Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image using toner includes: a data processor which performs data processing of input image data corresponding to a toner color and accordingly generates output image data needed to obtain a predetermined tone reproduction characteristic; an image forming unit which forms an image corresponding to the output image data; and a toner consumption amount calculator which executes data selection for selecting one of the input image data and the output image data in accordance with a scheme of the data processing, sums up values of the selected image data, and calculates amount of toner consumed as an image is formed based on resulting integration value.

Abstract: A main controller sends a “rewrite mode” command to an engine controller. Receiving the command, the engine controller 12 sends a “roger” status. This switches the mode from a print mode to a rewrite mode. In the rewrite mode, the engine controller 12 serves as a master and the main controller 11 serves as a slave, a communication which is necessary for rewriting of firmware takes place between the two, and the firmware is rewritten.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of forming an image corresponding to image data is formed on a recording medium comprises a data processor which performs data processing of input image data so that a first correlation will be established between a target image density expressed by the input image data and the actual image density of an image formed on the recording medium, thereby generating output image data, an image forming unit which forms an image corresponding to the output image data on the recording medium, and a toner consumption amount calculator which calculates a toner consumption amount which is consumed for image formation based on the input image data and based on a second correlation between the input image data and an adhering toner amount on the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image using toner includes: a data processor which performs data processing of input image data corresponding to a toner color and accordingly generates output image data needed to obtain a predetermined tone reproduction characteristic; an image forming unit which forms an image corresponding to the output image data; and a toner consumption amount calculator which executes data selection for selecting one of the input image data and the output image data in accordance with a scheme of the data processing, sums up values of the selected image data, and calculates amount of toner consumed as an image is formed based on resulting integration value.

Abstract: The content of processing of an input image signal varies depending upon the conditions of an apparatus. In view of the fact that this results in the variations of correlation between tone data and toner consumption, a coefficient by which an integration value of the tone data is defined according to the content of the signal processing. In an image forming apparatus which performs tone correction as the signal processing and which has a characteristic (2) of forming images of higher densities relative to tone levels, for example, a larger amount of toner is consumed. Therefore, the coefficient of the apparatus is defined to be a higher value than that of an apparatus having a substantially linear characteristic (1). Conversely, in the case of an apparatus having a characteristic (3) of forming images of lower densities, thus consuming less toner, the coefficient is defined to be a lower value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of forming an image corresponding to image data is formed on a recording medium comprises a data processor which performs data processing of input image data so that a first correlation will be established between a target image density expressed by the input image data and the actual image density of an image formed on the recording medium, thereby generating output image data, an image forming unit which forms an image corresponding to the output image data on the recording medium, and a toner consumption amount calculator which calculates a toner consumption amount which is consumed for image formation based on the input image data and based on a second correlation between the input image data and an adhering toner amount on the recording medium.

Abstract: RGB graphic data generated using application software 201 in a host computer 200 is subjected to color conversion by means of a printer driver 210 so as to be converted into data indicative of CMYK color images. The resultant data is further subjected to a compression process for generating image data Dim. Dot count data Ddc is generated based on information items generated in the course of the compression process and indicating respective tone values of individual toner dots and the number of appearance dots. These data items are transmitted to a printer 100. The printer 100 decompresses the received image data Dim to reconstruct bit-mapped data and forms an image corresponding to the bit-mapped data. A toner counter 154 calculates a toner consumption based on the received dot count data Ddc.

Abstract: A printer controller converts image data received from the external device into image information. An engine controller causes a print engine to perform the printing in accordance with the image information, and communicates data regarding a status of the print engine with the print controller by a serial communication. The printer controller and the engine controller perform an activation sequence including an operation for stabilizing circuits provided therein. The engine controller performs an initializing operation for placing the print engine in a printable condition after the completion of the activation sequence. The printer controller periodically transmits first data inquiring the status of the print engine to the engine controller during the initializing operation. The engine controller is configured to transmit second data indicating the status of the print engine to the printer controller in response to the first data.

Abstract: Commands transmitted from an image processing controller to an engine are classified into a plurality of layers in response to the information contents of the commands and when the engine receives a command of a subordinate layer, it recognizes that the command is received together with the command of a superior layer to that command, last issued preceding the command. Therefore, the engine performs internal control in accordance with the second command of the subordinate layer received and the first command of the superior layer not received at the time, but last received preceding the second command. For various instructions concerning execution of print, the commands of the superior layer of commands representing the instructions are made common.

Abstract: The content of processing of an input image signal varies depending upon the conditions of an apparatus. In view of the fact that this results in the variations of correlation between tone data and toner consumption, a coefficient by which an integration value of the tone data is defined according to the content of the signal processing. In an image forming apparatus which performs tone correction as the signal processing and which has a characteristic (2) of forming images of higher densities relative to tone levels, for example, a larger amount of toner is consumed. Therefore, the coefficient of the apparatus is defined to be a higher value than that of an apparatus having a substantially linear characteristic (1). Conversely, in the case of an apparatus having a characteristic (3) of forming images of lower densities, thus consuming less toner, the coefficient is defined to be a lower value.

Abstract: A main controller sends a “rewrite mode” command to an engine controller. Receiving the command, the engine controller 12 sends a “roger” status. This switches the mode from a print mode to a rewrite mode. In the rewrite mode, the engine controller 12 serves as a master and the main controller 11 serves as a slave, a communication which is necessary for rewriting of firmware takes place between the two, and the firmware is rewritten.

Abstract: Commands transmitted from an image processing controller to an engine are classified into a plurality of layers in response to the information contents of the commands and when the engine receives a command of a subordinate layer, it recognizes that the command is received together with the command of a superior layer to that command, last issued preceding the command. Therefore, the engine performs internal control in accordance with the second command of the subordinate layer received and the first command of the superior layer not received at the time, but last received preceding the second command. For various instructions concerning execution of print, the commands of the superior layer of commands representing the instructions are made common.

Abstract: An operating portion is included in an input/output section of an information read/write device. The operating portion judges whether or not a sector is usable on the basis of medium position information and record position information. A device information storing portion is inserted between a read/write portion and a communication portion. Memory capacity of the device information storing portion is equal to or larger than a data read/write unit. Read/write information on the recording medium is temporarily developed into the device information storing portion, so that information is transferred in blocks of read/write unit that can be handled in an OS.

Abstract: An interface circuit is provided for combining a personal computer system with a home type video tape recorder (VTR).The proposed interface circuit enables the VTR to store a computer program just like an auxiliary memory, and the VTR can be operated based on the program stored on a portion of a video tape. A preferred application is to use the VTR as an interactive educational machine.