Abstract: An output control apparatus is used in an output apparatus adapted to form image data by analyzing an instruction received from an external apparatus and to output thus formed image data. The output control apparatus includes a memory for memorizing, in case of a change in the state in the apparatus, an identification code corresponding to the change, and an instruction unit for providing a test output instruction for instructing the output of set value information of the output apparatus. Also included is a control unit for controlling the output, if the identification code is memorized in the memory and in response to the instruction by the instruction unit, in such a manner as to output information corresponding to the identification code together with the set value information of the output apparatus.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus for forming a visible image thereon, the apparatus informs a host computer of the timing of a paper delivery and the percentage value of the progress of the paper sheet delivery so that the animation representing the progress of the paper delivery is accurately presented on the host computer.

Abstract: An output control apparatus is for used in an output apparatus adapted to form image data by analyzing an instruction received from an external apparatus and to output thus formed image data. The output control apparatus comprises a memory for memorizing, in case of a change in the state in the apparatus, an identification code corresponding to the change, an instruction unit for giving a test output instruction for instructing the output of set value information of the output apparatus, and a control unit for controlling the output, if the identification code is memorized in the memory and in response to the instruction by the instruction unit, in such a manner as to output information corresponding to the identification code together with the set value information of the output apparatus.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus for forming a visible image thereon, the apparatus informs a host computer of the timing of a paper sheet delivery and the percentage value of the progress of the paper sheet delivery so that the animation representing the progress of the paper delivery is accurately presented on the host computer.

Abstract: Character processing uses character pattern information generated from a previously-used scalable font when outputting image information for subsequent characters. Attribute information for the font which was used in generated the previously-used character pattern information is stored. Thereafter, during an idle state, character pattern information for subsequent characters is generated from a scalable font having the same attribute information as that of the previously-used scalable font based on the stored attribute information.