Abstract: An image forming system includes a first feeding portion to feed a recording sheet, a second feeding portion to feed an inserting sheet from one of a plurality of supporting portions, and a controller capable of executing a job. In a case of performing a feeding process on a current recording sheet subsequent to a preceding inserting sheet, the controller starts the feeding process of the current recording sheet at a predetermined timing in a state in which sheets of a first amount are supported on the first supporting portion, and starts the feeding process of the current recording sheet at a timing later than the predetermined timing in a state in which sheets of a second amount smaller than the first amount are supported on the first supporting portion.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a light source for repeatedly emitting first light having a first color, second light having a second color and third light having a third color toward a read target while moving the light source in a sub-scanning direction, first, second, and third sensors, each configured to sense a strength of first, second, and third reflected light, respectively, in a light reflected from the read target, and to output first, second, and third signal waveforms corresponding to the strength of the first, second, and third reflected light, respectively, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a line-to-line correction for correcting a phase shift between the first, second, and third signal waveforms, and to correct a shift in a signal level caused by the line-to-line correction.

Abstract: A communication mode in an address book to be imported is replaced with a communication mode supporting an own apparatus and registered therein. A control method for controlling a communication apparatus that performs IP fax communication via an IP network, includes importing a destination of G3 fax communication, storing in a storage unit the destination imported as a destination of the IP fax communication to be performed via the IP network, and allowing a user to select a communication mode of the IP fax communication to be performed using the destination stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an interface unit that communicates with another device through a plurality of physical links; a setting unit that determines a value of a setting parameter for setting a signal transmission characteristic for each of the plurality of physical links by performing a negotiation with the other device and that outputs a plurality of determined values of the setting parameter, each of the plurality of determined values corresponding to one of the plurality of physical links; and a judgment unit that judges whether each of the plurality of determined values is correct or not by judging whether or not a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value among the plurality of determined values falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Methods and circuits are described in which an SLS driver circuit includes an SLS driver current source that may be arranged to provide an SLS current to a series SLS chain at a series SLS node. The series SLS chain may include a plurality of SLSs connected in series. The SLS driver circuit also includes a diagnostic current source that is arranged to provide a diagnostic current to a diagnostic resistor at a diagnostic resistor node. The series SLS chain also includes a comparison circuit that may be arranged to compare a series SLS voltage at the series SLS node with a diagnostic voltage at the diagnostic resistor node, and to output a status signal based on a result of the comparison such that the status signal is based, at least in part, on whether a failure condition exists in the series SLS chain.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first detector to detect the image forming apparatus being driven by an AC adapter, a second detector to detect the image forming apparatus being driven by a battery, a third detector to detect an occurrence of power failure, and a first device to shut down a power supply of the image forming apparatus in a case of the power failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a destination setting apparatus for setting destinations used in communications based on a plurality of communication protocols, the apparatus including an input unit configured to input destination information including a destination and a communication protocol of the destination to a destination list which displays a destination as a communication target, a display unit configured to display a setting screen including setting items settable by each communication protocol, based on the destination information input to the destination list, a determination unit configured to determine if the destination information input to the destination list includes one type of communication protocol or a plurality of different types of communication protocols, and a control unit configured to control to generate a setting screen to be displayed by the display unit based on the determination result of the determination unit, and to display the setting screen on the display unit.

Abstract: A print control method executes a process of adding a command to print data output from an application to a communication port in a computer having a communication port and executing a specific process by an application installed on an application layer and operating under an operating system on the OS kernel layer, the method including: the computer acquiring the print data at the OS kernel layer before the print data is received by the communication port; determining on the application layer if each command of the acquired print data is a print instruction command for an object that should be printed at a different print speed than the standard speed; and adding and outputting to the communication port a command that changes the print speed before the print instruction command when the command is determined to be a print instruction command for printing an object at a different speed.

Abstract: This invention provides a first communication apparatus, which makes a facsimile communication via a packet communication network and can describe different contents image header information each including a date, time, source information, destination information, and the like in image data having a predetermined number of pixels upon sending the image data to a plurality of destinations, and a communication method. This invention also provides a second communication apparatus which makes a facsimile communication via a packet communication network and has a first mode in which image header information such as a date, time, source information, destination information, and the like can be described in image data having a predetermined number of pixels and can send the image data, and a second mode in which image data having one of various resolutions and an indefinite number of pixels can be sent.

Abstract: A light source section of the image reading apparatus illuminates a document with light. An image sensor outputs image signals. An operating section accepts input of an enlargement factor and selection of a document scanning mode. An image processing section generates image data, from pixels (lines) in a quantity according to an enlargement factor. A stepper motor moves the document or the light source section. During a quiet mode, a signal generating section inputs to the stepper motor a pulse signal of a fixed frequency within a quiet mode frequency band. The quiet mode frequency band is a frequency band in which vibration of the stepper motor is at or below a predetermined normal vibration level.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine whether a malfunction of relative movement between a document and an image reading unit reading an image of the document occurs when the document is read by the image reading unit while at least one of the document and the image reading unit is moved, a specifying unit configured to specify a position in image data of the image read by the image reading unit corresponding to a position where the malfunction occurs if the determining unit determines that the malfunction of relative movement occurs, and a control unit configured to cause an image display unit to display an image based on the image data to enable a user to discriminate the position specified by the specifying unit.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation technique is disclosed for use in an image forming device such as a laser printer or a photocopier. The technique implements a pacer to synthesize the frequency of a serializer circuit by stretching (or shrinking) pixel pulse train data. The pacer stretches the pixel pulse train data in accord with increment data that is based upon information about the image forming device, such as the number of bits in the pixel pulse train data, the number of bits in print engine pulse train, the target print engine frequency, and the serializer frequency. The technique can be implemented with digital circuits that provide digital test data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reading apparatus including: an image reading section to read an image; a storage section to store the image; and a control section to detect whether or not the image reading section is in a state of pausing reading of the image, to determine transfer speed of the image to an external device based on a detected result, and to transfer the image to an external device at a determined transfer speed.

Abstract: An image forming device capable of controlling a scanning unit and a method to control the scanning unit, the image forming device including a rate error calculator to calculate a rate error from a difference between a practical rotation rate and a target rate of a motor that drives the scanning unit, a position error calculator to calculate a position error from a difference between a current position and a target position of the motor, and a rate/position controller to output a control pulse to control a rate and a position of the motor by applying the rate error and the position error.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an ADF driven by a motor; an image reading unit transmitting charges accumulated in a photoelectric conversion element as a shift pulse to a shift register; and a shift pulse control unit controlling an output timing of the shift pulse based on rotation of the motor. When the rotation of the motor stops, the shift pulse control unit outputs the shift pulse to transmit the charges accumulated in lighting of a light source immediately before the stoppage of the motor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a motor control apparatus includes a timer to measure a period in which a job is not executed, a sensor to detect a temperature of a physical object, an acquisition part to acquire time information measured by the timer and temperature information detected by the sensor, and a drive control part that determines a current value of a motor provided in the physical object based on the time information and the temperature information acquired by the acquisition part, and controls the motor current value by applying a voltage level corresponding to the determined current value to a drive element of the motor.

Abstract: A method of reading document image data and transferring the image data to a data reception apparatus, includes setting memory areas for storing the image data in a data storage section and setting a reading condition, upon receipt of a scan start command; transmitting the scan start command for instructing the scanner apparatus to start operations; instructing the scanner apparatus to transmit the image data to a transfer data storage section; transferring the image data in the transfer data storage section to the data storage section in response to a data transferring request command; transmitting a document end signal to the data storage section; executing feeding of subsequent document sheets, without transmitting another scan start command; determining whether distance from a rear end is a predetermined length or more, and an available space is a predetermined amount or more; and controlling a feeding section based on determination results.

Abstract: An image joining method for a scanner that scans and transfers image data to a terminal is provided. During scanning and data transfer, when the image data stored in a register is full, an image processor stops the scanning of a linear photodetector. Meanwhile, a matrix photodetector fetches and stores the image of a code strip. Then, the photodetectors are moved backward a distance larger than that being required to be accelerated forward when the scanner resumes scanning. After the data in the register being transferred and cleared, the linear photodetector resumes scanning at a normal moving speed. The code strip image is further fetched and compared with the stored one to get a joining point of scanned image data. By the joining point, the new and prior image data portions are joined and the scanning proceeds, and joined image data will not be overlapped or broken.

Abstract: A control associated with a label printer and RF unit is operable to carry out an RFID frequency selection process in which: (a) a given label is moved into the certain location along the label path; (b) for each of a plurality of frequencies: (i) the RF unit is operated to attempt to read and/or write to the label RFID tag of the given label multiple times; and (ii) the control records success data for attempts made in (b)(i); and (c) the control identifies and selects for subsequent use in operation of the RFID unit a multiplicity of the plurality of frequencies based upon results obtained in steps (b)(i) and (b)(ii).

Abstract: Images from a set of documents may be read by an image reading device by, in one example, carrying the documents one by one. The read data may be stored and errors in an operation in the reading may be detected. When an error is detected, the reading of the documents may be stopped. Additionally, reading of the documents may be restarted when the error is no longer detected. According to one or more aspects, the reading may be restarted such that the read data obtained after restart of reading continues from the read data obtained before detection of the error. According to further aspects, the entire read data of the documents may be converted into a single file having a predetermined format.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including, a sheet feeding device, a sheet feeding section that controls transport of an original document performed by the sheet feeding device, a reading section that outputs image data by reading the original document, a carriage that is equipped with the reading section, a carriage control section that controls movement of the carriage, a buffer that temporarily stores the image data, and a monitoring section that monitors a volume of the image data stored in the buffer. When the monitoring section determines that the volume of the image data is more than a predetermined threshold value, the sheet feeding section decelerates and stops the transport of the original document, and the carriage control section accelerates the carriage in a direction opposite to the transport of the original document during a deceleration period of the transport of the original document.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of reading documents includes a reading unit including a light emitting element, a mechanism configured to move the reading unit, and a control unit configured to control the reading unit and the mechanism both to carry out reading by turning on the light emitting element and moving the reading unit and to temporarily stop moving the reading unit upon occurrence of a predetermined factor. The control unit sets a first current value which is caused to flow through the light emitting element when reading is carried out and sets a second current value which is less than the first current value and which is caused to flow through the light emitting element when the reading unit is temporarily stopped.

Abstract: Conventional analog front ends or AFEs for scanners are implemented using multiple integrated circuits or ICs. As a result, there is typically a problem of skew (due at least in part to manufacturing process variations) for these different ICs in the AFE. Here, an AFE is provided which serializes input data so as to compensate for skew.

Abstract: An original is read by an original reading unit configured to read image data, at least one of the original reading unit and the original is driven by a driving motor in a sub-scan direction, and, when an amount of the image data stored by the image data storing unit becomes equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the rotational speed of the driving motor is reduced according to driving control data provided for each of current rotation angles of the driving motor for finally stopping the driving motor at a predetermined rotation angle, and a speed in a sub-scan direction at which the original reading unit reads the original is reduced. Then, main scan line data are thinned out from the image data according to thin-out data provided for each driving control data, and image data of the original are restored.

Abstract: In one embodiment, image reading apparatuses 100a and 100b start reading an original image after a reading start time Ta has elapsed since detecting the transport timing of an original G on the upstream side in a transport direction Y1 relative to an original reading position R1, adjust the reading start time Ta based on a reading timing adjustment time T1a from when the transport timing of an adjustment sheet P is detected until when original reading portions 200a and 200b read a position considered to be a leading edge P? in a first mark Q1 on the adjustment sheet P, and correct the reading start timing of the original G based on a leading edge reading error correction time T2a stored in advance.

Abstract: A disclosed control device includes a first unit configured to generate image data of multiple images to be superposed one on the other to form a single image and transmit the image data. The second control unit transmits to the first control unit a horizontal sync reference signal for achieving synchronization of the images in a horizontal direction. Based on the horizontal sync reference signal, the first control unit transmits to the second control unit a transfer clock signal that indicates transmission timing of the image data and an effective area signal that indicates an effective area of the image data. The first control unit asserts the effective area signal for an effective-area-signal assertion period that occurs between two consecutive reference-signal assertion periods during which the horizontal sync reference signal is asserted.

Abstract: Prior to reading an original image, whether to read the original image in a monochrome image mode in which the image reading apparatus reads the original image in use of the monochrome line sensor or a multi color image mode in which the image reading apparatus reads the original image in use of the multi color line sensor is predicted. Preparation of reading an original image based on parameters corresponding to the predicted mode is completed before the start of reading the original image. This arrangement reduces a time loss arising from switching of a color mode associated with a user color setting at the start of a job, and thus shortens the FCOT. This arrangement can shorten the time until the first copy is output after designating the start of copying when reading an original image based on different parameters.

Abstract: A scanning controller, a scanning apparatus and a method for performing the scanning controller are disclosed herein. The scanning controller includes an image data processing unit, a memory control unit, a dummy line control unit, a buffer condition control unit, a motor condition control unit, a motor controlling unit and a relation control unit. Based on at least one of several predetermined contrastive relationships among each stored data amount with regard to an image buffer and its corresponding motor move timing, the relation control unit controls generation of a motor move timing from the motor controlling unit to drive a motor with variance of a scanned data generation rate and simultaneously enable determination of the dummy line control unit on which part of scanned image data should be skipped by catching of the image data processing unit.

Abstract: The spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) includes a phase comparator detecting phase difference between input clock and feedback clock; a charge pump supplying current depending on the phase difference; a loop filter converting the current to smoothed voltage; a voltage controlled oscillator generating a spread spectrum clock signal depending on the smoothed voltage; and a modulation signal generator generating modulation signal having amplitude depending on a modulation width set value. The SSCG further includes a modulation width detector detecting modulation width of the spread spectrum clock signal while comparing the modulation width with a modulation width target value to update the modulation width set value to narrow difference between the detected modulation width and the modulation width target value, followed by feeding back the updated modulation width set value to the modulation signal generator.

Abstract: A scanning controller, a scanning apparatus and a method for performing the scanning controller are disclosed herein. The scanning controller includes an image data processing unit, a memory control unit, a dummy line control unit, a buffer condition control unit, a motor condition control unit, a motor controlling unit and a relation control unit. Based on at least one of several predetermined contrastive relationships among each stored data amount with regard to an image buffer and its corresponding motor move timing, the relation control unit controls generation of a motor move timing from the motor controlling unit to drive a motor with variance of a scanned data generation rate and simultaneously enable determination of the dummy line control unit on which part of scanned image data should be skipped by catching of the image data processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a reading unit performing a reading operation whenever a line start signal is input thereto; a transport unit transporting anyone of the reading unit and the reading target document; an encoder outputting an encoder signal whenever a transport target is moved by a predetermined distance; a control unit transmitting the line start signal to the reading unit; a time measuring unit measuring a time elapsed from a time point when the line start signal was last transmitted; a cycle measuring unit measuring an output time interval of the encoder signal, as an encoder cycle; and a storage unit storing the latest encoder cycle, wherein the control unit transmits the line start signal to the reading unit whenever the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a time obtained by multiplying a value of the encoder cycle by a correction coefficient determined by a ratio R2/R1.

Abstract: An image reading system includes a scanner apparatus and a data reception apparatus. The data reception apparatus has a receiving section receiving image data transferred from the scanner apparatus, a received data storage section storing the image data received in the receiving section, and a driver program executing section executing a driver program for operating the scanner apparatus to transmit a scan start command. The scanner apparatus has a feeding section feeding an original document sheet to a predetermined reading position, a reading sensor reading an image of the original document sheet fed by the feeding section, a transfer data storage section storing image data from the reading sensor, a transfer section transferring the image data stored in the transfer data storage section to the data reception apparatus, and a scanner control section controlling the feeding section and the reading sensor.

Abstract: A data processor controls an image-forming device as the control target. The image-forming device is capable of recording images on a recording medium conveyed one sheet at a time from a feeding unit based on image data transmitted from the data processor. The data processor controls the image-forming device to begin conveying an N+1th sheet of the recording medium before the image-forming device finishes recording an image on an Nth sheet of recording medium on the condition that the data processor has transmitted indicate data to the image-forming device indicating the existence of an image to be recorded on the N+1th sheet of recording medium.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of image processing. Moving speed control processing performed by a control unit causes an image reading portion to move the position of a reading line in a sub-scanning direction of a document, to read an image on the document in the main scanning direction, and to output the image data on the read line. A read image correction portion converts the image data characteristics to data characteristics that are predetermined at the time of accumulation of the image data, and accumulates the converted image data. Then, an image processing portion converts the accumulated image data characteristics into device characteristics of a device to which the image data is output, and outputs the converted image data to an image writing portion or to the device to which the image data is output, via an external I/F control unit.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a supply section that supplies image data; an image-forming section that forms on a continuous sheet a toner image according to the image data; a conveyor section that conveys the continuous sheet; and a control section that controls operations of the conveyor section and the image-forming section. If a first toner image according to first image data and a second toner image according to second image data are formed on the continuous sheet, the control section controls conveyance of the continuous sheet so as not to be halted until the second toner image is formed if the second image data is supplied before a predetermined time period elapses from when the first toner image is formed, or so as to be stopped if the second image data is not supplied before the predetermined time period elapses from when the first toner image is formed.

Abstract: A method of measuring and correcting the Young's Modulus inline to eliminate its impact on image length variation during print runtime. The method includes intentionally perturbing the nominal operating condition of the web printing system which is controlled by the double reflex printing controller. The perturbation creates misregistration in a control target printed image that is detectable by in-situ sensors, from which Young's Modulus is estimated. Specifically, the web tension before the print zone is set differently from the web tension in the print zone to create misregistration. The error is detected by the inline sensors, and it is used to calculate the actual Young's Modulus. The implementation of the method consists of measuring the Young's Modulus at various frequencies. The correct Young's Modulus in then incorporated into the double reflex printing algorithm.

Abstract: A delay-type phase adjusting circuit including a first variable delay circuit for receiving a reference clock signal and adding a delay to the reference clock signal, for output a phase comparator for receiving an output of the first variable delay circuit and the reference clock signal and detecting a phase difference therebetween a control circuit for generating a control signal for variably controlling a delay value of the first variable delay circuit based on a result of phase comparison by said phase comparator a second variable delay circuit for receiving an input signal and adding a delay to the input signal, for output a computation circuit for receiving a predetermined value and the control signal and variably controlling a delay value of the second variable delay circuit.

Abstract: A printer control apparatus can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of types of readers and a plurality of types of printers can be connected to a single controller, and which enables efficient transfer of image data from the reader to the printer via an image memory of the controller. The controller receives image data from a reader and temporarily stores the same in an image memory, and transmits the stored image data to a printer. The controller acquires a reader processing speed from the reader and a printer processing speed from the printer, and determines, while the image data is being written to the image memory, timing for transmitting the image data written in the memory to the printer according to a difference between the reader processing speed and the printer processing speed and a sub-scan size of the image data.

Abstract: Conventional analog front ends or AFEs for scanners are implemented using multiple integrated circuits or ICs. As a result, there is typically a problem of skew (due at least in part to manufacturing process variations) for these different ICs in the AFE. Here, an AFE is provided which serializes input data so as to compensate for skew.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, a retreat control device moves a conveyance target through a conveyance mechanism, when a stop operation is performed by a stop control device, in an opposite direction to an image reading direction to a position further from a restart reference position set by a position setting unit. A reading control device again moves the conveyance target, which has been moved by the retreat control device, at a constant speed in the image reading direction under a predetermined condition; inputs a line start signal to a reading unit when an offset time set by a time setting unit has elapsed from a time point when the conveyance target reaches the restart reference position; and periodically inputs a line start signal to thereby cause the reading unit to perform a reading operation from a point; where the reading unit is located when the offset time has elapsed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading an image on an original includes a reading unit for optically reading the image of the original while the image is illuminated by light from a light source; a moving unit for moving the reading unit relative to the original; a position signal generator for outputting a position signal in accordance with movement of the reading unit by the moving unit; a lighting control unit for controlling the light source for lighting for a first period in synchronism with the position signal; and an output control unit for generating a control signal for outputting an image signal corresponding to the image read by the reading unit after the light source lights for the first period and for outputting the image signal for a second period in synchronism with the control signal.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a scanning mechanism, a memory, a processing mechanism, and a scan rate adjustment mechanism. The scanning mechanism scans a media sheet having an image thereon at a variable scan rate, to yield raw data. The memory temporarily stores the raw data. The processing mechanism converts the raw data within the memory into processed data. The raw data is removed from the memory as the raw data is converted. The scan rate adjustment mechanism adjusts the variable scan rate, based on one or more of an amount of free space within the memory, a fill rate at which the raw data is filling the memory, and a removal rate at which the raw data is being removed from the memory, so that the memory does not become completely full.

Abstract: With reference to any one of a plurality of images, the other images are moved by a distance greater than or equal to one pixel width in a main scanning direction and/or a sub-scanning direction. Then, the plurality of images are combined to form a composite image.

Abstract: A printing system including a printing device which has a cancel instruction unit that instructs cancellation of a current job being processed from an operation panel, and an image reading device that describes original image data read from an original in a page description language and sends to the printing device, in which the image reading device describes the read original image data in the page description language and sends it as a copy job to the printing device, obtains a job holding state from the printing device and reserves at least the transmission of the copy job to the printing device until the job held by the printing device runs out when it is judged according to the obtained job holding information that the printing device is in a job holding state.

Abstract: A position control unit performs control so that the position of a controlled object is detected, and as a result of the detection, a drive unit is reverse-directed if the controlled object is situated beyond an ultimate target position, and the operation of the drive unit is stopped if the controlled object is situated beyond an acceptable ultimate target range.

Abstract: An image reading method according to the present invention involves causing an image sensor for reading an image of a document to move from a side at which the document is placed toward a home position of the image sensor, causing to reverse a movement direction at a turn-back position after the image sensor has passed the home position, and causing the image sensor to move to the home position again.

Abstract: In one embodiment, image reading apparatuses 100a and 100b start reading an original image after a reading start time Ta has elapsed since detecting the transport timing of an original G on the upstream side in a transport direction Y1 relative to an original reading position R1, adjust the reading start time Ta based on a reading timing adjustment time T1a from when the transport timing of an adjustment sheet P is detected until when original reading portions 200a and 200b read a position considered to be a leading edge P? in a first mark Q1 on the adjustment sheet P, and correct the reading start timing of the original G based on a leading edge reading error correction time T2a stored in advance.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus and an image expansion and contraction correcting method are provided that improve the quality of each read image by restraining image expansion and contraction caused by a variation in the combination of conveying units for conveying each document. The image reading apparatus has conveying units (a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a third conveying unit) that convey each document, and an image reading unit (a first image reading unit and a second image reading unit) that reads an image of each document being conveyed by the conveying units. The image reading speed of the image reading unit is adjusted in accordance with a change in the combination of conveying units that are conveying a document, so as to correct image expansion and contraction caused by a change in document conveying speed caused by the change in the combination of conveying units.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes a scanning section which scans an object opposite to a linear scanning area along a main scanning direction while moving the scanning area along a subscanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The scanning section generates image data on the basis of the result of the scanning. A control unit of the scanning section includes a first image acquiring section that acquires first image data by making the scanning section execute scanning at a first subscanning resolution. The control unit also has a pattern searching section that searches the first image data for the image of the predetermined pattern. A second image acquiring section of the control unit acquires second image data in such a manner that when the image of the predetermined pattern is not detected by the pattern searching section.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a scanner include a transmission speed detector and a controller. The transmission speed detector detects data transmission speed information between a host and the scanner. The controller controls a scanning speed of the scanner based on a scan resolution and the detected transmission speed information.