Abstract: A method of processing an error of an image forming apparatus judges an error occurrence of the image forming apparatus, and if the error occurs, it stops the operation of a conveyer unit. After the operation of the conveyer unit is stopped, the method cleans an image forming unit, and then displays the error occurrence. Thus, the remaining toner on a transfer medium can be removed in advance when the error occurs, and the quality of an image can be secured.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeding cassette, transport rollers, a pick-up roller, a sheet detector, and a control section. The sheet feeding cassette stores sheets for developer images to be transferred thereonto at a secondary transfer position. The transport rollers transport a sheet at variable speeds along a sheet transport path which extends from the cassette to the secondary transfer position. The pick-up roller feeds a sheet into the sheet transport path. The sheet detector detects whether a sheet is fed from the cassette. When the detector detects that a sheet is not fed, the control section controls the pick-up roller to feed the sheet again. The control section varies respective transport speeds of the pick-up roller, a sheet feed roller, and the transport rollers, according to number of attempts to feed the sheet.

Abstract: A meandering detection device capable of detecting meandering of a subject with high accuracy includes: a contact which has an open end making contact with and following a subject body and which is supported by a support part; a reflection part integrally provided to the contact and reflecting light; an emission part emitting light toward the reflection part; and a first and a second light receiving parts which are disposed in front of the reflection part, which receive the light reflected by the reflection part and then outputs signals in accordance with respective amounts of light received, and which detect meandering of the subject based on a difference in the amount of light received.

Abstract: A sheet transporting apparatus includes: a heating roller and a pressure roller that heats and presses a toner image to fix the toner image onto the sheet; a pressure roller detection unit that detects a contact posture of the rollers; a sheet meander correction mechanism that corrects a meander of the sheet by varying a difference in pressures between the rollers at both ends of the rollers; and a microprocessor that computes and stores the amount of the meander and the amount of correction, wherein the toner is fixed on the sheet when the contact posture is within a fixable range, and wherein when the pressure roller detection unit detects that the contact posture is out of the fixable range during transport of the sheet, the contact posture is controlled to return to a predetermined fixable posture, and the microprocessor corrects an error in the amount of correction.

Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet, a stack portion for stacking a sheet, a discharge portion for discharging the sheet, on which an image is formed by the image forming portion, to the stack portion, a sheet detection portion for detecting a conveying condition of the sheet on which an image is formed, a fully stacked condition detection portion for detecting whether the sheets stacked in the stack portion are in a fully stacked condition, and a determining portion for determining an abnormal condition of the sheet in the stack portion, based, after the detection of a sheet passing by the sheet detection portion, on a result of detection by the fully stacked condition detection portion as to whether the sheets stacked in the stack portion are in a fully stacked condition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of judging whether or not a sheet handling apparatus is connected or faulty without provision of a sheet handling apparatus mechanical connection-detecting section, and reducing the size and manufacturing costs of the apparatus. To an image forming apparatus, a sheet handling apparatus is disconnectably connected. A communicating portion communicates with the sheet handling apparatus. A control sections judges whether or not the image forming apparatus or the sheet handling apparatus is abnormal. The control section provides a display for confirming disconnection of the sheet handling apparatus, if it is judged that the image forming apparatus or the sheet handling apparatus is not abnormal, when the communication with the sheet handling apparatus by the communicating portion is impossible.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: a sheet-length detection member for detecting a length of a sheet; a transfer-length detection member for detecting a transfer length of the sheet; a double-feed detection member for detecting double feed of the sheets when the sheets are transferred while being overlapped with one another; and a control member for controlling the sheet-length detection member, the transfer-length detection member and the double-feed detection member; wherein the control member determines that double feed of the sheets has occurred, when the transfer length of the sheet is greater than the length of the sheet and a length obtained by subtracting a difference between the transfer length of the sheet and the length of the sheet from the length of the sheet is substantially equal to a double-feed length detected by the double-feed detection member.

Abstract: A printing device with a manual paper feeding function includes a manual paper feeding unit which feeds a plurality of papers, a size sensor which detects a paper size of a fed paper, a paper size error determining unit that determines a presence or an absence of a paper size error in accordance with a detected paper size of the fed paper and a set size, a next page determining unit that determines a presence or an absence of a next page to be printed in accordance with the determination of the presence of the paper size error in case of a manual paper feeding operation and a control unit that ignores the determination of the presence of the paper size error in case of the absence of the next page to be printed.

Abstract: An integrated printing system is provided comprising a first image marking engine and a second image marking engine. The first and second image marking engines can be serially arranged with one another in a first operating mode. The first operating mode includes marking and passing of media to and from the first and second marking engines. A control system is provided for detecting a failure within one of the first and second image marking engines. A second operating mode is provided wherein the control system detects the failure and enables passing of the media through one of the first and second marking engines and marking of the media in another of the first and second marking engines when the failure is of a specified type.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for determining if a media jam has been detected by a print engine, an input device, or an output device.

Abstract: A design support system is provided, which accurately simulates the behavior of a flexible medium in a convey path even if the flexible medium exhibits different flexural stiffness in different bending directions. In a design support system which supports the user to design a convey path by simulating the behavior of a flexible medium conveyed in the convey path, a flexible medium model creation module (102), when a flexible medium to be conveyed is defined in the convey path defined by using a convey path definition module (101), creates a flexible medium model representing the flexible medium by segmenting the flexible medium into a plurality of stiff body elements each having a mass, and connecting the respective adjacent stiff body elements with two springs, that is, a rotational spring and translational spring whose spring constants change depending on the direction of flexural deformation of the flexible medium.

Abstract: An image forming device is disclosed which includes a problem detection unit for detecting problem, and problem alert unit for alerting a user to the detection of a problem. Until an initially detected problem A has been resolved, the problem alert unit will not issue a problem alert based upon a subsequently detected problem B. Consequently, when working to resolve a problem, if a subsequent problem B is detected, the detection of the problem B will be disregarded, and a problem alert will not be issued (by a buzzer or the like), and thus the user can devote themselves to resolving problem A without being disturbed by the buzzer or the like.

Abstract: An image forming device and control method thereof. The image forming device includes a printer engine control unit capable of detecting failure in transport of a sheet on which image data of a page is to be printed, a printer controller controlling output of image data from an output unit to a printer engine according to a first control mode wherein the image data of the page is re-outputted, and a second control mode wherein the image data of the page is not re-outputted, based upon settings in a job management table corresponding to the sheet. This enables suitable determination regarding whether or not the image data of the page corresponding to the jammed sheet should be re-outputted.

Abstract: An office information system having a device which provides a user with an operational message of the system is disclosed. In an embodiment of the office information system, a path record storage device stores a plurality of path records related to components of the system, each path record indicating a locating path needed to reach a location of a specific one of the components in the system when a failure related to the specific one of the components occurs. A failure location detecting device detects a location of a component in the system when a failure related to the component occurs. A reached location determining device reads a path record from the path record storage device when the location of the failure is detected, and determines a currently reached location in the system based on the path indicated by the path record.

Abstract: A method and device for removing media sheet jams within an image forming device. The position of the media sheets is monitored as the media sheets move through the image forming process. The occurrence of a media jam is detected, and the position of each media sheet within the device at the time of the jam is also detected. A message is displayed to an operator indicating the number of sheets within the device that should be removed to clear the jam. The order of media sheet removal may also be displayed to the operator.

Abstract: A printing device is provided that includes a housing having a media path therethrough. The printing device includes at least one sensor for detecting when a media jam occurs in the media path. At least one indicator is operatively associated with a processor to provide a series of indications that can be used to locate the media jam. The indicators can comprise lights, audible indicators or graphical indicators.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus transfers a toner image formed on a photoconductor drum onto a sheet-like recording member while the sheet-like recording member is transported and attracted to a transfer belt, and comprises a jam handling control unit for detecting a transport fault of the sheet-like recording member, and for stopping the transport operation when the transport fault is detected. When the transport fault is detected in a section other than a fixing section, the jam handling control unit first causes the transport operation of the fixing section, and thereafter causes the transfer belt and the transport operation on the upstream side thereof to stop, and any sheet-like recording member remaining on the transfer belt so that the transport mechanism on the upstream side thereof is transported and stopped at the position spanning between the area of the fixing section and the area of the transfer belt.

Abstract: A controller outputs a PRE CPF-N signal and a CPF-N signal following the PRE CPF-N signal to an electrophotographic printer. The electrophotographic printer 1 starts a predetermined preparation process in response to the PRE CPF-N signal, and starts irradiation in response to the CPF-N signal. The preparation process completes by the time of when a toner image for a first page formed on a photosensitive drum reaches a transfer point where the toner image is transferred onto a recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The image forming apparatus has a keyed sheet storage unit that has a key status of locked and unlocked states. The image forming apparatus can switch operational sequences of the keyed sheet storage unit in response to the key status of the keyed sheet storage unit to achieve ease of use and the enhancement of security level.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet ejection sensor 4 disposed immediately downstream of a fixing device 3 that detects the passage of a sheet P, time measurement means 61 that measure a time T4 from when a print start signal is transmitted during an margin adjustment to when the sheet is detected by the sheet ejection sensor, time storage means 62 that store a proper setting time T5 that is considered as an appropriate time from when the print start signal is transmitted to when the sheet is detected by the sheet ejection sensor so as to set predetermined end margins, and control means 63 that automatically corrects an signal transmission timing of the print start signal so as to achieve a match between the measured time measured by the time measurement means and the proper setting time stored by the time storage means.

Abstract: The image formation apparatus has a plurality of cooling fans inside the main body of the apparatus and comprises an error detecting function of detecting occurrence of an error such as a sheet jam, and switches between operation and non-operation of the cooling fans or changes a rotation number thereof in operation according to a form of a detected error. Thus, it allows optimization of in-apparatus the temperature in the apparatus control on error occurrence and temperature control of each inside portion of the apparatus on sheet jam occurrence so as to solve various problems relating to in the apparatus temperature status on the error occurrence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the cause of degradation in a product or device. A reference time is established and recorded, then a process or function of the device or product is enabled. As anomalous events occur, a user actuates an actuator that causes the recordation of an event time with respect to the reference time. Events may be repetitive or non-repetitive. At completion of the function, the recorded times are compared to a table of known product or device cycle function times, and a correlation is made to determine the most likely cycle function related to the events recorded. This information can then be correlated to parts previously known to operate at such times thereby providing a diagnostic tool useful in maintenance or repair of the device or product.

Abstract: A printer error is detected and logged in an error log. If the same printer error has occurred within a predetermined time period, an error message is generated on the printer's control panel and a network administrator is notified of the printer errors. If the same printer error has not occurred within the predetermined time period, the printer is rebooted. If the same printer error has occurred a predetermined number of consecutive times, an error message is generated on the printer's control panel and a network administrator is notified of the printer errors. If the same printer error has not occurred a predetermined number of times, the printer is rebooted.

Abstract: A plurality of photosensitive drums are disposed in a sheet transport direction so as to be in contact with a transfer belt and a transfer voltage for transferring toner images on the photosensitive drums onto a sheet transported by the transfer belt is applied thereto. A sensor for sensing a temperature or humidity in the working atmosphere of the image forming apparatus is provided; when a jam occurs, sheet transportation is ceased at a first stage to thereby enable the sheet in the jam to be removed; at a second stage subsequent thereto, transportation of the sheet is restarted; and the transfer voltage applied onto the transfer belt is controlled based on a measurement result of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention enables real-time and three-dimensional display of transport of a flexible medium by a simple method. To this end, in the present invention, a position/posture computation section computes a three-dimensional transport position of the flexible medium and computes two-dimensional posture of the flexible medium based on the dimensional information about the flexible medium, on the three-dimensional transport path set, and on the travel amount information. A three-dimensional image preparation section prepares a three-dimensional image of the flexible medium either based on the three-dimensional transport position or the two-dimensional posture and on the dimensional information, and outputs the three-dimensional image as the result of the simulation.

Abstract: A manual paper feeding apparatus comprises a tray for manual paper feeding, a paper feed roller to feed the paper fed manually from the tray, a separation roller which is pressed to contact the paper feed roller, rotated at the pressed contact position in the direction reverse to the paper feed roller, and separates the sheets of paper one by one, a power transmission device to transmit power to the paper feed roller and separation roller, and a reversing device which is provided in the power transmission device, and rotates the paper feed roller in the direction reverse to the paper feeding direction, based on that the paper fed between the paper feed roller and separation roller is pulled in the direction reverse to the manual feeding direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit adapted to form an image on a sheet, a first sensor adapted to detect skew or a folded corner of a sheet being conveyed, a second sensor adapted to detect multiple feeding ofsheets being conveyed, and a display adapted to display results of detection of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: An image processing device detects errors within its functions, and reports these errors to a client device. The client device then instructs the image processing device to disable problem functions, while allowing functions that are properly working to still be used.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is constructed by a selector which can select a frequency of a bi-directional communication with a printing apparatus and a communication controller for discriminating a selecting state by the selector and shifting a state of the bi-directional communication with the printing apparatus to an operative mode or a rest mode. The bi-directional communication with the printing apparatus can be performed through a predetermined communication medium and a power saving function process can be executed.

Abstract: A plurality of photosensitive drums are disposed in a sheet transport direction so as to be in contact with a transfer belt and a transfer voltage for transferring toner images on the photosensitive drums onto a sheet transported by the transfer belt is applied thereto. A sensor for sensing a temperature or humidity in the working atmosphere of the image forming apparatus is provided; when a jam occurs, sheet transportation is ceased at a first stage to thereby enable the sheet in the jam to be removed; at a second stage subsequent thereto, transportation of the sheet is restarted; and a transport distance of the sheet is controlled based on a printing ratio of an image formed on the sheet.

Abstract: A print job requiring unavailable resources is held until the deficiency is remedied. The resource requirements of the print job are evaluated. The resource requirements are compared to known available resources. Either standard resources are assumed or available resources for the printer are discovered. Responsive to a resource deficiency exposed by the comparison, the print job is communicated to a printer with a command to hold the print job. Also responsive to the resource deficiency exposed by the comparison, instructions for remedying the resource deficiency are created and the instructions are provided to a remedy provider. The instructions are provided to the remedy provider either by printing the instructions or by displaying the instructions on the printer. The remedy provider remedies the resource deficiency and the printer processes the print job.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an imaging device comprising an illuminated reference locator that comprises an illuminated surface that identifies an input location that receives an object to be imaged by the imaging device.

Abstract: Methods for detecting mismatches between print job attributes and printer resources and capabilities that arise after rendering of the print job has begun but before rendering is complete. The method involves detecting the mismatch, placing the print job in a mismatch state and notifying the operator through the printer user interface that a given problem has occurred on a given page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the cause of degradation in a product or device. A reference time is established and recorded, then a process or function of the device or product is enabled. As anomalous events occur, a user actuates an actuator that causes the recordation of an event time with respect to the reference time. Events may be repetitive or non-repetitive. At completion of the function, the recorded times are compared to a table of known product or device cycle function times, and a correlation is made to determine the most likely cycle function related to the events recorded. This information can then be correlated to parts previously known to operate at such times thereby providing a diagnostic tool useful in maintenance or repair of the device or product.

Abstract: A CPU in a CRU-type digital multi-functional peripheral refers to a CRU alert table and reads out message information relating to a consumable component, when replacement of the consumable component occurs, and transmits a message indicative of the consumption of the consumable component and a need for replacement to a personal computer possessed by a user.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an abnormality detecting device for detecting the abnormality of the sheet, an abnormal sheet containing portion for containing therein the sheet of which the abnormality has been detected, a normal sheet containing portion for temporarily containing therein a normal sheet of which the abnormality has not been detected, and a controlling portion for controlling the image forming portion so that the abnormal sheet is contained in the abnormal sheet containing portion, and that an image formed on the abnormal sheet may be formed on a predetermined subsequent sheet subsequent to the abnormal sheet. The normal sheet between the abnormal sheet and the predetermined subsequent sheet is contained in the normal sheet containing portion after the abnormal sheet is contained in the abnormal sheet containing portion, and the normal sheet contained in the normal sheet containing portion is delivered after the predetermined subsequent sheet has been delivered.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an operation management part managing the operation of the image forming apparatus. A first operation information storing part accumulates in chronological order operation information relating to the operation managed by the operation management part. An external output part refers to cumulative results accumulated in the first operation information storing part and outputs, to the outside, the operation information according to the cumulative results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for halting a printer at a predetermined time to allow service personnel to open the printer and inspect the printing operation for evidence of faulty components and other problems. The printer includes a printing mechanism and a selector that is used for selecting a predetermined instant at which to halt the printer. A controller is coupled to the selector and to the printing mechanism. The controller operates to halt the printing operation at the selected predetermined instant. The instant can be measured in time, as an event that occurs in the printing process, or as a time relative to such an event. The instant can be selected from a list or selected at random by the operator. A sensing device within the printer can detect the determination of the occurrence of the printer operation event. The printing operation can be initiated in a conventional manner or the printing operation can be commenced automatically upon selection of the predetermined event.

Abstract: A manual paper feeding apparatus comprises a tray for manual paper feeding, a paper feed roller to feed the paper fed manually from the tray, a separation roller which is pressed to contact the paper feed roller, rotated at the pressed contact position in the direction reverse to the paper feed roller, and separates the sheets of paper one by one, a power transmission device to transmit power to the paper feed roller and separation roller, and a reversing device which is provided in the power transmission device, and rotates the paper feed roller in the direction reverse to the paper feeding direction, based on that the paper fed between the paper feed roller and separation roller is pulled in the direction reverse to the manual feeding direction.

Abstract: During the operation of an electronic system, such as a document processing system, machine and job data of the electronic system are collected by a diagnostic system for automated diagnosis or prognosis. Optionally, machine data and population based data are acquired from a database or server. According to one embodiment, the data is analyzed to determine an initial diagnosis of the electronic system. Based on the initial diagnosis, a determination is made whether a remote transmission is needed. If so, the data is sent via a distributed network to a remote diagnostic system for analysis. At least part of the collected machine data may be a signature waveform of a part of the electronic system. In such a case, at least the analysis by the remote diagnostic system includes signature analysis of the waveform. Based on the analysis of the data by the remote diagnostic system, a communication is sent.

Abstract: A first reversing inlet path and a second reversing inlet path are branched from a path for transporting a sheet having an image formed thereon by a printer unit. A first reversing path and a second reversing path are connected respectively to the first reversing inlet path and the second reversing inlet path. The sheet having the image formed thereon by the printer unit is transported through the first reversing inlet path or the second reversing inlet path for reversing the sheet. When one of the first reversing inlet path and the second reversing inlet path is unusable, the sheet reversing operation is continued using the other reversing inlet path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus transfers a toner image formed on a photoconductor drum onto a sheet-like recording member while the sheet-like recording member is transported and attracted to a transfer belt, and comprises a jam handling control unit for detecting a transport fault of the sheet-like recording member, and for stopping the transport operation when the transport fault is detected. When the transport fault is detected in a section other than a fixing section, the jam handling control unit first causes the transport operation of the fixing section, and thereafter causes the transfer belt and the transport operation on the upstream side thereof to stop, and any sheet-like recording member remaining on the transfer belt so that the transport mechanism on the upstream side thereof is transported and stopped at the position spanning between the area of the fixing section and the area of the transfer belt.

Abstract: A multifunctional printer is provided with an external LCT (Large Capacity Tray) that has an elevator movable in up/down directions, the elevator being empowered by a power supply to a drive mechanism of a body unit. Paper is provided on the elevator to be fed into the body unit. When a sheet of paper remains within the LCT during a paper delivery error, the elevator is lowered to a predetermined location before shutting down the power supply to the drive mechanism in the body unit.

Abstract: The carrying apparatus comprises a carrying device for carrying an object to be carried, along a carrying route having a straight part and an arc-like corner part, a straight escape part provided in the carrying device, and a control device for letting the object carried along the carrying route escape temporarily to the escape part and for keeping it therein, if necessary.

Abstract: A system for enunciating imaging machine anomaly conditions is provided. The system has a control unit, memory, a logic interface unit, and an audible signal generator. Audible signals are custom mapped to individual imaging machine anomaly or exception conditions by a user. The customized mapping of audibly signals is provided by a user mapping interface and alerts nearby personnel to both the specific anomaly condition and to the specific office machine in need of attention. The selection of audible signals may range from tones, chimes, music, and verbal communications to user customized sound bytes.

Abstract: A modular toner image producing machine having plural modules including redundant modules is provided and includes (a) a photoreceptive module including a movable endless photoconductive member having an image bearing surface; (b) toner image forming modules for forming a toner image on the image bearing surface, each of the toner image forming modules including module-specific fault detectors; (c) at least one sheet feeding module for feeding a copy sheet to receive the toner image from the image bearing surface; (d) a fusing module for heating and fixing the toner image onto the copy sheet forming a hard copy; (e) at least one finishing module for preparing and arranging a series of hard copies into sets thereof for removal by an operator; and (f) a control module including a main electronic control system having a centrally located user interface device, and distributed module-specific control subsystems, each having a dedicated module and being connected to the main electronic control system and to module

Abstract: An image formation apparatus to ensure provision of sheets used in a host mode process and a guest mode process without increasing the number of sheet cassettes to be mounted at a sheet feed unit and to prevent tedious task due to increase in the sheet feed frequency is provided. In the image formation apparatus, the main CPU identifies the accommodated number of sheets n in the sheet cassette every time one copy mode image formation process ends. This value n is compared with a set value of the number of sheets N read out via a sub CPU. When value n is equal to or less than value N, the copy mode image formation process is interrupted until the sheet cassette is replenished with sheets while waiting for input of image data associated with the guest mode image formation process. When image data associated with the guest mode image formation process is input from an external device during this period, the guest mode image formation process is executed.

Abstract: An office information system having a device which provides a user with an operational message of the system is disclosed. In an embodiment of the office information system, a path record storage device stores a plurality of path records related to components of the system, each path record indicating a locating path needed to reach a location of a specific one of the components in the system when a failure related to the specific one of the components occurs. A failure location detecting device detects a location of a component in the system when a failure related to the component occurs. A reached location determining device reads a path record from the path record storage device when the location of the failure is detected, and determines a currently reached location in the system based on the path indicated by the path record.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus which uses a hollow space between an image reading section provided in an upper part of the apparatus and an image forming section provided in a lower part of the apparatus as a paper output space, the hollow space is used also as a space for temporarily holding a sheet of paper during a switchback operation. This arrangement helps prevent physical contact between the paper and the body of an operator or other objects and makes it easier to deal with a paper jam which is likely to occur during the switchback operation.

Abstract: Provided are a post-processing device, an image forming apparatus having the post-processing device and an error handling method therefor. A conveyed sheet is temporarily stacked on a pair of slide guides (310, 311), and after post-processing such as stapling is conducted on the sheets, the slide guides (310, 311) are opened to drop down the sheets on a face-down discharge portion (125) on an upper surface of a printer (100). If the number of sheets temporarily stacked on the slide guides (310, 311) exceeds the post-processing possible number of sheets, the slide guides (310, 311) are opened to drop down the sheets on the face-down discharge portion (125). If the size of sheets to be post-processed is unsuitable for the post-processing, a flapper (301) is changed over so that the sheets transported from the printer main body (100) are discharged directly to the face-down discharge portion (125) and stacked thereon.