Abstract: There is configured a carrying device including a sensor for detecting presence of a medium, a carrying mechanism capable of making the transition between a carrying state capable of carrying the medium and a retreat state incapable of carrying the medium, and a processor, wherein when making the transition to a power-off state, the processor sets power off in the retreat state when the sensor detects the medium, and sets the power off in the carrying state when the sensor does not detect the medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reserves a plurality of regions including a region of log information; converts image data from a first region into data in a predetermined format; controls execution of conversion if a conversion condition is satisfied and storage of the converted data in a second region; externally transmits log information that includes job attribute information corresponding to converted data based on the converted data that are stored in the second region; executes conversion of unprocessed image data and transmission of log information based on the converted data even if the conversion condition is not satisfied if an amount of job-related information that is stored in the first region or the second region satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a connector, a conveyance unit, and a controller. The conveyance unit includes first and second sensors, first and second light sources, and a capacitor. Based on the first and second sensors, the controller determines a position of a paper jam having occurred during an image formation job. The first light source is turned-on when the position of the paper jam corresponds to a position of the first sensor and the second light source is turned-on when the position of the paper jam corresponds to a position of the second sensor. When the conveyance unit is pulled out of the image forming apparatus, the connector shuts off the electrical connection between the conveyance unit and a power source, and a light source controlled to turn on by the controller glows based on electric power accumulated in the capacitor during the image formation job.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus includes a control unit, a plurality of sensors connected in series to the control unit. Each of the plurality of sensors includes a detector configured to perform a detection operation based on a first voltage applied from the control unit, a first switch provided on an application path for applying a voltage, a second switch provided on a supply path for supplying the voltage applied from the control unit to a sensor connected in a subsequent stage, and a conduction control unit. The control unit brings the first switch into conduction and cut off the second switch in a case where the voltage on the application path is the first voltage, and cuts off the first switch and bring the second switch into conduction in a case where the voltage on the application path is a second voltage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developer bearing member, a discharge unit, a stacking tray including a stacking surface on which the recording material is stacked, a replenishment port, a cover capable of moving between a closed position where the cover covers the replenishment port and constitutes at least part of the stacking surface and an open position where the cover exposes the replenishment port, and an information display unit for displaying information about a procedure for replenishing the developing container with the developer from the replenishment container.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes two rotators, a driver driving the rotators, a heating device to heat the rotator, a blower blowing air to the heating device, a temperature detector, a recording medium detector, a cover, an open-close detector, and circuitry. The circuitry detects an abnormal state and stops heat generation, determines whether the cover is closed using the open-close detector, controls the blower to blow air when the cover is closed, determines whether the recording medium is in the nip using the recording medium detector, controls the driver to rotate the two rotators when the cover is closed and no recording medium is in the nip, determines whether a temperature detected is equal to or lower than a threshold value before the cover is opened, and controls the blower to decrease an air volume when the temperature detected is equal to or lower than the threshold value.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section configured to form an image on a sheet; a sheet discharge port through which the sheet is discharged; a sheet conveyance roller configured to convey the sheet to the sheet discharge port; a movable sheet guide, arranged in such a manner that an imaginary line connecting a portion contacting the sheet of the sheet conveyance roller with the sheet discharge port passes through a cross-sectional area, configured to be capable of moving in a direction away from a surface of the sheet; and a guide sensor configured to detect movement of the movable sheet guide.

Abstract: An operation setting selection apparatus includes, a physical property obtainer which obtains physical property information of a recording medium on which an image is formed; and a hardware processor. The hardware processor obtains from first information, in which operation failure information regarding contents of operation failure which occurs when an image forming operation is performed is associated to the physical property information of the recording medium used when the operation failure occurs and the operation setting regarding the image forming, the operation setting and the operation failure information associated to the physical property information obtained by the physical property obtainer. The hardware processor performs operation regarding selection of the operation setting regarding the image forming operation on the recording medium based on the physical property information, the operation setting and the operation failure information which are obtained.

Abstract: A conveyance device includes a tray on an upper surface of the conveyance device and an upper guide below the tray. The tray receives a sheet, and the upper guide defines a conveyance path in which the sheet is conveyed. The upper guide is movable together with the tray to open the conveyance path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet storage unit including a sheet tray on which one or more sheets are to be stacked, a sensor configured to detect that the sheet storage unit is being operated, and a processor configured to execute a predetermined process after the sensor detects that the sheet storage unit has been operated, and a predetermined condition relating to an occurrence of the sheet conveyance error is satisfied.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developer bearing member, a discharge unit, a stacking tray including a stacking surface on which the recording material is stacked, a replenishment port, a cover capable of moving between a closed position where the cover covers the replenishment port and constitutes at least part of the stacking surface and an open position where the cover exposes the replenishment port, and an information display unit for displaying information about a procedure for replenishing the developing container with the developer from the replenishment container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing automated problem reporting in elements used in conjunction with computer networks are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of elements that perform data operations and a reporting manager or monitor agent which monitors the elements and data operations. Upon detection of hardware or software problems, the reporting manager or monitor agent automatically communicates with elements affected by the problem to gather selected hardware, software, and configuration information, analyzes the information to determine causes of the problem, and issues a problem report containing at least a portion of the selected information. The problem report is communicated to a remote monitor that does not possess access privileges to the elements, allowing automated, remote monitoring of the elements without compromising security of the computer network or elements.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus to control an image forming system includes a reception unit and a control unit. The image forming system includes a first conveyance unit configured to convey a recording medium and a second conveyance unit located downstream of the first conveyance unit in a conveyance route of the recording medium. The reception unit receives an instruction to set a conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit. The control unit sets the conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit to the image forming system based on the setting instruction, and sets a conveyance speed of the second conveyance unit to the image forming system based on the instruction to set the conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit.

Abstract: A document conveyance apparatus includes a first conveyance path, a first image reading part, a curved second conveyance path, a third conveyance path, a branch guide, a first discharge port, a document stacking section, a second discharge port and a tray support part. The first conveyance path extends linearly. The curved second conveyance path is branched from the first conveyance path at a branch point. The third conveyance path is branched from the first conveyance path at the branch point and extends linearly. Through the first discharge port, the document conveyed along the second conveyance path is discharged. The document stacking section is provided with a discharge tray. Through the second discharge port, the document conveyed along the third conveyance path is discharged. To the tray support part, the detached discharge tray is supported such that the document discharged through the second discharge port is stacked.

Abstract: An information printing apparatus includes a history-information acquiring section configured to acquire, from a plurality of printers, history information indicating errors that occurred in the printers and printing media used in the printers, a statistical-information acquiring section configured to acquire, based on the history information, statistical information obtained by collecting statistics of the errors for each of the printing media, and an output control section configured to cause a display section to output the statistical information for each of the printing media.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus include a first conveyance unit, a second conveyance unit including a cover and configured to be movable between a first position where a sheet conveyed from the first conveyance unit can be conveyed to a sheet conveyance path and a second position separated from the first position, and a retaining portion configured to retain the cover at an open position and to retain the second conveyance unit at the second position through the cover retained at the open position in a case where the cover is positioned at the open position in a condition in which the second conveyance unit is positioned at the second position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transport belt, a first intermediate transfer belt, and a second intermediate transfer belt. The transport belt is disposed along a transport path extending in a vertical direction. The transport belt is configured to transport a recording medium while coming into contact with one surface of the recording medium. The first intermediate transfer belt is configured to sandwich the recording medium together with the transport belt. An image is transferred from the first intermediate transfer belt to the recording medium. The second intermediate transfer belt is disposed above the first intermediate transfer belt. The second intermediate transfer belt is configured to sandwich, together with the transport belt, the recording medium which is in a state where the recording medium is sandwiched between the first intermediate transfer belt and the transport belt. An image being transferred from the second intermediate transfer belt to the recording medium.

Abstract: An operation setting selection apparatus includes, a physical property obtainer which obtains physical property information of a recording medium on which an image is formed; and a hardware processor. The hardware processor obtains from first information, in which operation failure information regarding contents of operation failure which occurs when an image forming operation is performed is associated to the physical property information of the recording medium used when the operation failure occurs and the operation setting regarding the image forming, the operation setting and the operation failure information associated to the physical property information obtained by the physical property obtainer. The hardware processor performs operation regarding selection of the operation setting regarding the image forming operation on the recording medium based on the physical property information, the operation setting and the operation failure information which are obtained.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion for forming a toner image on a sheet, a fixing portion for fixing the toner image formed by the image forming portion on the sheet, a reversing portion for reversing the sheet carrying the toner image fixed by the fixing portion, a blower for blowing air, and a duct for guiding the air blown from the blower to the reversing portion. The duct is provided with an opening at an end in a width direction of the sheet, and the blower blows the air from a downstream side to an upstream side with respect to the feeding direction of the sheet after being reversed by the reversing portion.

Abstract: In an image-forming apparatus, a fixing device includes: a first fixing member; a heater; a motor; a second fixing member; and a pressure modifying mechanism. The second fixing member forms a nip together with the first fixing member. The pressure modifying mechanism modifies a nip pressure at a nip to one of a first nip pressure and a second nip pressure smaller than the first nip pressure. In a first case where a sheet jam occurs in the image-forming apparatus and no sheet exists in the nip, a controller performs: reducing the nip pressure from the first nip pressure to the second nip pressure; and halting rotation of the first fixing member after completed the reducing. In a second case where a sheet jam occurs in the image-forming apparatus and a sheet exists in the nip, the controller performs: the halting; and the reducing after completed the halting.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a first movable member including a member-to-be-detected, a sensor, and a second movable member. When a sheet is normally fed, the first movable member is in a first position, the member-to-be-detected is in a first phase, the second movable member is in a second position, and a functional/non-functional state of the member-to-be-detected is one state. When the sheet is not fed and the first movable member is in a second position, the member-to-be-detected is in the first phase, the second movable member is in a third position, and the functional/non-functional state is the other state. When the first movable member is in the first position and the second movable member is in a fourth position, by movement of the member-to-be-detected to a second phase, the functional/non-functional state is changed from the one state to the other state and an output of the sensor changes.

Abstract: A method for monitoring medicine dispensing is disclosed. A set of events from an intelligent container is received. The intelligent container belongs to a set of intelligent containers, each container associated with a medicine. It is determined whether the set of events satisfies a rule associated with the intelligent container. If the rule is satisfied, a message is created to be sent to a subscribing device as a result of the determination.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit fixed to the first unit at a portion upstream of the first unit in a conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and an electric board. In the image forming apparatus, a disposition of the electric board is restricted by the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes a rotator, a driver, a measuring device, and circuitry. The rotator is configured to convey a medium. The driver is configured to apply a driving force to the rotator to rotate the rotator. The measuring device is configured to measure the driving force applied to the rotator by the driver. The circuitry is configured to: determine, according to the driving force measured, whether to change at least one of frequency and items of information to be acquired for prediction of a defective conveyance of the medium caused by the rotator; and acquire information of at least one of the items according to a result of determination, at a frequency according to the result of determination.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: a printing section for conveying a sheet of paper; a reversal section for reversing top-and-back orientation of a sheet; and a control section for, based on an output of an image detection sensor resulting when a sheet has passed through a detection position for the first time, detecting whether or not a first surface is a blank surface, and moreover, based on an output of the image detection sensor resulting when the sheet subjected to reversal process has once again passed through the detection position, detecting whether or not a second surface is a blank surface, whereby the control section decides whether a sheet feed cassette is a back-sided sheet-containing cassette or a new sheet-containing cassette.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which includes a plurality of parts including a rotating unit and which uses the plurality of parts to form an image on a sheet is shown. The apparatus includes the following, a sheet conveyor, an image former, and an image reader. A hardware processor controls a conveying interval of the sheet by the sheet conveyor, controls the image former to form an image on the sheet and to output the sheet, detects a defect from the read image data, and diagnoses a failed part in which the defect is detected periodically based on information of the detected defect and a cycle of the part. When the failed part is diagnosed, the hardware processor controls the image former to form an image for failure diagnosis and sets a conveying interval of the sheet by the sheet conveyor larger than the conveying interval in normal image forming.

Abstract: A reader CPU stops a lead motor in a case in which a discharge sensor cannot detect reaching of a leading edge part of an original D even though the original is conveyed by a first amount (LP3+LM1) or a second amount (LP3+LM2) which is smaller than the first amount from when a lead sensor detects the original, when a reader image processing portion (leading edge detection portion) cannot detect the leading edge part of the original from image data of a first face of the original.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly; an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet; an openable member rotatably supported by the main assembly; a first feeding guide provided on the openable member; a second feeding guide provided in the main assembly, wherein when the openable member is closed, a sheet feeding path for feeding the sheet is formed by the first and second feeding guides; a hole provided in the first feeding guide; and an illumination device, provided on the openable member, for illuminating at least a part of the second feeding guide through the hole when the openable member is open.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressure member, and a separating unit. The pressure member is rotatably located and in a pressure contact with the fixing member to form a fixing nip. The separating unit is configured to separate a sheet from the fixing member. The sheet is attached on the fixing member when passing through the fixing nip. The separating unit includes a sliding member, a claw member, and a turning mechanism. The sliding member is located in a state of contacting a surface of the fixing member. The claw member runs toward the fixing nip from the sliding member. The claw member has a distal end portion. The claw member is located in a state where the distal end portion contacts the surface of the fixing member. The turning mechanism reciprocates the sliding member and the claw member along a rotation direction of the fixing member.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing unit including a pressing device and a heating device and that fixes an image formed on a recording medium by nipping the recording medium with the pressing device and the heating device; a driving device that drives the fixing unit; a load detector that detects a load applied to the driving device; and an abnormality detector that detects abnormality in the fixing unit with reference to the load generated when the recording medium passes through the fixing unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; a front cover mounted on a front side of the main assembly and configured to expose the image forming portion by being rotated from above toward below about a rotational axis crossing a vertical direction; a fixing portion configured to fix a position of the front cover in an open state; an exchange unit detachably mountable to the image forming portion in the open state of the front cover; and a projecting portion provided above the front cover in the vertical direction and configured to project information on exchange of the exchange unit onto an inner surface of the front cover in the open state when the exchange unit is to be exchanged.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a first motor causes a first rotor to rotate. The first motor rotates based on a first drive signal. A second motor causes a second rotor to rotate. The second motor rotates based on a second drive signal. A reading unit is provided between the first rotor and the second rotor. Based on a read signal, the reading unit reads a paper sheet being conveyed line by line. In a first period, a read signal generation unit generates the read signal in accordance with a frequency of the first drive signal. In a second period, the read signal generation unit generates, as the read signal, a signal for reading the paper sheet being conveyed at a reference speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display, a display controller, a cover, a cover sensor, a recording sheet sensor, and a jam solution work progress managing unit. The display controller causes the display to continuously display a guidance video in a process sequence when the recording sheet jam occurs. The guidance video shows a work procedure constituted of a plurality of processes for a solution work for a recording sheet jam. The jam solution work progress managing unit manages a progress of the solution work for the recording sheet jam. When the jam solution work progress managing unit determines that the solution work for the recording sheet jam is not performed while the cover sensor detects closing of the cover, the display controller causes the display to repeatedly display a guidance video showing a work procedure for a first process in the solution work for the recording sheet jam.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus combines a plurality of sub-movies representing operation procedures to be performed to perform maintenance on the image forming apparatus and plays the combined sub-movies sequentially as one movie. In response to stopping the movie being played, the image forming apparatus displays a replay mark for use to issue a command to replay the movie from the beginning of a sub-movie corresponding to a position where the movie is stopped.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including a display unit includes a processor and a memory storing instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the image processing apparatus to function as a detection unit that detects occurrence of a sheet jammed inside the image processing apparatus and a display control unit that displays a screen based on detection of the occurrence of the jammed sheet. The screen includes a first region for displaying work that a user carries out to remove jammed sheets from inside the image processing apparatus and a second region for displaying work that the user carries out after removing the jammed sheets from inside the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of appropriately replaying movies to be displayed to the user. The image forming apparatus stores combinations of a plurality of movies for a plurality of maintenance procedures of the image forming apparatus and orders of replay for the plurality of movies according to each type of the plurality of maintenance procedures, specifies a type of the maintenance procedure to be executed to the image forming apparatus, and acquires a plurality of movies corresponding to the type of the specified maintenance procedure based on the stored information and replays the acquired movies as a series of movies according to the orders of relay.

Abstract: A fixing device according to an embodiment includes a first rotating body, a pressing unit, and an urging member. The pressing unit includes a belt, a second rotating body, a belt supporting member, and a pushing member. The pushing member includes a pressing region for pressing the belt toward the first rotating body. The pushing member is disposed between the second rotating body and the belt supporting member. The pressing unit is capable of switching a pressing position and a release position. When viewed from the axial direction of the first rotating body, a line connecting the center of the first rotating body and the center of the turning fulcrum passes the pressing region of the pushing member in both of the pressing position and the release position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer body; an image formation unit, configured to form a toner image on the intermediate transfer body; a transfer unit, arranged opposite the intermediate transfer body, configured to transfer the toner image onto a recording medium at a secondary transfer position; a first cleaning unit configured to collect toner of the toner image; a conveyance unit configured to convey the recording medium along a conveyance path; a jam detection unit configured to detect a jam of the recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path; a jam processing unit configured to transfer residual toner, which is not transferred onto the recording medium when the jam is detected by the jam detection unit, from the intermediate transfer body to the transfer unit; and a second cleaning unit configured to collect the residual toner on the transfer unit.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a printer comprises a label holding section configured to hold a label roll formed by winding a belt-shaped label on the back surface of which an adhesive layer activated through heating at a temperature lower than a thermal color developing temperature of a printing surface is arranged without a mount; a cutting section configured to sandwich the label from the printing surface side and the adhesive layer side to cut it; and a printing section configured to be arranged at the downstream side of a label conveyance direction with respect to the cutting section and print on the printing surface of the label through a thermal head.

Abstract: A document conveyance apparatus includes a document conveyance section, a cover, an opening and closing detection sensor, a document detection sensor, and a control section. The control section detects opening and closing of the cover on the basis of an output value of the opening and closing detection sensor and detects whether or not there is a document in a predetermined detection position on the basis of the output value of the document detection sensor. If, when the output value of the document detection sensor has changed from a value indicating an opened state of the cover to a value indicating a closed state thereof, the output value of the document detection sensor is a value indicating that there is the document, the control section detects a half-closed state where the cover is not completely closed.

Abstract: An image forming system detects a first conveyance abnormality of a recording material when a time taken for the recording material conveyed along a conveyance path in the image forming system to pass a predetermined position exceeds a first threshold value, temporarily stops the conveyance of the recording material when the first conveyance abnormality is detected and changes the first threshold value to a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value when the conveyance of the recording material is temporarily stopped, and detects a second conveyance abnormality based on the second threshold when a re-conveyance is made to eject the recording material remaining in the conveyance path.

Abstract: Temperature of a printing medium 110 is sufficiently decreased by stopping the printing medium 110 in a discharge path, conveying the printing medium at a low speed, switching a conveyance path, or the like. If the temperature of the printing medium 110 can be sufficiently decreased, the thermochromism phenomenon is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving highly accurate color matching and color stability.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transport module that is capable of being pulled out from an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus and in which a transport path along which a recording material, to which a toner image has been transferred, is to be transported is formed and a fixing unit that is provided in the transport module and that includes a fixing member, which fixes the toner image onto the recording material, and a pressure member, which forms a pressing part to which the recording material is to be transported between the fixing member and the pressure member. When the recording material whose length in a transport direction is longer than that of the transport module is present in the transport path, the transport module is pulled out from the apparatus body while the recording material is being nipped by the fixing member and the pressure member.

Abstract: A control device configured to control an image forming apparatus by replacing a fixing device mounted therein with another fixing device including a storing portion configured to store information corresponding to a width of a recording material. The control device includes: a reading portion configured to read the information corresponding to the width of the recording material stored in the storing portion; an obtaining portion configured to obtain information corresponding to a width of a recording material to be subjected to image formation; and a controller configured to control an operation of the image forming apparatus on the basis of the information read by the reading portion and the information obtained by the obtaining portion. The controller prohibits an image forming operation when the width of the recording material obtained by the obtaining portion is smaller than the width of the recording material read by the reading portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling power-saving modes of the image forming apparatus are provided. The method of controlling power-saving modes of the image forming apparatus includes beginning a first power-saving mode after standing by in a normal mode for first time if no print operation is implemented, and beginning a second power-saving mode after standing by in the normal mode for second standby time if an error occurs under implementation of a print operation, wherein the second time is shorter than the first time, and the second power-saving mode includes a an error-checking mode.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device that passes a sheet to a nip portion formed between first and second rotating bodies, and conveys the sheet, the sheet conveying device includes a separation state determining unit configured to determine a separation state between the sheet having passed the nip portion and a surface of the first rotating body, a sheet separating unit configured to allow force to act on the sheet, and a control unit configured to control the force acting on the sheet by the sheet separating unit according to a result of the separation state determining unit, wherein the separation state determining unit includes an illumination unit, an imaging unit, and an acquisition unit, and the separation state between the sheet and the first rotating body is determined based on the acquired positional information of a tip of the sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable first developer carrier; a tray on which a recording sheet is to be discharged; a switchback roller configured to rotate in a first rotating direction to convey the recording sheet in a direction coming close to the tray, and a control device configured to switch a rotating direction of the switchback roller from the first rotating direction to a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction after rotation of the first developer carrier is stopped.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes a fixing unit that heats a medium having a developer image thereon while moving the medium to fix a developer image onto the medium, a motor that provides the fixing unit with a driving force to be used to move the medium, and a controller that determines whether the driving force provided by the motor is being transmitted to the fixing unit.

Abstract: Provided is a fixing device including a heating rotating body that heats a toner image formed on a recording medium, a pressurizing rotating body including an endless belt that is placed in such a manner that an outer circumferential surface thereof faces the heating rotating body, a first pressurizing member that is placed on a side of an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt and forms a fixing nip portion between the endless belt and the heating rotating body, and a second pressurizing member that guides the recording medium so that the recording medium comes into contact with the heating rotating body on an upstream side of the fixing nip portion in a transportation direction of the recording medium, and a releasing unit that releases pressure contact of the pressurizing rotating body that is in pressure contact with heating rotating body.

Abstract: A sheet conveyer, including a manual-feed conveyer path; a first sensor to detect presence of the sheet inserted in the manual-feed conveyer path; an upstream-side conveyer and a downstream-side conveyer to convey the sheet toward a downstream side; a second sensor to detect presence of the sheet in a downstream position with respect to the upstream-side conveyer, the second sensor being switchable between a presence-detectable state and an absence-detectable state; and a controller is provided. The controller measures presence-detecting duration of the sheet by the second sensor and controls the downstream-side conveyer to continue conveying the sheet if the first sensor is detecting presence of the sheet when the second sensor is switched to the absence-detectable state, and if a difference between a value calculated based on the measured presence-detecting duration and a reference value obtained based on a reference sheet length is smaller than a predetermined threshold.