Abstract: Optical measurement system and method for determining a wear level of printer components such as fuser rolls. Papers can be treated with optical brighteners, which act as distinct tag/trace molecules with fluorescent properties. A fluorescence pattern on the fuser roll can be changed in accordance with the edge density distribution in the print engine, when paper edges are accumulated on the fuser roll surface. A photo detector can capture a two-dimensional, digital image of the fluorescence pattern on the fuser roll surface to be measured, after illuminating the fuser roll, with intensity near ultraviolet range, by a light source. An image processor with a parameterized model can measure changes in the fluorescence pattern by analyzing the digital image of the fuser roll surface in order to determine the level of edge wear on the fuser rolls.

Abstract: If an input of a continuous image forming job is received, a time for interrupting the continuous image forming job is decided based on an image area ratio of a toner image that is formed on a latent image carrier through the continuous image forming job and a predetermined number of formed images (the number of passed sheets) that is formed until a predetermined type of abnormal image is generated when continuous image formation is performed at the image area ratio. During an interruption period of the continuous image forming job, an idle rotation in which the latent image carrier rotates in a state in which the toner is not supplied to the latent image carrier by the developing unit is performed, and the cleaning process is performed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photosensitive members; a plurality of discharging units respectively facing the plurality of photosensitive members; a plurality of high-voltage power supply units which are provided for the plurality of charging units and supply power to the plurality of discharging units; a discharge detection unit that detects abnormality in the plurality of discharging units; a controller which controls the output of one of the high-voltage power supply units having the largest output to be smaller when the discharge detection unit detects abnormality; and a determination unit which, in a state where the controller controls the output of the one of the high-voltage power supply unit, determines whether abnormality occurs in the discharging unit corresponding to the one of the high-voltage power supply unit based on the detection state of the discharge detection unit.

Abstract: A method of managing errors of at least one image forming apparatus, the method involving collecting information regarding the errors disrupting normal operation of the at least one image forming apparatus, analyzing the severity of each of the errors based on the collected information, and outputting a severity analysis result for each of the errors.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of types of operation control information of the image forming apparatus that indicate deterioration of a toner in the image forming apparatus or deterioration of a component of the image forming apparatus. An index value calculating unit calculates an index value indicating a state of the image forming apparatus based on the acquired operation control information. An abnormality judging unit judges whether the image forming apparatus abnormality has occurred and predicts an occurrence of a failure that requires maintenance of the image forming apparatus due to deterioration of the toner in the image forming apparatus or deterioration of the component of the image forming apparatus based on the index value.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for calibrating, to a higher level of precision, the timing of operation of a bias transfer element in an image forming device. Specifically, the systems and methods are directed to calibrating the timing of forward and reverse biasing in a document processing apparatus to account for myriad mechanical and environmental disturbances.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a clock generator, an image sensor, a plurality of switches having a first switch and a second switch, a reader, a first controller, and a second controller. The clock generator generates a first clock signal having a first cycle and a second clock signal having a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. The image sensor detects an image formed on a document to generate an image signal. The image signal is inputted into the first switch and the second switch by rotation. The first switch and the second switch is capable of switching to simultaneously or alternately output the image signal in synchronization with the first clock. The reader reads the image signal outputted from the first switch and the second switch. The first controller controls the first switch to output the image signal to the reader during a first period and to control the second switch to output the image signal to the reader during a second period.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus that effectively suppresses an increase in temperature of a heating device by operating an air blowing device when image formation is performed to a small-size recording material, and which can continuously perform the image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a heating device to heat a recording material to be conveyed, a cooling fan that blows air from an air blowing port facing a part of the heating device, and a shutter that moves such that an opening width of the air blowing port is regulated depending on a width of the recording material. The image forming apparatus also includes an error detecting device that detects an error of the cooling fan. When the error detecting device detects an error of the cooling fan, the shutter moves to a position such that image formation is continued.

Abstract: An image printing system includes a print engine and a sensing system. The print engine is configured to print a marking material image on a image bearing surface. The sensing system includes a plurality of illuminators, a modulator, a sensor, and a demodulator. Each illuminator is configured to simultaneously emit a light beam at the marking material image on the image bearing surface, thereby producing reflectance from the marking material image at least in a first direction. The modulator is configured to modulate an intensity characteristic of each of the light beams emitted by the illuminators such that each light beam has a different modulated waveform characteristic, where the waveform characteristic includes at least frequency. The sensor is configured to detect the reflectance from the plurality of light beams in the first direction and output a reflectance signal.

Abstract: A method for monitoring development parameters of a liquid toner electrophotographic (LEP) printer, the method comprising defining an operational window for a current utilized by the printer and monitoring the current to determine a deviation of the current outside the operational window.

Abstract: A printing system includes printing apparatuses connected to a network. A control apparatus of the printing system may send a print job to each printing apparatus and instruct each printing apparatus to execute the print job. When a first printing apparatus is instructed to execute the print job, the control apparatus makes a substitute printing reservation. The substitute printing reservation is for a second printing apparatus to execute the print job instead of the first printing apparatus. The second printing apparatus is set to a waiting state in which the second printing apparatus waits to execute the print job instead of the first printing apparatus.

Abstract: A printing system includes an instruction unit for instructing, in response to determination of using a reuse consumable in the case of replacement of a consumable of an image forming apparatus, a setting to be changed according to the replacement with the reuse consumable, wherein the setting instructed by the instruction unit is performed in the image forming apparatus after the replacement with the reuse consumable.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a voltage applying unit for applying a voltage to an electric load; a sub control unit for controlling the voltage applying unit; a restarting unit for restarting the sub control unit in response to receipt of a restart signal; a determining unit for determining whether or not restart of the sub control unit is abnormal restart; and a main control unit. The main control unit generates a control start signal for allowing the voltage applying unit to start generation of the voltage, and the restart signal. When the determining unit determines that restart of the sub control unit is abnormal restart, the main control unit sends again the control start signal to the sub control unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member which carries an electrostatic latent image; a charger comprising a charging wire extended in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the photosensitive member, the charger serving to charge the photosensitive member, and a promoting unit which is provided on at least one side of a region of the charger which is opposite to an image forming region in which the electrostatic latent image is formed, the promoting unit promoting a leakage current of the charger; detecting unit which detects a leakage current of the charger; and a correction unit which corrects the charging wire if the leakage current is detected.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting units, an activation unit, a plurality of light receiving units and a determination unit. The determination unit retrieves at least one output signal from the plurality of light receiving units in accordance with a predetermined retrieving procedure each time each of the plurality of light emitting units is activated, and determines, based on the at least one output signal, whether or not at least one of at least one of the plurality of light emitting units and at least one of the plurality of light receiving units is normal. The predetermined retrieving procedure is configured such that at least one output signal is retrieved from a part of the plurality of light receiving unite in response to an activation of at least one of the plurality of light emitting units.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to monitor a status of consumables of an image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store the status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a consumption rate of the consumables of the image forming apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine a subsequent status of the consumables based on the status of the consumables stored in the storage unit and the consumption rate acquired by the acquisition unit. The status of the consumables includes a first status, a second status, and a third status. The second status has a remaining amount of the consumables less than the first status. When the consumables is in the third status, the determination unit does not determine that the subsequent status of the consumables is the second status if a consumption rate equals to or exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that includes process units for different colors and a lifetime management device that manages lifetime information on each unit of the image forming apparatus. The lifetime management device counts the number of prints produced by the image forming apparatus with respect to each of photoconductor units and developing units in the process units, and measures an operation amount unique to the respective units. Based on the number of prints, service life of each unit and operation amount, the lifetime management device calculates the remaining lifetime of each unit.

Abstract: A device for determining an end of life of an organic photoreceptor includes a potential detecting unit that detects a residual potential of the organic photoreceptor, a temperature detecting unit that detects temperature of the organic photoreceptor in either one of a direct manner and an indirect manner, and a life determining unit that determines the end of life of the organic photoreceptor based on the residual potential detected by the potential detecting unit and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit.

Abstract: This is a charging assembly that is useful in marking processes with an electrostatically charged surface. The assembly includes, besides the charger, a controller and an electric field probe. Charge and current flows can be detected by the probe and corrected immediately after detection of flaws by the probe and conveyed to the controller. If flaws in the charger are determined by the probe, corrections are made to the output by a controller; this is done before a final copy or print is made. The term flaws as used means any non-uniform appearing region in the printed image or any otherwise unacceptable defect. The probe is enabled to detect and indicate flaws and the controller which is in communication with the probe takes corrective action on the flaws. The probe used is a novel probe having two sensing elements surrounded by one or more reference electrodes.

Abstract: A charge roll disposed in an image forming apparatus, for charging an image carrier for carrying an image, and to be cleaned by a cleaning member, the charge roll including: a shaft and an electrically conductive layer provided around the shaft, an axial end portion of the electrically conductive layer in an area in contact with the cleaning member being formed into skin layer portions thinner than other portions of the electrically conductive layer, is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image carrier, a plurality of forming devices, a detecting device configured to perform a steady-deviation detection for detecting steady positional deviation and a varying-deviation detection for detecting varying positional deviation having a cycle, and a correcting device configured to perform a steady-deviation correction for correcting the steady positional deviation and a varying-deviation correction for correcting the varying positional deviation. The detecting device forms, during the steady-deviation detection, a steady-deviation detection pattern in a state where the varying deviation correction is selectively disabled. The steady-deviation detection pattern has a plurality of measuring points arranged in a longitudinal direction. The detecting device, during the steady-deviation detection, measures positional deviation amount at each measuring point, and detects the steady positional deviation based on the measurement result.

Abstract: An image forming device, configured to make image quality adjustment based on calibration data, includes a storage configured to store the calibration data for the image quality adjustment, an acquiring unit configured to acquire first image data, a converter configured to, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, convert the first image data acquired by the acquiring unit into second image data by placing, into the first image data, test pattern data for forming one or more test patterns, an image forming unit configured to form an image based on the second image data on an image-formed body thereof, a sensor configured to measure densities of the test patterns included in the image formed on the image-formed body, and a modifying unit configured to modify the calibration data stored on the storage based on the densities measured by the sensor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a replaceable unit in which a plurality of replaceable parts are installed, a storage section to store a replacement time count value, a life duration time count value and a use count value, a display section and a control section to update the use count value in the storage section by counting the number of times of use of each of the parts installed in the unit, to determine whether a part which reached the life duration time exists or not based on the use count value of each of the parts which are update and the life duration time count value, and to display information for urging a replacement of the part which reached the life duration time and a part in which the use count value reached between the replacement time count value and the life duration time count value in the display section when the control section determines that the part which reached the life duration time exists.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a primary transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, a belt drive unit, and a swingable assembly. The primary transfer unit primary transfers an image from an image carrying member to an intermediate transfer belt. The secondary transfer unit secondary transfers the image, primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt, from the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium. The belt drive unit drives the intermediate transfer belt. The swingable assembly alternately abuts the secondary transfer unit to the intermediate transfer belt and separates the secondary transfer unit from the intermediate transfer belt. When the image forming apparatus is determined to be shifted to an extended stop mode, the belt drive unit moves the intermediate transfer belt for a given distance in a transport direction of the intermediate transfer belt and the swingable assembly separates the secondary transfer unit from the intermediate transfer belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes: plural photosensitive members; plural charging units respectively opposed to the plurality of photosensitive members; a high-voltage power supply unit which applies a voltage to the charging unit; and a discharge detecting unit which detects discharge of the charging unit and detects abnormality of the charging unit, wherein the plural charging units are connected to the discharge detecting unit in parallel.

Abstract: It is possible to provide a technique capable of grasping the necessity of the maintenance for a plurality of maintenance-oriented components in managing a maintenance work in an image forming apparatus containing the plurality of maintenance-oriented components. A maintenance method of an image forming apparatus includes: obtaining information for a use state of each of a plurality of maintenance-oriented components; obtaining maintenance information for a state of needing maintenance, the state being preset for each of the plurality of maintenance-oriented components; determining whether or not the plurality of maintenance-oriented components lie in a state of needing maintenance, based on the obtained information for a use state and the obtained maintenance information; and reporting in order to take a look at a maintenance-oriented component which is determined to need maintenance.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a rotational body configured such that an image to be transferred onto a sheet is formed in an image forming position thereon, a storage configured to store thereon, in a non-volatile manner, a correction parameter for canceling a deviation of the image forming position caused due to unevenness of a rotational speed of the rotational body, an adjusting unit configured to adjust the image forming position by controlling at least one of the rotational speed of the rotational body and timing of forming the image on the rotational body, based on the correction parameter, a first board loaded with the storage, and a second board loaded with the adjusting unit, the second board being provided separately from the first board.

Abstract: A time point at which a predetermined period elapses since the start of use of a copying machine as a detection subject after factory shipment or repair is obtained. Pieces of set information, which are combinations of various types of information until the time point is reached are sequentially stored to construct a normal set information group. After the time point is reached, presence of abnormality in the copying machine is determined based on the normal set information group and the various types of information obtained.

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: Transfer component monitoring methods, image forming devices, data signals, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, a transfer component monitoring method includes counting a plurality of imaging operations performed by an image forming device to form a plurality of hard images and adjusting a result of the counting to determine wear of a transfer component of the image forming device, wherein the transfer component is configured to assist with a transfer of a developing material to form the hard images.

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 switching regulator has an input voltage detection circuit which inputs a voltage applied to a rectifier diode 7 connected in series with the secondary side of a transformer and generates a voltage signal Vvp corresponding to the voltage, and a calculation unit which calculates a voltage value Vin inputted to the primary side of the transformer based on a voltage value of the voltage signal generated by the input voltage detection circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for testing a plastic sleeve for use with an image cylinder or a blanket cylinder in an electrophotographic process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing the uniformity of a charging subsystem with a resolution which enables one to make accurate predictions of customer acceptance of the charging device. The method and apparatus employs a scanner that scans the light emitted from a recording member such as a phosphor coated substrate while the charging device under test is in operation against the substrate, the uniformity of device can be processed using off-the-self image analysis tools. This enables imaging the generated charge pattern with improved spatial resolution and offers a quantitative technique to measure charge uniformity.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which can form an image without defective transfer even if a resistance value of a transfer device is so high that defective transfer tends to occur. Before starting operation of printing an image on a sheet, a transfer current is passed to a transfer roller so as to detect a voltage value V of a transfer voltage. When it is determined that the detected voltage value V does not exceed a reference voltage value Vr (resistance value of the transfer roller does not exceed a reference limiting value), an operation mode of the printing operation is set to a first printing mode. When it is determined that the detected voltage value V exceeds a reference voltage value Vr (resistance value of the transfer roller exceeds a reference limiting value), the operation mode of the printing operation is set to a second printing mode.

Abstract: A charge roll disposed in an image forming apparatus, for charging an image carrier for carrying an image, and to be cleaned by a cleaning member, the charge roll including: a shaft and an electrically conductive layer provided around the shaft, an axial end portion of the electrically conductive layer in an area in contact with the cleaning member being formed into skin layer portions thinner than other portions of the electrically conductive layer, is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes: plural photosensitive members; plural charging units respectively opposed to the plurality of photosensitive members; a high-voltage power supply unit which applies a voltage to the charging unit; and a discharge detecting unit which detects discharge of the charging unit and detects abnormality of the charging unit, wherein the plural charging units are connected to the discharge detecting unit in parallel.

Abstract: A hologram recording medium in which data is recorded at a high density, the input of a reference beam to an area to which data is not to be recorded of a recording layer is prevented when recording data to the hologram recording medium, and an amount of noise when reproducing the data from the hologram recording medium is reduced. The hologram recording medium includes a light velocity restriction member restricting an incidence area of a hologram recording layer, thus restricting the incidence of a reference beam onto the hologram recording layer, preventing the incidence of the reference beam onto an area to which data is not to be recorded of the hologram recording layer when recording data and reproducing the amount of noise when reproducing data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for managing consumables of an image forming apparatus widely used in printers, multi-function printers, and so on. The apparatus of the present invention includes memory devices provided in the consumables for writing and reading data related to the consumables and for managing the consumables. As such the present invention uses less signal lines for a development cartridge, informs a user to refill the consumables, and is less sensitive to noise due to the digital management of consumables.

Abstract: A duplex image reading apparatus has a transportation path for transporting a sheet original to a reading region by an original transporting device, and first and second reading devices placed corresponding to respective transportation sides of the sheet original in the reading region of the transportation path, and is constructed in such structure that each of the first and second reading devices is of such a configuration that a color reference portion used as a color reference for reading is opposed to a reading portion while the color reference portion and the reading portion are placed on two sides with the transportation sides of the sheet original in between, wherein the first and second reading devices are arranged so that either one of the reading portion and the color reference portion is supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an image reading surface of the reading portion.

Abstract: A control device and a method for monitoring wear parts for printers and copiers is provided. The control device includes a counter device with which the replacement intervals or, respectively, the maintenance intervals for individual wear parts are monitored. The replacement and maintenance intervals can be individually set, so that they can be matched to the respective use conditions of the printer.

Abstract: A cartridge is set in a printer main unit, and has a remaining toner measurer which measures toner in a toner chamber upon setting of the cartridge. A cartridge memory stores information of a remaining toner amount measured previously. CPU compares the remaining toner amount measured newly with the remaining toner amount measured previously and read from the cartridge memory. If there is an increase in the toner, the cartridge is determined as improper cartridge reloaded with the toner. An alarm signal is generated. Also, printing is inhibited. In another preferred embodiment, shortage information is assigned to the cartridge upon using up the toner. The cartridge, if it has the shortage information, is determined as improper. If a characteristic of the toner is not within a reference range, the cartridge is determined improper. In another preferred embodiment, an upper limit of the number of times of toner reloading is predetermined.

Abstract: In a hybrid jumping (HJD) or hybrid scavengeless (HSD) development station used in xerography, a control system avoids arcing conditions in a gap between a donor member and an image receptor. In a set-up operation, a series of test patches are produced while incrementing the AC amplitude in the gap. A change in reflectivity of the patches as a function of the AC amplitude in the gap is measured and the actual width of the gap is thus estimated. An accurate estimate of the gap width can then be used in a control algorithm.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention reads information, such as a use start date of a color laser printer, a cartridge detachment date, a total number of cartridges, used, a total consumption of toners, a total number of prints, and temperatures and humidities at an installation location, from a storage element of a toner cartridge, which has been attached to and detached from the color laser printer. When either the temperature or the humidity at the installation location is out of its normal service range, the technique modifies conditional values and determines whether immediate replacement of the main unit or each component of the color laser printer is required. When it is determined that immediate replacement is not required, the technique estimates a replacement timing of the main unit or the component, based on the above pieces of information.

Abstract: A method of displaying information about an image forming apparatus comprising a first image forming portion for forming an image on a normal image display medium and a second image forming portion for forming an image on a reversible image display medium and capable of forming an image on the normal image display medium through the first image forming portion and of forming an image on the reversible image display medium through the second image forming portion, wherein the information about the image forming apparatus (information about the state of a predetermined item in the image forming apparatus) and (or) information about a setting state for image formation in the image forming apparatus) is displayed on a display device in the image forming apparatus and (or) a display device in an image information input apparatus transmitting image data to the image forming apparatus depending on the information, and an image forming apparatus capable of executing the method.

Abstract: An image structure formed on a medium. The image structure is so formed that an angular distribution of surface reflection light beams under the condition that a surface of an image G formed on a medium is irradiated with a slit-transmitted light beam satisfies the following three characteristics: (1) an angle A corresponding to a half value of a reflected light peak is not smaller than unity but not larger than twice as large as a reference angle A0; (2) the ratio ?XGWS/?XGWS0 of the value of WS of center-of-gravity fluctuation to the value of reference WS0 of center-of-gravity fluctuation is not larger than 10; and (3) an angle B at which the quantity of reflected light becomes {fraction (1/10)} as large as the peak value is in a range of from 3×A0 to 6×A0, both inclusively.

Abstract: An image forming system, having means for storing usage histories of latent image carriers, developer, or the like and maintenance cycles of image forming apparatuses and having a function for selecting image forming apparatuses outputting an image based on the usage history data or the maintenance cycles, in order to achieve uniform output image qualities. By managing the usage histories so as to achieve approximately the same deteriorated conditions of the latent image carriers of the image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatuses can be put in the same condition and thus the output image qualities can be approximately the same in the image forming apparatuses. Additionally, the maintenance cycles can be adjusted to be approximately the same in the image forming apparatuses. Otherwise, maintenance periods can be controlled so as not to overlap in the image forming apparatuses.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus and method. The apparatus has a laser scanning unit to generate a laser beam, a photosensitive medium to receive the laser beam and form an electrostatic latent image, a developing roller to attach toner to a surface of the photosensitive medium, a transfer roller to transfer the developed image onto a paper sheet, a charge roller to charge the surface of the photosensitive medium to have a predetermined voltage, a power supply to supply electric power to the transfer roller and the charge roller, a transfer roller resistance detecting unit to detect a resistance of the charge roller, an actual surrounding condition detecting unit to detect an actual surrounding condition of the charge roller, and a controller to detect a surrounding condition from the resistance of the charge roller, compare the detected surrounding condition with the actual surrounding condition, and generate a transfer roller exchange signal if the two surrounding conditions differ.

Abstract: Transfer component monitoring methods, image forming devices, data signals, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, a transfer component monitoring method includes counting a plurality of imaging operations performed by an image forming device to form a plurality of hard images and adjusting a result of the counting to determine wear of a transfer component of the image forming device, wherein the transfer component is configured to assist with a transfer of a developing material to form the hard images.

Abstract: A printing machine comprises a charging device that forms a variable operating voltage. A charging device pre-fault status condition is determined by sampling the charging device operating voltage, forming a slope value based on a charging device operating voltage rate of change per unit time, and determining when the slope value falls in a charging device pre-fault status range of values. When the pre-fault status determination is made, a message is formed based on a current print count value. This message is then sent to a user or operator. When the print count value falls in a charging device replacement range of values, a replacement message is sent to inform that the charging device needs to be replaced. Otherwise, when the print count value does not fall in this range of values, a cleaning message is sent to inform that the charging device needs to be cleaned.