Abstract: Any error in a hard disk is predicted by an error-prediction self-diagnosis, and error-predicting information, obtained by the error-prediction self-diagnosis, is analyzed so as to carry out appropriate preventive measures (such as a restriction of the use of the hard disk, control for assigning image data to be stored in the hard disk and a shift of image data stored in the possible error area). With this arrangement, it is possible to provide an image-processing apparatus which can predict any error in the disk memory device prior to the occurrence of the error, and based upon the prediction, carry out a process for reducing troubles that might be caused by the error.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a matrix for an arbitrary pixel (to be an observed pixel) on the original image is set up so that the density of the observed pixel and that of a target pixel which is located in the direction along which shadows are formed are compared to determine a maximum value of density of the two. If the density of the observed pixel is greater than that of the target pixel or pixels, the density of the target pixel is converted into a predetermined level of density, whereas if the density of the observed pixel is less than that of the target pixel, no conversion of density is made. This procedure is repeatedly performed for the entire image information to thereby create shadows having a designated length and complete a shadowing image. Then, the shadowing image is combined with the original image, whereby a shadowed image is complete.

Abstract: A printing control apparatus is used as being connected to a printing apparatus. The time required for printing is calculated from the print information to be printed stored in print information memory and the printing speed of the printing apparatus, and the calculated time required for printing is set as the print time zone on the same time axis on which the print start time zone capable of starting print is set, corresponding to the print information. When the print start time and print end time of the print time zone are both within the print time zone, the print information is printed by the printing apparatus when the time measured by the clock and the print start time coincide. If at least one of the print start time and print end time of the print time zone is out of the print time zone, printing of print information is prohibited.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing device which is capable of discriminating an edge even on a faint image by changing the edge discriminating parameters according to the gray-level values set in its control portion. An edge discriminating circuit discriminates an edge on an image and a gray-level converting portion then conducts gray-level conversion of the image and determines changeable set values of gray-levels. After this an edge discriminating circuit conducts the discrimination of an edge of the image. In this case the set values of gray-levels are given to the edge discriminating circuit to enable the latter to easily discriminate the edge portion having a low variation when the image has lowered gray-levels.

Abstract: A double-side image forming apparatus forms an image on one side of a sheet in a laser printer section, reverses the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet with respect to the transporting direction in a turnaround section, turns over the sheet by moving the sheet through an upper or lower reversing transport path, and transports the sheet to the laser printer section again. A sheet guiding device guides the sheet output from the turnaround section to one of the upper and lower reversing transport paths. When the sheet is again transported to the laser printer section, an image is formed on the other side of the sheets. This configuration simplifies the structure of the apparatus and reduces the size thereof compared to a configuration in which only one reversing transport path capable of holding the same number of sheets therein is formed.

Abstract: A digital image forming apparatus wherein at least when an occurrence of trouble that required automatic switching of the power witch to the OFF position during operation of the image output operation when it is detected by a trouble detector, the image data inputted for an image output operation is stored in an internal memory which ensures the memory content even with the power switch switched to the OFF position. After the trouble is settled, the image output operation is continued with respect to the image data stored in the internal memory by the image output unit. As a result, an idle operation for reinputting the image data to be outputted through visualization by, for example, a reading operation of the document image can be eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is made to reduce the effect of variation of pulses for driving a printer when recording image data and to improve the gray level representation of picture images to be printed. Data incoming through an image reading device are quantized and processed two pixels at a time by a gray level image processing circuit. The two-pixels' data are first discriminated by an edge discriminator to determine whether they represent an edge portion within the image or not. An object image, on which an operation for inter-pixel spacing shall be conducted, is selected according to the discrimination result. The arithmetic and logic portion performs the above-mentioned operation by two pixels at a time if the data correspond to a non-edge portion and performs correction for enhancement if the data correspond to an edge. This may eliminate the effect of dot displacement due to variation of drive pulses of a printer and improve the quality, in particular, of a gray level image portion.