Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of minimizing the deterioration of image quality by suspending a calibrating process in a predetermined case while improving user convenience. While in the suspended state, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the multifunction machine can force the calibrating process in the print job, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the calibrating process is not forced in the print job.

Abstract: A printing device can transmit authentication data to a client computer remotely connected to the printing device. The authentication data can be used by the client computer to authenticate itself to a server computer.

Abstract: A consumable printing component for use in a printing device includes an imaging member and a memory storing message data. In response to a trigger event, a message is formed on the imaging member at the end of a print job such that the message remains on the imaging member.

Abstract: A cartridge storing a recording agent includes an opening through which the stored recording agent is discharged, and a cover member closing the opening. Further, a non-contact IC tag that stores information concerning the cartridge is attached to the cartridge. An image forming apparatus includes a communication unit that communicates with the IC tag for transmitting and receiving information, and an actuator that operates on the basis of the information obtained by this communication. The operation for opening the cover member is controlled by this actuator.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section for forming a plurality of toner images on a plurality of image bearing members respectively by an electrographic system; an endless belt to which the plurality of toner images are to be superimposedly transferred from the plurality of image bearing members, the endless belt being arranged close to the image forming section; a driving roller which the endless belt is placed on and is adapted to drive the endless belt; a driven roller which the endless belt is placed on; a detector for detecting a surface condition of the endless belt; and a controller for controlling at least one of the surface speed of the image bearing member and the moving speed of the endless belt in accordance with an output from the detector.

Abstract: Process units, a transfer unit, a belt cleaning unit, a secondary transfer unit and a fixing unit each include a storage unit that stores therein information on the operation amount thereof measured by a controller as operation record with respect to each unit. The controller updates the information stored in the storage unit after each time the controller measures the operation amount. The controller calculates remaining lifetime of the units based on the operation amount and a predetermined lifetime index.

Abstract: When an image forming apparatus receives print data to which page quantity information has been added from an external apparatus, it decides by which emulation among a plurality of types of emulations to interpret the print data, and outputs the print data emulation-processed depending on the decision to an engine which forms an image for each page. Further, when it is determined that the page quantity of the print data outputted to the engine is larger than the page quantity indicated by the page quantity information, the apparatus instructs the engine to suspend image formation.

Abstract: A method for detecting potential counterfeiting of print cartridges includes transmitting a message regarding date information stored on a print cartridge installed in a printing device, the message being transmitted to a monitoring server.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, in which a consumption article can be attached to and detached from a main body, has a device that makes an access to a memory provided on the consumption article, a device that determines whether or not an access failure has occurred during the access to the memory, and a device that switches over between warning levels according to the address of the memory where the access failure has occurred or an attribute concerning write and read where the access failure has occurred.

Abstract: One or more ink-usage parameters are adjusted based on ink remaining and historical ink usage, to reduce ink usage for an image to be printed on a sheet of media with ink. The image is printed on the sheet of media with the ink, in accordance with the ink-usage parameters. Adjustment of ink-usage parameters and printing an image on a sheet of media with the ink are repeated for each additional image to be printed on a sheet of media.

Abstract: A portion of a replaceable component of an imaging device is selectively deformed or melted.

Abstract: A toner cartridge having a microcontroller configured to store data necessary to create a message authentication code required by the printer. The microcontroller contains data values capable of generating acceptable MACs for a plurality of printers used in a plurality of geographic regions. The microcontroller recognizes a variety of unique parameters displayed by the printer's processor to identify the geographic region of the printer being used. Once the printer and geographic region are identified, the microcontroller loads the data values associated with the printer and generates an acceptable MAC to enable printer operation.

Abstract: Embodiments herein maintain an unscheduled maintenance rate of a first apparatus, of a group of apparatuses, based on a history of unscheduled maintenance service calls performed on the first apparatus. Other apparatuses in the group of apparatuses have different unscheduled maintenance rates when compared to the unscheduled maintenance rate of the first apparatus. The method/system herein replaces fully used components of the first apparatus that exceed a predetermined full service life, based on usage meters of the components and replaces partially used components of the first apparatus that do not exceed the full service life, based on the usage meters.

Abstract: An adapter suitable for installation in a machine in place of a customer replaceable unit monitor having a first interface format is described herein. Upon installation of the adapter in the machine, the adapter enables data communication between the machine and a customer replaceable unit monitor having a second interface format that is different than the first interface format. The first and second interface formats may include one or more of: configuration of an electrical interface of the customer replaceable unit monitor, configuration of a mechanical interface of the customer replaceable unit monitor, and configuration of data input to and output from the customer replaceable unit monitor. The adapter may be attached to a module before the module is installed in the machine to simplify installation of the adapter.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method for identifying a container, or communication information about a container using a slot in the container as an antenna. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes an outer wall forming rim and a slot between the rim edge and the outer wall that is circular and continues without boundaries. The wireless communication device is coupled to the slot to provide the slot antenna for communications. An impedance matching network is additionally provided to make the operating frequency of the slot substantially the same as the operating frequency of the wireless communication device. Alternatively, shorting posts may be placed in the slot to define boundaries of the slot to match the operating frequency of the slot to the operating frequency of the antenna. Multiple feed points may be provided between the wireless communication device and the slot.

Abstract: A printer includes at least one replaceable module which is removable from the printer. A processor discontinues an operation of the printer when the processor determines that an end of life value for the replaceable module is reached unless an appropriate identifier is input which allows the operation of the printer to continue beyond the end of life value. The identifier may be provided by a supplier at the end of life point, provided that an order for a replacement module is received.

Abstract: A method of programming a memory unit in a hard copy output engine includes determining a geographical area or economic region within which the hard copy output engine is to be deployed, determining an electronic address for a consumables supplier appropriate to the geographical area and programming the electronic address into the memory.

Abstract: A universal cartridge chip for use with an imaging process cartridge installed in an imaging device is disclosed. The universal cartridge chip includes a memory storing imaging process cartridge data. The universal cartridge chip may be installed on the imaging process cartridge in a first orientation or a second orientation. If the cartridge chip is installed in a first orientation, the cartridge chip operates in a first mode. If the cartridge chip is installed in a second orientation the cartridge chip operates in a second mode.

Abstract: A method of controlling an image forming apparatus having at least one consumption part. The method includes fetching specification information corresponding to the at least one consumption part, detecting whether control information for controlling a printing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the specification information is present in a memory of the image forming apparatus, storing the specification information of the at least one consumption part and the control information about the printing operation into the memory of the image forming apparatus when the control information is not present in the memory, and controlling the printing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the control information stored in the memory of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A consumable printing component for use in a printing device includes an imaging member and a memory storing message data. In response to a trigger event, a message is formed on the imaging member at the end of a print job such that the message remains on the imaging member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which allows an independent and easy replacement of replaceable image forming devices including an image forming unit detachably provided in the image forming apparatus. The image forming unit includes a housing, a plurality of replaceable devices, and a nonvolatile memory. The plurality of replaceable devices are replaceably mounted inside the housing. The nonvolatile memory is mounted on the housing and stores lifetime information of the image forming unit and each one of the plurality of replaceable devices.

Abstract: Image forming histories when decolorization toner is used by a first counter or a second counter and when ordinary toner is used are counted respectively, and image forming histories of a decolorization developing device and an ordinary developing device are counted by a third counter or a fourth counter, and life control is executed for expendables, and adjustment of process conditions is controlled.

Abstract: Upon generation of an image forming request, a control unit sets a request flag in a nonvolatile rewritable memory. A toner consumption monitoring unit calculates amount of toner consumption during a process of image formation based on the image forming request and the request flag. Upon completion of the process of image formation, the control unit deletes the request flag from the memory unit. Thus, it becomes possible to determine whether the amount of toner consumption is correctly updated based on the request flag and accurately monitor the amount of toner consumption.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detachable consumable part having a storage unit configured to store information. The image forming apparatus includes a counting unit configured to count the number of times of access to the storage unit, a measurement unit configured to measure a used amount of the consumable part, and an access control unit configured to control an access frequency to the storage unit based on the counted number of times of access and the used amount of the consumable part.

Abstract: A consumable purchase assist program is built in a computer (500) to which a print apparatus (400) is connected, and contains at least a purchase source information acquisition step for acquiring via a network (220), purchase source information containing dealer information of a consumable required for the print apparatus to print or selling condition information, a type information acquisition step for acquiring consumable type information from the print apparatus, and a consumable information display step for displaying the contents of the purchase source information and the type information on a screen of the computer.

Abstract: A system for enabling ordering of printer supplies directly via a printer. The system provides an option for a user to request value bundled information before placing a printer supply order. By providing the option of requesting value bundled information, a customer can obtain information about printer supply promotions directly via the printer without the need for an information handling system to be coupled to the printer. Additionally, the system provides an encouragement to a customer to purchase a plurality of printer suppliers by providing the customer with incentives for the purchase.

Abstract: A method and system compare actual consumable usage (e.g., toner usage) with expected consumable usage in a xerographic machine, such as a printer or copier. Expected toner usage may be predicted from pixel count (area coverage) and actual usage is obtained from monitoring of consumable usage, such as from toner dispense data or toner bottle replacements. If the actual toner usage differs significantly from the expected toner usage (e.g., ±40%), the system may take some action, such as scheduling of a service call. Early detection of abnormal consumable usage in a xerographic machine may allow early correction before any noticeable image defects occur, such as images that are too light or too dark.

Abstract: A backup system, apparatus and method to provide a backup of information associated with replaceable devices in an image forming apparatus, such as a color printer. The information may include information representing use of the replaceable devices. The image forming apparatus may include a system memory for storing the replaceable device information. A backup memory may be located on at least one of the replaceable devices to provide a backup of the replaceable device information. The backup memory may allow the replaceable device information to be transferred to another image forming apparatus, for example, when exchanging replaceable devices from a failing apparatus to a replacement apparatus.

Abstract: A printing device (10) such as a laser printer includes a fuser assembly (200) with a fuser wiper (210) that can be removed and replaced by a user during normal maintenance to extend the useful life of the fuser assembly (200). Indicators (b0, b1) stored in a memory device (144) can be read by a print engine (36) of a printer (10) either when a print cartridge (100) is first inserted into the printer (10) or at specified times thereafter. Depending on the contents of the memory device (144), the print engine (36) may send a notification message to the printer's raster image processor (150) to cause a message to be displayed on the printer's operational/display panel (254) that informs a user the fuser wiper (210) should be replaced.

Abstract: A method for altering web service access through a replaceable component comprising the steps of: inserting a replaceable component into a printing device; and reading the replaceable component to determine if the component includes a setting that is used to alter web service access.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method where a first terminal group comprises one or more host terminals, a second terminal group is connected to the first terminal group via a network and comprises one or more host terminals, and an image forming apparatus is connected to the first and second terminal groups via the network, and forms an image using a predetermined expendable material in response to a drive command issued by one of the host terminals belonging to the first or second terminal group. An expendable element has a memory that stores information regarding a remaining amount of expendable material for each of the first and second terminal groups. Accordingly, it is possible for host terminals to obtain the benefits of being connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses from a single image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for carrying out an image forming process with a detachably mountable image forming unit mounted thereon, when the mounting of the image forming unit has been detected, whether the mounted image forming unit is a new one is discriminated. Then, unit control information held by an information holding portion for holding unit control information corresponding to the image forming unit is updated on the basis of the results of discrimination at the last time and this time. By such a construction, image formation becomes executable on the mounted image forming unit always in an optimized state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board comprising a contact terminal, which prevents a poor contact and reduces a manufacturing cost, and an image forming apparatus having the same. The printed circuit board comprises a circuit part for controlling and processing an operation of electronic appliance, and a large-area contact terminal formed by a group of small-area terminals for electric connection with external device. The small-area terminals can be formed in various types, respectively having regular size and shape and being distanced a predetermined interval. Accordingly, unevenness of the large-area contact terminal surface caused by soldering is prevented since a plurality of small-area terminals constitute a unit contact terminal of over a predetermined size. Therefore, quality of contact with external terminal improves. Further, manufacturing cost is reduced, and the manufacturing process becomes simple.

Abstract: A CPU causes a power control unit and a bias application circuit at all times to apply a developing bias to a developing roller thereby to execute a printing operation. When the CPU determines the lapse of lifetime of a developer cartridge on the basis of detection signals from a toner shortage detecting sensor and a counter, the CPU detects that the developer cartridge is at a spaced position, and causes the power control unit to feed a fusing current from the bias application circuit thereby to fuse a fuse element.

Abstract: A cartridge information managing unit reads a kind of toner cartridge which is detachable to an image forming apparatus main body and ID information stored in a toner cartridge identification information storing unit and manages them. A process switching unit of an image forming unit switches a processing method of received image information on the basis of the read ID information of the toner cartridge. Even if the toner cartridge is incompatible with the apparatus, deterioration in image quality is suppressed.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus holds identification information for identifying the electronic apparatus. A replacement unit is detachably connected to the electronic apparatus. The replacement unit holds an operation program to controls the electronic apparatus and determination information. When the replacement unit is connected to the electronic apparatus, it is determined based on the identification information and the determination information whether the operation program can control the electronic apparatus. Upon determining that the operation program can control the electronic apparatus, the electronic apparatus is controlled with the operation program.

Abstract: A machine comprises a processor and at least one other component. The processor determines if the other component needs service, and sends an electronic message addressed to a remote communication device accessible by a user of the machine. The service includes at least one of: repair, replacement and replenishment of the component, and the electronic message indicates the need for the service and includes information to facilitate ordering at least one of: the repair, replacement and replenishment of the other component. The electronic message may include at least one of: an e-mail message, a text message, an instant message, and an SMS message, and may be forwarded to a supplier to place an order for the repair, replacement and replenishment of the other component.

Abstract: An image processor includes a main body and a consumable product which is replaceably installed to the main body is provided with a storage configured to store a table to which a record indicative of a usage status of the consumable product is to be successively added, an installation detection unit configured to detect that the consumable product is newly installed, a judging unit configured to judge whether the newly installed consumable product has been used in the main body continuously or discontinuously when the detection unit detects that the consumable product is newly installed. A usage status detection unit detects the usage status of the consumable product. A controller updates the latest record of the table if the consumable product has been continuously used, while creates a new record to be added to the table if the consumable product has been used discontinuously.

Abstract: A printing device can receive a replaceable component that includes an integrated memory. The integrated memory can store an indicator for indicating a condition of the component. The printing device can retrieve the indicator from the integrated memory. The printing device can determine from the indicator the condition of the component. The printing device can monitor for an occurrence of a trigger event. The printing device can, if the component is determined to be in a first condition and a trigger event occurs, increment a component usage count. The component usage count can be stored in a memory internal to the printing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which programs for controlling processes that are provided by the image forming apparatus are installed. The image forming apparatus includes means for managing the use amount of each program by use of a counter, means for recognizing the counter which corresponds to the identification information of the program and can manage the use amount of the program, means for correlating the program with the counter recognized by the recognizing means to manage the counter, means which can set an upper limit on the use amount of each program for the use amount managing means, and means for controlling the process by the image forming apparatus based on the upper limit of the use amount set by the setting means for each of the types of the programs.

Abstract: Disclosed are, as an embodiment, an information processing apparatus connectable to an image processing apparatus, including a first setting unit for setting the first limitation condition for limiting the use of the image processing apparatus, a second setting unit for setting whether to inhibit the use upon reception of a use request exceeding the second limitation condition, a decision unit for deciding whether the second setting unit sets to inhibit the use upon reception of a use request exceeding the first limitation condition set by the first setting unit, and an inhibit unit for inhibiting the use of the image processing apparatus in accordance with the decision result of the decision unit, wherein the second setting unit can set to inhibit the use of the image processing apparatus so as to perform different operations between a case wherein the use request exceeds the first limitation condition but does not exceed the second limitation condition and a case wherein the use request exceeds the first an

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a replaceable constituent element; an information storage unit that holds information indicating a type of the constituent element received by a user interface; and a life calculation controller that, when at least one piece of the information stored in the information storage unit indicates a particular type, performs control to suppress calculation of a life of the constituent element.

Abstract: An apparatus having an operative mode and a non-operative mode with a method for counting events with a volatile counter and a non-volatile electronic memory having a number N of memory areas, includes counting events with the volatile counter, when the count value has been incremented by a predetermined number M or when the apparatus passes into the non-operative mode, saving the count value to one of the memory areas, with cycling switching of the memory area into which the count value is written; and when the apparatus passes into the operative mode, initializing the counter with the maximum of the count values stored in the N memory areas.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image producing apparatus that produces image data and an image forming apparatus that prints the image data. The image producing apparatus produces the image data, and detects from the image data usage information indicative of an amount of consumable required for printing the image data. Then, the image producing apparatus sends the usage information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus adds the usage information to an accumulated amount of consumable to update the accumulated amount of consumable. When the accumulated amount of consumable exceeds a threshold, the image forming apparatus sends to the image producing apparatus setting information that specifies the settings of the image producing apparatus such that an image is formed without an accumulated amount consumable exceeding an upper limit. The image producing apparatus performs its setting based on the setting information.

Abstract: A printer includes at least one replaceable module which is removable from the printer. A processor discontinues an operation of the printer when the processor determines that an end of life value for the replaceable module is reached unless an appropriate identifier is input which allows the operation of the printer to continue beyond the end of life value. The identifier may be provided by a supplier at the end of life point, provided that an order for a replacement module is received.

Abstract: To allow a user to efficiently select a printer and a printer drive for the printer by providing information on a selection state of printers and printer drives for the printers of users around the user when the user selects a printer and a printer driver for the printer. A printer management apparatus includes a state-of-use managing unit that manages, on the basis of a history of communication with a terminal apparatus, predetermined information concerning a state of use of a printer by the terminal apparatus and a state-of-use displaying unit that transmits, in response to a printer device detection signal received from the terminal apparatus, the predetermined information concerning the state of use of the printer managed by the state-of-use managing unit to the terminal apparatus, which transmits the printer device detection signal, and causes the terminal apparatus to display the predetermined information.

Abstract: MFP 100 obtains document image data by reading an image of an IC-tagged document by means of image scanning unit 150, and writes it into the IC tag of the document as archive information of the document image by means of IC-tagged reading/writing unit 140. It also writes the differential image data obtained by extracting the difference between the document image data and the image data related to the archive information stored in the IC tag of the document as the archive information of the document image. Moreover, MFP 100 is capable of reading the desired archive information from the IC tag of the document, and printing or deleting it. This makes it possible to accumulate and use the archive information of the document image in the document itself when the document image is updated multiple times by handwriting notes, etc.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a main body with a casing and performs an image forming operation. A sheet receiving surface constitutes part of the casing and can receive a sheet discharged after an image forming process is performed. A window is provided on the sheet receiving surface for enabling part of the interior of the main body to be seen. An auxiliary tray is attached to the sheet receiving surface and is displaceable between an unfolded position to auxiliary support a discharged sheet and an accommodated position to be accommodated in the sheet receiving surface. The window is at a bottom of a recess formed by recessing a part of the sheet receiving surface. The auxiliary tray is accommodated in the recess when at the accommodated position and includes a transparent portion for ensuring visibility of the window.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for indicating the time to replace consumables in an image forming apparatus by receiving the current date and the critical time of the consumables from a host and comparing them. The apparatus and method include receiving information regarding replacement of the consumables from the host; comparing the received information regarding the replacement of the consumables to information on the critical time to replace the consumables; and when the comparison result indicates the need to replace the consumables, indicating the time to replace the consumables. The information regarding replacement of the consumables includes a current date, and the information on the critical time includes the critical time. The indicating of the time may include comparing the current date and the critical time and when the current date is the same as or greater than the critical time, determining that the consumables need to be replaced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least two radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, an interrogator activating the RFID tags and sequentially receives tag information from the RFID tags according to the priority orders of the RFID tags, and a controller controlling the operation of the interrogator. Tag information of a plurality of RFID tags can be received by a single reader (interrogator). In other words, radio communication can be achieved without a plurality of readers, thereby reducing the material costs.