Abstract: A printer control device capable of performing a buffer memory clearing operation within a short period of time without complicating the control of the clearing operation. A RAM 8 stores an end address of an immediately preceding block of print data. CPU 6 develops a present block of print data received from a host computer into a buffer memory 8a so as to overwrite it on the immediately preceding block of print data which has been stored in the buffer memory 8a. When an end address of the present block of print data developed into the buffer memory 8a is smaller than the end address stored in the RAM 8, storage locations of the buffer memory 8a from the end address of the present block of print data to the end address stored in the RAM 8 are cleared. Then, the end address stored in the RAM 8 is replaced with the end address of the present block of print data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner for reading image information of an original, a memory for storing the image information of a plurality of originals read by the scanner, a printer for forming the image information of at least two of the originals stored in the memory on a single image formation medium, a detector for detecting that the memory becomes full, and a controller. When the detector detects that the memory becomes full while the scanner is performing a series of read operations, the controller controls the printer to print images of the image information of originals which are stored in the memory and images of which are to be formed on a single sheet, erases the image information whose images are printed, and controls the scanner to restart reading of the originals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the storage of compressed images includes serially storing pixel block data in memory. Fixed memory utilization can be improved for images having pixel blocks of varying information content. A cumulative memory allocation is updated during processing of each pixel block and compared with the current memory requirement. Memory not utilized for earlier processed pixel blocks having low information content can be used to store later processed high information content pixel blocks.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus for reading a document image and forming the document image on a paper, document image data are divided into a plurality of blocks and the document image data are compressed in the unit of block to be stored in a first memory device. The data read from the first memory device are expanded in the unit of block to be stored in a second memory device. Compression time and expansion time are estimated and image output start time for a printer is set based on the compression and expansion times before expansion of all the blocks is completed. In a different way, the start time is set to read data from a second memory device by a printer for printing, after estimation based on expansion time on data not yet expanded by an expansion device. In a still different way, predetermined form data such as page number are superposed with image data. The form data is drawn first in a page memory device and expanded image data are superposed next in the page memory device.

Abstract: An improved printer is provided which includes a separate hardware compression module and hardware decompression module contained within the ASIC of the print engine. A "Request Counter" register is decremented each time memory is requested to store a block of bitmap image data. When the Request Counter decreases to a predetermined value, the current size of the remaining "free memory" space is evaluated. If this free memory is less than another predetermined value (a "low water mark"), then blocks of data that have already been stored in the printer's memory are sent to the compression module to be compressed before the printer literally runs out of free memory, and the printer can continue storing and processing more incoming print job data. By thus preserving some of the free memory, the printer can continue to process or rasterize more print data while the compression hardware simultaneously operates independently to compress one or more blocks of data.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus provided with plural output devices, there is achieved efficient image data output without interference of the plural output devices. For this purpose, there are provided input means for entering image data, plural memory means for storing the entered image data, control means for controlling the plural memories respectively corresponding to plural image output devices, and output means for sending the image data from the memories to the plural output devices.

Abstract: A maximum acceptable number (max.sub.-- req.sub.-- num(i)) is set for each transmission device (source of request) (i) which transmits image data. If it is determined that the maximum acceptable number is set for a source of request of a job, determination is made as to whether or not the number of currently accepted jobs from the source of request (current.sub.-- req.sub.-- num(i)) is less than the maximum acceptable number. If so, determination is made as to whether or not the number of jobs exceeds the maximum acceptable number which is the limit of acceptance of a memory in an image forming apparatus, if a currently requested job is accepted. If not exceeds, "acceptable" is given to the source of request. If exceeds, or if the number of currently accepted jobs from the source of request reaches the maximum acceptable number, "not acceptable" is transmitted to the source of request.

Abstract: A system for accelerated data recompression in which uncompressed data need not be swapped in and out of memory at each iterative data recompression step. The data recompression system includes a main memory for storing image data, and a decompression device which receives compressed data from the main memory and decompresses it to produce discrete blocks of uncompressed data. An intermediate compression buffer, separate from the main memory and connected to the decompression device, is used by the decompression device to store one block of uncompressed data at a time. The blocks of data are received one at a time by a data compression device taking input directly from the intermediate compression buffer. There the uncompressed data blocks are compressed and stored back to the main memory one block at a time. Thus, an entire compressed image stored in main memory is decompressed and recompressed one block at a time, and uncompressed data need not be swapped in and out of main memory.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus system in which a facsimile transmitter transmits a document and a corresponding facsimile receiver receives the document. Before the received document is put in such a state that an operator of the facsimile receiver cannot confirm the contents of the received document, an operator at the side of the facsimile transmitter can retrieve or delete the corresponding document as necessary. The facsimile receiver includes a storage unit for storing therein an image. The facsimile transmitter can inform the facsimile receiver of its own ID and a document management number of the document being stored in the storage unit of the facsimile receiver but not put in a state readable by the facsimile receiver operator to request the retrieval or deletion of the document.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which records received information on a recording sheet includes a recorder that has an active mode and a standby mode using less electric power than the active mode. With the recorder in the standby mode, the received information is stored in a memory without being recorded until a detector detects that the amount of stored information has reached a predetermined value. At such time, the mode of the recorder is changed to the active mode to cause the recorder to record the stored information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for exchanging information with a plurality of other apparatuses connected thereto through a bidirectional interface includes a storage unit for storing attribute information of IDs and users of the plurality of other apparatuses, a search unit for searching the storage unit for IDs of apparatuses belonging to designated attribute information, and a transmission unit for transmitting information to the plurality of apparatuses searched by the search unit. An information processing method using this information processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing control programs for the information processing apparatus and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A facsimile system according to the present invention comprises a job control section, a multiple message transmission object specifying section, a multiple message transmission multiplex access instructing section and a multiple message transmission multiplex access processing section, and the job control section determines whether any transmission file has been specified as an object for multiple message transmission and also a multiplex access instruction has been issued or not, and when a multiplex access instruction has not been issued, the job control section reads out transmission files having been specified as objects for multiple message transmission and continuously transmits the files in succession to the transmission file currently being transmitted, and when the multiplex access instruction has been issued, the job control section reads out transmissions files having been specified as objects for multiple message transmission, by means of multiplex access, and continuously transmits the transmiss

Abstract: A facsimile device includes local area network communication controlling means for exchanging data between the facsimile device and the terminal of a correspondence partner through a local area network connected to an internet. An exchanging network communication controlling means is provided for exchanging image information between the facsimile device and the terminal of the correspondence partner through an exchanging network in accordance with a predetermined facsimile transmitting procedure. Telephone number converting table means is provided for registering telephone numbers used to place a call by use of the exchanging network and a group of addresses for transmitting signals by use of the local area network, for the terminals of the respective correspondence partners.

Abstract: Image information of a plurality of pages input from a personal computer is stored in a hard disk. In an operation mode which can be executed only after all pages of one group are stored in the hard disk, if the hard disk becomes full before all the pages are stored, reduced images from the start to fourth pages are printed out on a single recording sheet to notify a user of a memory-full state. On this sheet, a message representative of that the hard disk is in a memory-full state is also printed out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including a facsimile server for a local area network (LAN) configured to automatically transmit information including client addresses to facsimile terminals on public telephone networks. The facsimile server includes a memory configured to store an address list, entries in which contain a calling number, a local number, and a user name, each specifying a same information processing apparatus (e.g., client) on the LAN. The facsimile server is configured to respond to a request for sending the address list. When a source facsimile terminal sends image information to a client of the facsimile server without specifying a calling number for the client, the facsimile server detects that the calling number is missed and automatically sends the address list back to the facsimile terminal so that the facsimile terminal can properly retransmit the image information for a second time while identifying the client in the second transmission.

Abstract: A method for printing in a frugal way to save ordinary print paper from unnecessary loss in a facsimile machine specifies the effective print length for a sheet of the print paper, which includes the steps of: receiving one sheet data, determining whether the amount of the received one sheet data exceeds the effective print length, determining whether the effective print length is greater than the sum of a predetermined length of the TTI region and the length of the substantial content of the received one sheet data if the amount of the received one sheet data exceeds the effective print length, and printing the received one sheet data with the TTI overlapping the upper margin of the effective print length if the effective print length is greater than or equal to the sum of the predetermined length of the TTI region and the length of the substantial content of the received one sheet data.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus, such as a computer, which executes a communication protocol defined by a general-purpose communication application software program. The facsimile apparatus includes an own number memory which stores an own number, and determines whether or not an addressing number sent by the computer corresponds with the own number. When the own number and the addressing number do not correspond with each other, the facsimile apparatus transmits image data sent from the computer to another facsimile apparatus which is indicated by the addressing number. If the own number and the addressing number correspond with each other, the facsimile apparatus responds to the computer with dummy response information, and image data is sent from the computer to a printer to be printed out.

Abstract: Plural pictures recorded on an optical film are read, in frame units, by a scanner 11 to convert them into electric picture data to store those picture data into a main memory 21. A memory control section 2 controls read-out and write-in operations of the picture data obtained from the scanner 11 with respect to the main memory 21. Further, the memory control section 2 controls the write-in and read-out operations of the picture data to thereby obtain inverted picture data in which (relative position of) the picture data is inverted in regard to upper and lower directions thereof. A system control section 5 controls the memory control section 2 in accordance with inverting command from a keyboard 6 so as to obtain inverted picture data.

Abstract: A facsimile machine has an enable or disable mode of security receiving selected and a password inputted if its memory is full in order to print additionally inputted data on paper. After this processing, a waiting time of printing output is inputted and the number of retrying input of a password is counted. Memory data received and stored is printed according to counting of retrying input of a password, and inputting a password or no password is designated. After output of memory data which has been received and stored, a receiving mode and a range of automatic switching of the receiving mode are selected. Without installing any additional hardware devices, secure and convenient receiving of data through a facsimile machine can be obtained.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of a facsimile includes an input unit such as an image reader which reads and inputs image data from originals, a memory unit which stores the input image data in a memory medium such as a magnetooptical disk, and an output unit which outputs a sheet for searching the image data stored in the memory medium. The output unit outputs a sheet on which information to specify the image data stored in the memory unit and a marking area to designate a destination are added when the image data is transmitted. The memory unit stores the image data of a plurality of pages as one file into the memory unit. The output unit also outputs a sheet to which are added information to specify the file and a marking area to designate the telephone number of the destination.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus comprises an image scanner and a coder for image transmission, a decoder and a printer for image reception, and a modem and a network control unit for connection with a subscriber's line. These elements are connected to a control unit for controlling the entire apparatus. The presence/absence of printing paper is detected by a sensor. When the printing paper is absent, received image data is not supplied to the printer and instead is written in an image memory for performing a so-called substitute reception. The facsimile apparatus further comprises a dial number memory for storing a dial number of a predetermined facsimile apparatus, and a dialer for automatically dialing the dial number stored in the dial number memory. When the substitute reception is completed, the dial number stored in the dial number memory is dialed, and the image data stored in the image memory by the substitute reception is transferred to the predetermined facsimile apparatus and is printed.

Abstract: A method of automatically and selectively storing documents in memory in a facsimile system, includes the steps of: registering a telephone number of predetermined facsimile transmission sources in memory when a reception-to-memory registration function key is input; checking if an automatic data storage function key is selected, when facsimile data is received; detecting whether a telephone number of a sending station loaded in a non-standard code matches a telephone number previously registered in memory, when the automatic data storage function is selected; and automatically storing a document in memory where a match was found.

Abstract: An image forming method for use in image forming apparatus including on the right surface thereof a discharge opening connectable with a post-processing device, the image forming method comprising the steps of:a first step of delivering one or more documents to a read position sequentially starting from the first document to read the documents at the read position, and outputting the documents in the form of images of the same posture as document images to be read on the documents;a second step of reading a document at a position where the same is placed and outputting the document in the form of an image of the same posture of a document image to be read on the document;a third step of forming, on the upper surface of a sheet to be supplied from the left surface side of the image forming apparatus, the images output in the first or second step in the order that they are read, and delivering the formed images in a direction of the right surface of the image forming apparatus; anda fourth step of reversing the

Abstract: Multiple page image information is communicated efficiently in such a manner that a receiver informs to a transmitter an amount of data receivable one time, the transmitter transmits one time up to the designated data amount (which may be multiple page information), the receiver informs the amount of data next receivable and indicates an error frame received in the previous transmission, and the transmitter transmits the image information of the designated error frame followed by the transmission one time of the succeeding image information up to the designated data amount.

Abstract: There are provided a facsimile apparatus in which fonts of plural languages each including plural characters need not be permanently stored from the beginning, and a control method therefor. A data request from the facsimile apparatus is recognized by an information processing apparatus, which in response transfers data meeting the request of the facsimile apparatus thereto, among the data managed in the information processing apparatus, and the facsimile apparatus is enabled to manage and utilize thus transferred data, whereby the facsimile apparatus can effectively utilize the memory.

Abstract: Facsimile log information pertaining to the transmission and reception of image data is stored in a RAM 9. Telephone log information pertaining to the transmission and reception of voice data is also stored in the RAM 9. Thus stored facsimile log information and the telephone log information are printed out on a management report in a discriminatable manner. By viewing the management report, the user of the facsimile machine can manage not only facsimile communication but also telephone communication performed by the facsimile machine.

Abstract: A system for clearing a buffer for holding bitmap data output by a decomposer or interpreter in a digital printing apparatus exploits a decompressor chip. Instead of having the processor directly write blank data into the buffer to clear the buffer, a "buffer clear" software utility sends compressed blank image data to the decompressor chip, which in turn decompresses the blank image and writes the decompressed blank image to the necessary location in the buffer.

Abstract: A facsimile system includes a facsimile apparatus including a printer for receiving and printing facsimile information and a terminal apparatus remote from the facsimile apparatus, for transmitting data to and receiving data from the facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus includes a data transmit device for transmitting data related to a condition of a public telephone line connected to the facsimile apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus for transferring data which is not facsimile image data, for example error data, filing information data, or ROM data. A memory memorizes the data, a read/write controller controls reading/writing the data in the memory, and a communication controller controls starting communication with another facsimile apparatus or a maintenance service center using by a protocol of NSS or NSF. Further, an ECM buffer memorizes the data for re-transferring the data by using ECM communication, and a modem transfers the data in the ECM buffer with a same speed rate as a speed rate of transferring the facsimile image data.

Abstract: For selectively receiving a facsimile image data, a sender's facsimile telephone number is registered in the register of a receiver's facsimile machine. Such a method can include the steps of receiving the sender's facsimile telephone number during the communication protocol exchange upon ringing of an incoming signal, detecting whether the sender's facsimile telephone number is registered in the receiver's register, and disconnecting the receiving line to stop the facsimile reception if the sender's facsimile telephone number is not registered in the receiver's register.

Abstract: A media server system and method for reducing the probability of data starvation or underflow in a media server system. The media server system preferably comprises a video server computer system which stores a plurality of encoded data streams, wherein the computer system is coupled through a SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) bus to one or more MPEG decoder blocks. The media server system thus utilizes a single control channel for multiple video channels. The present invention operates to fill the FIFO buffer of a channel to a higher level during startup, thus reducing the probability of data underflow. In one embodiment, the host computer or server begins data transmission prior to sending the "play" function or play command in order to pre-fill or pre-load the buffer. In another embodiment where the host server is not configured to pre-load the buffer prior to issuing the play command, the MPEG decoder block disables the FIFO buffer when the play command is received.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reads an image and synthesizes it with another, broadcast-standardized image signal supplied from outside the apparatus and stored in a memory provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus capable of a parallel processing of image storage and transmission is provided with a memory device for storing a criterion value for a remaining storage capacity of an image storage device. A control device determines if the remaining storage capacity of the image storage device is larger than the criterion value, and the parallel storage and transmission processing is executed only when the remaining storage capacity is larger than the criterion value.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having a printer interface and a recorder unit usable as a printer, includes an image memory for storing facsimile image data received during an operation as the printer, a key switch for switching an operation mode between a facsimile mode and a printer mode by a switching operation, and a controller for automatically causing the recorder unit to perform an output operation such that the image data stored in the image memory in the printer mode is read out to print received image information by the switching operation of the key switch to the facsimile mode when the facsimile image data is received in the printer mode.

Abstract: A technique for embodying self-diagnosis in a facsimile machine including a printer with a recording element for receiving or scanning data and a temperature sensor for sensing a surface temperature of the recording element is performed by sensing an input voltage corresponding to the changed surface temperature of the recording element when a preset number of lines of a document are printed, comparing a reference voltage received when the recording element is not driven with the surface temperature sensed in the sensing step, and providing an error message when the sensed voltage is the same as the reference voltage. Thus, the printing or transmitting is performed only when accurate data is received or scanned, while the printing or transmitting by the successive reception or scanning of white data or black data, being error data, is blocked to prevent unnecessary power dissipation and the waste of recording paper.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus capable of managing memory-full status of an image memory on reception or transmission. The apparatus comprises a counter for counting available space of the image memory and function for determining the memory size of one page of received or read data and compares the memory size determined by a reception or reading mode such as "standard", "fine" and "super fine" with the available space of the image memory. If the available space of the image memory is smaller than the memory size requirement, the receiving or reading operation is interrupted or stopped by page unit, preventing problems such as degraded image due to interruption in mid-course of reading operation one page of original, a poor control procedure in reception operation and wasted communication.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to an external terminal device and a communication line, includes a storing unit which stores mode information indicating which apparatus, either the external terminal device or the facsimile apparatus, receives data; and a control unit which causes the facsimile apparatus to receive the data if the mode information indicates external terminal device reception and if the external terminal device is not available to receive the data. The facsimile apparatus further includes a control unit which causes temporal transferring of the received data to the external terminal device, reading of the transferred received data from the external terminal device, and printing of the read data after the facsimile apparatus has become available to print if the mode information indicates facsimile apparatus reception and if the facsimile apparatus is not available to print or store the received data.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a machine housing; an upper guide member disposed above the machine housing and adapted to be movable between an operating position, in which a document transport path is formed, and an open position, in which the document transport path is opened; an operating panel mounted on the top of the upper guide member and provided with dial number call keys for calling previously stored dial numbers of destinations, and a function switching key for selecting from two alternative call dial numbers stored for each of the dial number call keys; and a key switching plate having openings through which the key heads of the dial number call keys are exposed with the key switching plate disposed on the operating panel so as to be invertible between a first position and a second position and adapted to move the function switching key in a switching manner upon the inversion thereof.

Abstract: A memory management device enables to effectively use a memory which permits its stored data to be erased only in blocks. A facsimile apparatus is arranged to temporarily store sending information and received information in the memory and then to send or receive the information. The facsimile apparatus includes a flash memory whose data is allowed to be erased only in blocks and a storage unit for storing the sending or the received information in its own blocks if the sending or the received information is stored in the flash memory.

Abstract: A peripheral multi-function device includes a communication data receiver for receiving communication data through a communication line from a communication device. A recording data receiver receives recording data inputted from an information processing device. A memory includes a communication area for storing the communication data received by receiver and a recording area for storing the recording data received by the recording data receiver. An allocation controller changes an allocation proportion of the memory between the communication area and the recording area.

Abstract: A printing system with a digital reproduction system communicating with a remote document processing station by way of a print server is provided. The printing system includes a first queue of first jobs to be executed with the digital reproduction system maintained at the print server and a second queue of second jobs to be executed with the digital reproduction system maintained at the digital reproduction system. The printing system further includes a queue process communicating with both the first and second queues for forming a composite queue to reflect an order in which the first and second jobs of the first queue and the second queues are to be executed with the digital reproduction system.

Abstract: In a device having both a facsimile function and a printing function, a priority can be given, for example, to a printer section to perform printing of print data in a common recording section precedent to fax data. In this case, recording of fax data applied to a recording section is rejected despite the fact that the fax data is applied to the recording section earlier than the print data. The fact that the priority has been set is indicated in a relevant portion of a display.

Abstract: In an electronic imaging apparatus, image information of an image signal photoelectrically converted from an image incident is stored in image information storing means in a format dependent upon a type of the applied storage device. Provided therein are communication means for transmitting and/or receiving image information generated in this apparatus or the other equivalent apparatuses while an operation mode of the apparatus is set for communication and switch means for causing the communication means to start a communication mode operation.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having a printer interface and a recorder unit usable as a printer, includes an image memory for storing facsimile image data received during an operation as the printer, a key switch for switching an operation mode between a facsimile mode and a printer mode by a switching operation, and a controller for automatically causing the recorder unit to perform an output operation such that the image data stored in the image memory in the printer mode is read out to print received image information by the switching operation of the key switch to the facsimile mode when the facsimile image data is received in the printer mode.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus for outputting multiple copies of a received image comprises a receiver for receiving image data and a protocol signal, a detector for detecting the indication of multiple copy output from the protocol signal received by the receiver, a memory for storing the image data received by the receiver, a recorder for recording the received image data stored in the memory and a control circuit for causing the memory to store the received image data in response to the detection by the detector of the indication of the multiple copy output of the image data and, after the reception, causing the recorder to repetitively record the received image data stored in the memory, in a number of copies equal to that designated by the protocol signal.

Abstract: A job development task performs image processing on image data of input jobs. An output section control task causes the processed image data to be output from a print section, a FAX transmission/reception section, or the like. A job control task recognizes the execution state of a specified job. A UI control task determines alterable process items relating to the specified job in accordance with the recognized execution state, and causes those process items to be displayed on a display device of an operation section. As a result, in altering a certain process item of the job, the process items that can be set are displayed in accordance with the job state of the specified job, which allows the user to alter the process item correctly and quickly.

Abstract: An image coding apparatus which includes a first means for fixing or limiting quantity of code produced by compressively coding a given image data, independent of the image, a second means for conducting variable length compression of which quantity of code produced varies according to the image, and a selection means for selecting the first and second means.

Abstract: A copier for recording images of plural documents on recording sheets. The copier includes: a scanner for reading the images of the documents by photoelectrically converting the images so as to obtain image data corresponding to the images; a document feeder for sequentially feeding the documents to the scanner; a memory for storing the image data, including plural data compression/expansion circuits for compressing and expanding the image data, a selector for selecting one of the plural data compression/expansion circuits, and a memory member for storing the image data compressed by the selected one of the plural data compression/expansion circuits; a printer for forming images, corresponding to the selected image data from the memory, on the recording sheets; and a controller circuit for generating memory data overflow signals when a remaining area of the memory member is not more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a facsimile machine for used in combination with a personal computer, when incoming image data from a remote facsimile machine cannot be printed simultaneously with receipt of the data and a RAM of the facsimile machine does not have a sufficient storage capacity to store the data, the personal computer plays a role of a data receiving end for the incoming image data. When the RAM of the facsimile machine has a space to store the incoming image data, it is stored therein provided that simultaneous printing of the image data is impossible. When the storage capacity of the RAM is reduced to less than a predetermined minimum in the process of storing operation and the entire image data cannot be stored in the RAM, then the remaining part of the image data is sent to the personal computer and stored in its associated hard disk.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus, transmission image data is stored in an image memory after being produced by encoding and compressing raw image data. A storing operation of the transmission image data and a transmitting operation for transmitting the transmission image data are performed at the same time. A receiving operation is prohibited when the transmitting operation is being performed and the transmitting operation is prohibited when the receiving operation is being performed. Thus, the transmitting operation and the receiving operation are not interrupted due to an insufficient memory capacity of the image memory. Additionally, the transmission image data is transmitted by each set of block data when the operation of the image information communication apparatus is switched to the G3 facsimile communication mode. The transmission image data is transmitted by each set of single-page image data when the operation is switched to the G4 facsimile communication mode.