Abstract: A receiver is configured to receive input of authentication information of a user. A communicator is configured to perform communication with a server that performs user authentication. An image processor has at least one image processing function. A memory stores authentication information of the user and stores instructions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of returning from the power saving state and performing user authentication by one action of holding an authentication card over a card reader even when the apparatus is in the power saving state. The apparatus performs short-distance wireless communication with an external device. A controller performs control processing including at least authentication processing. When short-distance wireless communication with the device is started, a short-distance wireless communication section delivers a return-starting interrupt, to the controller, receives authentication data from the device to thereby store the authentication data during returning of the apparatus. The controller performs authentication processing based on the stored authentication data after returning of the apparatus from the power saving state, and notifies the device of an authentication processing result by a different channel.

Abstract: A print service server of a printing system manages information included in the print job to be transmitted and that is specific information required for specifying a user ID, and a user ID that has been registered with the print service server, an image processing apparatus transmits, to a counting server, the number of printed sheets used upon printing based on the print job and the specific information included in the print job, and the counting server queries the managing unit based on the transmitted specific information of the user ID that has been registered with the print service server and saves a user corresponding to the user ID acquired as the result of the query by the query unit, and the number of printed sheets transmitted by the transmission unit by associating them with each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an internal environment setting, a setting changing unit, an operation invalidation unit, and a change prohibition unit. The setting changing unit changes an item of the internal environment setting in response to an operation input performed on an operation input unit or in response to an external input. The operation invalidation unit receives an invalidation instruction and invalidates the operation input performed on the operation input unit. The change prohibition unit prohibits the external input from changing an item of the internal environment setting that is locked at the operation input unit in response to the operation invalidation unit receiving the invalidation instruction.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, in which a first port, through which a communication is permitted, and a second port, through which a communication is permitted when a specific condition is satisfied, are set, includes a reception unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The reception unit receives data transmitted from an external apparatus. The determination unit determines whether the data satisfies the specific condition when the second port is used to receive the data. The control unit permits processing of the received data when the reception unit receives the data by using the first port or when the determination unit determines that the data satisfies the specific condition, and prohibits the processing of the data when the reception unit receives the data by using a port that is not the first or second port, or when the determination unit determines that the data does not satisfy the specific condition.

Abstract: When transmitting print data to a printing apparatus by using a specific communication method, such as Wi-Fi Direct, and causing the printing apparatus to print the print data, if the print data is print data of a specific type, the printing apparatus performs error termination without performing printing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a motor unit configured to give a rotary drive force to rotary members for conveying a recording medium; a switch circuit provided in a power supply line connecting a power source and the motor unit to supply electric power, connecting the motor unit to the power source upon closure of the body cover, and disconnecting the motor unit from the power source upon opening of the body cover; a power-off detecting section; a rate-of-voltage-change calculating section; and a control section. The control section deactivates each of mechanisms in the image forming apparatus when the power-off detecting section detects shutoff of power supply from the power source, and reactivates each of the mechanisms, provided that the rate of change of voltage calculated by the rate-of-voltage-change calculating section has reached a predetermined threshold, when the power-off detecting section detects electric power is supplied from the power source.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided to facilitate connections between devices, such as a printer and a cloud-based server, and to implement an adaptive application framework. In the context of an apparatus, a printer is provided comprising communications circuitry configured to facilitate communications with a network; and processing circuitry configured to transmit a connection request to the network; receive requested connection parameters from the network; transmit printer connection parameters to the network; and establish a first secure connection between the printer and the network. The printer comprising processing circuitry further configured to receive requested connection parameters comprising at least a signed security certificate and a DNS name for a server on the network and to verify the signed security certificate and the DNS name for the server.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating workflows for printing systems. The system includes a memory that stores requirements for sequencing each of multiple activities available at a print shop into workflows. The system also includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) able to graphically present a workflow. The workflow includes an ordered subset of the activities to perform for processing a print job. The GUI is further able to graphically present the available activities, and to enable a user to drag the available activities onto the workflow to alter the workflow. The system also includes a processing system able to detect an activity being dragged by a user, to determine locations in the workflow where requirements for the activity are met, and to operate the GUI to highlight the determined locations.

Abstract: A printing device is registered at a cloud server and a secure connection is established with the printing device. A subscription packet is sent to the printing device. The subscription packet specifics at least one event to be reported by the printing device. A notification that indicates an occurrence of the at least one event is received from the printing device.

Abstract: In one example, a printer address for a network-connected printer, a printer location, and an identifier for a mobile computing device are received. Responsive to receiving a message that is sent to the printer address and that includes a print job, the print job is stored. The identifier is sent to a tracker computing device. A mobile device location is received from the tracker device. Responsive to determining a calculated distance between the mobile device and the printer is less than or equal to a trigger distance, the print job is sent to the printer.

Abstract: A method for managing a first version and a second version of an electronic document (ED), including: obtaining a request to print the first version of the ED; generating, in response to the request, a print job based on the first version of the ED and identifying a storage location of the second version of the ED, of which at least a part of contents is different from the first version of the ED; and sending the print job to a printer to generate a hardcopy document (HD) based on the first version of the ED, where the HD includes a graphical element specifying the storage location of the second version of the ED, and where the second version of the ED is accessible to a reader of the HD by visiting the storage location specified in the graphical element of the HD.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a communication unit that communicates with multiple external image forming apparatuses each storing print data that is held until after printing is executed and identification information about a user, which is associated with the print data; a memory that stores print data and identification information about a user, which is associated with the print data; and a search unit that, upon specification of the identification information about the user, sequentially searches pieces of information stored in the memory and the multiple external image forming apparatuses for information corresponding to the specified identification information about the user and stops the search of the pieces of information stored in the memory and the multiple external image forming apparatuses, which are not searched, in response to a first search result that is achieved.

Abstract: A print control apparatus includes a determination unit and a controller. The determination unit determines, from among plural virtual print controllers each of which controls printing at a printing apparatus associated with the virtual print controller, whether or not any of the virtual print controllers has started operating in the print control apparatus. The controller performs control, in a case where it is determined that none of the virtual print controllers have started operating, such that a state of reception of print command information is set to be a state in which the print command information is not received, and thereafter performs control, in a case where it is determined that any of the virtual print controllers has started operating, such that the state of reception is set to be a state in which print command information is received.

Abstract: A network scanner, communication protocols, and client and server programs and are provided which provide an improved way to transmit legally binding documents, obviating the need for outmoded, legacy fax transmissions. Using the network scanner, a document may be scanned and transferred directly into any shared folder inbox residing on any computer attached to the Internet. Enhanced server systems and network communications and messaging protocols are provided that are more practical to use than email for sending documents such as executed legal documents or other documents requiring robust integrity and authenticatability. Similarly, the inventive network scanner, server systems and communication protocols provide improved ways to perform large file transfers and to manage bandwidth to minimize problems associated with uploading/downloading large files as attachments to/from email servers and for enabling user control over VoIP quality during file transmission sessions.

Abstract: A communicator is configured to perform communication with a server. An image processor is configured to perform image processing. When executed by a processor, the instructions stored in a memory cause the processor to perform: a login process of establishing a login state that allows execution of a specific job that causes the image processor to perform image processing and that causes the communicator to perform communication with the server; a sign-in process of establishing a sign-in state that allows use of the server; a job execution process of executing the specific job on condition that a current state is the login state and the sign-in state; and a cancel process of cancelling the login state and of cancelling the sign-in state when a logout condition for cancelling the login state is satisfied in a state where the sign-in state is not cancelled.

Abstract: There is provided a communication terminal device including a memory, a display, a selection operation accepting section, first and second wireless communication sections configured to perform data communication with a printer via first and second wireless communication, and a controller. In a case that the to-be printed file is a file in a particular non-support format, the first wireless communication section transmits the to-be printed file to a conversion device and obtains a to-be printed file, which has been converted to a support file at the conversion device. In a case that the second wireless communication is started and that the converted to-be printed image is not being obtained, a communication counterpart of the first wireless communication is changed to the printer. In a case that the converted to-be printed file is being obtained, the communication counterpart of the first wireless communication is maintained.

Abstract: A function execution may device determine whether the function execution device can communicate with an external device using a short-range communication protocol when a first screen is displayed on a display screen. When the function execution device determines that the function execution device can communicate with the external device using the short-range communication protocol, the function execution device may display a second screen that indicates an operation to be performed using the external device to start executing a predetermined function of the function execution device.

Abstract: When first wireless communication is established, a mobile terminal sends image data specific information for specifying a set of image data to an image recording apparatus by the first wireless communication. When a set of image data associated with the image data specific information corresponding to the image data specific information received by the first wireless communication is stored, an image recording apparatus records an image corresponding to the stored set of image data onto a recording medium. When such a set of image data is not stored, the image recording apparatus receives the set of image data from the mobile terminal by the second wireless communication and records an image corresponding to the received set of image data onto the recording medium. The image recording apparatus then stores the received set of image data and the image data specific information in association with each other.

Abstract: A job performing control system that includes at least an apparatus and controls a job performing apparatus that performs a job, includes a job storing unit that stores a job input in the job performing control system with attribute data of the job, the attribute data being set based on an inputting method of the job; a rule storing unit that stores a predetermined rule that determines a method of performing the job in the job performing apparatus; a determining unit that determines whether the attribute data of the job satisfies the predetermined rule; and a performing control unit that controls the job performing apparatus to perform the job determined to satisfy the predetermined rule by the determining unit by the method of performing the job determined from the predetermined rule.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with an information processing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a connection screen for enabling, on the screen, specification of print settings of print data received from the information processing apparatus using the wireless communication, and reception of an instruction for executing connection processing for establishing the wireless communication, a storage unit configured to store the print settings specified via the connection screen, a connection unit configured to execute the connection processing with the information processing apparatus when the instruction for executing the connection processing is received via the connection screen, a reception unit configured to receive print data from the information processing apparatus using the wireless communication established by the connection processing, and a printing unit configured to print the print data received by the reception unit based on the print setting

Abstract: A user preregisters to a printing apparatus IPP print settings used when printing print data received through IPP. Upon reception of the print data through IPP, the printing apparatus prints the print data based on the preregistered IPP print settings. The printing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to perform printing, a storage unit configured to store settings regarding printing using a specific print protocol, a reception unit configured to receive print data transmitted from an external apparatus, a determination unit configured to, when the reception unit receives print data by using the specific print protocol, determine whether a communication method used for receiving the print data is a specific communication method, and a control unit configured to, based on a result of determination by the determination unit, determine whether the settings stored in the storage unit are to be used when printing the print data.

Abstract: When a service of interest is specified, a communication apparatus searches other communication apparatuses capable of providing the specified service and establishes a wireless communication with the specified communication apparatus.

Abstract: A communication apparatus capable of executing a wireless communication includes an identification unit, a display unit, a notification unit, and a connection unit. The identification unit identifies a communication partner of the wireless communication. The display unit displays, if an external apparatus which is the communication partner of the wireless communication is identified by the identification unit, a confirmation screen for allowing a user to confirm whether to execute the wireless communication with the external apparatus. The notification unit notifies, if the confirmation screen is displayed by the display unit, the external apparatus that the user is confirming whether to execute the wireless communication. The connection unit executes, if the user issues an instruction via the confirmation screen to execute the wireless communication with the external apparatus, connection processing for executing the wireless communication with the external apparatus.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include a communication terminal, a communication method, and a communication control program stored on a non-transitory recording medium, each of which is capable of communicating with a counterpart terminal via a network. The communication terminal transmits identification information that identifies an image forming apparatus to a communication management system, during when the communication terminal is communicating with a counterpart communication terminal. The communication terminal transmits image data, which is converted to be compatible with the image forming apparatus based on capability information, to the image forming apparatus through the network.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an association portion is configured to associate, with each photographic image, the number of person images included in the photographic image as a number of prints when a plurality of photographic images are read. A determination portion is configured to determine whether, among the plurality of photographic images, there is a person photographic image. An inquiry portion is configured to inquire a user about whether to add the number of photographers to the number of prints associated with each photographic image, when there is the person photographic image. An addition portion is configured to set an addition number obtained by adding the number of photographers to the number of prints for each photographic image, as a number of prints for each photographic image when receiving from the user a reply that the number of photographers is to be added to the number of prints.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus may receive first information relating to a first function executing apparatus from the first function executing apparatus. The first function executing apparatus may be configured to execute a print function. The terminal apparatus may cause a display mechanism of the terminal apparatus to display a first image indicating M1 items of communication schemes by using the first information. Each of the M1 items of communication schemes may be a communication scheme available for the first function executing apparatus to receive print data.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus may receive first information relating to a first function executing apparatus from the first function executing apparatus. The first function executing apparatus may be configured to execute a scan function. The terminal apparatus may cause a display mechanism of the terminal apparatus to display a first image indicating M1 items of communication schemes by using the first information. Each of the M1 items of communication schemes may be a communication scheme available for the first function executing apparatus to send scan data.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus may receive first information relating to a first function executing apparatus from the first function executing apparatus. The first function executing apparatus may be configured to execute a print function. The terminal apparatus may select, by using the first information, a particular communication scheme from among M1 items of communication schemes in a case where the first information is received. Each of the M1 items of communication schemes may be different from each other and may be a communication scheme available for the first function executing apparatus to receive print data. The terminal apparatus may send first print data to the first function executing apparatus in accordance with the particular communication scheme in a case where the particular communication scheme is selected from among the M1 items of communication schemes.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus may receive first information relating to a first function executing apparatus from the first function executing apparatus. The first function executing apparatus may be configured to execute a scan function. The terminal apparatus may select, by using the first information, a particular communication scheme from among M1 items of communication schemes in a case where the first information is received. Each of the M1 items of communication schemes may be different from each other and may be a communication scheme available for the first function executing apparatus to send scan data. The terminal apparatus may send a first selection result indicating the particular communication scheme to the first function executing apparatus in a case where the particular communication scheme is selected from among the M1 items of communication schemes.

Abstract: A first communication apparatus may comprise a first type of interface configured to function as an IC tag, a second type of interface, and a controller. The controller may cause the first type of interface to execute a sending operation. The sending operation may be executed by using a first wireless connection established between the first and second communication apparatuses. The sending operation may include an operation of the first type of interface to send network identification information to the second communication apparatus. The network identification information may be information to be used in a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication apparatuses belong. The controller may execute, after the first type of interface has executed the sending operation, a wireless communication of target data with the second communication apparatus via the second type of interface by using the first wireless network.

Abstract: An image recording system includes: a mobile terminal and an image recording apparatus. The mobile terminal and the image recording apparatus transfer communication setting information about the mobile terminal or the image recording apparatus over a first wireless communication. The mobile terminal transmits image data to the image recording apparatus over a second wireless communication. Each time when the first wireless communication is established, the mobile terminal obtains a signal relating to its position. The mobile terminal or the image recording apparatus creates change information about a change of the position based on a plurality of the signals and sets, based on the change information, at least one setting value respectively for at least one setting item relating to image recording. The image recording apparatus records an image on a recording medium based on the received image data and based on the set at least one setting value.

Abstract: An image recording system includes a mobile terminal and an image recording apparatus. The mobile terminal successively stores signals representative of its position at least from establishment of first wireless communication between the mobile terminal and the image recording apparatus. When information produced based on the signals coincides with at least one of sets of reference information which respectively correspond to image recording conditions, the mobile terminal determines at least one command for commanding at least one image recording condition respectively corresponding to the at least one set of reference information. The mobile terminal transmits the at least one command to the image recording apparatus over the first wireless communication or second wireless communication and transmits image data to the image recording apparatus over the second wireless communication. The image recording apparatus uses at least one image recording condition to record an image based on the image data.

Abstract: An aftermarket electronic circuit has a first discrete bi-directional communication module and a second discrete bi-directional communication module, the first discrete bi-directional communication module adapted to communicate with an imaging machine having a processor associated with a block of memory dedicated for an imaging unit blocking list having at least one blocking position. The second discrete bi-directional communication module contains blocking data, and the first discrete bi-directional communication module is adapted to access the blocking data from the second discrete bi-directional communication module. The first discrete bi-directional communication module is adapted to provide the blocking data to be read by the imaging machine and written to at least one byte of each available blocking position of the blocking list.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first wireless communication unit that receives data from a mobile phone, and a reader-writer that transmits an address of the first wireless communication unit to the mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a contact/non-contact IC card that receives the address, and a second wireless communication unit that transmits image data to the first wireless communication unit utilizing the address. When communication is made between the mobile phone and the image forming apparatus, the address of the first wireless communication unit is transmitted to the contact/non-contact IC card through the reader-writer, and the second wireless communication unit transmits data to the first wireless communication unit utilizing the address.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first wireless communication unit that receives data from a mobile phone, and a reader-writer that transmits an address of the first wireless communication unit to the mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a contact/non-contact IC card that receives the address, and a second wireless communication unit that transmits image data to the first wireless communication unit utilizing the address. When communication is made between the mobile phone and the image forming apparatus, the address of the first wireless communication unit is transmitted to the contact/non-contact IC card through the reader-writer, and the second wireless communication unit transmits data to the first wireless communication unit utilizing the address.

Abstract: A communication system includes a printing device, a terminal device, and another device. The printing device includes a communication interface that enables communication through at least two modes; an operating portion that accepts a mode-switch instruction; a printing portion that prints an image based on print data, and a processor. In a direct communication mode, the printing device communicates directly with the terminal device. In an indirect communication mode, the printing device communicates indirectly with the other device. The processor switches the communication mode from the indirect communication mode to the direct communication mode when the operating portion accepts the mode-switch instruction, and switches the communication mode from the direct communication mode to the indirect communication mode when the processor determines that the printing device has finished receiving print data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes allocating a decompressor for each scanline of an input image represented as compressed bitmap data, allocating tiles to store bitmap data representing a rotation of the image and generating a rotated output image represented as compressed bitmap data.

Abstract: In case of searching and outputting output information stored in a memory, it enables a user of the host computer to select the device of storing the output information, whereby the load in searching and outputting the information is reduced. To do so, when the host computer causes the printer to print the image based on the print data, the hard disk of the multifunctional device is selected from among the plural hard disks, as the storage destination to which the print data is stored and from which the stored print data can be searched and output. Then, the information representing the storage destination and the print data are transmitted to the printer so as to be printed, and the print data is also transmitted to the multifunctional device to be stored.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus converts image data into a video signal, updates a value of a counter without loading the image data onto a video memory, if a print request is a single-sided print request and the image data corresponding to a page information included in the print request is stored on the video memory, and loads the image data corresponding to the page information in the print request onto the video memory, if the print request is a double-sided print request, or if the print request is the single-sided print request and the image data corresponding to the page information included in the print request is not stored on the video memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to the present disclosure read a document as image data; store the image data; determine a range of a map on the image data and recognize character information and graphic information from the range of the map; estimate an area of the map, based on the character information or the graphic information; acquire map data of the area of the map; add additional information to the map data; replace the range of the map on the stored image data with the map data containing the additional information; and output the image data in which the range of the map has been replaced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes performing rasterization of print job data to generate a raster image, reading a job ticket associated with the print job data including marking data that is to be added to the raster image and performing a second rasterization to apply the marking data to the raster image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a color converting portion and an edge-outline-to-be-defined specifying portion. The color converting portion is configured to convert a portion near one of edges of a black determination range determined as having a composite black and a portion near the other of the edges thereof, so as to have a pure black. The edge-outline-to-be-defined specifying portion is configured to set a range, of the black determination range, positioned inward of one of the edges of the black determination range and the other of the edges of the black determination range, as a mask range, for a black plane, and specify an edge outside the mask range as an edge on which edge outline definition is to be performed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes analyzing color planes of a compressed sheetside image and generating an overcoat plane based on the color planes.

Abstract: Methods and devices identify gloss levels and appearance colors for different printers based on the common printing capabilities of the different printers. Such gloss levels and appearance colors are formed from different combinations of one or more colorant marking materials combined or stacked on a print substrate surface. Further, such methods and devices identify common color metameric pairs based on the gloss levels and the appearance colors. Each of the common color metameric pairs has the same appearance color, but has a different gloss level. Patterns of different gloss levels in an area of uniform appearance color form a differential gloss security feature on a printed document. The methods herein can store a file with the common color metameric pairs in a non-transitory storage medium that is operatively connected to at least one of the different printers.

Abstract: An image reader is provided, which includes a first analog front end unit configured to perform A/D conversion for analog signals that are output via a first group of channels of a number resulting from rounding up, to a closest whole number, an average value between a number of at least one channel for a first image reading unit and a number of channels for a second image reading unit, among analog signals output from the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit, and a second analog front end unit configured to perform A/D conversion for analog signals that are output via a second group of channels other than the channels in the first group, among the analog signals output from the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes placement member, pressing member, and open/close detection portion. Open/close detection portion detects opening and closing of pressing member. Open/close detection portion includes movable portion, guide hole, and sensor. When pressing member is opened, movable portion moves toward one side, thereby protruding to an area between placement member and pressing member, and when pressing member is closed, movable portion moves toward the other side. Movable portion extends along movement direction thereof. Guide hole of movable portion guides movement of movable portion in movement direction. Movable portion has a plurality of groove portions extending in movement direction, and groove portions partially include guide groove. Guide hole has guide protrusion protruding from inner circumferential surface thereof toward groove portion of movable portion, so as to guide movement of movable portion.

Abstract: In an image processing device having an image processing unit, a first determination process determines whether each of the plurality of blocks is a single-color block, a non-single-color block, or a non-determinative block. Determination of the non-determinative block is made when neither a single block condition nor a non-single-block condition is met. A second determination process determines whether the non-determinative block is the single block or the non-single block based on a result of the first determination process with respect to a neighboring block neighboring the non-determinative block. The blank determination process determines whether the image is a blank image based on at least one of number of single color blocks determined in the first determination process or the second determination process and number of non-single-color blocks determined in the first determination process or the second determination process.

Abstract: A photo booth is configured with a three-dimensional scanner, a display with a user interface coupled to the photo booth, a network interface configured to couple the photo booth in a communicating relationship with a remote processing resource, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may be configured to associate a user identifier and a user with a subject, capture a scan of the subject in the photo booth with the three-dimensional scanner, process the scan to obtain a three-dimensional model of the subject, receive a user customization of the three-dimensional model in the user interface, the user customization resulting in a modification of the three-dimensional model, create a fabrication-ready digital model of the three-dimensional model including the modification, and store the fabrication-ready digital model.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a light scanning apparatus of a simple arrangement which can reduce print misregistration of respective beams in a main scanning direction in an image region even when an inexpensive imaging optical unit which forms a spot image on the image region of a surface to be scanned, and can form a high-resolution image, and an image forming apparatus using the same.