Abstract: Images to be printed include color images and monochromatic images in combination, the color and monochromatic images are transferred onto an intermediate transfer member, in such a manner that no image-bearable area of the intermediate transfer member is left unused. Before all the four colors of the color image are transferred to the intermediate transfer member, the printing of the monochromatic images are completed. A sheet bearing the printed monochromatic images are temporarily stacked and stored so that the sheets can be finally discharged in the original order of the images. In this manner, it is possible to make good use of the intermediate transfer member, thereby shortening the time required for image formation and improving the throughput of the printing operation.

Abstract: When a user stands in front of an image forming apparatus, sets originals on an ADF, and depresses a start key, a central control unit effects issuance of a print job, which is to be executed subsequent to a scanner job, on a print control order management table. Then, if print data is sent from a client to the image forming apparatus via an external controller, the central control unit issues as a second print job the print request from the client because the first print job was issued on the print control order management table. The central control unit does not operate a printer unit until the original reading operation by the ADF is finished. The moment the original reading operation by the ADF is finished, the central control unit executes printing by the printer unit on the basis of the read original data. After completing printing of all original data read by the ADF, the central control unit starts the print job sent from the client.

Abstract: In an image output device a test chart 18 including tests charts 6 of each color is used, and a tone correction table is calculated. The test charts 6 are patterned in a checkered pattern, each including continuous areas 10 in which the tones increase in steps and reference areas 11 for comparison with the continuous areas 10. The reference areas 11 are formed of white ground of paper in a highlight proof part 7, a solid pattern with a maximum density in a shadow proof part 8, and halftone dot-concentrated or line screens with a lower resolution than in the continuous areas in a middle proof part 9. Tone correction values are calculated from characteristic values of the highlight, shadow and middle parts, obtained from visual data of the test chart 18.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging element comprising an imaging layer having associated therewith a compound of Structure I: 1

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of scanning silver-halide-containing color photographic and photothermographic film. In particular, the present invention comprises record shifting by means by employing at least one infrared dye in a color unit of the film, thereby forming at least one image record in the infrared. This expedient leads to the formation of high quality images, especially when scanning photothermographic elements in which the silver halide, metallic silver, and/or any organic silver salts have not been removed.

Abstract: Electrostatic developing units are arranged in the record paper conveyance direction, form dot latent images in conformity with image dot data through the issue of scanning light on photosensitive drums in rotation, and after developing by toner components, transfer dots onto record paper for development. For each lighting noticeable dot amount image dot data, a quantity-of-light control unit provides control and output of optical energy of the noticeable dot on the basis of peripheral dots which may have influence on the size of the noticeable dot on the record paper, for example, in response to the distance from the peripheral dots.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to minimize and prevent blooming problems in color image systems. Particular applicability is found where an image on image system is employed. The invention is inserted into the colorant driving signal path of the system. The invention places an averaging circuit in the path of one or more colorant driving signal streams. The averaging circuit produces an average value signal representative of a small area of its respective colorant. A modulator or other signal varying device responsive to the average value signal is placed in the path of yet another but separate colorant driving signal stream. In this manner the separate colorant driving signal is modulated or varied in response to the average neighboring value of a different color thus minimizing and preventing image blooming.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a copying function, the copying operation can be performed as fast as possible without increasing the costs.

Abstract: A method and device for printing a reproduction of an image by using toner particles, in which digital image data of at least two density separations of the image is obtained for forming at least two sub-images. The image data of a first sub-image of the sub-images is provided to a printing station containing toner particles with a particular chromaticity and a particular optical density. Then, the first toner particles are applied in an image-wise manner on an image receiving member for forming a first toner image in correspondence with the image data. Thereafter, on the same printing station and using second toner particles having a chromaticity substantially equal to the particular chromaticity and an optical density substantially equal to the particular optical density, the image data is again provided and the toner particles are again applied for bringing at least one second toner image, corresponding to a second sub-image, on the image receiving member in register with the first toner image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a developer for developing a latent image on a photoreceptor drum into a visible image and a transfer drum having a position detector, for holding a supplied transfer material at a predetermined position and conveying the transfer material, and a transfer voltage source for supplying a transfer voltage to a conductive base of the transfer drum and output values of the transfer voltage source vary in stages when toners of a plurality of colors are transferred. In the image forming apparatus, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of transfer materials, the timing where output values of the transfer voltage source are returned to the initial value is synchronized with the timing where the rear end of a transfer material having a maximum length capable of being printed is separated from the photoreceptor drum. As a result, the transfer material attracted by the transfer drum can be surely prevented from being jammed.

Abstract: A method for achieving multiple exposure levels for IOI (IMAGE-ON-IMAGE) xerography when imaging a second color through a first toner layer previously developed on the photoreceptive member. In the example illustrated the data from the previous image paths (magenta and yellow) is analyzed. If the signal indicates that a magenta or yellow bit is present, the cyan output bit information passes to the ROS unchanged, or at full intensity. If however, the magenta and yellow are not present, a modified pattern providing an appropriate reduced exposure signal is sent to the ROS. The process of laser attenuation is blended with halftoning logic to avoid image degradation due to the attenuation.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning system has a beam control using an Electrostatic Voltage Sensor or an Image Density Sensor on the Organic Photoconductor. The laser beams can be attuned according to the voltage or density results. This results in a more reliable system as compared to the use of one or more photodetectors.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for subjecting input image data to a density conversion includes three dot isolation circuits which subject the pixels on each of a plurality of lines adjoining in the sub-scan direction to a density conversion in accordance with a different predetermined conversion characteristic (LUT) for each line. Though each dot separation circuit deals with a different number of lines of image data to undergo a density conversion, the predetermined conversion characteristics can be set in advance in such a manner that the density values of a plurality of pixels on adjoining line will be preserved if an overall view of the reproduced image is taken.

Abstract: An inverting document feeder feeds a document from the document tray to the position where the image reader reads the document, turns the document over, and then reads the second side. Document size determination sensors detects the document passing through, and determines the size of the document from detections signals of the width of the document and the time elapsed between the detection of the top end of the document and the detection of the bottom end of the document. When the top end of the document reaches the document reading position, image reading is started by a scanner, regardless of whether the document size has been determined or not. The image data thus obtained are written into and read out of a memory unit in a specified order.

Abstract: An image data bus changing over section selects a multiple value image data bus at a time of outputting multiple value image data, while the image data bus changing over section selects a binary value image data bus at a time of outputting binary value image data. A synchronization clock changing over circuit puts the synchronization clock in a transmitting state for the multiple value image data, and puts the clock in a stopping state for the binary value image data. When the image data are changed over from the multiple value image data to the binary value image data, the clock is changed over from the transmitting state to the stopping state. When the image data are changed over from the binary value image data to the multiple value image data, the image data bus is changed over from the binary value image data to the multiple value image data.

Abstract: A printing method including:forming a printing bitmap of an image based on a printed solid color density wherein at least one of the colors thereof has a color density substantially greater than the SWOP standard; andprinting the bitmap in a single printing step.

Abstract: A desktop color copier having a size which allows the copier to be placed on a stand when the copier is used. The desktop color copier includes a photoconductive drum for sequentially forming toner images of respective colors thereon, a charger for charging the photoconductive drum, an exposure device for exposing the charged photoconductive drum, a revolving type developing device for forming color toner images on the photoconductive drum, an image transferring devices which includes an intermediate transfer belt to which the color toner images are sequentially transferred one on top of the other, and a fixing device for fixing the color toner images on a sheet of paper. The desktop color copier includes a single paper feed tray which is located under the transferring devices.

Abstract: Xerographic printing system using a Raster Output Scanning (ROS) system incorporating a two wavelength (.lambda.) laser diode source for the ROS and a charge retentive member in the form of a belt or drum structure which is responsive to the two wavelengths. The printing system utilizes a CAD development system in addition to two DAD developments during the second pass for enabling the addition of a gamut broadening color resulting in process color imaging with an enhanced gamut.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of simultaneously performing an image forming operation of a first job and an image reading operation of a second job wherein the jobs comprise a plurality of sheets. The apparatus has a controller which continues the image reading operation of the second job even when the image forming operation of the first job is stopped, and prohibits the start of an image reading operation of a third job different from said first and second job when the image reading operation of said second job ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an insertion device includes the steps of providing sensors for providing respective signals in accordance with selected events associated with the operations and providing a plurality of motor profiles for operation of motors associated with the operations. Respective motors associated with respective operations of the apparatus are driven in correspondence with selected ones of said plurality of motor profiles for controlling driving of said motors in response to receiving the event signals from the sensors and other modules of the control program. In the event of out of tolerance conditions the envelope can be diverted and another substituted without having to shut down and restart the system at a known place.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a photoreceptor drum, a supporting member provided inside the photoreceptor drum and supporting plural exposure devices; and a signal passage to transmit an image signal to the plural exposure devices. The signal passage connects the outside and the inside of the photoreceptor drum by passing a part of the supporting member.

Abstract: Electrographic printing apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium, includes: a magnetic brush having a rotatable magnetic core and a stationary outer shell; a developer supply for supplying a magnetic developer powder including toner to the magnetic brush. A print head on the outer shell forms a plurality of parallel lines of developer. Toner is selectively transferred from a plurality of electrodes within each line to a receiver. A receiver electrode is arranged in spaced relation to the print head to define a recording region through which the receiver can be moved.

Abstract: An electrographic recording apparatus having a memory for storing first and second images having different sizes and using an intermediate transfer member compares sizes of the input images of first page and second page with a size of a transfer area of the intermediate transfer member, and when a sum of the sizes of the images of the first page and the second page is less than the size of the transfer area, controls image forming means to transfer developed images of the first page and the second page to the intermediate transfer member in one process to reduce a time required for recording in a multiple sheet image recording mode.

Abstract: A multiple print engine configuration allows a plurality of workstations (10) to create individual print jobs and then transfer them to a distributing processor (14). The distributing processor (14) is operable to spool the jobs in a print spooler (20) and then perform a software RIP on the print jobs. The RIP process divides the jobs into multiple individual jobs which are stored in the page buffer (24). An image task manager (26) in conjunction with an engine manager (28) are then operable to selectively distribute the pages to multiple print engines (16). They are distributed in such a manner that they are placed in the output bins (40) in the order that the pages were received in the print jobs.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus and method, which can obtain high image quality by adjusting an image forming parameter or parameters in consideration of a variation in image forming condition. In order to achieve the object, the gradation characteristics of an image to be recorded are adjusted on the basis of information obtained by forming a gradation characteristic adjustment test pattern on a recording medium, and reading the formed test pattern. Subsequently, the color reproduction characteristics of an image to be recorded are adjusted on the basis of information obtained by forming a color reproduction characteristic adjustment test pattern on a recording medium, and reading the formed test pattern.

Abstract: A desktop color copier having a size which allows the copier to be placed on a stand when the copier is used. The desktop color copier includes a photoconductive drum for sequentially forming toner images of respective colors thereon, a charger for charging the photoconductive drum, an exposure device for exposing the charged photoconductive drum, a revolving type developing device for forming color toner images on the photoconductive drum, an image transferring devices which includes an intermediate transfer belt to which the color toner images are sequentially transferred one on top of the other, and a fixing device for fixing the color toner images on a sheet of paper. The desktop color copier includes a single paper feed tray which is located under the transferring devices.

Abstract: A picture forming apparatus comprises a memory means for storing an inputted picture data, a picture data changing means for changing a stored data into a new picture data in order to save a recording material, and a picture printing means. The picture data changing means changes the stored picture data into a new picture data in order to save a recording material only when a saving command of a recording material is given. The new picture data includes smaller dots than the stored picture data and/or has a fewer picture dots than the stored picture dots. As a result, the new picture data enables the picture printing means to save a recording material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic prepress system includes a computer workstation for preparing electronic image files. The computer workstation transfers the image files to an image processor that converts the image files into digital data. The digital data is then transferred to a virtual-drum capstan-driven output device for outputting the image files onto paper, film or plate material. The output device has increased output speed and reduced cost compared to an internal drum device. A capstan drive moves web type image recording media through a curved media platen having an upper curved surface and a lower curved surface which form the media into a virtual drum. The optical system has a rotating reflective spinner at the center of curvature of the virtual drum to scan modulated image date across media while being continuously driven.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording member, an inputting device for manually inputting information regarding the recording member, a control for controlling image forming conditions on the basis of the input value by the inputting device, a detector for detecting the thickness of the recording member, and a warning unit for warning of the abnormality of the input to the inputting device on the basis of the input value by the inputting device and the detection value of the detector.

Abstract: A method is provided for reproducing a continuous tone image by imagewise application of toner particles to a substrate comprising the following steps:partitioning a surface of the substrate in a plurality of disjunctive microdots;applying to at least one microdot at least two types of toner, having substantially the same chromaticity.Preferentially, for each toner type a large majority of microdots within a region comprising adjacent microdots, is supplied with either a high or low amount of toner, whereas the other microdots are supplied with a medium amount of toner, and more preferentially for at least one toner type the region comprises at least one microdot supplied with a high, another with a low and another with a medium amount of said toner.In a preferred embodiment the minimum number (N) of types of toner particles used in the method of this invention depends on the volume average size of the toner particles used.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a stacking unit for stacking a plurality of originals, a separating unit for sequentially separating the original in the bottom portion among the originals on the stacking unit, a conveying unit for conveying the original which was sequentially separated by the separating unit along a conveying path, a first reading unit for reading the original surface which faces up when it is stacked onto the stacking unit when the original passes through the conveying path, a second reading unit for reading the original surface which faces down when it is stacked onto the stacking unit when the original passes through the conveying path, and a control unit for controlling the first and second reading units in accordance with a copy mode and a facsimile transmission mode, wherein the control unit allows the first reading unit to read the original in the copy mode and allows the second reading unit to read the original in the facsimile transmission mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which is immune to characteristic variations of a photoconductor and a developer material, which can detect the amount of toner adhering to a test toner image accurately, and which can always form a favorable image using an optimal image forming parameter. A predetermined test toner image is formed on the photoconductor using developing devices. The amount of toner adhering to the formed test toner image is detected by an AIDC sensor. A printer control unit determines grid potential Vg of a corona charger and development bias potential Vb of each developing device based on the detected amount of adhering toner. A predetermined image is formed using the determined grid potential and development bias potential.

Abstract: Bit data of a received video signal is partially converted into a first signal representing a data sequence corresponding to the resolution of an LED head. The remaining bit data of the received video signal, which are not converted into the first signal are converted into a second signal representing another data sequence corresponding to the resolution of an LED head. The LED head includes a resolution conversion circuit which converts the video data into the first signal and the second signal. The signals are stored in a shift register having a plurality of line buffers. The first signal is printed on a basic raster line and the second signal is printed on an additional raster line. An LED head drive energy with which basic raster lines are printed and another LED head drive energy with which additional raster lines are printed are set independently of each other.

Abstract: An electrophotographic facsimile having a single integrated transmitting and receiving unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a heating roller, a pressure roller, a latent image erasing lamp, a cleaning blade, an automatic feeding convey roller, a rubber pad, a whiter roller, a contact image sensor, and a pickup roller, in which document transmission, reception and copying operations are implemented by the integrated transmitting and receiving unit.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a semiconductor laser, a polygonal mirror as a deflector for scanning a light beam from the laser, a photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image, a converging lens for converging the light beam from the laser onto the photosensitive drum, and a reflection mirror located between the deflector and the photosensitive drum. The reflection mirror is adapted to reflect the light beam so that a light beam reflected by the reflection mirror is used to read a source document placed at a position that is the conjugate of the position of the photosensitive drum surface with respect to the converging device. Inside the casing of the semiconductor laser are a beam splitter for light path separation and a photosensor. The apparatus has an image reader section and a laser printer section, which share a common optical system, thus providing a compact design and cost reduction and also equalizes the accuracy of image reading and printing.

Abstract: A lead edge lightening circuit which will lighten a scan line based on a seven by seven pixel area surrounding the current pixel. The area is divided into four sub-areas, each of four by four pixels, and each having the current pixel at one corner. Each sub-area is summed and compared to a threshold number. If the threshold number is equalled or exceeded by at least one of the four sums, an overlay bit, which can be white or black, is output. The current pixel is replaced by a white pixel if a white pixel has been output, otherwise the current pixel remains unchanged.

Abstract: A scanning optical system having both a reading optical system and an image forming optical system is capable of using one or more components for both systems.

Abstract: An output writer includes an output scanner and optics that creates printed pixels along curved scan paths. Provided that a source of input image pixel value data presents data with pixels to be positioned in a rectangular coordinate system with a constant distance in an x-direction between adjacent input pixels, a position is determined along the curved scan paths of a pixel to be printed. The difference between the position of the pixel to be printed and the positions in the rectangular coordinate system of associated input pixels is determined, and then a value for the pixel to be printed is determined as a function of (1) the value data of the associated input pixels and of (2) the determined difference between the position of the pixel to be printed and the positions of the associated input pixels.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus using a photosensitive body (1) having high gamma characteristics has an exposure unit that is provided with a radiation element whose exposure value is variably set and which is capable of blinking on a pixel-by-pixel basis. An exposure controller (6) is provided with an exposure pattern determining unit (7) that determines an exposure pattern according to the image pattern, and an exposure value switching unit (8) that switches between an exposure value A1 at which the potential of the photosensitive body (1) sharply attenuates and an exposure value A2 at which the potential of the photosensitive body (1) does not substantially attenuate, on the basis of the exposure pattern determined by the exposure pattern determining unit (7).

Abstract: A method of controlling an electrophotographic imaging process wherein a two-component developer is mixed and activated to obtain a uniform distribution and triboelectric charging of the toner, by interruption of the process and carrying out extra activation and mixing cycles as a function of image area coverage and/or distribution of the image over the image field.

Abstract: A raster output scanner data controller reads pixels of an image from an image memory and outputs serially pixel data streams to a raster output scanner. The data controller includes an image memory storing a plurality of pixel data blocks in a scan line order, an image memory controller coupled to the image memory, a plurality of first-in, first-out memories coupled to the image memory controller for storing pixel data blocks corresponding to a plurality of beams, and an image controller coupled to the plurality of first-in, first-out memories. The pixel data blocks are transferred from the image memory to the plurality of first-in, first-out memories. The image controller reads the pixel data blocks from the plurality of first-in, first-out memories, converts the pixel data blocks read from the plurality of first-in, first-out memories into a plurality of pixel data streams and outputs the plurality of pixel data streams to the raster output scanner.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus which combines a plurality of different image forming methods, the image forming operations of the plurality of image forming methods are controlled in accordance with the color of an original image and the color of a recording agent, so that image formation in a desired color can be reliably attained, and copying errors can be eliminated. In another aspect, by appropriately selecting the plurality of image forming methods in correspondence with the feature of an image, high-quality image formation can be attained in correspondence with the image feature.

Abstract: A charging member including an elastomeric member including an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material includes a polymer dispersion medium having a double oxide dispersed therein, the double oxide being a solid solution compound of oxides of at least two different metals formed by crystal lattice substitution. The at least two different metals have different valences, whereby the double oxide has an electroconductivity that is larger than that of either one of the oxides of at least two different metals when not in solution. Also, the charging member has resistance stability in the semiconductive region.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus which divides image information into a plurality of predetermined-sized partial images, and sequentially performs designated image processing by partial image, thus enables image processing of the read image data using a small memory capacity. In the apparatus, an image reader reads image information, in accordance with a designated reading size, and stores the read image data, as partial image data, into an image memory. Then, a designated special-effect image processing is performed on the partial image data stored in the image memory. An image output unit sequentially outputs special-effect image processed partial images.

Abstract: Full color, single pass and two-pass imaging processes using black, magenta, cyan and yellow toners and Non-interactive Development without fringe field development. Corona discharge is utilized for voltage leveling certain developed images prior to their passage through DAD developer housings. A Raster Output Scanner (ROS) used for creating the latent electrostatic images is also used for voltage leveling of images developed on the first pass of the two pass imaging process in order to remove certain other images for eliminating fringe field images as well as other undesired images.

Abstract: A digital image forming apparatus equipped with an optical scanner unit which is detachable from a main body includes an upper image reading section and a lower part image forming section. The apparatus is arranged such that the optical scanner unit can be installed and removed in and from the apparatus in a vertical direction, and can be removed through an opening provided for removing the image forming section therethrough. According to the described arrangement, during the installation and removal of the optical scanner unit, removal of the image reading section and a special opening for the optical scanner unit are not required, thereby reducing the restriction on structural design of the apparatus and permitting easy installation and removal of the optical scanner unit. As a result, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed with an improved efficiency.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus includes arranging means for arranging intervals between dot positions on a scanning line at which dots are formed, and shifting means for shifting the dot positions on the scanning line by a shifting amount. At least one of the intervals and the shifting amount for a first color component are different from an interval and a shifting amount of a second color component. The processing apparatus also includes control means for controlling the arranging means and the shifting means so that n (n.gtoreq.3) adjacent dot positions at which the first color component and the second color component overlap correspond to vertices of a substantially regular polygon having n vertices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for reading a document image, digitizing the resulting image data, and then forming an image on the basis of the digitized image data. The apparatus is selectively operable in an ordinary mode for reading the document image every time an image is formed or in a high-speed mode for writing the digitized image data in a memory so as to form a plurality of images by a single scanning while reducing the interval between consecutive papers. A fixing unit is provided with a higher reload temperature in the high-speed mode than in the ordinary mode. This obviates a cold offset in the event of a start-up when the high-speed mode is selected.

Abstract: A method of developing an electrostatic latent image produced on a surface of a movable intermediate carrier by electrically-charged dielectric color particles which are transported through a gap between the surface of the intermediate carrier and a surface of a developing device includes loosely filling most of the gap with color particles, and successively producing, along the transport path of the color particles through the gap, the following voltage differences between the surface of the developing device and non-image regions on the surface of the intermediate carrier: a first voltage difference substantially equal to zero, so that the color particles are not electrostatically attracted or repelled, in substance, by the surface of the developing device and by the non-image regions, respectively; a second voltage difference providing an electric field between the surface of the developing device and the non-image regions, the color particles in the non-image regions being completely separated from the su

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a method of correcting a position for writing an image on a photoconductive element on the basis of a signal representative of a pattern formed on the element and detected, and a device therefor. A single photoconductive element is used to form a plurality of different colored images using a single rotating polygonal mirror and a plurality of light sources. The toner images can be sensed either while they are on the single photoconductive element or by sensing them through a transport belt.