Abstract: A system is provided for removing a background pattern from a binary image. The system comprises a device for storing the binary image, and a processing device. The processing device may perform various steps, including (1) dividing the binary image stored in the storage device into a plurality of stored image regions, (2) for each of the plurality of stored image regions, calculating the image density value associated with such stored image region, (3) counting the number of stored image regions associated with each image density value, (4) identifying the image density values having the maximum number of associated stored image regions, (5) selecting as a threshold density value a less dense value from the identified image density values, and (6) for each stored image region stored in the storage device having a density value less than the threshold density value, resetting the stored image region to a zero value.

Abstract: In an image processing system for processing filled in forms, a method and system are disclosed for removing the fixed part or template of a form without altering the variable part or information filled into the form. Whenever the variable part overlaps a fixed part of a filled in form a straightforward removal of the template creates gaps in the information characters making them unrecognizable by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software. This problem is overcome, according to the invention, by scanning a filled in form using any appropriate optical device capable of capturing images made of gray level pixels. First the fixed template pixels and the variable information pixels are separated from each other based on pixel position. Thereafter, the fixed and variable part populations of pixels are further analyzed so that gaps can be filled by moving pixels from the fixed part to the variable part on the basis of their gray levels thus, permitting to filling the gaps.

Abstract: An improved multimedia encoder having features advantageous for use in a computer system. These features provide for the reduction of bandwidth and storage requirements, the enhancement of noise immunity, the evening of computational loading, and the use of multimedia drives for general purpose data storage. In one embodiment, the encoder receives image data representing a sequence of video frames and display text data representing a sequence of text fields to be overlaid on the sequence of video frames. The multimedia encoder produces a compressed video frame only for each subsequent video frame which is different from the current video frame. After each video frame is compressed, it becomes the current frame. The multimedia encoder provides error correction encoding to enhance noise immunity, and performs interframe compression using a dynamic search area to even out computational loading.

Abstract: New and improved apparatus and methods for video encoding, for example, to efficiently and concurrently encode video data into digital formats, such as Digital Video (DV) format. A pipelined system receives a block of video data and based on the computations and comparisons concurrently performed on the pixels within the block of video data determines which type of transformation is most appropriate for a given block of video data.

Abstract: An image data encoding apparatus includes a wavelet transform unit which produces a first subband coefficient and a second subband coefficient as an output in response to each of blocks of the input image data, the first and second subband coefficients being produced by performing a multiple decomposition process in which only the first subband coefficient is further decomposed. A first text transform unit produces an intensity coefficient of a first kind as well as a set of coefficients of a second kind as an output in response to each block, the intensity coefficient including significant bits, and only the intensity coefficient being further decomposed in the first text transform unit. A second text transform unit produces a set of coefficients of the second kind as an output in response to each block, one of the coefficients of the second kind including significant bits but not being further decomposed.

Abstract: A structure-guided automatic learning system for image feature enhancement uses a learning image together with an application domain structure and detection target specification to produce a feature enhancement image processing recipe. An enhancement goodness measure is used to select between alternatives in the learning process. The feature enhancement recipe is used in an application module to process input images and produce a feature enhanced image output. Calipers are used for application domain structure and detection target specification. To unify the processing steps for all caliper specifications, a non-directional box caliper defined region such as a circle caliper or an arc caliper or other connected structures can be converted into a directional box caliper defined region so that a directional box caliper based feature enhancement method can be applied. The process can be inverted to convert a converted directional box caliper region back to the original format.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the texture of the images to be processed are provided. An image data manager is provided that is capable of generating summed-area tables to be applied in texture mapping for texture that have no special direction or orientation, by generating summed-area tables for areas that best approximate circles. The image data manager uses the generated summed-area tables to process the image data. The summed-areas tables applied include a hexagon and an octagon. Accordingly, problems in processing images having textures that have no special direction or orientation, are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: An image data adjusting method for increasing/decreasing the number of pixels of input image data in a given direction with a desired magnification to obtain output image data. The method includes deriving an integral magnification for each of all the pixels of the input image data per direction in which the number of pixels of the input image data is increased/decreased, and copying a pixel value of each of the pixels based on the integral magnification to obtain the output image data.

Abstract: A character string retrieval apparatus classifies a plurality of characters following a prefix of a registration character string into a plurality of groups, and registers those following characters in an array structure using a different displacement amount for each group. The character string retrieval apparatus retrieves a given character string based on the displacement amount of a group corresponding to an input character.

Abstract: An optical sensor architecture receives an input optical signal from a signal source and outputs a perturbed optical signal from at least one sensor to a receiver. An optical amplifier is positioned along a return fiber at an optical distance at least 10 kilometers from the receiver, with the optical amplifier amplifying the perturbed optical signal propagating to the receiver. If only one optical amplifier is used, the optical distance between the amplifier and the receiver may be between about 10 km and about 80 km, and an optical distance of between about 10 km and about 150 km may separate the sensor and the receiver. If additional optical amplifiers and dedicated pump distribution fibers are used, the optical distances may be correspondingly greater. Alternatively, increasing the number of sensors necessitates a reduction in the optical distance separating the sensors from shore.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit (PLC) of a PLC module is provided with many waveguides including a plurality of input (output) optical waveguide on a substrate. Junction faces between these input (output) optical waveguide and input (output) optical fibers are slant against the optical axis thereof. The PLC module has photodetectors opposed to corresponding junction faces disposed at the input-optical-fiber's-side (output-optical-waveguide's-side).

Abstract: In a first state of an optical switch, a structure in the switch confines an optical mode to propagate along a first, unswitched path. The switch is switched into a second state by reducing the refractive index along the first path, or by increasing the refractive index of a region of the switch outside but adjacent to the first path, until the index within the first path is lower, preferably substantially lower, than that of the adjacent region. This creates an anti-waveguiding section in which light is forced to diverge from the unswitched path both by diffraction and refraction. The refractive index change is produced thermo-optically or electro-optically, for example. In a symmetric planar embodiment, upon actuation, light escapes from the confinement region into two beams deflected symmetrically in lateral directions while remaining vertically confined.

Abstract: An optical switch disposed in intermediate positions of optical paths to define a channel of a light signal constitutes a cell member in whose interior cells are formed and a waveguide member having fine slits; and a gas is filled in cells of which side walls are formed by piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements, a liquid is filled in the fine slits, and the cells and the fine slits are communicated to each other via a communicating hole; optical waveguides intersect at the fine slits, and the cells are disposed at the crossing locations, and said side walls are expanded/constricted by applying an electric field to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements which form the side walls of the cells, and a part of the gas stored in each cell is ejected at a corresponding intersection area from said communicating hole into the corresponding fine slit.

Abstract: A free-space optical switch includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror array for switching an optical transmission path having an input MEMS mirror array and an output MEMS mirror array confronting an input fiber port array and an output fiber port array, respectively. The input MEMS mirror array and the output MEMS mirror array are integral with each other and divided from each other by at least two intersecting lines.

Abstract: An optical resonator system includes a substrate, and a SPARROW optical waveguide disposed on the substrate for evanescently coupling light into an optical microcavity. The SPARROW waveguide includes a multi-layer dielectric stack formed of alternating high and low refractive index dielectric layers, and a waveguide core disposed on the dielectric stack. The waveguide core has an input end and an output end, and is adapted for transmitting optical radiation incident on the input end to the output end. The optical microcavity is disposed at a distance from the optical waveguide that is sufficiently small so as to allow evanescent coupling of light from the optical waveguide into the optical microcavity. The dielectric stack in the SPARROW waveguide isolates the waveguide core and the microcavity from the substrate, so that an optical coupling efficiency approaching 100% can be obtained.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method and apparatus which use a wavelength-dispersing means such as a diffraction grating to spatially separate a multi-wavelength optical signal along with a reference signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels and a reference spectral component in a spectral array with a predetermined relative alignment. By aligning the reference spectral component at a predetermined location, the spectral channels simultaneously impinge onto designated locations, e.g., on an array of beam-receiving elements positioned in accordance with the spectral array. The reference spectral component may be further maintained at the predetermined location by way of servo-control, thereby ensuring that the spectral channels stay aligned at the designated locations. The present invention can be used to construct a new line of servo-based optical systems, including spectral power monitors and optical multiplexers/demultiplexers, for WDM optical networking applications.

Abstract: A cable network with a light waveguide cable which is introduced in the pipeline of an existing pipeline system. The light waveguide cable is arranged along a line, preferably at the vertex of the pipeline, and is provided with a protective layer so that a smooth transition exists between the wall surfaces of the pipeline and the cable.

Abstract: The confocal imaging apparatus includes first and second light sources (6, 7) located at opposite ends of a fibre optic bundle (1). One end of the fibre optic bundle (4) is located adjacent the object to be imaged the opposite end of the fibre optic bundle (2) is located adjacent a camera (3) that records the images received from the fibre optic bundle (4). An analyser (10) is used to extract a confocal image from the image of the object produced using the illumination from the first light source (6) and the image of the object produced using illumination from the second light source (7). The imaging apparatus is particularly suited to endoscopy applications and is able to provide video rate confocal images.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid light guides, consisting of a tubular sheath, an inner coating of the sheath and a light-conducting liquid inside the sheath. Novel perfluorinated homo- or copolymers are used for the inner coating. The perfluorinated homo- or copolymers contain a perfluorinated fluorodioxole cyclic monomer.

Abstract: An optical transmission fiber has a refractive index profile with an area of increased index of refraction at the inner core of the fiber, an annular region positioned radially outward from the inner core with an index of refraction exceeding the index of the inner core, and at least a low dopant content region in a cross-sectional region between the inner core and the annular region. A low loss cladding layer surrounds the core region. The optical transmission fiber with this segmented core profile provides a high effective area, low non-linearity coefficient, nonzero dispersion, and relatively flat dispersion slope.

Abstract: A disclosed optical device comprises: at least one input waveguide path; a multi-mode waveguide path; a core layer having a plurality of output waveguide paths; and a clad layer having therein the core layer. The multi-mode waveguide path is formed in an island. In a region including the multi-mode waveguide path and a portion of the clad layer which has therein the multi-mode waveguide path along the propagation direction of a concerned optical axis, an average value of the refractive index along the propagation direction is set at a desired value.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer secures a plurality of optical fiber splices between first and second optical fiber groups and secures slack associated therewith. The organizer includes a generally longitudinally extending lower base member that has lengthwise extending first and second opposing sides and widthwise extending first and second opposing ends. Slack optical fibers can be stored in looped configuration on the lower base member. A hinge is connected at one end and is adapted to pivotally mount the lower base member to a housing of a fiber optic splice closure. A member is positioned at the pivotally connected end of the base member for receiving groups of optical fibers. An upper splicing tray is positioned on the lower base member and at least one splice holder is positioned on the upper splicing tray for securing a plurality of fiber optic splices in side-by-side relation.

Abstract: The insulator is constructed in two parts and can, therefore, also be fastened to an already-laid ADL cable. The two glued insulator halves, which are reinforced by sleeves that are pushed on at the end, are each made of a half-pipe having transverse and longitudinal stability, as well as an insulator element that partially surrounds the half-pipe. A casting resin brought into the cylindrical hollow space of the insulator connects the half-pipes sealed at the end with silicone stoppers, the GFK rod, and the cable to form a stable unit.

Abstract: A method and device for tuning an optical device including an optical fiber having a core, a cladding and a Bragg grating imparted in the core to partially reflect an optical signal at a reflection wavelength characteristic of the spacing of the Bragg grating. The cladding has two variation regions located on opposite sides of the Bragg grating to allow attachment mechanisms to be disposed against the optical fiber. The attachment mechanisms are mounted to a frame so as to allow the spacing of the Bragg grating to be changed by an actuator which tunes the reflection wavelength. In particular, the variation region has a diameter different from the cladding diameter, and the attachment mechanism comprises a ferrule including a front portion having a profile substantially corresponding to diameter of the variation region and a butting mechanism butting the ferrule against the optical fiber.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to suppress burden on a device portion and a tape recording medium occurred through recording of intermittent data. A CPU (7) controls a RAM block (3) and a VTR block (4) to record input information on a RAM (32), and transfer intermittent data included in a predetermined amount of input information recorded on the RAM (32) to a video tape (44) to be recorded while continuing recording of input information on the RAM (32) when the input information recorded on the RAM (32) reaches the predetermined amount. As described above, the recording operation of intermittent data in the VTR block (4) is suppressed to minimum and burden on the device portion and the video tape (44) in the VTR block (4) occurred through recording of intermittent data can be suppressed while performing excellent intermittent recording.

Abstract: Input terminals to which two types of serial data with similar formats are sent are disposed. Video data sent to the normal dubbing input terminal is data that has not been compressed/encoded. Data sent to the straight dubbing input terminal is data that has been compressed and encoded. Data received from the input terminal includes a sync error flag (error flag for each sync block) that is OR output data of data added by a reproducing VTR and transmission error information. The sync error flag is sent to an ECC encoder through a format converter not through an BRR encoder. An output signal of an ECC encoder is recorded to a magnetic tape by recording heads through a recording driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying DVD and/or application data is accomplished by detecting selection of a user interaction request that is requesting the display of a DVD subpicture or an application subpicture. Once the user interaction request is detected, the system determines the particular type of the request; i.e., whether the request is for a DVD data stream or an application data stream. Note that the DVD data stream includes DVD video data, DVD audio data, and DVD subpicture data. Simliarly, the application data stream includes at least one of application video data, application audio data, and application subpicture data. When the user interaction request relates to the application data stream, the application data stream is displayed only or merged with the DVD data stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a data recording and reproduction apparatus, and a method and a system for sending out data for preparing a log file of material codes and a sending time. The video server comprises a storage means utilizing a randomly accessible storage media, and a server controller for controlling the storage means and multiple input and output ports connected to the storage means. The input port includes a multiplexer for inserting the material code to identify video source onto compressed video signals derived from video signals fed to the input ports. Video signals with their material codes superimposed thereon are recorded as video sources on the storage means. A material code is extracted from any video signal that is reproduced, and a log file of the sending data (sending time and data including material code relating to the sent-out material) is generated.

Abstract: An inactive gas is introduced into an organic material evaporation source to place a thin organic film material in the organic material evaporation source in an atmosphere having a relatively high pressure, and the temperature of the thin organic film material is increased up to a certain temperature. Then, the organic material evaporation source is evacuated to lower the pressure around the thin organic film material for thereby causing the thin organic film material to emit a vapor. Since no wasteful vapor is emitted from the thin organic film material, the thin organic film material is effectively utilized. Because the inactive gas acts as a heating medium, the temperature of the thin organic film material is increased at a high rate, and the thin organic film material is uniformly heated. When the temperature of the thin organic film material is lowered in an inactive gas atmosphere, it can be lowered at a high rate.

Abstract: A one-time use camera including film. The camera comprises a shutter release and a device adapted to deactivate a camera function in order to prevent unauthorized reuse of the camera. The deactivating device comprises: a first counter whose value can be changed when it is detected successively that, on the one hand, the film is moved inside the camera and that, on the other hand, the shutter release is activated, and, a detector for detecting the film movement. The camera function is deactivated when the first counter reaches a limit value S.

Abstract: A waterproof camera has a waterproofing camera case (front and rear cases) and a lens barrel secured within the camera case. Within the lens barrel, there is formed a lens-containing space communicating to a front opening thereof. A group of lenses for wide-angle imaging are arranged in the space. A front lens of the lenses is placed to cover the opening, so that the front lens serves in common as a sealing member. An annular protrusion of tip of the lens barrel is caulked inside by thermal welding. An O-ring is inserted between an outer cylindrical surface of the front lens and an inner wall cylindrical surface of the lens barrel. Another O-ring is inserted between an outer cylindrical surface of tip of the lens barrel and an inner cylindrical surface of tip of the front case.

Abstract: A truck storage box having a frame of sufficient size to fit inside a truck bed with a hinged top. Said frame will have a means to pivot from a position parallel to the bottom of the truck bed to a position perpendicular to the bottom of said truck bed. A collapsible section is attached to the frame allowing for storage when the frame is in the parallel position. The frame shall contain said collapsible section when the frame is in the perpendicular position.

Abstract: A device having a sight line detecting function includes an illumination unit for illuminating an eyeball of an observer looking into an observation screen, by a plurality of light-emitting members; an image-pickup member which receives the light reflected from the eyeball; a rotational angle calculating device which calculates the rotational angle of the eyeball of the observer, using the cornea reflection images detected by the image-pickup member; and a correction unit for calculating correction data for correcting error between the calculated rotational angle value and the sight line of the observer, and for storing the correction data. In this device, the correction unit stores a plurality of correction data corresponding to the number of the cornea reflection images, with respect to the same observer.

Abstract: This camera includes two kinds of photographing modes, a normal photographing mode and a trimming photographing mode of telephotographing in pseudo. The focal length variator for changing the focal length of a zoom lens is formed by a first cam corresponding to the normal photographing, a second cam corresponding to trimming photographing, and a transition area cam connecting the first cam and the second cam. Thus, at the time of transition from the normal photographing mode to the trimming photographing mode, or the transition from the trimming photographing mode to the normal photographing mode, the focal length of the zoom lens is changed to the focal length corresponding to the photographing mode by zooming operation to facilitate change of the photographing mode and always set a view finder to a suitable angle of view corresponding to the focal length set in the zoom lens.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pseudo-zoom camera and an image processing system using the camera in which any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number, or any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number in combination with the picture area are recorded as pseudo-zoom information.

Abstract: Three elongate, circular rods are secured to the inner peripheral surface of a lens barrel to extend axially thereof and in angularly spaced relation to each other. Each of two cylindrically shaped lens housings is mounted coaxially in the barrel for axial adjustment therein by means of three sets of rollers, each of which sets is mounted on the housing to have rolling, point engagement with a different one of the rails. At least one set of rollers on each housing is urged resiliently into rolling engagement with the associated rail, and each housing is connected to one of two camming rings which is rotatably mounted on the barrel to effect axial adjustment of the housings.

Abstract: A scannerless range imaging system includes an illumination system and an electromechanical light modulator. The illumination system illuminates objects in the scene with modulated illumination of a predetermined modulation frequency, and the modulated illumination reflected from objects in the scene incorporates a phase delay corresponding to the distance of the objects from the range imaging system. The electromechanical light modulator, which is positioned in an optical path of the reflected illumination, operates at a reference frequency that corresponds to the predetermined modulation frequency and accordingly modulates the modulated illumination reflected from the object, thereby generating a phase image from the interference between the reference frequency and the reflected modulated illumination.

Abstract: Provided is a distance measuring apparatus that can cope with the problem of wrong distance measuring attributable to the presence of miscellaneous subjects and minimize the possibility of defocused photographing. In this distance measuring apparatus, passive-type distance measuring is carried out in accordance with a subject image signal for the central portion of a view field. Signal light for distance measuring from an infrared-emitting diode is projected on a subject in the central portion of the view field, and active-type distance measuring is carried out by means of a sensor array in accordance with reflected signal light reflected by the subject. According to the output result of the passive-type central distance measuring, a CPU determines whether or not to effect distance measuring for the peripheral portion of the view field based on an image signal for the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A camera-type image input apparatus comprises a light-receiving element disposed in a light-receiving area for receiving light from an object through a lens, and light-emitting elements disposed in the light-receiving area to irradiate the object through the lens. Since the light-emitting elements disposed in the light-receiving area irradiate the object through the lens to have an irradiation pattern formed on the object, a user can perform viewing and focusing based on such an irradiation pattern. Hence, viewing and focusing can be performed efficiently, and distortion-free pictures can be taken.

Abstract: A photometry device for a camera includes a normal light metering system having spectral sensitivity characteristics close to visual sensitivity characteristics, and a plurality of light metering systems having spectral sensitivity characteristics that are different from those of the normal light metering system. Further provided is an exposure amount determining system that determines an exposure amount of an object in accordance with an output of the normal light metering system, a colorimetry system that judges a color of the object in accordance with the outputs of said plurality of light metering systems. An exposure compensation amount is determined in accordance with the color judged by the colorimetry system, and then, the exposure amount is compensated in accordance with the exposure compensation amount.

Abstract: In an optical data recording device, an LCD panel, an aperture stop and a projection lens are arranged in this order from the object side, and a center of the LCD panel is displaced from an optical axis of the projection lens in a direction away from an optical axis of an taking lens, so an image of data displayed on the LCD panel is projected on a photo filmstrip at a position that is shifted from the projection lens optical axis toward the taking lens optical axis. Where the photo filmstrip is curved along its lengthwise direction for compensating for a curvature of field of the taking lens, the LCD panel is inclined to a perpendicular plane to the projection lens optical axis, so an image surface of the LCD panel is formed on the photo filmstrip parallel with its curve.

Abstract: The camera of this invention has a zoom optical system 21, 23 which forms an object image on silver-salt film 27; an image capture element 15 which captures an electronic image of the above object image; and an image capture optical system 2, 11, 13, 14 which forms the object image on the image capture element. The image capture optical system is provided separately from the zoom optical system, and has an angle of view which covers the broadest photography angle of view of the zoom optical system. The above camera also has memory which stores the image data of an image capture bounding frame; a signal processing circuit 45 which merges the electronic image captured by the image capture element and the image data of the photography bounding range stored in memory; and a monitor device 8 which displays the electronic image merged by the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A camera in which a magazine can be loaded into a magazine chamber in the direction along a winding shaft thereof in a state in which a film leader is wound thereon. During such magazine loading, the film leader is inserted along the outer periphery of a film guide disposed in the magazine chamber. After the magazine has been loaded, the film leader is temporarily rewound into the magazine. Then, it is fed toward a spool chamber. The film leader that has reached the spool chamber is advanced by the spool and film loading is completed. By employing such a loading mechanism, it is possible to provide a camera incorporating a film loading mechanism with a simple structure which is capable of reliable film loading and making it possible, in cameras using 135-type film magazine, to load a magazine in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus is provided with a photosensitive drum, an optical writing device which writes an image on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum, a developing device which develops the image using toner an intermediate transfer belt onto which the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred, a rotation angle detection unit which detects the rotation angle of the photosensitive drum, an eccentric detection unit which detects the amount eccentricity of the photosensitive drum from the rotary axis of the photosensitive drum, and a correction unit which, obtains eccentricity of the photosensitive drum based on the amount eccentricity, the rotation angle and the radius of the photosensitive drum, and corrects a distortion and a color offset in the toner image based on the obtained eccentricity.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrographic printer or copier includes determining an adapted exposure energy before the start of the printing process. To this end, a portion of the image elements on a charged photoconductor region is exposed to a predetermined exposure energy. The other portion of the image elements on the photoconductor region is not exposed. A raster parameter which takes the ratio between exposed and unexposed image elements into account is used during the determination of the adapted exposure energy. A printer or copier apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing device including plural developer supporters provided opposite to a photoconductor, a development bias applying unit for applying a development bias voltage generated by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage to each of the developer supporters, and a phase shifter for shifting a phase of the AC voltage in the development bias voltage in each of the developer supporters.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an input portion for receiving different kinds of jobs; a storage portion for storing a job; an image forming portion for forming images of an input job; a control input portion for providing content display of input jobs and control display; a radiocommunication portion for reading the user identification ID recorded in an information recording medium; a controller for controlling these portions. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus determines the user identification ID of a user so as to provide a display of the operational state best for the user.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a corrugated filter, and a casing for containing the filter. A reinforcement member is formed by casting a resin material into at least one recess of the filter.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having a reverse development system and using a two-component developer, respective potentials applied when charging an image bearing member and when applying a development bias to a developer bearing member are attenuated when the image bearing member is driven for an operation other than an image forming operation, compared to respective level of potentials applied when the image bearing member is driven for the image forming operation. Thus, an occurrence of an adhesion of a carrier to an image bearing member is reduced to produce a high quality image, when a power switch of the apparatus is turned off or when a door of the apparatus is opened while the image bearing member is driven for an operation other than the image forming operation, or when the apparatus is activated again after the power switch is turned off.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing body. The image bearing body is charged by a charging device including a magnetic brush which is brought into contact with the image bearing body and which is formed by a magnetic particle layer. The image bearing body is exposed by a pre-exposing device after an image formed on the image bearing body is transferred to an image receiving member and before the photosensitive body is charged by the charging device. The pre-exposing device exposes the image bearing body with an exposure width smaller than a width with which the charging device charges the image bearing body in a longitudinal direction of the charging device. The exposure width is larger than an image formation width in the longitudinal direction of the charging device.