Abstract: The image forming apparatus sequentially displays, based on the identification code stored in the storage unit, an image showing an operational procedure necessary to clear the maintenance event and then an image that prompts to close a cover corresponding to the maintenance event, on a display unit. The identification code stored in the storage unit is deleted in a case where the maintenance event is cleared. The image forming apparatus displays an image that prompts to close the cover, without displaying an image showing an operational procedure necessary to clear the maintenance event identified with the identification code, in a case where the identification code is stored in the storage unit at the time of start of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A developing cartridge having a memory unit and an image forming apparatus in which the developing cartridge is separably installed. Once the developing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the memory unit of the developing cartridge is arranged to face a recording medium delivery path. The memory unit is connectable to a connection unit of a board placed in a lower region of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A toner cartridge comprises a toner container which contains toner, a driving member which rotationally drives a conveying member, an agitating member which agitates a toner in the toner container while being rotated, a driven member which rotates in association with the driving member which is for rotationally driving the agitating member, and a rotational body which rotates according to rotation of the driven member, has a plurality of slits in rotational circumference for identifying a type of the toner cartridge, and has 1/K or more of the slits when a ratio of a rotational speed R1 (rad/s) of the driving member and a rotational speed R2 (rad/s) of the driven member is K=R2/R1.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is capable of using a replacement component. The image processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing self apparatus identification information; an obtaining unit for obtaining component apparatus identification information registered in a data carrier disposed in the replacement component; and a control unit. The control unit includes a first comparing unit for comparing the self apparatus identification information stored in the storage unit with the component apparatus identification information obtained with the obtaining unit; a determining unit for determining that the replacement component is allowed to use when the self apparatus identification information matches the component apparatus identification information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the same is provided. A plurality of cells formed at the surface of a transfer roller is filled with a developing agent to initialize the transfer roller, thereby suppressing contamination and electrical non-uniformity of the transfer roller. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus includes determining whether a transfer roller mounted in the image forming apparatus is a new one and, upon determining that the transfer roller is a new one, feeding a developing agent to the surface of the transfer roller and filling a plurality of cells formed at the surface of the transfer roller with the developing agent to initialize the transfer roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of components, a display section to display information of the components, a storage section to store replacing person information of the components and a control section to make the information of the components which are displayed in the display section be different according to the replacing person information of the components.

Abstract: A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device, the fuser assembly including an integrated circuit chip having memory which has stored therein attribute data. The memory provides the attribute data for use in controlling the fuser assembly during fusing operations throughout the life of the fuser assembly. The attribute data includes a table of values corresponding to fusing temperatures for the fuser assembly, the fusing temperatures decreasing throughout the life of the fuser assembly to account for aging or wear of at least one component of the fuser assembly.

Abstract: An image forming agent storage container includes a container body and at least two container-side protruding portions. The container body is configured to be detachably attached in an image forming apparatus body. The container body forms a storage chamber in which an image forming agent is stored. At least two container-side protruding portions protrude toward an outside of the container body and have cavities on a storage-chamber side thereof. The cavities are configured to store the image forming agent. The at least two container-side protruding portions are configured so that a body-side protruding portion is formed on the image forming apparatus body is fitted between the at least two container-side protruding portions, which are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus to control a printing density in an image forming device and a method thereof, capable of controlling the printing density of a printed matter according to an amount of pages for a single page and a print rate. The apparatus and method solve a problem wherein the printing density is recognized as being degraded due to an increase of pages for a single paper or a reduced print rate. The printing density is set automatically or manually, and a bias voltage applied to a developing roller is controlled according to set-up information so that the printing density is controlled.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a network system including the same and a management method of parts information of the same capable of matching specific information of an exchangeable part with specific information of the image forming apparatus when the specific information of the exchangeable part is not identical that of the image forming apparatus, is provided. It is determined whether the specific information of the image forming apparatus is identical to that of the exchangeable part. If the specific information of the image forming apparatus is not identical to that of the exchangeable part, at least one specific information of the image forming apparatus or the exchangeable part is changed such that the specific information is identical.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, to which a plurality of cartridges are detachably mountable, with the cartridges each having a cartridge side identification portion, includes an image forming unit configured to form an image, a plurality of mounting portions to which the cartridges are demountably mountable, and an identification urging mechanism provided in each of the mounting portions. The identification urging mechanism permits a cartridge to be mounted to the mounting portion when the cartridge is to be properly mounted to the mounting portion on the basis of correspondence with the cartridge side identification portion, and urges the cartridge in a direction opposite a direction in which the cartridge is mounted when the cartridge is improper for the mounting portion. The identification urging mechanism permits, even when the cartridge is improper for the mounting portion, the cartridge to enter to a mount position where the proper cartridge is mounted.

Abstract: A cartridge includes: a memory portion; a substrate having the memory portion and an electrical contact; a support portion for supporting the substrate with the electrical contact being exposed; a first movement regulation portion configured to regulate the movement of the substrate ; and a second movement regulation portion configured to regulate the movement of the substrate, wherein the movement regulation direction in which the movement of the substrate is regulated by the second movement regulation portion is the same as the movement regulation direction in which the movement of the substrate is regulated by the first movement regulation portion, and wherein the movement regulation distance that the movement of the substrate is regulated by the second movement regulation portion is shorter than or equal to the movement regulation distance that the movement of the substrate is regulated by the first movement regulation portion.

Abstract: An improved image forming apparatus is described which can inhibit the quality of printed images from being degraded. A control unit performs a steering operation to shift an intermediate transfer belt toward a target belt position by controlling the inclination angle of a steering roller. Also, a memory stores the inclination angle of the steering roller in association with the operational states of rotary members facing the intermediate transfer belt. The control unit updates the values stored in the memory with an update value. When the result of detecting the belt edges indicate that the intermediate transfer belt falls in a predetermined range around the target belt position during the steering operation, the control unit determines the update value on the basis of the steering duration time and the inclination angle of the steering roller.

Abstract: A developing cartridge is provided. The developing cartridge includes a housing which accommodates developer therein, a receiving member which receives a driving force output member provided in an image forming apparatus, a developing roller which rotates by the driving force received by the receiving member, and a detectable rotary member including a detectable portion, which is a detection target to be detected by a detection member provided in the image forming apparatus, and a contact portion which is provided away from the detectable portion. The detectable rotary member rotates from a retreat position to an initial position where the detectable rotary member is rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member, by the contact portion contacting an interference member fixed in the image forming apparatus in a process of mounting the developing cartridge into the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a consumable supply detachably attached to an apparatus main body; a detection unit for detecting that the consumable supply is exchanged; a display unit for displaying the consumable supply detected with the detection unit; and an input unit for receiving an input operation for confirming whether the consumable supply detected with the detection unit is correctly exchanged.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a wireless tag reader is described. The wireless tag reader is configured to be located in a first position to read wireless tags associated with consumables when the consumables are inserted into, stationary in, or removed from the image forming apparatus, and in a second position to read wireless tags outside of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing sales or customer support using a telephone having a camera to capture at least a partial image of a product or service; wherein the at least partial image is used to select a database updated by one or more knowledgeable persons on the product or service.

Abstract: In a new printer, a toner cartridge is mounted in the state where there is no toner in a reserve tank, and toner of the amount of filling toner D therein is supplied with the amount of full accommodation toner E for filling up the reserve tank by a toner supply mechanism. The toner of the amount of remaining surplus toner F remains in the toner cartridge. The amount of toner consumption G is measured by a dot counter during a printing execution. In the case where a toner density sensor detects a toner decreasing, the toner is supplied to a developing unit from the reserve tank. When it becomes G>F, it display-informs a user of “toner cartridge exchange is allowed”. Hereby, it enables to exchange the toner cartridge without stopping operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus using a two-component developer.

Abstract: An information input method, apparatus and system for an associated apparatus of an imaging device are provided. The system includes a chip and an information input apparatus; the chip is adapted to store universal information, and alternative information sent by the information input apparatus; the information input apparatus is adapted to store and send to the chip the alternative information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating and detecting unique identification signatures for customer replaceable components or units (CRUs) for use in customer owned and/or controlled image forming devices. The disclosed systems and methods employ characteristics and circuitry of the CRU itself to avoid sole dependence on the information provided in ac electronically-readable monitoring module to provide security against fraud and to provide compatibility matching. An uncharacteristic operating signature may be introduced in a non-functional zone of an operating parameter including one or more voltage spikes of a specified amplitude and duration. Comparing the voltage spikes to a set of predetermined profiles provides identification for the CRU. A unique automated, machine-readable manner by which to identify a CRU is provided that does not require an externally-readable monitoring module or any other identifying label to be mounted on, or otherwise associated with, the CRU.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a developer containing case containing a developer includes a first storage storing developer information indicating a composition of the developer. A developing part receives the developer from the developer containing case. An acquiring part acquires the developer information in the first storage, when the developer containing case is installed to an installed part. A decision part decides whether or not a composition of the developer in existing developer information in a second storage is different from another composition of the developer in newly acquired developer information. An electric charge amount measuring part measures an electric charge amount of the developer in the developing part. A developer replacement controlling part controls discharge and replenishment of the developer in the developing part on the basis of the measured electric charge amount, when the decision part decides that both the compositions are different.

Abstract: An information storage device installed in a removable device configured to be removably installed in an image forming apparatus body, includes: an information storage unit that stores information communicated between the image forming apparatus body and the removable device; a terminal that comes in contact with a body side terminal; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and includes a hole configured to be engaged with a protruding section installed in the image forming apparatus body. The terminal includes a plurality of terminals each including one of a plurality of metallic plates arranged in a transverse direction thereof. An earth terminal, which comes in contact with a body side earth terminal formed in the protruding section, is formed in the hole. The hole is disposed at a position sandwiched between two metallic plates among the plurality of metallic plates.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a toner container mount, first and second toner containers removably insertable into the toner container mount horizontally, container guides formed in toner container mount to guide lateral side portions of the first and second toner containers, respectively, and an insertion opening forming member positioned defining first and second insertion openings through which the first and second toner containers are inserted, each including a laterally projecting portion. The second toner container is greater than the first toner container in cross section perpendicular to a direction of insertion, and the second insertion opening is greater than the first insertion opening. The first and second toner containers include guided portions projecting laterally, and the guided portion of the first toner container has a vertical length longer than that of the guided portion of the second toner container.

Abstract: A plurality of control boards can be connected to each other via a high-speed bus. An image forming unit performs an image forming process, which is housed in a casing. A slot is arranged on any one of a plurality of side surfaces perpendicular to a bottom surface of the casing, which is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface and guides the control boards to inside of the casing. The control boards are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A heating device includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member revolving in contact with the first rotating member. The second rotating member heats a passing recording medium having a toner image and held between the first and second rotating members, thereby fixing the toner image on the recording medium. The heating device further includes a pair of supporting plates supporting the first and second rotating members by being arranged on both sides across the first and second rotating members in a width direction crossing the passing direction of the recording medium. The supporting plates each have a tabular section with a first surface facing the first and second rotating members. The heating device further includes a resistance element arranged on a second surface side opposite to the first surface of the tabular section, and representing the type of a fixing device by using resistance.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming devices which each forms a developer image on a latent image carrier, transfers the developer image onto an intermediate transfer member, and cleans the latent image carrier by using a plate-shaped cleaning member, the intermediate transfer body, and a controller. The developer used in one of the image forming devices is a low-electrostatic-propensity developer having an electrification performance lower than those of the developers used in the other image forming devices. The controller has a control mode for executing a supply operation in which the low-electrostatic-propensity developer used in the one of the image forming devices is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body and at least a part of the low-electrostatic-propensity developer is reversely transferred onto the latent image carriers of the other image forming devices and caused to reach the respective plate-shaped cleaning members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection unit that detects, regarding a toner supply device loaded into an installation space of an apparatus main body, a type of the toner supply device or detects improper loading of the toner supply device and a notification unit that notifies loading of the toner supply device of a wrong type or improper loading of the toner supply device based on a result of detection by the detection unit.

Abstract: The image forming device includes a main body and a cartridge that is detachably mountable on the main body. The cartridge includes the image bearing member, the first and second cleaning roller, and the state changing unit. The first cleaning roller cleans the image bearing member and the second cleaning roller cleans the first cleaning roller. The state changing unit is configured to irreversibly change an electrically disconnected state between the first cleaning roller and the second cleaning roller into an electrically connected state between the first cleaning roller and the second cleaning roller. The resetting unit is configured to reset the cumulative value when the current detecting unit does not detect current before the image bearing member rotates and detects current after the image bearing member rotates.

Abstract: A powder container that includes a container body, a drive transmitting unit which engages with an image forming apparatus, and an opening at an end of the container body. There is a conveying unit that conveys powder in the container body to the opening, and an information storage unit on the outer peripheral surface of the container body. The outer peripheral surface of the container body near the opening on which the information storage unit is to be mounted includes resin and is formed by injection molding.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus mounted with a toner cartridge having a memory unit includes a toner cartridge which stores a plurality of control data depending on toner in the memory unit, an acquisition unit which selects one of the plurality of control data in the memory unit and acquires image formation-related information and a setting unit which sets image formation parameters on the basis of the image formation-related information.

Abstract: A printer includes a communicating unit that receives a print job being a unit of execution of a printing process of a first printing protocol and a second printing protocol. The first printing protocol contains a series of process instructions and print data that allow the printing process to be performed from an interrupted point when the printing process is resumed after being interrupted. The printer also includes a print processing unit that performs the printing process by executing the print job, and a priority processing unit that preferentially selects a print job of the first printing protocol related to the interrupted printing process when receiving a print job of the first printing protocol related to the interrupted printing process and a print job of the second printing protocol after the printing process of the print job of the first printing protocol is interrupted.

Abstract: An approach is provided for pairing a fuser assembly with a media size and for electronically labeling the fuser assembly for use with the media size. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a fuser assembly having a memory to be tagged with an identifier related to a corresponding media size, the identifier being stored in the memory. The approach also involves determining a media size associated with a print job to be run by a printing system. The approach further involves determining the identifier of an installed fuser assembly. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, a comparison between the determined media size associated with the print job and the identifier of the installed fuser assembly to determine if a conflict exists.

Abstract: A data centric, cloud architecture for managing image forming device information through interactive communication with customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) associated with customer replaceable units (CRUs) installed in image forming devices is provided. CRUM identifiers and a cloud data objects containing the same unique identifiers are used to aid a supplier or manufacturer in keying individual CRUs to particular installations in printers and/or other image forming devices. This association strengthens the ability to logistically control the CRUs. A cloud administration system is used to track an identifier for a CRU installed in a particular image forming device such as, for example, a printer, to determine whether the CRU identifier matches an associated cloud object identifier for that printer.

Abstract: A replacement toner cartridge management apparatus is provided with: a receiver which receives first information indicating that a toner cartridge has been replaced with a new one and second information indicating that the remaining amount of toner contained in a toner cartridge reaches a predetermined value, from one or more than one image forming apparatus which the replacement toner cartridge management apparatus can access via a communication circuit; a determiner which determines the right type of a replacement toner cartridge to be loaded in place of the toner cartridge causing the first information or the second information, depending on which is received by the receiver, the first information or the second information; and a transmitter which outputs an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge of the type determined by the determiner.

Abstract: When a unit containing a fuse is mounted, in response to detection of a potential indicating that the fuse has not been blown by a detection circuit, a current for blowing the fuse is supplied from a blowing circuit to the mounted unit containing the fuse, and operation of the blowing circuit is checked based on potentials detected by the detection circuit before current supply and after current supply, respectively. When a unit containing a non-blown component instead of a fuse is mounted, a current is supplied from the blowing circuit to the mounted unit containing the non-blown component, and operation of the blowing circuit is checked based on potentials detected by the detection circuit before current supply and during current supply, respectively, or potentials detected by the detection circuit before current supply and after current supply, respectively.

Abstract: A toner cartridge comprises a toner container which contains toner, a driving member which rotationally drives a conveying member, an agitating member which agitates a toner in the toner container while being rotated, a driven member which rotates in association with the driving member which is for rotationally driving the agitating member, and a rotational body which rotates according to rotation of the driven member, has a plurality of slits in rotational circumference for identifying a type of the toner cartridge, and has 1/K or more of the slits when a ratio of a rotational speed R1 (rad/s) of the driving member and a rotational speed R2 (rad/s) of the driven member is K=R2/R1.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit which fixes an unfixed toner image retained onto a recording medium by at least heat while moving the recording medium; a setting unit which sets a plurality of levels of fixing condition in the fixing unit in accordance with user's desire; and a changing unit which changes at least one of temperature with which the recording medium is heated by the fixing unit and speed with which the recording medium is moved by the fixing unit, in accordance with the level of fixing condition set by the setting unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is characterized by including a first developing device configured to develop an electrostatic latent image using a developer, a second developing device configured to develop an electrostatic latent image using a developer, a common driving source unit configured to commonly drive the first developing device and the second developing device, and an execution unit configured, in a case where only the first developing device is a new developing device, to execute a predetermined initialization operation to drive the first developing device and a toner discharge operation to discharge toner from the second developing device during the initialization operation.

Abstract: A developer cartridge includes a housing and a detection gear having a detection protrusion detectable by detecting device of an image forming apparatus. The detection gear is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the detection protrusion is detectable by the detecting device and a gear toothed portion opposes an agitator gear. In the second position, the detection protrusion is undetectable by the detecting device and a toothless portion opposes the agitator gear. When the detection gear is in the first position, an urging portion of the housing contacts the detection gear and applies rotational force to urge the gear toothed portion toward the agitator gear. When in the second position, the urging portion contacts the detection gear and regulates the position of the detection gear in the rotational direction to cause the toothless portion and the agitator gear to oppose each other.

Abstract: Printer cartridge microchips that can be used in conjunction with several different types of printer cartridges and/or printer models or families are described. Several printer cartridge microchips are provided that respond to data or information requests and/or commands from the printer (e.g., the printer processor). If the correct data or information is stored on the microchip, the printer can then function with that particular cartridge. In order to optimize the memory requirements of the microchip, at least one separate read-only memory subunit and at least one writable memory subunit is provided in the memory element. Each of the read-only memory subunits can correspond to a particular printer model or family type. In this manner, several different printer model or family types can function with the use of a single microchip for the printer cartridge.

Abstract: A powder container includes a powder containing compartment having a powder outlet connectable to a horizontally extending tube of an apparatus in conjunction with installation of the powder container in the apparatus, a removably insertable plug member to open and close the powder outlet in conjunction with installation of the powder container, and at least one discrimination protrusion projecting from an outer circumferential surface of the powder container. The powder contained in the powder containing compartment is discharged from the powder outlet thereof to the tube. A downstream end of the discrimination protrusion is positioned downstream from a downstream end of the powder outlet of the powder containing compartment in an installation direction in which the powder container is installed in the apparatus, and at least one of shape, arrangement, and quantity of the discrimination protrusion is unique to the type of powder contained in the powder container.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a loading unit on which a toner cartridge is loaded, the toner cartridge having a first storage unit in which first information indicating at least a date of manufacture of toner is stored; an image forming unit which forms an image on a sheet; a counting unit which counts time; and a determination unit which determines whether the toner cartridge is a genuine product or not, based on how large a difference is between the first information and second information specified on the basis of a count result from the counting unit.

Abstract: Image recording devices, such as electrophotographic devices, laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, often have a cartridge that utilizes an encoder wheel assembly in addition to or instead of a chip for determining toner load. It may be desirable to alter the encoder wheel or part of the cartridge, either by the printer or the cartridge, to permit a deliberate end of life function situation that requires the replacement of the cartridge, encoder wheel, or encoder wheel assembly components. This thereby controls the remanufacture or replacement of the toner cartridge in a way that is desirable to the manufacturer and prevents unauthorized refilling of the cartridge.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a toner reservoir. A first controller calculates a consumed amount of toner based on image data. A toner bottle is attached to the process cartridge. The toner bottle includes a toner chamber that holds the toner therein and supplies the toner into the reservoir. The toner bottle includes a first memory holding first information on a first amount of toner in the toner chamber and first identification information on the toner bottle. A second memory holds second information on a second amount of toner in the reservoir and second identification information on the toner bottle. If the first and second identification information do not coincide, it is determined that the toner bottle has been replaced and then the first information and the second information are updated based on the first information, the second information, and a capacity of the toner chamber.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a main body, a replaceable unit, a determination unit, a first memory, a second memory, a temporary memory, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The determination unit determines whether the replaceable unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product with respect to the main body. The first memory is configured to store a physical value increasing with a use of the main body mounted with the genuine product. The second memory is configured to store the physical value increasing with the use of the main body mounted with the non-genuine product. The temporary memory is configured to temporarily store the physical value increasing with the use of the main body mounted with the non-genuine product.

Abstract: A detachable body includes: a detachable body main body that is to be attached to an attachment/detachment subject apparatus in a detachable manner, the detachable main body having an internal space and a connection hole which connects the internal space and an external space; and an opening/closing member that is attached to the detachable body main body, the opening/closing member being movable between an opening position where the connection hole is exposed and a closing position where the connection hole is closed. The opening/closing member includes: an opening/closing member main body that is curved parallel with a movement direction of the opening/closing member between the opening position and the closing position; and a plane portion that has a flat surface, the plane portion being formed in an outer surface of the opening/closing member main body.

Abstract: An information storage device installed in a removable device configured to be removably installed in an image forming apparatus body, includes: an information storage unit that stores information communicated between the image forming apparatus body and the removable device; a terminal that comes in contact with a body side terminal; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and includes a hole configured to be engaged with a protruding section installed in the image forming apparatus body. The terminal includes a plurality of terminals each including one of a plurality of metallic plates arranged in a transverse direction thereof. An earth terminal, which comes in contact with a body side earth terminal formed in the protruding section, is formed in the hole. The hole is disposed at a position sandwiched between two metallic plates among the plurality of metallic plates.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a cartridge; a drive source; a detection unit; and a control device. The cartridge includes a movable member provided with a detected portion and configured to move by a predetermined moving amount. The drive source generates a rotation as a drive force and transmits the drive force to the movable member. The drive source includes a rotation amount detection unit that detects a rotation amount of the drive source and outputs a first detection result. The detection unit detects the detected portion and outputs a second detection result. The control device executes: a calculation process configured to calculate the rotation amount of the drive source during a time period of detecting the detected portion based on the first detection result and the second detection result; and a cartridge type determination process configured to determine a type of the cartridge based on the calculated rotation amount.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body storage part, a determination part, and an initial adjustment part. The first image forming unit includes a first storage part storing first information indicative of whether or not an initial adjustment of the first image forming unit has been completed. The determination part determines whether or not the first information stored in the first storage part and the second information stored in the main body storage part satisfy respective prescribed conditions. The initial adjustment part causes the first and second image forming units to perform the initial adjustment when the first information indicates that the initial adjustment of the first image forming unit has not been completed and the second information indicates that the second image forming unit corresponds to an unused state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that reduces a time period during which no image is formed due to a margin in leading end portion, by calculating the margin in leading end portion from position information of an image and moving forward output timing of a /TOP signal according to the margin in leading end portion.