Abstract: A multilayer photochromic article can include a photochromic substrate, which may include a first photochromic layer defining a surface of the substrate, and a second photochromic layer positioned between the surface of the photochromic substrate and a source of actinic radiation, and in which the photochromic substrate and the second photochromic layer are selected such that the fade half-life of the photochromic substrate or the half-life of the first photochromic layer defining the surface of the substrate are greater than the fade half-life of the second photochromic layer.

Abstract: Methods for correcting target patterns and masks having corrected target patterns are provided. An exemplary correction method includes dividing contours of target patterns into fragments; performing an optical proximity correction to obtain mask patterns; obtaining simulated exposure patterns; detecting the simulated exposure patterns to find out existence of at least one weak point; determining a correction window in the target patterns; comparing the target patterns in the correction window with the simulated exposure patterns to obtain a position error of each fragment; calculating an effect value of a correction value of each fragment in the correction window on position errors of all fragments in the correction window; determining the correction value of each fragment according to the effect value of the correction value in the correction window on position errors of all fragments and the position error of each fragment; and obtaining corrected target patterns using the correction value.

Abstract: A correction method for a mask pattern is provided. The method includes providing a chip pattern region including a plurality of main features, and providing first auxiliary patterns around each main feature. The method also includes performing a first optical proximity correction to correct the main features into first correction features, and providing a plurality of detection regions. Each detection region is connected to an adjacent first correction feature via the first auxiliary pattern. In addition, the method includes performing an exposure process to obtain a light intensity distribution corresponding to each detection region after performing the exposure process. Moreover, the method includes correcting the first auxiliary patterns into second auxiliary patterns based on an auxiliary pattern correction model and the light intensity distribution of each detection region.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus that performs imprint processing of forming a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate using a mold, the apparatus including a chuck configured to hold the mold, a head configured to support the chuck to be able to drive the chuck, the head being fixed to a base, a plate member configured to be arranged between the base and the substrate so as to surround the chuck, and a first supply unit configured to supply a first gas to a first space so as to form an air flow from the first space between the plate member and the substrate toward a second space outside the first space.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method is disclosed. The method includes preparing a processed body including a substrate having a first face, a first layer provided on the first face, a second layer provided on the first layer, and a photosensitive lyophilic/lyophobic original material provided on the second layer. The method includes performing a first process of irradiating light onto one of a first portion at a first position of the material and a second portion at a second position of the material, and making a first contact angle of a liquid with a first region of an upper face of the processed body relatively larger than a second contact angle of the liquid with a second region of the upper face. The method includes performing a first pattern forming process of forming a first pattern by bringing the liquid into contact with the second region.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a template includes steps in first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or greater) stairs formed in a staircase pattern in a height direction. The steps include first steps in the first to Kth (K is an integer of 1 or greater and N?1 or less) stairs and second steps in (K+1)th to Mth (M is an integer of K+1 or greater and N or less) stairs. A height of the second steps is greater than a height of the first steps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating a physical unclonable function (PUF) by causing unpredictable partial process failure for a semiconductor process. In a designing process, a second mask pattern may be printed by distorting a size and/or shape of at least one mask window included in a designed first mask pattern, without violating semiconductor design rules. A PUF may be generated using a photomask including the printed second mask pattern for photolithography.

Abstract: Provided are an active-light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition in which the sensitivity is excellent, and an active-light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive film, a pattern forming method, and a method for manufacturing an electronic device, each using the active-light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition. The active-light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition contains a resin (Ab) whose polarity is changed by the action of an acid, and a compound that generates an acid upon irradiation with active light or radiation, in which the resin (Ab) includes a metal ion, and the metal type of the metal ion is at least one of metal types belonging to Groups 1 to 10 and 13 to 16 (here, excluding Mg and Cs).

Abstract: A non-toxic water soluble photosensitive resin composition able to function as a solder mask coating comprises a polymer containing oxazolinyl, a photosensitive monomer, and a photo-initiator. These elements are all water soluble or water dispersible. The polymer containing oxazolinyl and the photosensitive monomer have a plurality of carbon-carbon double bonds. The polymer containing oxazolinyl and the photosensitive monomer are polymerized to form a dense cross-linking network structure when the water soluble photosensitive resin composition is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A film using the water soluble photosensitive resin composition is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate treating method includes a determining step for determining a treating condition for hydrophobizing a surface of a substrate, based on a target regarding a dissolved area size in a resist pattern, and a treating step for hydrophobizing the surface of the substrate with the treating condition determined in the determining step before forming resist film on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides methods for reproducibly fabricating hydrogel-based organ and tumor models inside multi-well plates. A hydrogel precursor, which can include cells, is instilled into a well. A pillar is inserted into the well to contact the hydrogel precursor with a surface that can be shaped or textured to provide a desired surface configuration or contour, for example that of a desired organoid or tumor feature. The hydrogel precursor is polymerized and the pillar removed. A second hydrogel precursor, which can contain a different cell type, is then instilled into the well and a second pillar, which can have a different configuration or texture, inserted. Subsequent polymerization generates a second hydrogel portion within the well. Polymerization can be carried out by photopolymerization. Different wells can be aligned with different, individually controlled light sources or a single, collimated light source.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes an exposure unit for exposing a wafer. The exposure unit includes an illumination system and masks. The illumination system includes a light-homogenizing unit. The light-homogenizing unit includes a light-homogenizing quartz rod having a regular hexagonal cross section. Each of the masks has a regular hexagonal shape matching with the cross section of the light-homogenizing quartz rod. A field of exposure resulting from this arrangement is less affected by objective field of view distortion and allows a higher useful depth of focus (UDoF) when compared to other fields of exposure of the same size. In addition, with the same projection objective DoF, a greater field of exposure can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for producing a mirror element, in particular for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes: providing a substrate (101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402, 501, 502, 801, 901, 951, 961); and forming a layer stack (111, 112, 113, 114, 211, 212, 311, 312, 411, 412, 511, 512) on the substrate, wherein the layer stack is formed so that a setpoint curvature of the mirror element for a predetermined operating temperature is generated by a bending force exerted by the layer stack, wherein the substrate has a curvature deviating from the setpoint curvature of the mirror element prior to the formation of the layer stack, and wherein the bending force exerted by the layer stack is at least partly generated by virtue of a post-treatment for changing the layer tension of the layer stack.

Abstract: A method for calculating the parameters of a resist model of an IC manufacturing process is provided. Accordingly, a function representative of the target design convoluted throughout the whole target design with a kernel function compounded with a deformation function with a shift angle. The deformation function is replaced by its Fourier series development, the order of which is selected so that the product of convolution is invariant through rotations within a tolerance of the corrections to be applied to the target design. Alternatively, the product of convolution may be decomposed into basic kernel functions selected varying by angles determined so that a deformation function for a value of the shift angle can be projected onto a couple of basic kernel functions the angles of which are proximate to the shift angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for designing gauge patterns that are extremely sensitive to parameter variation, and thus robust against random and repetitive measurement errors in calibration of a lithographic process utilized to image a target design having a plurality of features. The method may include identifying most sensitive line width/pitch combination with optimal assist feature placement which leads to most sensitive CD (or other lithography response parameter) changes against lithography process parameter variations, such as wavefront aberration parameter variation. The method may also include designing gauges which have more than one test patterns, such that a combined response of the gauge can be tailored to generate a certain response to wavefront-related or other lithographic process parameters. The sensitivity against parameter variation leads to robust performance against random measurement error and/or any other measurement error.

Abstract: A method including: obtaining at least a characteristic of deformation of a resist layer in a first direction, as if there were no deformation in any directions perpendicular to the first direction; obtaining at least a characteristic of deformation of the resist layer in a second direction as if there were no deformation in the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular different to from the first direction; and obtaining at least a characteristic of three-dimensional deformation of the resist layer based on the characteristic of the deformation in the first direction and the characteristic of the deformation in the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metrology apparatus for measuring a parameter of a lithographic process, and associated computer program and method. The metrology apparatus comprises an optical system for measuring a target on a substrate by illuminating the target with measurement radiation and detecting the measurement radiation scattered by the target; and an array of lenses. Each lens of the array is operable to focus the scattered measurement radiation onto a sensor, said array of lenses thereby forming an image on the sensor which comprises a plurality of sub-images, each sub-image being formed by a corresponding lens of the array of lenses. The resulting plenoptic image comprises image plane information from the sub-images, wavefront distortion information (from the relative positions of the sub-images) and pupil information from the relative intensities of the sub-images.

Abstract: A method to address overlay accuracy compensation using finFET cut isolation revisions is disclosed. For an integrated circuit (IC) layout including at least a portion of an active region including a plurality of gates extending over a plurality of fins, prior to optical proximity correction of the IC layout: the method determines a number of fins to be cut with same source/drain connection by a fin cut isolation opening, and determines a fin cut isolation pitch in the gate length direction of the plurality of gates. The method revises a size of a fin cut isolation opening in the IC layout based on a number of fins to be cut with same source/drain connection by the fin cut isolation opening and the fin cut isolation pitch in the gate length direction. The revision in size of the fin cut isolation compensates for overlay inaccuracy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bearing device. The bearing device includes a bearing platform, a lifting passage extending through the bearing platform, a lifting structure in the lifting passage and a light reflection compensating block between the lifting structure and an inner wall of the lifting passage. A difference between a reflectivity ratio of a top surface of the light reflection compensating block and a reflectivity ratio of a bearing surface of the bearing platform is less than or equal to a threshold value. A difference between the reflectivity ratio of the top surface of the light reflection compensating block and a reflectivity ratio of a top surface of the lifting structure is less than or equal to the threshold value. The present disclosure further provides an exposure apparatus including the bearing device.

Abstract: A liquid immersion exposure apparatus includes a liquid immersion member which forms a liquid immersion space on an object disposed opposite to an emitting surface of an optical member. The liquid immersion member includes (i) a first member that has a first liquid supply port, and a first opening, through which exposure light is projected and (ii) a second member that has a first liquid recovery port facing downwardly and a second liquid supply port and that is movable with respect to the first member. The first member has a second liquid recovery port. The first liquid supply port faces an outer surface of the optical member and is provided on one side of the optical member. The second liquid recovery port faces the outer surface of the optical member and is provided on the other side of the optical member.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method cool a patterning device by supplying a non-uniform gas flow. The apparatus and system include a gas supply structure that supplies a gas flow across the first surface of the patterning device. The gas supply structure includes a gas supply nozzle specially configured to create a non-uniform gas flow distribution. A greater volume or velocity of the gas flow is directed to desired portion of the patterning device.

Abstract: A microlithographic apparatus comprises an optical wavefront manipulator. The latter includes an optical element and a gas-tight cavity that is partly confined by the optical element or contains it. A gas inlet device directs a gas jet towards the optical element. The location, where the gas jet impinges on the optical element after it has passed through the cavity, is variable in response to a control signal supplied by a control unit. A gas outlet is in fluid connection with the vacuum pump so that, upon operation of the vacuum pump, the pressure within the cavity is less than 10 mbar even if the gas jet passes through the cavity.

Abstract: A cleaning method of an immersion liquid includes supplying an immersion liquid on a surface of a cleaning substrate. The immersion liquid is to be used in a liquid immersion lithography apparatus. The cleaning substrate has a substrate and an organic film laminated on a top face side of the substrate. The immersion liquid is allowed to move on the substrate to remove contaminants from the immersion liquid.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid developer, the method including a step of producing a toner particle by applying a shear force to a mixture of a polyester resin A and B, and a toner particle dispersing agent in a liquid a, wherein the polyester resin A has a number-average molecular weight from 3,000 to 7,000, an acid value of at least 5, and a carboxy group; the polyester resin B has a number-average molecular weight from 4,000 to 20,000 and an acid value of not more than 2; the toner particle dispersing agent has a primary amino group and an amine value of at least 40; the mass ratio (B/(A+B)) for the polyester resin B is 0.3 to 0.9; and the following relationship is satisfied: SP value of liquid a<SP value of the toner particle dispersing agent<SP value of polyester resin B.

Abstract: A toner includes a plurality of toner particles and a plurality of lubricant particles. The lubricant particles each include a core and a coat layer covering a surface of the core. The core contains stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a combination thereof. The coat layer has a thickness of at least 10 nm and no greater than 50 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a toner containing: a toner particle containing a binder resin; and an inorganic particle, wherein the inorganic particle contains a silicon oxide particle with a number-average particle diameter (D1) from 50 nm to 300 nm and a strontium titanate particle with a number-average particle diameter (D1) from 10 nm to 60 nm, the content of the silicon oxide particle is from 0.5 to 15.0 mass parts per 100 mass parts of the toner particle, the content of the strontium titanate particle is from 0.02 to 5.00 times the content of the silicon oxide particle, and in dielectric constant measurement at 25° C. and 1 MHz, the dielectric constant of the silicon oxide particle is from 1.0 pF/m to 20.0 pF/m, and the dielectric constant of the strontium titanate is from 25.0 pF/m to 100.0 pF/m.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes: a toner particle and a strontium titanate particle that is externally added to the toner particle, in which an average primary particle diameter of the strontium titanate particle that is present on a surface of the toner particle is 30 nm or more and 100 nm or less, and average primary particle circularity is 0.82 or more and 0.94 or less, and in which circularity that becomes 84% of accumulation of the primary particle is greater than 0.92.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes a styrene-acrylic resin and exhibits a z average molecular weight Mz of 80,000 to 400,000 and a molecular weight distribution curve satisfying Expression (1): 1.3?b/a?2.0, and an electrostatic charge image developing toner includes a styrene-acrylic resin, and exhibits a z average molecular weight Mz of 100,000 to 400,000 and a molecular weight distribution curve satisfying Expression (A): 0.75?(c+d)/(2×d)?0.95, wherein a, b, c and d are defined in the specification.

Abstract: A positively chargeable toner includes a plurality of toner particles. The toner particles each contain a crystalline polyester resin, a non-crystalline polyester resin, a carnauba wax, and a quaternary ammonium salt. The crystalline polyester resin has an SP value of at least 10.0 (cal/cm3)1/2 and no greater than 10.1 (cal/cm3)1/2. An amount of the crystalline polyester resin is at least 5 parts by mass and no greater than 19 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the toner particles. An amount of the carnauba wax is at least 21.0% by mass and no greater than 42.0% by mass relative to a total mass of the crystalline polyester resin, the quaternary ammonium salt, and the carnauba wax.

Abstract: Provided is a magenta toner having a magenta toner particle containing a binder resin, a colorant, a wax, a wax dispersant, and a crystalline polyester, wherein the wax dispersant is a graft polymer in which a styrene acrylic resin is grafted to a hydrocarbon compound, and the styrene acrylic resin has a monomer unit having a saturated alicyclic group, the colorant contains C.I. Pigment Red 32, and when observing a cross-section of the magenta toner particle using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), crystals of the crystalline polyester are dispersed in the cross-section, and the number average value of maximum lengths of the crystals is 50 nm or less.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first image forming unit that forms an image by using first toner; a second image forming unit that forms an image by using another kind of toner different from the first toner; a transfer unit that transfers the images formed by the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit onto an intermediate transfer body and then onto a recording medium; and a setting unit that sets an order of the images that are transferred onto the intermediate transfer body so that the image formed from the other kind of toner is transferred onto an independent image formed from the first toner transferred onto the intermediate transfer body in a case where the independent image formed from the first toner is to be formed on the recording medium.

Abstract: A cleaning member includes a first cleaning part formed of a porous material and a second cleaning part formed of a porous material. The first cleaning part includes first projections each having a size that enables the first projections to pass between projecting portions of an object to be cleaned having surface irregularities and to reach the bottom of recessed portions of the object to be cleaned. The second cleaning part includes second projections larger than the first projections. The cleaning member cleans the object to be cleaned by coming into contact with the object to be cleaned.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller substrate, a first mounting portion for a first hard disk drive, a second mounting portion for a second hard disk drive, a first connector electrically connecting the controller substrate and the first hard disk drive, a second connector electrically connecting the controller substrate and the second hard disk drive. The second connector is shifted toward a side downstream of the first connector in a hard disk drive inserting direction so as to be prevented from overlapping with the first connector as seen in a vertical direction. In the second mounting portion, a through hole extending in the vertical direction is formed at a position where the through hole overlaps with the first connector as seen in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Liquid electrophotography apparatus including a plurality of members defining a flow path for a printing liquid. At least a first member of the plurality of members is arranged to generate an electric field. The liquid electrophotography apparatus also includes a first insulation layer arranged around at least a portion of a surface of the first member to prevent electrical discharge from the printing liquid.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developer bearing member bearing and feeding developer including toner and carrier, a first feeding screw arranged in a first chamber and feeding the developer in a first direction, and a second feeding screw arranged in a second chamber and including a first blade portion feeding the developer in a second direction, a second blade portion arranged downstream of the first blade portion and feeding the developer in the first direction, and a third blade portion arranged downstream of the second blade portion. A sealing sheet is arranged upstream of a developer discharging portion and seals initial developer contained in a developing container; and an unsealing mechanism unseals the sealing sheet sealing the initial developer, wherein the sealing sheet is arranged downstream of the second blade portion and upstream of the third blade portion in the second direction.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is described comprising a photoconductor for receiving an electrostatic charge pattern corresponding to an image, and one or more developers for applying a colorant to the photoconductor representative of the image. The apparatus further comprises a transfer member for transferring the image from the photoconductor onto a substrate, wherein the transfer member has a substantially grounded potential.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes: a plurality of image formers each of which is provided for each color and forms a toner image; a plurality of image carriers each of which is provided in accordance with each of the image formers and carries the toner image formed by each image former; a first intermediate transfer body on which multiple toner images are formed; a secondary transferor that secondarily transfers to a sheet, the multiple toner images formed on the first intermediate transfer body; and an adhesion force reducer that is provided between a position where the multiple toner images are formed on the first intermediate transfer body and a secondary transfer position of the secondary transferor and that reduces an adhesion force of toner included in the multiple toner images formed on the first intermediate transfer body.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus according to one or more embodiments may include: a first conveyer; a second conveyer provided downstream of the first conveyer; a detector that detects a deflection of the medium between the first and second conveyers; a speed controller that controls a speed of the second conveyer within a first speed range; a calculator that calculates an average convey speed of the second conveyer. The calculator calculates a first average speed in a first period from when a leading end of the medium reaches the second conveyer to when the medium is conveyed a predetermined distance from the second conveyer. The speed controller changes, after the first period elapses, the speed of the second conveyer within a second speed range with the calculated first average convey speed as a criteria speed of the second conveyer, based on the detection result from the detector.

Abstract: A fuser apparatus includes first and second rollers in nip relation to transport a receiver member therebetween. A stripping mechanism a skive assembly having an elongated, thin, flexible skive finger, wherein a tip of the skive finger is beveled forming a sharp edge along an upper surface of the skive finger. At least one raised bump protrudes from the lower surface of the skive finger, spaced apart from a tip of the skive finger. A mounting mechanism positions the skive finger in operative relation to the first roller with the at least one raised bump contacting the surface of the first roller at a contact point such that the sharp edge along the first surface of the skive finger is spaced apart from the surface of the first roller by a distance of between 50 and 120 microns.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a fixing section, a detector, and a controller. A recording medium has a first surface and a second surface. A pair of marks is formed on the second surface with ink that becomes transparent at a specific temperature or higher. The controller calculates a distance between the marks based on a detection result of the detector after the fixing section has fixed toner to the first surface. The controller calculates a shrinkage of the recording medium based on the calculated distance. The image forming section forms an image on the second surface according to the shrinkage. The fixing section fixes the toner to the first surface at a first fixing temperature which is lower than the specific temperature. The fixing section fixes the toner to the second surface at a second fixing temperature which is higher than the specific temperature.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a cam, an output object and a counter object. The cam has a profile including an ascending region where a radius gradually increases along a rotating direction and a descending region where the radius gradually decreases along the rotating direction. The ascending region and the descending region are shifted each other by 180 degrees. The output object abuts on the cam with a predetermined pressure and linearly moves in an abutting direction in which the output object abuts on the cam and in a counter-abutting direction opposite to the abutting direction by rotating of the cam. The counter object abuts on the cam with the predetermined pressure from the counter-abutting direction at a position shifted by 180 degrees with respect to an abutting position between the output object and the cam.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section, a fixing section and a controller. The image forming section forms a toner image with at least one selected from a first toner having a first fixing temperature area and a second toner having a second fixing temperature area of which a lower limit fixing temperature is higher than the first toner. The fixing section fixes the toner image on the sheet. The controller controls a standby temperature of the fixing section to a temperature lower than the lower limit fixing temperature of the second fixable temperature area.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes determination means for determining the size of a medium, heating means for including plural heat-generating members which are two-dimensionally arranged such that the heat-generating members are lined up along two parallel lines or more which are vertical to a transport direction of the medium and divided at locations on the parallel lines, and are disposed so as to come into contact with an inner side of the rotating body, and a switching unit which switches individual conduction, and heats the medium, pressing means for forming a nip by performing pressing and contact at a position of the plural heat-generating members, and heating control means for selecting a group of the heat-generating members which are lined up in the two-dimensional arrangement, conducting the selected group of the heat-generating members, and controlling the heating means.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first image forming unit which forms a first image on a first recording medium with a first material that is not thermally decolorizable; a second image forming unit which forms a second image on a second recording medium with a second material that is thermally decolorizable; a fixing device which is on a common carrying path shared by the first recording medium and the second recording medium and fixes the first image to the first recording medium; and a controller which controls the fixing device so that a temperature of the fixing device is lower than a decolorizing temperature of the second material when the second recording medium reaches the fixing device.

Abstract: This heat fixing belt is provided with a tubular belt base that is formed from an insulating heat-resistant resin, an elastic resistive heat generation layer that is formed from an elastic base material containing an elastic material and contains conductive material, a toner release layer, and a pair of electrode layers for feeding a power to the elastic resistive heat generation layer. The elastic resistive heat generation layer is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the belt base. The toner release layer is provided as the outermost layer. The pair of electrode layers are provided on both end portions of the outer circumferential surface of the elastic resistive heat generation layer, and have a volume resistivity that is lower than the volume resistivity of the elastic resistive heat generation layer.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a detecting device including a contact portion contacting one end of an endless belt with respect to a widthwise direction, an urging portion for urging the contact portion toward the one end of the endless belt with respect to the widthwise direction, and a sensor for detecting a position of the contact portion. The detecting device detects a position of the endless belt with respect to the widthwise direction depending on an output of the sensor. A displacing device displaces one end of the roller with respect to a longitudinal direction depending on the position of the endless belt detected by the detecting device. Before rotation of the endless belt is started, the displacing device displaces the one end of the roller with respect to the longitudinal direction so that the contact portion moves against an urging force of the urging portion upon the start of rotation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polyimide tube for a fixing belt, the polyimide tube having good toner fixability. A polyimide tube for a fixing belt of an image-forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a polyimide layer that contains a polyimide as a main component and a needle-like filler, the needle-like filler containing a carbon nanotube and needle-like titanium oxide. A product of a thermal diffusivity (m2/s) of the polyimide layer and a breaking elongation (%) of the polyimide layer in an axial direction is 35×10?7 or more. An orientation direction of the needle-like filler is preferably an axial direction or a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A developing cartridge may include a rotary gear rotatable about one axis and a detection gear rotatable about another axis. The detection gear is configured to be not rotatable with the rotary gear in a case where the rotary gear rotates from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, while being configured to be rotatable with the rotary gear in a case where the rotary gear rotates from the second rotational position to a third rotational position.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to printing a document are disclosed. A printer may include a replaceable marking supply that is either an unrestricted trade supply or a restricted subscription supply. The printer may accommodate either of the unrestricted trade supply or the restricted subscription supply at any given moment.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material, an illumination unit configured to emit light, an image capturing unit configured to capture light emitted by the illumination unit and reflected by the recording material as a surface image including a plurality of pixels, and a control unit configured to calculate a first feature quantity from a difference of output values of a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction, and calculate a second feature quantity from a difference of output values of a plurality of pixels arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction in the surface image captured by the image capturing unit, and control an image forming condition of the image forming unit based on the calculated first feature quantity and the calculated second feature quantity.