Abstract: A printing system includes a plurality of printers, a plurality of information processing devices and a managing device which are interconnected via a network for data communication. Each of the information processing devices determines whether the number of printing sheets used in printing processes having been requested by the information processing device of concern belongs to a small number category or a large number category. If the number of printing sheets used is determined as belonging to the large number category, the information processing device of concern displays a window informing a user of the number of printing sheets used. On the other hand, if the number of printing sheets used is determined as belonging to the small number category, the information processing device of concern displays a window informing the user of the printing sheet saving rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission apparatus and method which realize a redial function and prevents the leakage of transmission information to the outside by inhibiting the display of the information including a destination to which retransmission is made, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, whereby security can be enhanced. When the transmission of image data is not completed, a control section performs a retransmission process for transmitting again the image data to the same destination with the use of the redial function, and counts the number of times of the transmission. The control section determines whether the number of times of the transmission is greater than a predetermined value or not. When the number of times of the transmission is greater than the predetermined value, the control section reports a transmission error and deletes the information including the destination.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming device which forms an image based on image data, and an image processing device such as a personal computer, and the image forming system is capable of restricting image output of the image forming device. In the image forming system, data information of the output image data or working environment of the image forming device is judged, so as to allow or disallow image output based on the working environment so judged. This judges whether or not devices such as digital complex device or scanner device in the image forming system are used properly, thus providing an image processing system which can be used efficiently.

Abstract: When a user transmits data from a PC to the outside, log information can be accumulated in a composite machine connected via network to the PC and an unnecessary data outflow due to the data transmission can be prevented. In the PC, a transmission acceptance portion accepts from a user an operation for transmitting data to the outside of network and a data transfer portion transfers outside transmission data defined as a transmission target by the transmission acceptance portion to the composite machine via the network without transmitting directly to the outside. In the image forming apparatus (composite machine, etc.), a data reception portion receives the outside transmission data transmitted from the PC via the network, which are transmitted to the outside by a data transmission portion, and a log accumulation portion accumulates log information of the outside transmission data.

Abstract: A paper feeder includes a storage section, a feed path, a delivery section, and a receiving section. The storage section is configured to store therein plural sheet members to be fed to a processing apparatus which is operative to perform processing on the sheet members. The feed path allows each of the plural sheet members fed from the storage section to pass therethrough in a feed direction toward the processing apparatus. The delivery section is located most downstream on the feed path in the feed direction. The feed path is open to exterior in the delivery section. The receiving section is located upstream of the feed path in the feed direction for communication with a delivery section of a separate paper feeder having an identical construction with the present paper feeder when the separate paper feeder is disposed upstream of the present paper feeder in the feed direction.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: When an error of an image forming apparatus is detected and power conduction is shut off with the error not rectified, information indicating occurrence of the error in the image forming apparatus is displayed on an electronic paper. Thus, an image forming apparatus that can notify the user and service person of the error and develop awareness about the error status of the apparatus even during the time of non-conduction can be provided.

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.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus carries out an image processing with respect to a sheet size and image information based on a print request to obtain a write image on a photoreceptor. On the basis of a printing ratio of the write image, the apparatus predicts occurrence of an image elongation. If the apparatus predicts that the image elongation occurs, the apparatus calculates a bending amount of a bended portion based on the difference between peripheral velocities of a photoreceptor and the idle roller, and the apparatus variably controls the peripheral velocity of an idle roller so that the bending amount is adjusted so as not to cause a slip phenomenon. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of a phenomenon of slipping of a sheet with respect to the photoreceptor without lowering image quality, and to surely secure a blank space formed at a rear edge portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A both-side rod type damper (11) is arranged in a storage chamber (40) formed inside an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (3), rods (31) and (32) of the damper (11) are coupled so as to move by the same quantity in accordance with the extending or retracting operation of a front fork, a bearing (5) for slidably supporting the rod (32) is provided at a cylinder end, the bearing (5) is movable by a predetermined quantity in a radius direction and an axial direction of the rod relative to the cylinder, and the bearing (5) moves toward the inside of the cylinder to communicate the oil chamber R2 with the storage chamber (40) when the pressure of the storage chamber (40) is higher than the pressure of the oil chamber R2 in the damper (11), and the communication is shut down when the movement is made to the opposite side thereof.

Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber, a first oil chamber (R1) around the piston rod (2) and a second oil chamber (R2) on the opposite side are separated by a piston (3). A communicating passage (L) is disposed on the outside of the cylinder (1) to connect the first oil chamber (R1) and the second oil chamber (R2). An elongation damping valve (4) is installed in the communicating passage (L). When the piston (3) performs an elongation stroke, the entire amount of working oil that has flowed out from the first oil chamber (R1) is supplied to the second oil chamber (R2) via the elongation damping valve (4). As a result, the second oil chamber (R2) does not suffer a shortage of working oil and when the piston (3) shifts to the contraction stroke, a response in generation of damping force can be improved.

Abstract: A digital image processing multifunction apparatus is provided with an apparatus-side communication controlling section to communicate with either of portable terminals. When receiving a demand of the apparatus management information of the electronic apparatus from either of portable terminals, the apparatus-side communication controlling section identifies the portable terminal on the basis of a terminal information controlling section and transmits the apparatus management information in accordance with the portable terminal from an information management table.

Abstract: The present invention prevents a third party's unauthorized use by rendering a image processing apparatus having a security function undistinguishable from an image processing apparatus without a security function. In a copy mode, the image processing apparatus reads image data of a copy and stores inputted image data in a hard disk drive. The image processing apparatus prints the image data. Once the printing is finished, the image data is erased by operation of the security function. In this case, a disguise section makes a disguise to look as if the security function is not provided by not indicating that the image data is being erased on an operation screen.

Abstract: An image processing device of the present invention includes a management section for storing an authentication level set in accordance with the volume of image processing which is predicted in accordance with at least one of day and time. When a request for image processing to image data is made, an authentication section changes the authentication level for user authentication in accordance with at least one of day and time. Then, in accordance with this authentication result, requested image processing is performed.

Abstract: To provide an operation panel apparatus which can be used without exchanging the whole operation panel, even when input of a part of an input apparatus cannot be performed. In a test mode, a plurality of fixed keys 7 are in sequence checked on whether or not the input of the plurality of fixed keys 7 can be performed. A detecting portion 18 judges the fixed key as an input-enabled fixed key 7a by detecting that the input from the fixed key 7 is sensed, and judges the fixed key as an input-disabled fixed key 7b by detecting that the input from the fixed key 7 is not sensed. When the input-disabled fixed key 7b exists, a substitute control portion 19 displays a touch key 5a substituting for the function of the input-disabled fixed key 7b in a display screen.

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.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus according to the present invention behaves as if a security function is provided even if the security function is not provided so as to curb unauthorized use by a third party. In a copy mode, it reads image data of a document and stores inputted image data in a hard disk drive. It prints the image data. Once the printing is finished, the image data is erased in the case where the security function is provided. However, the image data is not erased because the security function is not provided. In this case, it behaves as if the security function is being executed by indicating that the image data is being erased on an operation screen.

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.