Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an authentication control unit configured to transmit authentication information including a login user name to an authentication server to cause the authentication server to perform authentication. When the authentication has been successful, the authentication control unit acquires user attribute information associated with the login user name from the authentication server. A job-history managing unit is configured to store the log information of a job in association with a display user name in the user attribute information.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming system, which comprises an image forming apparatus, and a toner container mountable to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a control section, and an information acquisition section which acquires the toner-quality information about a toner container which is demountably mounted thereto. The control section is operable, based on the toner-quality information acquired by the information acquisition section, to identify the quality of the toner contained in the toner container and set a printing function based on the identified toner quality.

Abstract: An operation control program controls a computer provided in an image forming apparatus to serve as: a service section which discriminates an operation of a service requested by a user, and constructs a job corresponding to the operation by selecting one or a plurality of job scenarios prepared in advance as constituting element of the job and using the selected job scenario; and a job performing section for executing sequentially a processing indicated by each job scenario constituting the job constructed by the service section.

Abstract: An extended user interface compatibility confirming method has the steps of: (a) connecting an image forming apparatus and an extended user interface device to a network, the extended user interface device having an extended operation panel and sending a web service request from the extended operation panel to the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming function corresponding to the web service request; (b) requesting manufacturer information of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus with SNMP protocol by the extended user interface device, and receiving the manufacturer information from the image forming apparatus by the extended user interface device; and (c) sending a web service request compatible with the manufacturer information to the image forming apparatus by the extended user interface device to inquire whether or not the image forming apparatus is capable of using the extended user interface device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a communication interface, a processor, and a storage unit. The storage unit stores a job log and a job log transmission program. The job log transmission program causes the processor to transmit a job log of a finished job via the communication interface to a charge server connected to a network. The job log transmission program causes the processor to execute the steps of: (a) via the communication interface, determining whether or not the charge server can receive the job log currently, and (b) if it is determined that the charge server can not receive the job log currently, keeping the job log to be transmitted in the storage unit and transmitting the job log kept in the storage unit to the charge server when a job log of a next job is transmitted to the charge server.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming system, which comprises an image forming apparatus, and a toner container mountable to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a control section, and an information acquisition section which acquires the toner-quality information about a toner container which is demountably mounted thereto. The control section is operable, based on the toner-quality information acquired by the information acquisition section, to identify the quality of the toner contained in the toner container and set a printing function based on the identified toner quality.

Abstract: A method, program product, and system to provide an electronic mechanical device to reduce a network administration task in handling a communication attack. The electronic mechanical device includes an attack detection unit, a security management unit, and a communication management unit. The attack detection unit detects a communication attack through a network. The communication management unit blocks communication from an attacker device when the attack detection unit detects an attack by it. The security management unit records an expiration time for the communication block. Based on the expiration of the communication block, the block is automatically removed and the communication recovers. Also, display of network attack information and print out of the information upon detection help inform other users and can help the administrator handle a network attack faster and appropriately.

Abstract: An automatic installation system for printer drivers including a network; at least one printer connected to the network; a printer driver database unit which has a printer driver database and connected to the network; and a terminal connected to the at least one printer via the network, wherein the terminal is adapted to obtain a printer driver from the printer driver database, to install the printer driver, and to set configurations regarding connection and printing when a user selects one of the at least one printer from a list thereof displayed on the terminal based on printer information obtained from the at least one printer, and in a case in which a printer driver is not installed in the terminal or in a case in which a printer driver that has been installed needs to be updated.

Abstract: An image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention has a user authentication mode for granting only authorized users a setting change for an image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus 200 includes a user authentication section 203 to perform authentication on receiving user information from a host computer 100. The image forming apparatus 200 also issues an authentication key for an authorized user and sends the key to the host computer 100. The host computer 100 sends a changed setting and the authentication key to the image forming apparatus 200, whereby making the setting change swiftly. This structure makes it possible to address a problem with related art systems that send user information every time a setting is changed and send a changed setting only when a user is deemed to have authority where authentication is redundant and time consuming.

Abstract: An optical information transmitting device which uses light beams in a system to transfer information between pieces of apparatus, comprises an elongated optical information transmitting means, made of a transparent material, and a light emitting means located at about the center of the optical information transmitting means, the optical information transmitting means leading one part of the light generated by the light emitting means, with total reflection, to a scattering means provided at both longitudinal ends of the optical information transmitting means, and after the light is scattered it is radiated outward, and, in addition, this optical information means receives light generated by an outside apparatus and conducts it to a light receiving means.

Abstract: A retainer particularly suitable for use in a crossed-roller rolling contact bearing assembly is provided. The retainer is comprised of a thin plate which is provided with at least one hole for locating therein a roller. A pair of top and bottom projections are formed in the hole for providing main contact surfaces for holding the roller in position by surface contact. Additionally, the wall which defines the hole is provided with a double-tapered section at least partly, and this double-tapered wall section provides auxiliary contact surfaces for holding the roller in position by surface contact.

Abstract: A screening structure for a cathode ray tube display includes at least a cathode ray tube pin socket, a cathode ray tube input pin and a video amplifier section joined as one body and enveloped with a first screening member which has high conducting characteristics, and a cathode ray tube cathode section enveloped with a second screening member which has high conducting characteristics, the first and second screening members being connected as one body in order that they may be maintained at the same high frequency potential. The screening members are joined to the standard potential part of the cathode ray tube display by a cable having a low high-frequency impedance.