Patents by Inventor Tsutomu Yoshimoto

Tsutomu Yoshimoto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8553270
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, even when power supply to the apparatus is stopped, it is possible to let the user recognize that an electronic file to be used has been erased, and that a necessary electronic file will be erased when the apparatus is to be used after next power on, so that wasteful power supply to the apparatus can be reduced. When the power is shut off, an auto-erased file list or a to-be-erased file list is displayed on electronic paper 108, in accordance with display setting contents set by the user before power off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouji Miyake, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Kaoru Ishikura, Kenji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8520227
    Abstract: A printing system according to this invention includes a display, a storage section, a determination section, and a control section. The display is capable of displaying an ECO mode recommending screen which recommends a plurality of ECO modes for selection. The storage section is configured to store therein a characteristic of a printing data item unsuited for ECO mode printing. The determination section is configured to determine whether or not a printing data item is suited for the ECO mode printing. The control section causes the display section to display the ECO mode recommending screen in response to a determination made by the determination section that the printing data item is suited for the ECO mode printing and then start a printing process in response to a printing instruction given by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoko Toizumi, Masanori Matsumoto, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8453064
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with an original capturing portion, a print portion, an operation portion, a management portion that manages various provided information, and a control portion that controls the original capturing portion, the print portion, the operation portion, and the management portion. A display apparatus that has a display screen visible from a back face or a side face of the image forming apparatus is disposed on at least one side face of an image forming apparatus case, and the control portion displays various provided information managed by the management portion on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Machino, Yasuhiro Nakai, Kenzoh Yoshida, Masanori Matsumoto, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Takeshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130114966
    Abstract: An image forming portion has a transfer portion for transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier onto the recording paper, and a fixing portion for heating and compressing the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred to fix the toner image to the recording paper. A control portion controls to heat and compress the recording paper by the fixing portion without performing transfer of the toner image by the transfer portion to smooth the recording paper under predetermined condition. At this time, the control portion is able to set variably the number of times to pass through the fixing portion without performing transfer of the toner image onto the recording paper and pressure force when the recording paper passes through the fixing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji TAKAHASHI, Tsutomu YOSHIMOTO, Shuhji FUJII
  • Patent number: 8427687
    Abstract: A printing control system includes: operation means configured to enter a first printing condition including the number of page images to be printed on one side or both sides of one printing sheet; and control means. The control means determines whether or not the first printing condition corresponds to any one of plural change inhibited printing conditions preset and then sets the first printing condition as a final printing condition when the first printing condition is determined as corresponding to any one of the change inhibited printing conditions while causing the display means to display one or more second printing conditions each providing a higher ratio of reduction in the usage of printing sheets than the first printing condition when the first printing condition is determined as not corresponding to any one of the change inhibited printing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoko Toizumi, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Masanori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8373886
    Abstract: An image processing device comprises an image data input means 2, an image data storage means 12 for storing the image data being input, an image data processing means 6 having multiple processing modes for outputting the stored image data, and a image data erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the storage means 12. The device further comprises erase count control means 8, 14 for controlling the number of times for erasing image data capable of having the number of times of erase set arbitrarily according to the security level required for each mode, and capable of having the set number of times of erase changed in mid-flow. Confidentiality is protected by performing erase operations repeatedly to the region storing the unnecessary image data according to the security level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Murakami, Yuji Okamoto, Toshihiro Yamanaka, Toshihiko Fukuhara, Shuhji Fujii, Tatsuo Nomura, Syouichirou Yoshiura, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8373867
    Abstract: A digital multifunction peripheral provided with a scanner portion, an operation portion, an image forming portion, a device control portion, a fax modem, a communications portion, a management portion, and a hard disk (HD) is connected to a server apparatus via an external network. A large-format display is attached integrally to a rear face of a case of the digital multifunction peripheral, with a first display screen facing toward the outside. The device control portion is connected to the server apparatus via the external network, and displays various pieces of provided information managed by the server apparatus on the first display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakai, Satoshi Machino, Masanori Matsumoto, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Hiroyuki Sawai, Osamu Ueda
  • Patent number: 8351812
    Abstract: A printing control system includes: operation means configured to enter a first printing condition including information on the number of page images to be printed on one printing sheet and the total number of page images to be printed; display means; and control means. The control means compare ratios of reduction in the usage of printing sheets provided by the one or more second printing conditions to a preset threshold value, and sets the first printing condition as the final printing condition when the ratios of reduction in the usage of printing sheets provided by the one or more second printing conditions are less than the threshold value while causing the display means to display the one or more second printing conditions when the ratios of reduction in the usage of printing sheets provided by the one or more second printing conditions are not less than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Matsumoto, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Tomoko Toizumi
  • Publication number: 20120281249
    Abstract: An image processing device comprises an image data input means 2, an image data storage means 12 for storing the image data being input, an image data processing means 6 having multiple processing modes for outputting the stored image data, and a image data erasing means for erasing the image data stored in the storage means 12. The device further comprises erase count control means 8, 14 for controlling the number of times for erasing image data capable of having the number of times of erase set arbitrarily according to the security level required for each mode, and capable of having the set number of times of erase changed in mid-flow. Confidentiality is protected by performing erase operations repeatedly to the region storing the unnecessary image data according to the security level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Murakami, Yuji Okamoto, Toshihiro Yamanaka, Toshihiko Fukuhara, Shuhji Fujii, Tatsuo Nomura, Syouichirou Yoshiura, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8243315
    Abstract: A printing system comprises a printer and an information processor, which includes a control unit. The control unit generates a print data file, which includes a resource saving flag and mode information. This information represents either a printing mode or a document filing mode, in which the printer operates. The control unit determines whether one or more specified resource saving functions of the printer are selected for the print data file in a main setting window. If so, the control unit turns on the flag and outputs the print data file as a first print data file to the printer. If not, the control unit turns off the flag and outputs the print data file as a second print data file to the printer. If a user is specified for the second print data file, the control unit outputs the file to the printer, with the mode information representing the document filing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Masanori Matsumoto, Tomoko Toizumi
  • Patent number: 8203729
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that can support the user in sleep mode is provided. When the apparatus enters sleep mode, guidance information is displayed on an electronic paper. The electronic paper maintains displayed contents even when power is not supplied and, therefore, even when power is not supplied to a display panel in the sleep mode, the display for the user is continuously given, thereby supporting the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouji Miyake, Shuhji Fujii, Shinji Kato, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8139240
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, in which communication history that may change in a sleep mode is updated and displayed, whereby state of data communication in the sleep mode can be grasped. Even if the image forming apparatus as a whole is stopped, power is supplied only to a communication unit. When data is transmitted/received from an external device, a communication controller of the communication unit that transmitted/received data temporarily drives an electronic paper, so that transmission/reception log is displayed on electronic paper. Thereafter, power supply to the electronic paper is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouji Miyake, Shuhji Fujii, Kazuhiko Ido, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8116440
    Abstract: When a transmission of image data to a destination has not been completed, retransmission processing in which the image data is repeatedly transmitted to the destination is performed and the number of times the transmission has been performed is counted. When the number is higher than a predetermined value, the sender is informed about the occurrence of transmission error and whether the modification of destination information has been requested is determined. When the modification has been requested, the destination information is modified; when the modification has not been requested, the destination information is deleted and then the deletion of the destination information is informed. When stored destination information including destinations of data is wrong, the use of the destination information is inhibited, which prevents users as recipients from feeling displeasure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Suehiro Ueda, Syoichiro Yoshiura, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8107835
    Abstract: An abnormality detecting method and an image processing method for an image processor is provided. The image processor can easily detect an abnormal rotation of a photosensitive drum without having a special detecting means but using an existing sensor, and keeps image data until a normal toner image is transferred and fine printing is carried out. The image processor forms a toner image corresponding to image data on a plurality of photosensitive drums, and detects the position of the toner image at a given part on a transfer object, to which given part the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred, to detect a rotation failure of the photosensitive drum. When a rotation failure is detected, the image processor keeps input image data without deleting even after the end of image formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Mizude, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Hiromasa Shibano
  • Publication number: 20110097099
    Abstract: A printing control system includes: operation means configured to enter a first printing condition including information on the number of page images to be printed on one printing sheet and the total number of page images to be printed; display means; and control means. The control means compare ratios of reduction in the usage of printing sheets provided by the one or more second printing conditions to a preset threshold value, and sets the first printing condition as the final printing condition when the ratios of reduction in the usage of printing sheets provided by the one or more second printing conditions are less than the threshold value while causing the display means to display the one or more second printing conditions when the ratios of reduction in the usage of printing sheets provided by the one or more second printing conditions are not less than the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanori Matsumoto, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Tomoko Toizumi
  • Publication number: 20110075216
    Abstract: A printing control system includes: operation means configured to enter a first printing condition including the number of page images to be printed on one side or both sides of one printing sheet; and control means. The control means determines whether or not the first printing condition corresponds to any one of plural change inhibited printing conditions preset and then sets the first printing condition as a final printing condition when the first printing condition is determined as corresponding to any one of the change inhibited printing conditions while causing the display means to display one or more second printing conditions each providing a higher ratio of reduction in the usage of printing sheets than the first printing condition when the first printing condition is determined as not corresponding to any one of the change inhibited printing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoko Toizumi, Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Masanori Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20110075201
    Abstract: A print control program comprising: a first step of waiting until one or more of post-treatment functions is selected, or until a start instruction is entered; a second step of determining whether a specified post-treatment function of the post-treatment functions is selected, when the start instruction is detected; and a third step of enabling one or more of resource saving functions to be selected only if the specified post-treatment function is not selected, and of starting printing if another start instruction is detected after enabling the resource saving function/s to be selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Masanori Matsumoto, Tomoko Toizumi
  • Publication number: 20110055693
    Abstract: A print control program according to the present invention makes an information processor control a printer. The printer is connected to the information processor and can do printing under the conditions set. The set conditions can reduce the consumption of printing media by the printer. The program includes a first step through a fourth step. The first step is to wait until an instruction is entered into the information processor to start printing under the set conditions. The second step is to analyze the set conditions if the information processor detects the entered instruction at the first step. The third step is to form a preview image representing an image or images as printed under the analyzed conditions at least one of which has been changed to further reduce the printing medium consumption. The fourth step is to display the formed preview image on the display of the information processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Masanori Matsumoto, Tomoko Toizumi
  • Publication number: 20110051181
    Abstract: A printing system comprises a printer and an information processor, which includes a control unit. The control unit generates a print data file, which includes a resource saving flag and mode information. This information represents either a printing mode or a document filing mode, in which the printer operates. The control unit determines whether one or more specified resource saving functions of the printer are selected for the print data file in a main setting window. If so, the control unit turns on the flag and outputs the print data file as a first print data file to the printer. If not, the control unit turns off the flag and outputs the print data file as a second print data file to the printer. If a user is specified for the second print data file, the control unit outputs the file to the printer, with the mode information representing the document filing mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Masanori Matsumoto, Tomoko Toizumi
  • Publication number: 20110051164
    Abstract: A printing system according to this invention includes a display, a storage section, a determination section, and a control section. The display is capable of displaying an ECO mode recommending screen which recommends a plurality of ECO modes for selection. The storage section is configured to store therein a characteristic of a printing data item unsuited for ECO mode printing. The determination section is configured to determine whether or not a printing data item is suited for the ECO mode printing. The control section causes the display section to display the ECO mode recommending screen in response to a determination made by the determination section that the printing data item is suited for the ECO mode printing and then start a printing process in response to a printing instruction given by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoko Toizumi, Masanori Matsumoto, Tsutomu Yoshimoto