image data of such specific documents as paper money, valuable securities, etc.

Abstract: When an instruction to execute an image processing from a user is accepted through an operation panel, a control section temporarily stores image data read from an original or externally received image data in an HDD, and then, outputs processing information related to the image processing based on the accepted execution instruction and the image data stored in the HDD from a communication section to a server apparatus as historical data. When an obtaining completion signal representative of the completion of obtaining of the historical data is obtained from the server apparatus through the communication section, the control section performs the image processing on the image data stored in the HDD according to the accepted execution instruction. Then, the control section erases the image data subjected to the processing from the HDD.

Abstract: There are at least four patterns of mounting the original on which an original image including a predetermined image marking “SECRET” indicating the content is confidential information, in an original mounting unit such as an ADF. The image processing apparatus generates image data expressing the image depending on the original mounted state, and four pattern images are obtained depending on the direction of mounting the original. Of the plural original mounted states corresponding to plural layout states such as position or direction of the predetermined image, the predetermined mounted state of the original permitting image processing is preliminarily noticed to an authorized user, and image processing is prohibited when the layout state of the predetermined image corresponding to other mounted state than the predetermined mounted state is given, so that image processing by unauthorized user can be prevented.

Abstract: When preparing print data by a personal computer, identification data corresponding to the print data is also prepared. The print data is transmitted via a network to a printer, and the identification data is transmitted to a portable phone by wireless, and stored in a memory in the portable phone. When a user approaches the printer carrying the portable phone, the identification data is transmitted to the printer by wireless. The printer carries out image output processing based on the print data corresponding to the received identification data. Thus, in a control system for an electronic device such as an image output device, operation control can be conducted by each print job, and by such operation control, the whole system including an electronic device and data preparation means such as a personal computer can be controlled more efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an image forming apparatus capable of effectively preventing the formation of images related to illegal conducts by making provisions so that, even in situations where images can be formed based on image data outputted from any arbitrary image output apparatus, the image output apparatus which outputted the image data can be identified without fail. When image data is inputted from a portable image output apparatus, first it is checked whether identification information has been inputted together with the image data, then an image of an identification pattern is created, and image formation is performed based on image data obtained by attaching the image data of the identification pattern to the input image data.

Abstract: An information transmitting apparatus includes: a job status management unit (e.g., a controller made up of a micro computer and other components) for managing the job statuses of transmitting information of the first and second information transmitting devices (e.g., a facsimile unit and e-mail facsimile unit); a display unit (display portion) for displaying the transmission status of jobs in each information transmitting device managed by the job status management unit; and a display controller (e.g., a controller made up of a micro computer and other components) for determining, based on the destination designated by a destination designating device (operation control portion), which transmission status of jobs of the first or second information transmitting device should be displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to allow secure identification of an image forming apparatus from an image on a recording medium on which the black image has been formed, thereby preventing leakage of secret information on the black image securely. A driving roller, a tensioning roller and a supporting member are supported to a frame so as to be movable in upward and downward directions, and a portion spacing mechanism moving an elevating rod in upward and downward directions by rotation of a motor is provided. At a time of the black-image forming process, the driving roller, the tensioning roller and the supporting member are moved downward by the portion spacing mechanism, a transfer conveying belt and transferring devices are spaced from photosensitive drums included in image forming stations for forming magenta and cyan images, and only the image forming process regarding a black image and an image of identification information obtained at image forming stations are made effective.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an image forming apparatus capable of effectively preventing the formation of images related to illegal conducts by making provisions so that, even in situations where images can be formed based on image data outputted from any arbitrary image output apparatus, the image output apparatus which outputted the image data can be identified without fail. When image data is inputted from a portable image output apparatus, first it is checked whether identification information has been inputted together with the image data, then an image of an identification pattern is created, and image formation is performed based on image data obtained by attaching the image data of the identification pattern to the input image data.

Abstract: An image output processing apparatus, which temporarily stores inputted image data and thereafter reads out the same to output images on sheets of paper, includes a CPU which (i) divides inputted image data into a plurality of blocks under predetermined conditions in an order in which the image data are inputted, so that one block has an amount of image data not exceeding a capacity of the storing means, (ii) when the storing of image data of one block in the storing means is finished, reads out the temporarily stored image data from the storing means, outputs the image data of the block so that a set number of copies of the images are obtained, and makes the storing means free, and (iii) thereafter stores image data of a next block into the storing means and applies to the image data the same processing operation as that described above.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an input portion for receiving different kinds of jobs; a storage portion for storing a job; an image forming portion for forming images of an input job; a control input portion for providing content display of input jobs and control display; a radiocommunication portion for reading the user identification ID recorded in an information recording medium; a controller for controlling these portions. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus determines the user identification ID of a user so as to provide a display of the operational state best for the user.

Abstract: A digital image processing multifunction apparatus is provided with an apparatus-side communication controlling section to communicate with either of portable terminals. When receiving a demand of the apparatus management information of the electronic apparatus from either of portable terminals, the apparatus-side communication controlling section identifies the portable terminal on the basis of a terminal information controlling section and transmits the apparatus management information in accordance with the portable terminal from an information management table.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an information communication apparatus which can reduce the user's load required in managing a user device (printing machine etc.). In the information communication apparatus, an information generating section selects a required article according to the status of a digital complex machine, and generates purchase information to purchase the article. Further, the purchase information is opened, via an auction server, to plural sales shops (sales terminals), and sales information (price, date for delivery), transmitted from respective sales shops, are obtained by an information transmitting section and an information receiving section. Thus, in the information communication apparatus, it is possible to obtain the sales information of an article required in the digital complex machine, without receiving the user's instruction. Therefore, it is possible to remarkably reduce the user's load required in managing the digital complex machine.

Abstract: If a paper jam has occurred during this copy reserving operation, a trouble icon appears on the LCD. This trouble icon relates to a problem that has occurred in a job other than the copy reservation job, but will be displayed on the copy reservation frame so as to warn the user. A controller displays the trouble icon at such a position that it does not affect other windows, keys and the like displayed on the LCD, for example, it does not obstruct the display, and nor is it laid over the display (it is displayed at a non-overlaid position). When this trouble icon is touched by the user, the controller displays a warning window displaying the content of the error, preferentially at the approximate center of the LCD (in the frontmost layer viewed from the user).

Abstract: A control panel of a digital copier capable of inputting jobs according to a plurality of different processing modes includes a touch panel color liquid crystal display device. This display device displays setting information of a current processing mode and icons representing jobs according to newly inputted processing modes, in a concealed state. In the vicinity of the display device are provided mode selection keys for selecting processing modes. The display device also displays information on each job according to one of the processing modes in a color having the same hue as that of a display color of each mode selection key, thereby displaying information on a job in process and standby jobs with programmed processes in an intelligible state to users.

Abstract: A digital copying machine as an example of the image processing apparatus is provided with a scanner unit and a printer unit is arranged such that a display state of a printer-side display panel of a printer-side user interface section changes its display state in response to a command entered by a scanner-side user interface. As a result, an image processing apparatus provided with a plurality of user interface sections of desirable operability can be realized.