Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a poly-silicic-ferric coagulant (PSFC) having a controlled aggregating strength. In particular, according to an embodiment, provided is a method of preparing a PSFC that may effectively suppress both formation of fine toner particles having a particle size that is smaller than a desired particle size and formation of coarse toner particles having a particle size that is greater than the desired particle size, wherein the PSFC for a toner is used in preparation of a toner by using an emulsion aggregation (EA) method. The PSFC for a toner prepared by using the method, according to an embodiment, significantly exhibits a controlled aggregating strength, and thus a viscosity of an emulsion aggregation solution for the toner preparation is appropriate, which results in suppressing production of fine toner particles and coarse toner particles. In this regard, a toner preparation yield may improve.

Abstract: A composite charge control agent for use in electrostatic imaging comprises porous, inorganic core particles of at least 0.08 microns in diameter, impregnated with 2% to 50% by weight of one or more charge control chemicals and up to 50% by weight of one or more additional compounds such as a polymer, a wax, a dye, or other organic chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic carrier for an electrophotographic developer comprising spherical magnetic composite particles comprising a phenol resin as a binder and ferromagnetic iron oxide particles bonded to each other through the phenol resin, wherein the spherical magnetic composite particles have a ten-point mean roughness Rz of 0.3 to 2.0 ?m. The magnetic carrier for an electrophotographic developer according to the present invention exhibits an excellent durability against peeling-off and abrasion of coating resins formed thereon and a high stability to mechanical stress exerted onto the carrier, is free from occurrence of spent toner, can be stably held over a long period of time without occurrence of fogging and unevenness in density of toner images, and can keep high-quality images with an excellent gradation for a long period of time.

Abstract: In an example of a method for making polymer-encapsulated metallic ink pigment particles, a layer of a transparent resin dispersion is disposed on a flexible substrate. The resin dispersion layer is substantially dried, and a base resin layer is formed. A slurry is disposed onto the base resin layer. The slurry includes metallic pigment particles and polymer particles dispersed in a non-aqueous carrier. The slurry is dried to form a metallic pigment-polymer sheet. Another layer of the transparent resin dispersion is disposed on the metallic pigment-polymer sheet and is dried. A coating resin layer is formed. The metallic pigment-polymer sheet and the base and coating transparent resin layers form a tri-layer film having the metallic pigment particles encapsulated between the base and coating transparent resin layers.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an electrostatic ink composition, wherein the composition is formable by combining: chargeable particles comprising a resin comprising a polymer having acidic side groups, and a cyclic anhydride. Also disclosed herein is a method of forming an electrostatic ink composition, and a method of electrostatic printing.

Abstract: A charging member capable of inhibiting the effect of the contact mark on the electrophotographic image, even after in contact with another member for a long term, is provided. The charging member has a surface layer on a support, the surface layer containing a polymer compound having a structural unit represented by the following formula (1): In the formula (1), A represents an aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon group; R1 represents a specific hydrocarbon group. L represents a polysiloxane having at least one of an SiO3/2 unit (T) and an SiO2/2 unit (D). U represents an integer of 1 or more.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detection unit (control unit) configured to detect operation information of the image forming apparatus and a controller (control unit) configured to apply an AC voltage to a charging roller by a charging power source during a non-image-forming operation of the image forming apparatus. The controller is configured to control the duration for which the AC voltage is applied on the basis of the operation information detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: An optical writing device having; a plurality of light-emitting points; a photodiode configured to output a signal which represents a quantity of incident light from a predetermined light-emitting point selected from the plurality of light-emitting points; and a calculation section for calculating a temperature of the photodiode based on a magnitude of a photodiode dark current included in the signal output from the photodiode while the predetermined light-emitting point is OFF.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption by optimizing preliminary operation of a sensor. In the image forming apparatus, when tone characteristics adjustment is instructed (Step S1003: Y), tone characteristics adjustment (Step S1006) is executed after calibration (Step S1004), while when mixed-color correction is instructed (Step S1007: Y), mixed-color correction processing (Step S1009) is executed after calibration (Step S1008). Further, in the case where mixed-color correction is executed after tone characteristics adjustment, the preliminary light emission time in calibration is set shorter than when mixed-color correction is executed without performing gray adjustment first.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect light that a light source emits and that is reflected by a polygon mirror in a predetermined direction, and to output a synchronization signal; a speed control unit configured to perform acceleration/deceleration control of the polygon mirror based on the synchronization signal at a target speed; and a light intensity control unit configured to decide an emission intensity of the light source and notify the digital value to the light driving unit. The speed control unit changes control of the polygon mirror to a neutral control in which neither acceleration nor deceleration control is performed in a case the light intensity control unit changes the light intensity of the light source when the speed control unit is performing the acceleration/deceleration control.

Abstract: It is directed to providing a developing roller capable of forming a high-quality electrophotographic image. The developing roller includes a substrate, an electro-conductive elastic layer on the substrate, and a plurality of electrical insulating domains on the electro-conductive elastic layer. The developing roller has a length L of 200 mm or more in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction thereof. The surface of the developing roller includes the surfaces of the domains and an exposed portion of the electro-conductive elastic layer, the exposed portion being uncovered with the domains. The developing roller has protrusions on the surface thereof, the protrusion being formed by the domains. The electro-conductive elastic layer has a plurality of protrusions at the exposed portion. The developing roller has an Asker C hardness of 50 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

Abstract: A developing device and image forming apparatus are provided. The developing device includes a chassis; a developer carrying member; a thickness regulating member; a supply member; and a conveying member. In a state in which the developing device is attached to a main body an opening of the chassis faces upward; the thickness regulating member pressure-contacts the developer carrying member from below the developer carrying member; the conveying member is disposed below the developer carrying member; the supply member overlaps a portion of the conveying member in a horizontal direction; and a portion of the conveying member is disposed within a vertical projection plane between a pressure-contact position of the thickness regulating member to the developer carrying member, and a contact position of the supply member to the developer carrying member. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; a plurality of photosensitive members; and a plurality of developing devices.

Abstract: A developing device includes a rotatable developer carrying member configured to carry a developer, and a regulating unit, formed of a resin material, configured to regulate an amount of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. The regulating unit includes a regulating portion configured to regulate the amount of the developer carried on the developer carrying member and a guiding portion, connected with an upstream end of the regulating portion with respect to a rotational direction of the developer carrying member, configured to guide the developer toward the regulating portion.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises a sheet placing section in which recording media are stacked, a storage section configured to record a total amount of toner on the recording media stacked in the sheet placing section, and a control section configured to determine whether or not the recording media stacked in the sheet placing section is likely to stick when a new recording medium is stacked thereon, based on the total amount of toner on the recording media stacked in the sheet placing section.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge having a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is exposed at the rear of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device. A forward facing opening is exposed at the front of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device. The forward facing opening overlaps with the rearward facing in a side-to-side dimension of the housing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit attachment part to which developing units are to be attached, each of the developing units being associated with a first criteria for performing developer refreshing and a second criteria for performing developer refreshing, wherein the second criteria is defined so as to be met prior to the first criteria, and a controller configured to control a timing of developer refreshing executed for each of the developing units according to the first and second criteria values thereof. When the first criteria for performing developer refreshing is met for at least one of the developing units, the controller causes developer refreshing to be performed for all developing units whose first or second criteria is met.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprising: a belt member suspended by a plurality of supporting rotating bodies and thus rotating; a cleaning member removing toner adhering to the belt member; a tray receiving waste toner removed from the belt member by the cleaning member; a vibration mechanism vibrating the tray to move the waste toner toward a lower side of the tray; a steering control mechanism to perform movement control to move the belt member in an axial direction of the supporting rotating bodies while the belt member rotates; and a vibration adjustment mechanism to change a manner of vibration of the vibration mechanism, based on the movement control by the steering control mechanism.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a rubbing member provided in contact with a transfer belt, a supporting member supporting the rubbing member, and a damping member configured to damp vibration of the transfer device. The damping member is fastened to the supporting member, and an end of the damping member in a width direction that is orthogonal to a direction of rotation of the transfer belt is a free end.

Abstract: A semiconductive resin composition includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a conductive filler. Each of the two thermoplastic resins has a sea-island structure, and 40% to 75% of the conductive filler are present in the thermoplastic resin in an island portion of the sea-island structure at an areal ratio of a cross section observed with a scanning electron microscope.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit having a conducive roller member formed with a conductive elastic body on an outer peripheral surface of a shaft of the conductive roller member for transferring, to a recording medium, development images formed on an image carrier based on a transfer voltage applied thereto, a voltage application unit for applying the transfer voltage to the transfer unit; a voltage control unit controlling the transfer voltage to be applied from the voltage application unit to the transfer unit, and a temperature measuring unit measuring shaft, temperature of the conductive roller member, wherein the voltage control unit controls the transfer voltage applied to the transfer unit based on the shaft temperature measured with the temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a temperature sensor, and a controller to execute a printing operation is provided. The printing operation is conducted at one of a first high-temperature printing pace, a first low-temperature printing pace, a second high-temperature printing pace, and a second low-temperature printing pace depending on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The first low-temperature printing pace is one of lower and equal to the first high-temperature printing pace. The second low-temperature printing pace is one of lower and equal to the second high-temperature printing pace. An absolute difference between the second high-temperature printing pace and the second low-temperature printing pace is greater than an absolute difference between the first high-temperature printing pace and the first low-temperature printing pace.

Abstract: A fuser controller includes a memory configured to store a program, a processor configured to read the program from the memory and to execute the program, a communication unit configured to transmit/receive data to/from the main controller, and an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive an analog signal representing the temperature of the fuser from a thermistor and to convert the analog signal into a digital signal, wherein the processor controls power supplied to a fuser until the main controller completes initialization.

Abstract: A frequency determining portion determines a driving frequency of an induction heater. A determination processing portion determines whether or not the driving frequency determined by the frequency determining portion is within a predetermined prohibited frequency band. A frequency changing portion, when the driving frequency determined by the frequency determining portion is within the prohibited frequency band and is lower than a predetermined threshold within the prohibited frequency band, changes the driving frequency to a frequency equal to or lower than a lower boundary frequency of the prohibited frequency band, and when the driving frequency is within the prohibited frequency band and is equal to or higher than the threshold, changes the driving frequency to a frequency equal to or higher than a higher boundary frequency of the prohibited frequency band. A heating control portion drives the induction heater by the driving frequency changed by the frequency changing portion.

Abstract: A fixing device includes an endless belt, a heater disposed inside the endless belt and being elongated in a longitudinal direction, the heater having a first end portion in the longitudinal direction and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the longitudinal direction, a resin frame having a recess portion opening toward an inner side of the endless belt, and a metal frame inserted into the recess portion of the resin frame. The metal frame has a first wall having a through-hole, and a second wall extending in a direction from the first end portion of the heater toward a second end portion of the heater, the second wall being disposed between the resin frame and the heater.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a control unit configured to obtain a time period until the reception unit receives a first ultrasonic wave via a first recording material and an amplitude value thereof at a reference temperature, obtain a time period until the reception unit receives a second ultrasonic wave via a second recording material and an amplitude value thereof at a different temperature, control an image formation condition for forming the image on the first recording material on the basis of the amplitude value of the first ultrasonic wave, obtain a difference time period between reception of the first and second ultrasonic waves, and control an image formation condition for forming the image on the second recording material on the basis of the difference time period and the amplitude value of the second ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, an optical scanner, a development device, a movable density sensor, a density sensor driver, and a processor. The optical scanner includes a light source to emit light, and irradiates a surface of the photoconductor in a main scanning direction with the light to form a latent image on the surface of the photoconductor. The development device develops the latent image into a toner image. The density sensor detects unevenness in density of the toner image in the main scanning direction. The density sensor driver moves the density sensor in the main scanning direction. The processor corrects a driving signal for the light source according to image data to reduce the unevenness in density in the main scanning direction, according to positional data of the density sensor in the main scanning direction and an output value of the density sensor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a replenishment empty history recording portion, a post-empty attachment detecting portion, and an image creation restricting portion. The replenishment empty history recording portion records replenishment empty history information to a storage device in correspondence with one of the plurality of developer containers in which a replenishment empty state was detected in a first attachment portion. The post-empty attachment detecting portion detects whether or not a second attachment portion is in a post-empty container attached state where the developer container corresponding to the replenishment empty history information recorded in the storage device is attached to the second attachment portion.

Abstract: A speed control portion of a motor driving device performs a deceleration control of decelerating a rotation speed of a driving motor based on a first pulse signal for the deceleration control that includes a plurality of pulses whose pulse width corresponds to each commanded speed to the driving motor. A pulse signal output portion generates the first pulse signal and a second pulse signal and outputs the second pulse signal to the speed control portion after outputting the first pulse signal to the speed control portion, wherein the pulse width of the first pulse signal changes by obeying a predetermined rule that corresponds to a deceleration tendency of the rotation speed during the deceleration control, and the second pulse signal does not obey the predetermined rule. When a determination processing portion determines that the second pulse signal is included in an input signal, the deceleration control is ended.

Abstract: A flange member includes a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion disposed inside the first cylindrical portion coaxially with the first cylindrical portion, an inwardly protruding portion protruding from an inner circumference of the second cylindrical portion, a first wall extending in the central axis direction and connecting the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion together and is in contact with a shaft member between the first wall and the second wall to receive a driving force, a second wall opposed to the first wall, and a connecting portion connecting the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion and connecting the first wall and the second wall. A groove is provided inside the first cylindrical portion and outside the second cylindrical portion. The connecting portion is disposed adjacent to the inwardly protruding portion with respect to the shaft member in the central axis direction.

Abstract: In a drive mechanism, a two-stage gear has an input gear and a sun gear. A planetary gear is engaged with both of outer teeth of the sun gear and inner teeth of a ring gear. A carrier, which is capable of rotating together with a rotational shaft, supports the planetary gear, and outputs drive force. A drive force transmission switching member switches between a connecting state connecting the two-stage gear and the carrier such that they rotate together via the rotational shaft, and a separating state separating the two-stage gear and carrier such that they rotate relative to each other. A one-way clutch allows the ring gear to rotate in one of a pair of opposite directions about the central axis of the rotational shaft, and prohibits the ring gear from rotating in the other one of the pair of opposite directions.

Abstract: A bias power-supply device of an image forming apparatus includes a transformer that includes a first winding and a second winding, and outputs an alternating-current output signal from the second winding when the first winding is supplied with current; a switch circuit that includes a switching element, and supplies the first winding of the transformer with the current by switching the switching element in accordance with a received modulation output signal; and a modulation circuit that receives a frequency setting signal of setting a frequency of the alternating-current output signal and a modulation signal, and generates the modulation output signal having a modulated pulse width. A frequency of the modulation signal and a frequency of the alternating-current output signal are set to cause an interference frequency between the modulation signal and a harmonic of the alternating-current output signal is higher than a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a driving assembly. The driving assembly is configured to be arranged on one end of a developing cartridge, the driving assembly comprises a connector configured to engage with a driving head of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The connector comprises a sleeve, a guide rod, and at least one engaging claw. The sleeve has a protrusion portion at its distal end relative to the developing cartridge, the protrusion portion axially projects outwards and has a limiting groove with an outwards opening; the engaging claw is hinged at the second end of the guide rod; when the driving assembly rotates upon receiving driving forces, a side surface of the limiting groove contacts a side surface of the engaging claw. A developing cartridge comprising the driving assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device includes a replaceable unit that has a housing having an internal reservoir for storing toner. A circuit board retainer is positioned on an exterior surface of the housing. The retainer includes a top having an undersurface having first and second supports extending away from the undersurface of the top toward a bottom of the retainer. A mounting platform is positioned on the undersurface of the top intermediate the first and second supports and spaced apart from the bottom of the retainer. A circuit board is mounted on the mounting platform. The top and the first and second supports form an opening at the front of the retainer sized to receive an electrical connector of the image forming device for mating with the circuit board when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer bearer to carry, by rotation, developer including toner and magnetic carrier to a developing range facing a latent image bearer; a casing including a developer container and an opening to expose a part of the developer bearer disposed in the casing; an opposing face of the casing including a conductive material and opposing to a surface of the developer bearer downstream from the developing range in a direction of rotation of the developer bearer; a developing bias source to apply a developing bias to the developer bearer; and an insulation layer disposed on the opposing face of the casing. The opposing face is disposed across, from the developer bearer, a casing gap sized to allow the developer borne on the developer bearer to contact the opposing face.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a lock mechanism, a first determination processing portion, and a regulation processing portion. The lock mechanism is configured to regulate attachment and detachment of the developer storage portion attached to the attachment portion. The first determination processing portion determines whether or not the developer storage portion attached to the attachment portion is a developer storage portion of a predetermined specific type. The regulation processing portion, when the developer storage portion attached to the attachment portion has been determined to be a developer storage portion of the specific type, causes the lock mechanism to regulate attachment and detachment of the developer storage portion.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a housing formed with an opening part; and a process cartridge detachably attachable to the housing through the opening part in a first direction. The housing includes a first support part arranged at the opening part, and a cover movable between a closed position and an opened position. The cover includes a second support part positioned away from the first support part in the first direction when the cover is at the opened position. The process cartridge includes: a drum cartridge having a drum frame; and a toner cartridge detachably attachable to the drum frame. When the cover is at the opened position, the first support part and the second support part are configured to support the drum frame of the process cartridge detached from the housing to restrict displacement of the drum frame in the first direction.

Abstract: A molded resin product for use with an image forming apparatus includes: a base portion formed of a resin material; a positioning portion provided on the base portion; and a movable member formed by injection molding so as to be movable relative to the base portion. When the molded resin product is connected to a connection part, the positioning portion positions the molded resin product and the connection part relative to each other, and the movable member is contactable to a contact portion of the connection part.

Abstract: A detachable unit has a unit housing and a grip portion thereon. The detachable unit is insertable and removal along an insertion/removal trajectory formed inside the body of an image forming apparatus and forming a depression angle as seen from the removal direction. The grip portion has a pressed face facing the upstream side of the unit housing in its removal direction and substantially perpendicular to the insertion/removal trajectory, a first side extending along the lower-end edge of the pressed face, and a second side extending along the upper-end edge of the pressed face. No face extending on the upstream side of the unit housing in the removal direction connects to the first side, and a finger insertion portion into which a finger can be inserted from the side of the first side along the pressed face is formed in the first side.

Abstract: The timepiece mechanism comprises a rotating wheel set, a support element, a pivoting member mounted on the support element and magnetic return means for returning one portion of the pivoting member against a surface of the rotating wheel set. The return means comprise a first magnet carried by the pivoting member and a second magnet carried by the support element. The first and second magnets are arranged such that, in normal operation, the interaction of their respective magnetic fields generates a magnetic force oriented to return said pivoting member portion towards said rotating wheel surface. At least one of the first and second magnets is arranged to permit reversal of its polarity, preferably with the aid of a tool, and thereby of the direction of the magnetic force acting on the pivoting member, said magnetic force then tending to move said pivoting member portion away from said rotating wheel set surface, which makes it easy to handle the various elements of the timepiece mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oscillator comprising a pivoting staff connected to a mechanical energy source, an inertia-elasticity resonator formed in one piece, which is mounted on the pivoting staff, a detent escapement comprising a single-piece detent fixed to the pivoting staff, which comprises at least one flexible blade and a stop member arranged to elastically lock the pivoting staff in relation to a concentric escapement toothing, wherein the release element is arranged to elastically unlock the stop member in relation to the concentric escapement toothing, by the movement of the member forming the inertia, so that the pivoting staff counts each oscillation of the resonator while transmitting to it the energy able to maintain it.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a display device that displays display information, a drive mechanism that drives the display device, a crown that can perform a rotary operation, and a control device that corrects the display information displayed on the display device by the rotary operation of the crown. The control device has a single correction mode and a continuous correction mode which are selected by the rotary operation of the crown. In the single correction mode, a single correction signal is output to the drive mechanism so that the display device is corrected as much as a single correction quantity. In the continuous correction mode, a continuous correction signal is output to the drive mechanism so that the display device is corrected as much as a continuous correction quantity. The continuous correction quantity is set depending on types of the display information to be corrected in the continuous correction mode.

Abstract: A device is provided for assembling a casing ring in a watch case middle including a bearing surface on an inner wall thereof, the casing ring including a housing opening in a lateral face of the casing ring, and in an upper or lower face of the casing ring. The device includes a locking part pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation passing through the upper or lower opening from a first position, in which the locking part is housed in the housing, to a second position, in which the locking part protrudes and abuts against the bearing surface of the inner wall of the case middle so as to hold the casing ring in the case middle. The locking part is snap-fitted in the housing and is pivotable about the vertical axis of rotation. A timepiece and a watch case fitted with the assembly device are also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible chess clock including four interconnected generally planar panels that are operable to be erected into opposing player, digital time information centers wherein two of the panels reflect a player time decrement pause capacity upon completion of a player move and an on the clock position of an opposing player and two the panels reflect each player's time remaining to forfeiture of the game.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a receiving device that receives satellite signals; a reception control unit that operates the receiving device and runs a reception process; a chronograph unit that executes a measuring process; an input device; a detection device that detects operation of the input device to start the chronograph, and outputs a chronograph operation signal when this operation is detected; a hand used both to indicate information related to the reception process and information related to the measuring process; and an operating control unit that operates the chronograph unit in addition to the operating reception control unit, and controls operation of the hand that is indicating information related to the reception process to indicate the measured time, if the chronograph operation signal is input while the reception process is running.

Abstract: The invention relates to a placement apparatus for the positionally accurate alignment and/or fitting of a first placement partner with at least one second placement partner complementary thereto, wherein the placement apparatus has at least one camera apparatus for recording separate images of the first placement partner or of a holding apparatus for the first placement partner and of the at least one second placement partner or of a holding apparatus for the at least one second placement partner and a position evaluation apparatus for creating an output data record from processing of the images, wherein the output data record has the visual image of the expected placement result. The invention also relates to a placement method.

Abstract: A specification of one of a plurality of controls is accepted, a specification of a plurality of items is accepted with respect to parameters, and among the plurality of controls, a plurality of controls to which parameter items are to be assigned are determined with reference to the control for which the specification is accepted. To each of the determined plurality of controls, one of the plurality of items for which the specification is accepted is assigned, and each of the plurality of controls is made to function as a control for operating the set value of the item assigned to this control.

Abstract: Aspects include an adaptor and a method for providing computer based energy management. Commands specifying a control device from energy management host software located on a host system are received at an adaptor via a server network. The commands include control instructions and requests for energy usage data. Energy usage data are received from the control device in response to a command including a request for energy usage data. The energy usage data includes energy usage for one or more energy devices. The energy usage data are transmitted to the energy management host software. Sensor data are received from one or more sensors and transmitted to the energy management host software. Control commands are received from the energy management host software. The control commands are transmitted to the control device to alter a function of at least one of the one or more energy devices.

Abstract: Devices can be controlled by group even when multiple devices compatible with different interface standards are connected. An iProduct identifier enabling recognition by the host side as interfaces in the same group is set in the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub in the same publisher. The host side determines if the hubs belong to the same group based on the iProduct identifier, and coordinates operation of the USB devices to connected to the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub determined to be in the same group.

Abstract: A machine controller intercommunicates with, and issues machining program commands to, a plurality of peripherals. The controller receives work status information on the peripherals, calculates the total power consumption by the plurality of peripherals based on the received information, and decides the work start timing for the peripherals such that the total does not reach a preset upper limit.

Abstract: A monitoring device for use in an automation system, such as for a home, warehouse, or any type of structure. The monitoring device includes sensors, a processor, and a transmitter. Using its sensors, the monitoring device is capable of acquiring data about itself and/or its environment. That data is used by the monitoring device and/or a central controller to generate a request for an actor, such as lighting, an HVAC system, motorized drapes, a home entertainment system, other home systems, or appliances, to change its state.