Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and other mechanisms are disclosed for generating accounting or other data based on that indicated in access control lists or other specifications, and typically using associative memory entries in one or more associative memory banks and/or memory devices. One implementation identifies an access control list including multiple access control list entries, with a subset of these access control list entries identifying accounting requests. Accounting mechanisms are associated with each of said access control list entries in the subset of access control list entries identifying accounting requests. An item is identified, and a corresponding accounting mechanism is updated. In one implementation, the item includes at least one autonomous system number. In one implementation, at least one of the accounting mechanisms is associated with at least two different access control list entries in the subset of access control list entries identifying accounting requests.

Abstract: A multi-functional print platform includes at least two marking engines that process information at different processing rates and a scheduler that distributes portions of a job across the at least two marking engines based at least on a content of the job and the different processing rates of the at least two marking engines.

Abstract: A flat surface is arranged, adjacent to an operating surface of an image forming apparatus, at a lower position than the operating surface. A small-object placing member for placing clips is arranged on the flat surface. The small-object placing member includes a slanting surface that recedes towards an inner side from a side of an operator who operates the operating surface.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for generating an informational media display on a document processing device. A document processing signal representing the status of a document processing operation on an associated document processing device is first received. Media content data and preference data corresponding to user-specified media content data is then received. Pre-selected media content data is then generated on a display of a user interface associated with the document processing device when the device is idle, as determined by the document processing status signal. Display of the pre-selected media content is then suspended when the document processing signal indicates that the document processing device is active. User-specified media data content is then generated on the display of the user interface when the received document processing signal corresponds to active status of the associated document processing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for switching a resolution of an image, wherein the image includes at least one block. In some embodiments, the image is compressed. At least one compressed block in the compressed image is tagged, if the data size of the compressed block exceeds a threshold. A non-transition region is grown based on the at least one compressed block that is tagged until a safe-transition block is reached, wherein the non-transition region includes the at least one compressed block in the compressed image. The resolution of each compressed block in the non-transition region is reduced.

Abstract: The described subject matter provides a convenient way to organize and automate a presentation printing process by defining a presentation print job profile. To accomplish this, a user adds a plurality of files to a presentation profile. The user specifies packaging and printing characteristics with respect to individual ones of the files. Responsive to a single print request, each of the files in the presentation profile is printed based on the specified packaging and printing characteristics.

Abstract: For a sheet paper used for forming a toner image or ink image, a surface layer that can be stripped is stacked on a plastic layer. A sliding member is caused to slide in contact with the plastic layer of the used sheet paper on which a toner image or ink image has been formed, and the toner image or ink image is stripped off the plastic layer together with the surface layer. A new surface layer is formed on the plastic layer to regenerate the sheet paper, and the sheet paper is thus made reusable.

Abstract: A system and associated method for selecting or creating an area which meets meet a set of marking criteria, for example, corresponding to a minimum surface area; a maximum slope angle; and a minimum deviation from a specified height. A marking station is directed to mark the selected area that meets the marking criteria.

Abstract: An air processing apparatus is provided with an air processing apparatus main body, to which a plurality of office apparatuses are connectable. A suction air interface for connecting the office apparatuses and the air processing apparatus main body together is provided so that air in the office apparatuses can be received into the air processing apparatus main body. An air processing portion is also provided in the air processing apparatus main body, to process the air received into the air processing apparatus main body through the suction air interface.

Abstract: A printer detects characteristics of a sheet before the sheet is conveyed and outputs sheet information to a PC. The PC specifies a type and the like of the sheet on the basis of the sheet information, decides print quality, and performs print setting. Print quality information selected by the user from a plurality of predetermined print quality is received. Whether a mismatch has occurred between the print quality information and the decided print quality or not is discriminated. If it is determined that no mismatch occurs, print data is formed.

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: For a sheet paper used for forming a toner image or ink image, a surface layer that can be stripped is stacked on a plastic layer. A sliding member is caused to slide in contact with the plastic layer of the used sheet paper on which a toner image or ink image has been formed, and the toner image or ink image is stripped off the plastic layer together with the surface layer. Anew surface layer is formed on the plastic layer to regenerate the sheet paper, and the sheet paper is thus made reusable.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a visible image forming device for forming a visible image on a recording material in a visible image forming area, a supplying device provided with a containing portion for containing the recording material therein, and for supplying the recording material from the containing portion to the visible image forming area, a conveying device for conveying the recording material from the visible image forming area to the containing portion, and an executing device for executing a mode in which the supplying device supplies the recording material having the visible image formed thereon to the visible image forming area, the visible image forming device forms a visible image so as to superimpose it on the visible image formed on the recording material, and the conveying device conveys the recording material having the visible images formed thereon in superimposing relationship with each other to the containing portion.

Abstract: A method for branding a multi-page document includes receiving a branding image, dividing the branding image into a plurality of sub-images, and distributing the plurality of sub-images over a respective plurality of pages of a multi-page document. The sub-images are distributed at or adjacent an edge of the prospective pages whereby when the respective pages of the multi-page document are bent in preparation to be flipped the sub-images appear as a reconstructed version of the branding image. A system for branding a document is also provided.

Abstract: In a bookbinding apparatus provided with a coating device having a coating roller to coat an adhesive onto a spine of a sheet bundle by moving relatively the coating roller and the spine in both forward and backward movement while making the coating roller and the sheet bundle to face each other, the coating device includes: a first regulating member provided downstream of the coating roller in the forward movement, which regulates a thickness of a layer of the adhesive coated on the spine of the sheet bundle; and a second regulating member provided downstream of the coating roller in the backward movement, which regulates a thickness of a layer of the adhesive coated on the spine of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first metal side plate; a second metal side plate opposed to the first metal side plate; an exposure unit disposed between the first and second metal side plates; an antenna; and a metal top plate disposed between the first and second metal side plates and between the antenna and the exposure unit.

Abstract: A printing system capable of writing RFID data consistent with print information printed on a print-information recoding medium into an RFID chip carried on the print-information recording medium. The printing system includes a printer engine for printing print information, including at least either one of contactlessly readable information and image information visible to human being, onto at least the print-information recording medium, and an RFID reader/writer for writing RFID data consistent with the print information into the RFID chip carried on the print-information recording medium.

Abstract: A device identifies the finishing location on a recording medium and also identifies the electronic tag location on the recording medium when a finishing instruction is included in a job. Moreover, when the finishing location matches with the electronic tag location, the device displays that the locations overlap with each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus writes job information associated with an image forming process to a contactless integrated chip attached to recording paper and reads out the job information from the contactless integrated chip attached to recording paper remaining uncollected after completion of the image forming process. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus notifies, based on the read out job information, the user that initiated the job that the recording paper is uncollected after completion of the image forming process.

Abstract: The advertisement managing device receives an advertisement request from an advertisement client terminal. The customer managing device specifies a copying machine adapted to the advertisement request, and advertisement contents requested to be advertised are transmitted to the specified copying machine. When the advertisement managing device receives an estimation request, an estimation result inclusive of the approximation of an advertisement charge is returned to the advertisement client terminal.

Abstract: A storage area of a removable storage medium is divided into a header and a plurality of log data writing areas. Each log data writing area records log data for printers having the same model name. The header is further divided into a plurality of header data storage areas, each area storing a single model name and the top address of a log data writing area indicating the destination for recording log data of devices having this model name. In this way, an association is established between the model name and the log data.

Abstract: A device is allowed to execute a job which is related to calibration work. Inconvenience such that a general job other than the calibration work is erroneously executed by a printer or a copier whose calibration is being executed is prevented. For this purpose, according to the invention, information showing that the calibration of an image forming apparatus is being executed is stored, and a job assigned to the image forming apparatus whose calibration is being executed is assigned to another image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A self-replenishing image forming apparatus replenishes reservoirs of consumable materials using packages of the consumable materials transported in the marking media path of the image forming apparatus. The packages are separated from the regular marking media at a sheet diverter, the consumable material is unpackaged, and transformed into a form suitable for storing in the consumable reservoir.

Abstract: The advertisement managing device receives an advertisement request from an advertisement client terminal. The customer managing device specifies a copying machine adapted to the advertisement request, and advertisement contents requested to be advertised are transmitted to the specified copying machine. When the advertisement managing device receives an estimation request, an estimation result inclusive of the approximation of an advertisement charge is returned to the advertisement client terminal.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed, the system including a receiving hardware interface (300) for coupling page description data to an interpreter (304) said interpreter interpreting the page description data to thereby output a display list to a renderer software interface (308) which processes the display list to thereby output a processed display list, and rendering hardware (312) for processing the processed display list to thereby output raw pixel data, wherein the receiving hardware interface (300), the interpreter (304), the rendering software interface (308), and the rendering hardware (312) are arranged to operate in a pipelined manner, being thereby capable of concurrently processing job data from at least one page of the print job.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of displaying a high-quality image using a reversible image display medium in which a cell(s) formed between two substrates accommodates at least two kinds of frictionally chargeable dry developing particles having different chargeable polarities and different optical reflection densities in image display, an electric field strength of, e.g., 0.3 V/?m to 3.0 V/?m is applied to the developer. An oscillating force (e.g. oscillating magnetic filed) is applicable and the oscillating force is substantially stopped during application of the electrostatic field. After completion of the electrostatic field, the surface of the medium on the image observation side may be charged to a potential holding the displayed image. Optionally, before image display, an alternating electric field may be applied to stir the developer for initialization of the medium.

Abstract: A method for rotating a printer paper-feed roller wherein the roller is driven by a DC (direct current) motor. A feedback-control signal is applied to the motor until the roller reaches a desired rotational position. The feedback-control signal is a function of an error signal, and the error signal represents the difference between the actual rotational position and the desired rotational position of the roller. When the roller reaches the desired rotational position, the applied feedback-control signal is removed from the motor, and a direct-control biasing signal is applied to the motor to reduce or prevent rollback of the roller when the feedback-control signal is removed from the motor. In one example, the signals are PWM (pulse-width-modulated) signals.

Abstract: A sheet body holding device for holding a sheet body on an outer periphery of a rotary drum, including: a spindle that rotatably supports the sheet body holding device on the outer periphery of the rotary drum; and one end urged toward the rotary drum, and pressing an end of the sheet body against the outer periphery of the rotary drum, thereby holding the end of the sheet body on the outer periphery of the rotary drum. The spindle is arranged at a position at which a relationship of F1<(F2×&mgr;) is satisfied, where F1 is a component force, in a tangential direction of the rotary drum, F2 is a component force of the pressing force in a direction of a center axis of the rotary drum, and &mgr; is a coefficient of friction between the sheet body and the outer periphery of the rotary drum.

Abstract: An image recording medium reproduction apparatus of the present invention comprises: a conveying member to convey an image recording medium in a prescribed direction, which is made of a material preventing the penetration of an image into it; and an image separation member that contacts the image recording medium conveyed to the conveying member and rotates in the same direction as the prescribed direction by maintaining a speed difference with the image recording medium at the contacting point and removes the image formed on the surface of the image recording medium by rubbing it.

Abstract: An image data storing system, and more particularly a video capture controller to capture raw video image data from a peripheral unit and to provide compressed video image data to a document image management server. The video capture controller includes a control processor, a first memory, and a second memory. The first memory stores raw video image data from the peripheral unit under control of the control processor. The raw video image data stored in the first memory is then converted into compressed video image data, and is then stored in the second memory, again under control of the control processor. Then, the compressed video image data from the second memory is transferred to the image management server.

Abstract: There is provided a copying apparatus and a method of controlling the same which are capable of performing a proper search for an original file even when the image quality of the original is heavily degraded such that the additional information cannot be read or is not correctly recognized, to thereby obtain a copy without degradation in image quality regardless of the condition of the original. Additional information is read from an image signal from an original inputted by a scanner unit. A search is carried out for an original file corresponding to the original based on the read additional information. A printer outputs a copy of the original using the original file found as a result of the search. The additional information is displayed and edited. The search is controlled using the edited additional information.

Abstract: In order to relieve the load for an user and smooth an operation of the user in case of mixing each of sheets, on which images are formed by separating jobs, in predetermined page order of the job, color pages in the job outputted from a computer are printed by a color MFP and black/white pages are printed by a black/white MFP. Thereafter, on the computer, it is displayed that each sheaf of sheets has to be set in which bin of a collator, to the user. The user sets a sheaf of sheets printed by each of the MFP's in the collator. The collator mixes color pages with black/white pages. Further, each MFP prints bar codes representing page information or job information. The user sets a sheaf of sheets printed by each of the MFP's in the collator. The collator reads the bar codes to mix the color pages with the black/white pages.

Abstract: In a printing system in which a data processing apparatus and a plurality of print processing apparatuses can communicate via a communication medium, document data and print instruction data for each printer are transmitted from the data processing apparatus to a plurality of print processing apparatuses by a multicasting protocol. Thus, a print job is transmitted to a plurality of print processing apparatuses without enhancing a traffic on a network and the print job can be efficiently processed in parallel by a plurality of print processing apparatuses.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for remotely enabling or disabling the use of an apparatus such as a photocopy machine, wherein the photocopy machine is fitted with a means for counting the number of times the machine has operated, and for comparing that number with a pre-authorized maximum number, which pre-authorized number has been recorded following the receipt of a wireless signal from a wireless communication system, and wherein when the pre-authorized number has been reached, the system shuts down the use of the machine. The pre-authorized maximum number may be changed or updated through further signals from the wireless communication system.

Abstract: It is an object to allow a plurality of printers to print a document without disordering a page order. When a plurality of printers are allowed to print the document, print data is transferred to the plurality of printers so as not to disorder the page order.

Abstract: High-precision registration of an image is enabled in a high speed and high quality color printer. A print control part carries out trial printing in double-sided printing. Images of both sides of the trial printing read by a scanner or the like are respectively compared with original images in an image analysis part, and deformations occurring in output images of both sides are analyzed. From this analysis result, a correction data generation part generates correction data, for both sides of a sheet, indicating a correction processing to be added to an input image to remove deformation occurring in an output image. An image correction part changes the correction data to be used according to which side of the sheet the input image is printed on, and corrects the input image. The print control part prints a corrected image.

Abstract: When any of the functions: copier function, printer function and facsimile function, are not being performed, the function information display portion provides display messages ‘Copier available’, ‘Printer available’ and Fax available’, using the display areas equal in size, arranged in the vertical direction. When a print request is given from an external apparatus, the function information display portion provides a display message ‘Printer function engaged’ along with the image processing operating conditions and provides display messages ‘Copier function partly available’ and ‘Facsimile function partly available’ in the left and right halves of the display section. While the printer function is in progress, the information relating to the printer function is displayed in the display area four times as large as that for the copier function and that for the facsimile function.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which forms images on both a concavo-convex sheet having a concavo-convex surface on which is formed many concavities capable of receiving toner and from which toner can be removed, and a general-purpose sheet which is not specially processed. The image forming apparatus has a first mode for forming an image on a general-purpose sheet, and a second mode for forming an image on a concavo-convex sheet. In the first mode, a general-purpose sheet receives a transferred toner image in the image forming region, and thereafter is guided to a fixing unit, where the toner is fixed on the sheet. In the second mode, a concavo-convex sheet receives a transferred toner image in the image forming region, and thereafter does not pass through the fixing unit but is guided to a convexity cleaning unit, where toner adhered to the convexities of the concavo-convex sheet during transfer is removed.

Abstract: Toner is for use in an image forming apparatus of the TonerJet method, which satisfies any one of the following conditions: a) toner in which the content of reverse-polarity large-diameter toner is 10% by count or smaller; b) toner in which the content of reverse-polarity fine-powder toner is 2% by count or smaller; c) toner comprising a silica additive and a titanium oxide additive such that the content x of the titanium oxide additive is in the range of 0<x≦1.5 wt %. For instance, when an image is formed using toner satisfying the condition a) above, that is, toner in which the content of reverse-polarity large-diameter toner is 10% by count or smaller, filming does not occur and an image having an excellent quality is formed (denoted with “◯”). On the other hand, when an image is formed using toner in which reverse-polarity large-diameter toner exceeds 10% by count, filming occurs and the quality of an image deteriorates (denoted with “X”).

Abstract: A job-based accounting system for image processing includes receiving an image processing job at a multifunction image processing apparatus from a walk-up user or a computer workstation operably connected to the image processing apparatus. The image processing job is classified as one of: (i) a print job submitted from a computer workstation operably connected to the image processing apparatus; (ii) a copy job submitted by a walk-up user of the image processing apparatus; (iii) a scan job submitted by a walk-up user of the image processing apparatus; and (iv) a facsimile job submitted or received by a user of the image processing apparatus. One of a plurality of different accounting modes is selected to be used by the multifunction device when the multifunction device carries out the image processing job based upon the classification of the image processing job.

Abstract: A method of improving the quality of sounds produced from a device provided with a mechanical drive mechanism and the like is provided. In this method, by using either one of or both of units for suppressing noise of a noise source produced in said device and of its transmission path, a discomfort index S of a sound obtained by inputting a value of loudness and a value of sharpness of psychological sound parameters obtained from a sound at a position apart by 1 meter from the exterior of said device into the following equation (a): S=0.01024269×(loudness value)2+0.30996744×(sharpness value)−2.1386517  (a) will satisfy the following condition (b): S<−0.

Abstract: The invention provides a communication apparatus capable of minimizing the division and one side recording of the two-side long original, thereby generating the received recording easy for observation by the receiving user. In case the dual side recording is designated from the transmitting station or at the receiving station, even if the received information is judged not as the fixed size, the dual side recording is executed by reducing such received information to the fixed size. Also the maximum reduction ratio for reducing the size of the received information of a long-sized original for output in the recording sheet of a fixed size is selected differently in case the one side recording is designated and in case the dual side recording is designated, and is selected larger in case of designation of the dual side recording than in case of designation of the one side recording.

Abstract: The invention concerns an image recording apparatus suitable for forming a medical image that is used for a medical diagnosis, and a test pattern for evaluating a quality of the medical image. The image recording apparatus includes a printing section to either the medical image or the test pattern on the recording medium, based on image date; a printing-condition setting section to set a printing condition for printing the test pattern; and a printing-condition displaying section to display the printing condition set by the printing-condition setting section. The printing section prints at least one of a sharpness-evaluating pattern and a granularity-evaluating pattern.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operational status of and initiating image processing device control commands on one or more image processing devices from a remote location, said image processing devices each having a control computer for controlling operation of the device, including representing one of said image processing devices at the remote location; posting operational status indications relating to the one of said image processing devices and/or device set-up parameters at said remote location; adjusting the device set-up parameters by generating an image processing device control command from the remote location; and transmitting said command to the image processing device control computer. This method includes the ability to adjust such things as contrast, enlargement/reduction, network configuration and passwords from the remote location.

Abstract: A reversible image display medium including two sheets; one or more developer accommodating cells formed between the two sheets, and each having a periphery surrounded by a partition wall; and dry developer contained in each of the cell(s), wherein the dry developer contains at least two kinds of frictionally chargeable dry developer particles having different chargeable polarities and different optical reflection densities. The image is displayed by forming a predetermined electrostatic field for each pixel in accordance with the image to be displayed and thereby moving the developer particles in a frictionally charged state. The image formed on the reversible image display medium can be erased, e.g., by an image erasing device.

Abstract: A powered staple remover including an elongate member for holding between a thumb and fingers of a user's hand. The elongate member has walls defining a cavity, a first end, a second end, and an opening into the cavity through the second end. The powered staple remover also includes first and second staple crown grippers mounted within the cavity towards the second end, at least one gripper of the first and second staple crown grippers is moveable towards the other. The powered staple remover further includes a powered device connected to the at least one gripper for moving the at least one gripper from an open to a closed position, and from and towards the second end, thereby effortlessly and effectively removing a clinched staple from a stapled set of sheets without damage to the set of sheets. The powered staple remover includes an attaching device for attaching the elongate member to an electrostatographic reproduction machine.

Abstract: A method of measuring a down-web coordinate is provided. A time-interval, elapsed since a detection of a position-indicating mark applied on a web, is related to a measured velocity. Upon detection of a position-indicating mark, the measured down-web coordinate is synchronised with the indicated down-web coordinate of said mark. The down-web coordinate can be measured in an ascending or a descending mode, depending on a detected roll-orientation information originated from said mark on said web. A selected lane pattern used for registration of the cross web position can be reversed automatically, depending on said roll-orientation information, originated from said mark on said web. A measured down-web starting position of a quality problem area on the web is marked by an ISO-hole.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for removing an image forming substance such as toner from an image holding member such as a sheet of transfer paper, an unstabilizing agent is provided to the image holding member. An attaching state between the image forming substance and the image holding member stably attaching the image forming substance on a surface thereof is changed to an unstable state by the unstabilizing agent. The image forming substance is separated and removed from the image holding member by making a separating member come in close contact with the image forming substance on the image holding member having the provided unstabilizing agent. A processing situation mark showing a processing situation of removal of the image forming substance is formed in the image holding member. The processing situation mark can be removed from the image holding member by the image forming substance removing processing.

Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.

Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.