Abstract: When a transmission of image data to a destination has not been completed, retransmission processing in which the image data is repeatedly transmitted to the destination is performed and the number of times the transmission has been performed is counted. When the number is higher than a predetermined value, the sender is informed about the occurrence of transmission error and whether the modification of destination information has been requested is determined. When the modification has been requested, the destination information is modified; when the modification has not been requested, the destination information is deleted and then the deletion of the destination information is informed. When stored destination information including destinations of data is wrong, the use of the destination information is inhibited, which prevents users as recipients from feeling displeasure.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image pickup element that emits an electrical signal based on received light, a document table including a reading window, a document cover, a base plate including a flat portion that opposes the reading window, the base plate being displaceable in a direction of separating from the document cover and a direction of approaching the document cover, a spring portion that is integrally formed with the base plate, and a document presser that presses the document placed on the document table toward the reading window and includes an elastic member that is elastically deformable and is adhered to a reading window side of the base plate. The document cover includes a first pressing portion that conveys force due to a weight of the document cover acting to press the spring portion toward the reading window when the document cover covers the reading window.

Abstract: To minimize risk of printing-out to a printer located at an improper base, where a network is established between the bases, terminal devices, a server, printers, and a management device which manages printers are provided. The management device manages position information of the printers installed in bases. Every time printing is requested, the management device extracts printer candidates located close to a terminal device and asks a user of the terminal device to select one of the printer candidates. The user visually confirms the installation locations of the extracted printer candidates included in a list and selects an appropriate printer for each printing. Accordingly, risk of erroneously printing using a printer installed in an improper base can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes i) storing data associated with the operation of the MFP device, wherein the MFP device includes at least one hardware element, ii) analyzing the stored data so as to optimize performance factors (e.g., power savings, job speed, use of consumable material, and MFP wear and tear, etc.) of the MFP device and iii) controlling the at least one hardware element based on the analysis. In one embodiment, the data includes at least one of the following: i) a first data associated with a user's MFP device settings, ii) a second data associated with a user's MFP device usage statistics, iii) a third data which is real time data associated with the MFP device operation and iv) a fourth data associated with MFP hardware characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques of facilitating document transmission from one entity through an electronic communications network. An entity may be a legally recognized person such as a corporation, partnership, organization, government, individual, and the like. As a legally recognized person, an entity may act as a principal with respect to one or more authorized agents. Furthermore, as a legal person, an entity may authorize one or more of its agents to use fax transmission equipment such as the fax certification system described herein. The techniques of this invention assure a second entity that a first entity has indeed authorized its agent to send a document from a fax station under the controls of the first entity.

Abstract: An fiber optic imaging device utilizing fiber optics for imaging portions of documents of varying shapes and/or sizes. For example, for imaging a book or any document having a centerfold, where the document will not lay flat (non-planar) against the platen of the image forming device. The device may be shaped to fit in the centerfold of an open document between the platen of the copying device and the document. Additionally, the fiber optic imaging device may also allow for performing a geometric translation based upon a portion of the document, for facilitating document reproduction.

Abstract: The above object is achieved by an image forming apparatus connected to a network and used for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: a 1st obtaining unit operable to obtain via the network, with respect to each of one or more image files related to an authenticated user, (i) a corresponding identification information piece and (ii) a corresponding storage-destination information piece indicating a storage destination; a display unit operable to display the obtained identification information pieces; a receiving unit operable to receive a specification of, among the displayed identification information pieces, an identification information piece for an image file that the authenticated user desires to obtain; and a 2nd obtaining unit operable to obtain, via the network, the desired image file corresponding to the specified identification information piece from a storage destination indicated by a storage-destination information piece of the desired image file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an access code are described. A first request to generate an access code for permitting a first individual to deposit monetary funds into an account associated with an entity is received. The first individual is not an account owner of the account. The access code for permitting the first individual to deposit monetary funds into the account associated with the entity is generated. A second request to output the access code for permitting the first individual to deposit monetary funds into the account associated with the entity is received, and the access code for permitting the first individual to deposit monetary funds into the account associated with the entity is outputted. One or more restrictions may be placed on the ability to deposit monetary funds in the account.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is provided with a scanning unit configured to scan a first image containing a specific image representing information related to a destination of a facsimile transmission, a setting unit configured to obtain and set the destination based on the specific image included in the first image, a generating unit configured to generate transmission data representing second image which is similar to the first image but the specific image is excluded, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the transmission data generated by the generating unit to the destination set by the setting unit.

Abstract: An image is displayed on a rectangular display screen of the display unit by the steps of obtaining minimum or maximum positions of black dot in the width direction and longitudinal direction in an image data stored in an image memory; deciding a position of one corner portion of a rectangular effective image data area in the image data from the minimum or maximum positions in the width and longitudinal directions; and controlling the display unit to display the rectangular effective image data area based on the position of the decided one corner portion in the image data on the display screen of the display unit starting from the one corner portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with an image reading apparatus that may suppress the intensity level of radiated noise from the image reading apparatus in an appropriate manner, without disrupting other functions, etc. The movable image reading apparatus comprises a carriage having a light source adapted to expose an original to light, a photoelectric conversion element, and a drive circuit unit adapted to drive the photoelectric conversion element; and a plurality of guide members adapted to movably guide the carriage. The plurality of guide members are individually earthed to a housing of the image forming apparatus through a plurality of earth contacts.

Abstract: Provided are a specific image information adding method with enhanced detection accuracy enabling multiple pieces of information to be added, and an image forming apparatus using the method. In the method of adding specific image information about a recorded image onto the recorded image, the specific image information consists of reference information and identification information, the reference information is formed so as to be able to set a reference position for reading of the specific image information, and the identification information is formed from dot images indicative of bit information at predetermined positions on an arc or a circumference around the reference position. The identification information can represent a single information item by a plurality of dot images, which are placed on a plurality of different arcs or circumferences and arranged at predetermined spacings in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including a data inputting part for inputting image data, a document recognizing part for recognizing the image data as a document, a document storing part for storing document data corresponding to the document recognized by the document recognizing part, and a stored document managing part for managing the document data stored in the document storing part is disclosed. The image processing apparatus has a document analyzing part configured to analyze the input image data, a text writing part configured to obtain an analysis result from the document analyzing part and write the analysis result in a text format, a part configured to associate the analysis result to the document data stored in the document storing part and register the analysis result in correspondence with the document data, and a part configured to search for a target document by referring to the registered analysis result.

Abstract: An image output system includes input section for inputting an image or data, instruction acceptance section for accepting an instruction of outputting the input image or an image generated from the input data, image output section for outputting the instructed image, and log-recording section for recording an image log, including at least the image to be output and the result information of an output process for the image to be output, irrespective of whether or not the output of the instructed image has been completed successfully.

Abstract: In a communication apparatus corresponding to an analog communication path of a voice band and a network communication path, high-speed and high-reliability data communication are performed by selecting an appropriate communication path without troublesome user operation. A communication apparatus which performs IP communication and analog communication via an ADSL gateway obtains the IP address of a destination station from an SIP proxy server and transmits/receives communication data to/from the destination station on an IP network by a file transmit/receive protocol such as FTP, HTTP or the like, when the telephone number of the destination station corresponds to a VoIP network. The apparatus performs analog facsimile communication on a line switching network when the telephone number of the destination station does not correspond to the VoIP network.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a fax decoding/re-encoding system for transferring fax images between a sending fax machine and a receiving fax machine includes a decoder responsive to an encoded fax image defined by rows of scan lines. The decoder decodes the scan lines of the encoded fax image and generates run-length representation of the encoded fax image. A scanline manipulation device is responsive to the run-length representation for manipulating the same and generating a manipulated fax image without generating a bitmap of the encoded fax image. The fax decoding/re-encoding system further including a re-encoder responsive to the manipulated fax image and adaptive to generate a re-encoded fax image that is substantially the same as the encoded fax image, wherein the fax decoding/re-encoding system avoids the need for a bitmap for generating a re-encoded fax image thereby substantially reducing re-encoding time.

Abstract: In a system in which a facsimile apparatus is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a plurality of computer terminals are connected, image data obtained by reading an original image by the scanner of the facsimile apparatus under the control of the operation unit of the facsimile apparatus is transmitted to a destination designated by the operation unit. In this operation, if a user ID is designated, transmitted image data and information (destination, transmission time/date, or the like) related to transmission is transferred to the LAN to notify the information to a user corresponding to the user ID. In this manner, data communication performed by a local operation of the facsimile apparatus and data communication performed by a remote designation from the computer terminal can be managed together.

Abstract: An image reading and recording apparatus includes a trigger arm configured to start transmission of a drive to a paper feed unit in accordance with the position of a carriage. The trigger arm includes a first lever portion for feeding a recording sheet in a state in which a cap is separated from a recording head and a second lever portion for feeding a document in a state in which the cap is in contact with the recording head.

Abstract: To provide a technology which facilitates an operation for placing a document with a larger size than a size of a document table, on the document table. A document cover is positioned at a plurality of open positions to a document table. A pivot of a document table 2 and a hinge 7 is configured by two pivots A1, A2, and a constricted portion 1b and it is configured in such a manner that, in case of setting a document with a smaller size than that of the document table 2, the pivot A2 is pivoted at a convex portion 7a of the hinge 7, and in case of setting a document with a larger size than that of the document table 2, the convex portion 7a is moved to the pivot A1 side through the constricted portion 1b, and the pivot A1 is pivoted at the convex portion 7a.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning documents such as ID cards and bank checks that includes hinged cover and base assemblies. The base includes motor driven drive rollers for conveying a document along a paper path defined between the cover and base. The cover includes a plurality of pinch rollers forming part of a floating deck that is carried by cover structure and which is spring biased towards the base assembly. Two side-by-side scanning regions are provided, one of which is configured to scan flexible documents, the other of which is configured to scan rigid media such ID cards. Sensors detect the position of the document. A solenoid driven, replaceable ink stamp imprints a document to indicate that it has been scanned. A weight biased diverter is deflected by rigid documents to enable exit through a slot. An entrance guide includes an offset guide wall to improve feeding.

Abstract: A double-surface printing type facsimile device is provided with a storage configured to store image data of document data received by facsimile, a printing unit configured to print the image data stored in the storage in one of single-surface printing mode and double-surface printing mode on a recording sheet, the image data being printed on one surface and the other surface of the recording sheet subsequently when the printing unit operates in the double-surface printing mode, a backup memory configured to store only the image data to be printed on the other surface of the recording sheet, and a reprinting unit configured to reprint the image data stored in the backup memory in the single-surface printing mode.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus in which a large display apparatus can be mounted while realizing miniaturization of an apparatus main body, an operation panel having excellent operability is realized, excellent inserting performance of documents and recording paper can be assured, compatibility between simple operability and multifunctional operability can be realized, is provided. The apparatus has: an operation panel 71 arranged in an upper front portion of the apparatus main body; a display unit 14 which is closably arranged to the operation panel 71, located in an upper rear position of the operation panel upon opening, and overlaid onto the operation panel upon closing; and a document inserting port 44 and a recording paper inserting port 29 arranged behind the operation panel in the upper portion of the apparatus main body and behind the display unit 14 upon opening.

Abstract: A user authentication method for an electronic apparatus makes a user authentication based on received first user identification information and registered user identification information and sets the electronic apparatus in an authenticated state if the received first user identification information matches the registered user identification information, and controls the authenticated state after the user authentication based on received second user identification, by continuing the authenticated state if the received second user identification information matches the registered user identification information.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus including (a) a reading portion which reads an image to obtain image data of the image, (b) a transmission-information display portion which presents, in a single screen, a preview image indicative of a content of the image data obtained by the reading portion, and a plurality of destination addresses, (c) an association setting portion which sets an association between the preview image and one of the destination addresses presented by the transmission-information display portion, which one destination address is selected by a user, and (d) a sending portion which sends the image data the content of which is indicated by the preview image to the destination address with which the preview image is associated, on the basis of the association set by the association setting portion.

Abstract: An IFAX has a call controller that transmits and receives a SIP message to and from a destination apparatus via a SIP server, a file transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives image data to and from a Web server, and a communication manager that exchanges information for managing the image data transfer to and from the destination apparatus, by adding predetermined information to the SIP message. Thereby, the IFAX transfers the image data via the Web server while performing SIP-based communication with the destination apparatus.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the quality of a communication network for facsimile devices, wherein the communication network comprises at least a first facsimile device communicating through a digital network and a second facsimile device communicating through an analog network. The method comprises establishing a connection between the facsimile devices using the communication network, assessing a configuration of the connection between the facsimile devices, identifying at least one problem in the connection between the facsimile devices, and generating a network diagnostic report of the at least one identified problem. A network diagnostic report may be delivered to a user interface. Bits of the facsimile information fields (FIF) of the digital identification signal (DIS) and non-standard facilities (NSF) signal of the second facsimile device are compared to analyze problems with the communication network.

Abstract: If data to be transferred is received, a transferring condition for the received data is acquired based on specifying information for specifying an apparatus to which the transferring condition has been registered, and the transferring of the received data is controlled based on the acquired transferring condition. Thus, it is possible to determine a transferring destination of the received data according to the transferring condition held by another apparatus, and it is thus possible by the another apparatus to control the transferring destination of the received data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, method, and computer program product can create and transmit an e-mail to which is attached an image file created by an image forming apparatus and a file received from an external device. The image forming apparatus can include an image reader and an operation unit including one-touch keys. If a received email instructs one-touch key registration, mailing information including recipient information and one or more attached files can be obtained from the email and associated with a one-touch key. If reading of an original document by the image reader is specified by operation of a one-touch key, the mailing information and file information associated with the one-touch key can be read, an email can be created including the created image file and the one or more attached files, and the email can be sent to a recipient corresponding to the recipient information.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus comprises scanning unit that converts a original image into image data; extraction unit that extracts an area that contains characters of every character size from the image data scanned by the scanning unit; and display unit that displays images of the area that contains characters extracted by the extraction unit at a plurality of resolutions.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling machines, such as printers, copiers, facsimile machine and other image forming machines. A server is used for transmitting and communicating information among machines and computers. The server acquires, after machine installation, reference values and during operation, current condition information. The server evaluates this information with the reference values such that a response to the machine may be executed remotely. The server also may update the reference values which change during operation.

Abstract: A facsimile method, system and apparatus for sending and receiving facsimiles over one or more networks including a fax sender connected to a network and the PSTN for sending facsimiles, an administrator connected to a network having a processor and at least one database for verifying the identity of the one or more fax receivers and fax senders, at least one fax receiver connected to at least one network for receiving facsimiles wherein the fax sender establishes a connection with the administrator, queries the database to determine the capabilities of the one or more fax receivers, and uses the capability information to send one or more facsimile transmissions to the one or more fax receivers.

Abstract: An image display system for reading and displaying an image includes an image display device and a scanner device that is connected to the image display device through a network. The image display device, when receiving instructions to read and display an image mounted on the scanner device from a user, specifies a predetermined reserved file name and transmits a file reading request to the scanner device. The scanner device, when receiving the file reading request, reads the image and transmits image data acquired by reading to the image display device using the reserved file name and makes the image display device display the image data.

Abstract: When facsimile data is transmitted by performing facsimile communication, a public line is seized. Then, when the public line is seized, it is a determined which of a dial tone signal or a voice signal for phone call a signal received from the public line is, it is controlled to perform the facsimile communication in a case where the received signal is determined as the dial tone signal, and it is controlled not to perform the facsimile communication in a case where the received signal is determined as the voice signal.

Abstract: An integrated adapter and fax device using the integrated adapter are provided. The power supply converting unit and line interface unit, each of which has a first section and a second section that are isolated from each other, are configured separately in the integrated adapter. Thus, product liability and safety standards are fundamentally satisfied, material costs of an external case of the fax device can be reduced, the external case can be more freely designed, and a power supply line and telephone line can be easily connected by a modular jack.

Abstract: Leakage of communication information concerning facsimile communication is prevented. A facsimile server manages communication information concerning facsimile communication. An image processing apparatus connects itself to the facsimile server to acquire communication information. Only a part of communication information is displayed, and a user selects a transmission destination. The image processing apparatus sends the designated transmission destination and image data to the facsimile server and requests facsimile communication. The facsimile server sends image data to the designated transmission destination.

Abstract: A communication apparatus allows an efficient transmission/reception of a document for a sender and a receiver at their respective desired time and location. When a first user transmits a document using a facsimile machine (transmitting device) managed by a server, first, an account of the transmitting device is registered on the server. In such a state, when the first user inputs an account of a second user as a destination into the transmitting device, the transmitting device inquires the server of a registration status of the second user. The server checks the registration status of the account of the second user. When the account of the second user is registered on any facsimile machine (receiving device), the server notifies the transmitting device that the account of the second user is registered on the receiving device. Then, the transmitting device transmits a connection demand to the receiving device to transmit data of the document.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which can execute a rotation process of an image when there is insufficient storage capacity. In a multi-function device to read images on two sides of a document by reversing a transfer direction of the document in an automatic document feeder, an estimated available capacity can be obtained based on a previously set condition, such as the resolution or gradation of an image scanner. Based on the estimated available capacity, it can be judged whether the rotation process can be performed. When the rotation process can not be performed, a process to reduce a set value of the condition is executed. When the set value of the condition is reduced, an attempt can be made to execute the process under the reduced set value.

Abstract: The invention provides an image scanning apparatus stabilizing a behavior of a document in scanning an image and enabling to promote image scanning accuracy. The image scanning apparatus according to the invention includes a resist roller 22 for feeding a document, a discharge roller 28 disposed in a feeding direction of the resist roller 22 for feeding the document and a first optical carriage A for scanning the image of the document in feeding the document by the resist roller 22 and the discharge roller 28. The resist roller 22 and the discharge roller 28 are respectively driven by a first motor 150 and a second motor 160. Further, when the document is charged to the discharge roller 28, document feed speed of the resist roller 22 in scanning document is made to be increased.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for enforcing a distribution policy with respect to information transmitted from a sending fax machine to a recipient fax machine as fax traffic is presented. The method comprising defining an information distribution policy with respect to the fax traffic, then monitoring the fax traffic in accordance with the distribution policy, where the monitoring comprising: (i) de-modulating the fax traffic being monitored into a digital stream; (ii) reconstructing from the digital stream a graphic image representing at least part of the information within the fax traffic; and (iii) analyzing information within the reconstructed image, and then applying the distribution policy with respect to the analyzed fax traffic.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is constructed by an input device for inputting an instruction for causing a job processor to perform a job, an analyzing unit for analyzing the instruction inputted by the input device, a discriminating unit for discriminating a processing ability of the job processor which performs the job based on the instruction inputted by the input device, and a controller for controlling a supply of the instruction inputted by the input device to the job processor in accordance with a result of the analysis by the analyzing unit and a result of the discrimination by the discriminating unit. The job processor performs a job to transmit input data to another apparatus, and the input device inputs an instruction including a designation of destinations to transmit data by the job processor.

Abstract: A wireless mode between a scanner and an image communication apparatus is changed, in response to completion of image transmission from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, completion of print of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, completion of transmission via a communication line connected to the image communication apparatus of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, instructions to stop print of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, instructions to stop transmission via the communication line connected to the image communication apparatus of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, and states of the scanner and the image communication apparatus at a predetermined time and so on. For example, a low power consumption mode and communication mode of Bluetooth communication are switched to each other.

Abstract: In a system in which a facsimile apparatus is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a plurality of computer terminals are connected, image data obtained by reading an original image by the scanner of the facsimile apparatus under the control of the operation unit of the facsimile apparatus is transmitted to a destination designated by the operation unit. In this operation, if a user ID is designated, transmitted image data and information (destination, transmission time/date, or the like) related to transmission is transferred to the LAN to notify the information to a user corresponding to the user ID. In this manner, data communication performed by a local operation of the facsimile apparatus and data communication performed by a remote designation from the computer terminal can be managed together.

Abstract: Bandwidth of a data line of a network is subdivided into at least two portions before or during transmission so that, while a recipient is receiving data being transmitted to the recipient from a sender over a first portion of the data line, the recipient can transmit data to the sender or another device over free bandwidth on the other portion(s) of the data line.

Abstract: Gateway, method, and apparatus for communicating fax data over the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus is capable of executing a facsimile communication using an Error Correction Mode (ECM) function based on a facsimile procedure with a communication partner connected via an Internet Protocol (IP) network. In response to receiving, from the communication partner via the network, a communication start request including information indicating a transport protocol for use in the communication, if the apparatus determines that the transport protocol for use in the communication does not have the error correction function, the apparatus sends to the communication partner a notification indicating that the apparatus is capable of executing the communication using the ECM function. Otherwise, if the apparatus determines that the transport protocol for use in the communication has the error correction function, the apparatus sends to the communication partner a notification indicating that the apparatus is incapable of executing the communication using the ECM function.

Abstract: A driving-force transferring unit is extended in a predetermined direction, with a predetermined portion attached to a running unit. A driving unit changes a direction of movement of the driving-force transferring unit by rotating based on a driving force from a driving source. At least one pulley unit is rotatably attached to the case and supports the driving-force transferring unit. The pulley unit includes an outer ring member that is rotated by the driving-force transferring unit, an inner ring member that rotatably supports the outer ring member, and an engaging unit that is provided on the inner ring member, to engage with the case.

Abstract: The above object is achieved by an image forming apparatus connected to a network and used for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: a 1st obtaining unit operable to obtain via the network, with respect to each of one or more image files related to an authenticated user, (i) a corresponding identification information piece and (ii) a corresponding storage-destination information piece indicating a storage destination; a display unit operable to display the obtained identification information pieces; a receiving unit operable to receive a specification of, among the displayed identification information pieces, an identification information piece for an image file that the authenticated user desires to obtain; and a 2nd obtaining unit operable to obtain, via the network, the desired image file corresponding to the specified identification information piece from a storage destination indicated by a storage-destination information piece of the desired image file.

Abstract: A facsimile machine comprises a connection for connecting an external storage device, a detection unit for detecting whether or not the external storage device is connected to said connection, a switching unit that switches confidential fax transmitting function to enable if the external storage device is connected to the connection and switching the confidential fax transmitting function to disable if it is not connected, a display unit that displays names of files of image data that can be transmitted by facsimile from the image data stored in the external storage device connected to the connection, a file selection unit that selects based on a user's instruction a file to be transmitted, from the displayed files, and a transmission unit that transmits the image data of the selected file by the confidential fax transmitting function.

Abstract: A method for routing a confirmation of receipt of a facsimile or portion thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing text of a facsimile for at least one of a meaning and a context of the text; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the analysis. A method for routing one or more confirmations according to another embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing a pattern of light and dark areas of a facsimile; correlating the pattern to one or more forms; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the correlation. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: In view of the fact that a limited storage area of a facsimile memory cannot store a large amount of data necessary to operate and manage the facsimile machine, a hard disk of a personal computer connected to the facsimile machine is used for storing such a large amount of data. For example, an application software needed for achieving a certain function of the facsimile machine is supplied from a service station managed by a manufacturer of the facsimile machine and is downloaded and installed in a hard disk of the personal computer. An example of the function is a scheduled/delayed transmission for scheduling a time of facsimile transmission at a specific time or after a certain period of time has passed. As far as the facsimile machine and the personal computer are connected, other kinds of data, such as help list data and facsimile transaction information, are stored in the hard disk of the personal computer.