Abstract: A visual inspection apparatus inspects a surface of a piston based on a captured image acquired by a camera and a learning result acquired by conducting machine learning using a plurality of defective product sample images, which is each generated by combining a two-dimensional image of a defect image that is generated based on a three-dimensionally pre-generated defect model with an image of the surface of the piston.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus body. An image forming device included in the apparatus is at least partly implemented by a replaceable part. A counter counts prints output by the apparatus with the replaceable part. A memory and a first nonvolatile memory are built in the apparatus body. A second nonvolatile memory is built in the replaceable part. A controller writes a limit number of prints particular to the replaceable part in the first nonvolatile memory, stores, after image forming operation, a cumulative number of prints counted by the counter in the memory and second nonvolatile memory, and reports the time for replacing the replaceable part when the cumulative number stored in the memory exceeds the limit number of prints stored in the first nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A process cartridge including a nonvolatile memory is removably mounted to an image forming apparatus also including a nonvolatile memory. Information representative of the conditions of use of the cartridge, which varies due to repeated operation, is written to both of the two memories. On the start-up of the apparatus, the information is first read out of the memory of the apparatus. Image forming conditions are set up in accordance with the amount of remaining toner and the cumulative number of prints output, which are included in the information, so that operating conditions are optimized in order to quicken image formation. Subsequently, the information is read out of the memory of the process cartridge and compared with the data stored in the memory of the apparatus. If the two data do not compare equal, then the data of the memory of the apparatus is updated in order to set new operating conditions.

Abstract: In a double-sided image forming apparatus and method, back-side images are developed on a first middle transfer belt prior to developing of front-side images on the first middle transfer belt, and the back-side images are transferred to a second middle transfer belt. The number of back-side images allowed to be supported at a time on the second middle transfer belt is determined. The number of back-side images are developed on the first middle transfer belt prior to developing of the same number of front-side images on the first middle transfer belt. The front-side image of the first middle transfer belt and the back-side image of the second middle transfer belt are simultaneously formed on both sides of a copy sheet.

Abstract: In a double-sided image forming apparatus and method, back-side images are developed on a first middle transfer belt prior to developing of front-side images on the first middle transfer belt, and the back-side images are transferred to a second middle transfer belt. The number of back-side images allowed to be supported at a time on the second middle transfer belt is determined. The number of back-side images are developed on the first middle transfer belt prior to developing of the same number of front-side images on the first middle transfer belt. The front-side image of the first middle transfer belt and the back-side image of the second middle transfer belt are simultaneously formed on both sides of a copy sheet.

Abstract: A file transfer system includes a file management server, a file transmitting terminal, and a file receiving terminal connected each other via a network. The file transmitting terminal transmits to the file management server a file and an authorization condition for accessing the file. The file management server stores the file and the authorization condition relating each other. The file receiving terminal transmits to the file management server a request for transferring the file. The file management server, in response to the request, determines whether the authorization condition is satisfied, and if the authorization condition is satisfied, transfers the file to the file receiving terminal. Accordingly, a user can safely receive the file via the network even if the user does not have an information apparatus having memory capacity large enough to receive the file.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus body. An image forming device included in the apparatus is at least partly implemented by a replaceable part. A counter counts prints output by the apparatus with the replaceable part. A memory and a first nonvolatile memory are built in the apparatus body. A second nonvolatile memory is built in the replaceable part. A controller writes a limit number of prints particular to the replaceable part in the first nonvolatile memory, stores, after image forming operation, a cumulative number of prints counted by the counter in the memory and second nonvolatile memory, and reports the time for replacing the replaceable part when the cumulative number stored in the memory exceeds the limit number of prints stored in the first nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A process cartridge including a nonvolatile memory is removably mounted to an image forming apparatus also including a nonvolatile memory. Information representative of the conditions of use of the cartridge, which varies due to repeated operation, is written to both of the two memories. On the start-up of the apparatus, the information is first read out of the memory of the apparatus. Image forming conditions are set up in accordance with the amount of remaining toner and the cumulative number of prints output, which are included in the information, so that operating conditions are optimized in order to quicken image formation. Subsequently, the information is read out of the memory of the process cartridge and compared with the data stored in the memory of the apparatus. If the two data do not compare equal, then the data of the memory of the apparatus is updated in order to set new operating conditions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a scanner and a method of controlling it are disclosed. Different kinds of images are combined by a simple and rapid procedure. When the scanner is connected to the apparatus, various kinds of functions available are used in an easy-to-understand and convenient way. Also disclosed are a printer with a scanner which can be readily loaded with handwritten characters, types, letterings and so forth to convert them to a font. Further, the image forming apparatus with a scanner, the method of controlling it, and the printer with a scanner are capable of easily filling a document to be prepared by the operator with a desired fill pattern, e.g., a handwritten pattern.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium at a number of different dot densities.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of changing the diameter of a dot in the main and subscanning directions to form various kinds of dots and thereby high resolution images with tones. A data converting circuit separates input image data into pulse width modulation data and power modulation data and distributes them to a pulse width modulating circuit and a power modulating circuit. The pulse width modulating circuit changes the duration of a laser beam issuing from a laser diode to change the diameter of a dot in the main scanning direction. The power modulating circuit changes the exposing energy of the laser beam per unit area and unit time in order to change the dot diameter in the subscanning direction. The modulating circuits control an image writing device in cooperation so as to produce a high resolution image with tones.