Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a processing unit which performs an image recording process for recording an image on a recording medium based on image data; a movement mechanism which moves the processing unit; a first control section which controls the image recording process performed by the processing unit; and a second control section which acquires a state of progress of the image recording process and controls the movement mechanism so as to move the processing unit to a position according to the progress state.

Abstract: A double-side recording apparatus which inverts a recording medium after the end of the recording of a first face, and then performs the recording of a second face, includes: a recording unit which performs recording on the recording medium; a transportation unit which transports the recording medium to a position where the recording unit can perform the recording; a movement unit which moves a movable member capable of engaging with the recording unit to an engagement position and a non-engagement position; an inversion unit which inverts the recording medium sent from the transportation unit and returns the inverted recording medium to the transportation unit; a power source which is common to the transportation unit, the movement unit, and the inversion unit;

Abstract: A belt driving control device includes an endless belt looped over a plurality of supporting rollers, a driving source supplying rotational driving force the supporting rollers, a detecting section detecting a periodical thickness deviation of the endless belt in a circumferential direction of the endless belt and carrying out data sampling for detection of the thickness deviation simultaneously with rotation of the endless belt, a memory storing data on the thickness deviation obtained based on the data sampling, and a control section controlling drive of the driving source such that the detected thickness deviation of the endless belt is canceled out based on the data on the thickness deviation stored in the memory, and such that the endless belt is driven to travel one rotation upon detecting a predetermined condition to carry out the data sampling for one rotation and update the stored data with new data.

Abstract: Electrographic printing of one or more toner layers having a particular pattern by electrographic techniques so that one layer acts as an adhesive, when fixed, for a thin film. Such electrographic printing comprises the steps of forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing marking particles; and applying the thin film in registration before activating the toner.

Abstract: A technique of shortening the adjustment time of image forming conditions in accordance with the use status of each apparatus without degrading the image quality is disclosed. In a color image forming apparatus which has an adjustment unit that adjusts image forming parameters for setting image forming conditions, and which forms an image on a printing medium using the adjusted image forming parameters, the use log of the color image forming apparatus is collected, and at least one image forming parameter is selected in correspondence with the collected use log as an image forming parameter to be adjusted by the adjustment unit in next adjustment, by referring to a storage unit which stores, in correspondence with the use log, at least one image forming parameter to be adjusted by the adjustment unit.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, an allowable temperature range of a fixing unit is divided into a plurality of fixing temperature ranges, and image data conversion ? tables respectively suitable for the divided fixing temperature ranges are prepared. A fixing temperature of the fixing unit is measured during image forming. A ? table suitable for the measured fixing temperature can be selected and used. Consequently, even when a reduction in fixing temperature within the allowable temperature range is caused in the fixing unit in the case of continuously outputting color images at a high speed, the resulting change in tint of output images can be reduced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a dual purpose tray that accommodates a document and a transfer sheet, a document transport mechanism to transport the document from the dual purpose tray to an image reading position, an image reading mechanism disposed beneath the document transport mechanism, an image forming mechanism disposed beneath the image reading mechanism, a transfer sheet transport mechanism to transport the transfer sheet from a bifurcation point through the image reading mechanism, a sheet feeding path that bifurcates into a first transport path through which the document is transported to the image reading position and a second transport path through which the transfer sheet is transported through the image reading mechanism to an image forming position by switching a switching member in accordance with one of a type of a recording medium set on the dual purpose tray and an operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the user's print waiting time as much as possible when it is determined that image adjustment is necessary during the image forming operation, and a control method therefor. To accomplish this, in a color image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming stations which form toner images with a plurality of toners on the basis of a job, it is discriminated whether adjustment processing is necessary during a continuous image forming operation based on the job. If it is discriminated that adjustment processing is necessary, it is determined whether each of the image forming stations has a non-operating time enough to execute the discriminated adjustment processing during the image forming operation. The image forming station determined to have a non-operating time enough to execute adjustment processing executes the discriminated adjustment processing during the non-operating time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt, an image forming section, a displacement operation section and a displacement control section. The image forming section includes a color image forming unit and a monochrome image forming unit. The displacement operation section conducts a press-contact operation and a release operation. The press-contact operation brings into contact the image carrier and the belt. The release operation separates the image carrier from the belt. The displacement control section controls the displacement operation section to perform the press-contact operation when the cumulative number of color images is greater than the cumulative number of monochrome images after the image forming section forms a series of images. The displacement control section controls the displacement operation section to perform the release operation when the cumulative number of color images is less than the cumulative number of monochrome images after the image forming section forms a series of images.

Abstract: A tab sheet setting apparatus displays sheet images which correspond to sheets for consecutive two or more pages among a plurality of pages and a tab ear icon that functions as a tab image which corresponds to a tab of a tab sheet on an operating screen. In case when the tab image is moved and placed in a first area, which contains at least a sheet image of one page that is displayed on the operating screen, the sheet of the page indicated by the sheet image in the first area is decided to be the tab sheet. In case when the tab image is moved and placed in a second area, which is different from the first area and contains a midpoint of sheet images of two consecutive pages displayed on the operating screen, insertion of the tab sheet in between the two consecutive pages is decided.

Abstract: A process for printing on substrates, wherein the substrates are pretreated with a composition which comprises a polymer obtainable by free radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated compounds (monomers) (referred to below as polymer for short), and at least 40% by weight of the monomers are olefins.

Abstract: An image forming method for printing on tab paper with a main body for a text and an tab for an index, comprising the steps of: 1) acquiring index information on the index to be printed on the tab, and 2) printing the index information acquired in the step 1) on the tab paper, wherein first index information composed of the initial part of the index information that can fit into the tab, is printed on the tab, and second index information containing at least the remaining part of the index information after depriving it of the first index information, is printed on the main body.

Abstract: When an adjustment mode is set, a designation screen is displayed on a liquid crystal display screen. A part as an object of adjustment is designated by a touch operation to the designation screen. Subsequently to this designation, an input screen for inputting data for adjustment is displayed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of performing monochrome printing and color printing in which all the developing units share a single development transformer is constructed such that at the time of monochrome printing the photoreceptor drums for colors are stopped rotating while all the developing units are constantly applied with a high voltage. Further, the cumulative operation time in which the black photoreceptor drum has been operated for monochrome printing is calculated so that the color-printing photoreceptor drums which are stopped during monochrome printing are rotationally driven by a predetermined angle when the cumulative operation time exceeds predetermined fixed time. Thus, the surface of each color-printing photoreceptor drum that is being worn is restored by making the fresh surface of the drum oppose the associated color developing unit, whereby it is possible to prevent occurrence of defects on the surface of each photoreceptor drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, an image forming mechanism configured to perform an image formation by performing a first image forming operation to form a first image on the image bearing member and an image transferring operation to transfer the first image onto a recording member, and an image quality controlling mechanism configured to perform an image control by performing a second image forming operation to form a second image on the image bearing member and an image controlling operation to control an image quality according to the second image. The image quality controlling mechanism determines an operation condition of starting the image control according to first information of operations during the image formation and second information of operations during the image control, when the second image forming operation is performed during the first image forming operation.

Abstract: There is provided a technique in which a paper jam in a fixing unit can be prevented without adding a special part or the like, and without causing a damage of a pressure roller and distortion of an image due to adhesion of toner or paper powder to a peeling member. There are provided an image judgment part that judges whether an image is formed on a second surface as a back surface opposite to a first surface of a sheet on which an image is to be formed, and an image forming part that forms a specified image in the vicinity of a leading end of the first surface of the sheet in a sheet transport direction in a case where the image judgment part judges that the image is formed on the second surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which an image quality priority mode in which image density adjustment or image gradation control is effected to thereby give priority to the quality of an output image, and a speed priority mode in which gradation control is partly effected or is not effected to thereby output the output image within a short time can be selected by a user. A mode selection screen for selecting an image forming mode is displayed on the operating panel of the image forming apparatus. The image quality priority mode giving priority to the quality of image and the speed priority mode giving priority to speed are selectively displayed. When the user selects the image quality priority mode, and image control parameter is renewed immediately before image forming by image control, and the image forming is effected by the use of the renewed image control parameter, and when the speed priority mode is selected, at least part of the image control is not effected, but the image forming is effected.

Abstract: A toner dam maintenance process and system model the amount of toner mass at a toner cleaner blade, and apply a corrective procedure, such as insertion of a paperless copy into the print job mid-job or immediately prior to cycle out, to replenish the toner mass at the cleaner blade to maintain lubrication and reduce cleaning failure. The modeling includes contributing factors toward toner dam input and output, including untransferred toner, cycle-in/cycle-out bands, untransferred background, and leakage of toner from the cleaner blade. One or several threshold can be reached to cause one or more different corrective actions to take place. The action may be adding or skipping a pitch to insert a corrective maintenance pattern without transfer.

Abstract: A printing device comprises a printing unit which prints an image on a sheet according to a print command, a judgment unit which judges whether a total adhesion amount of a print agent adhering to the sheet for the image printing exceeds a prescribed threshold value or not based on inputted print data, and a control unit which executes a process for reducing the total adhesion amount of the print agent when the total adhesion amount is judged to exceed the threshold value by the judgment unit.

Abstract: A sensor reciprocates in a main scanning direction to detect lateral end portions of a sheet conveyed in a sub-scanning direction. A print head is mounted on a carriage reciprocating in the main scanning direction. A sheet-information acquiring unit acquires sheet information including a type and a size of the sheet. A positional-information storing unit stores positional information on lateral positions of the sheet on the conveying belt, corresponding to the size of the sheet. A control unit controls, when the type of the sheet is a pattern-printed sheet, a printing by the print head based on the positional information corresponding to the size of the sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photoconductive body for forming an electrostatic latent image thereon; an exposure device for exposing the electrophotographic photoconductive body to form an electrostatic latent image; a storage device for storing information related to potential characteristics at a plurality of areas divided on a surface of the electrophotographic photoconductive body in advance; an information obtaining device for obtaining the information related to potential characteristics, wherein light quantities exposed by the exposure device are determined according to the information related to potential characteristics stored by the storage device and the information related to potential characteristics obtained by the information obtaining device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, each capable of controlling a timing for starting image formation such that when forming a preceding image and a following image, a timing for starting formation of the following image is adjusted based on a timing for starting the preceding image.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a printer is provided. The positioning apparatus includes at least one encoder, an OPC belt, and a code strip consisting of a reference bar code region, a blank region and normal bar code region. The OPC belt is moved relatively to the encoder and has a joint region. The code strip is mounted on the OPC belt and has a plurality of bar codes. The encoder is used for detecting the bar codes and generating a displacement signal representing a displacement of the OPC belt moved relatively to the encoder. The blank region may be adjoined the joint region. Therefore, a home position can be located precisely by the displacement signal due to the existence of the reference bar code region and blank region. Moreover, a positioning method for a printer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to record an image on a recording medium, a roller configured to convey the recording medium, a first signal generation unit configured to generate a first period signal according to a movement of the recording medium, a second signal generation unit configured to generate a second period signal according to a rotation of the roller, a correction unit configured to correct the first period signal when a period value of the first period signal is outside a predetermined range, an information generation unit configured to generate variation information of a moving speed of the recording medium based on the first period signal, and a control unit configured to control recording on the recording medium based on the variation information and the second period signal.

Abstract: In an electrographic printing device, an image generating system generates an electrical charge image on an image carrier element. The electronic charge image is made visible by a developer station via charged ink particles, the image being subsequently transferred onto a final image medium and fixed thereon. A speed control is provided which: continuously varies speed of the image carrier element from zero up to a limit speed; adapts charge intensity of the image carrier element to its speed; adapts an exposure intensity for exposure according to the image and in a deletion exposure of the image carrier element to its speed; and keeps a supply of toner to the image carrier element constant per area.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus of the present invention, an image forming section for forming an image makes a part of line information which exists in the image different from other line information. For example, specific information is added by making a part of line information such as a frame line, a ruled line, or an under line, different from other line information. Specific information such as copying inhibition information and user information is added to a document, and thereby it is possible to prevent from affecting other image information different from conventional copying inhibition information and background pattern. Moreover, since the ruled line and the like is formed in black, it is possible to add the specific information or recognize the specific information even in a black-and-white image processing apparatus.

Abstract: In a color printing mode of an image forming apparatus, two toner images in respective colors are formed and superimposed on an intermediate transfer belt. A gap D11 between toner images of the same color is narrowed while a gap D12 between toner images of different colors is widened, thereby corresponding to the switching of developers. In a printing mode that forms a monochrome image using one developer, gaps D21, D22 between the respective toner images are the same. In a printing mode that forms a monochrome image while switching four developers, a toner image formed immediately before the switching is shifted forward, thereby widening a gap D34 from the next toner image.

Abstract: When an adjustment mode is set, a designation screen A is displayed on a liquid crystal display part 12. A part as an object of adjustment is designated by a touch operation to the designation screen A. Subsequently to this designation, an input screen B for inputting data for adjustment is displayed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a history storage portion for storing the usage history involving the number of prints of the image forming apparatus, and a processing time controller for changing the time of the pre-processing operation before or the time of the post-processing operation after a printing process of the printing portion, based on the stored usage history so as to exclude the influence of the unfixed developer on the printing process.

Abstract: Detachable sheet feeding units are connected to an image forming apparatus. A transmitting unit transmits a feeding instruction via a signal line to a sheet feeding unit that is to perform sheet feeding. A first sheet detector, which is placed in the sheet feeding unit, detects a sheet that has been fed from the sheet feeding unit. A second sheet detector is provided downstream of the first sheet detector in terms of the sheet conveyance direction. If the feeding instruction is transmitted and a plurality of sheets are fed from the sheet feeding unit, an image formation controller determines whether to cause the image forming operation to continue or stop based upon whether a sheet-to-sheet interval of a plurality of sheets has been detected by the second sheet detector in a state in which the result of detection by the first sheet detector indicates presence of a sheet.

Abstract: An electrophotographic device has first and second laser sources, each controllable to emit a laser beam, a scanning device arranged to direct the beams so as to sweep in a scan direction across a photoconductive surface and a controller configured to control the electrophotographic device. In at least one print mode, the electrophotographic device is controlled such that scan lines written by the first laser beam overlap with scan, lines written by the second laser beam, and a laser power of the first and second laser sources are controlled such that image data corresponding to select print elements are each partially written at a corresponding print element, position along at least two adjacent scan lines so as to combine energy in a manner that forms a synthesized print element on the photoconductive surface at a position between the adjacent scan lines.

Abstract: A photo-printing system includes a laser exposure unit, a reference clock generation unit, an image input unit, and a controller. The image input unit receives first pixel data and second pixel data to be expressed after the first pixel in accordance with image data. In a first control, the first and second pixels are scanned for exposure in a laser emission region state wherein each of the scan-start timings of the first and second pixels are controlled in accordance with a reference clock. In a second control, the first pixel is scanned for exposure in a nonlinear light emission region state, and the second pixel having a density equal to or lower than a predetermined density is scanned for exposure in the laser emission region state, the scan-start timing of the second pixel is advanced with respect to the first control.

Abstract: Example embodiments reduce the number of data input/output lines by carrying on a single signal line input signals to the image forming control means from a plurality of detection means and drive signals output to a plurality of drive means from the image forming control means, provide versatility for coping with cases where configuration of the image forming apparatus is changed without increasing the number of signal lines, and control the drive means that require a drive pulse and simultaneous drive of a plurality of drive means. Identification control means determines whether a drive signal is output to drive means of a plurality of input/output means, or whether a detection signal from detection means is input, identifies any one input/output means of the plurality of input/output means from an identification signal, and specifies the data to be transferred to a data line as data of the identified input/output means.

Abstract: When an image forming apparatus, after a feeding error of a recording material occurs in a fixing device, re-forms on the recording material an image corresponding to image data which image was formed on a sheet which caused the feeding error, an image forming condition is caused to be different from an operation condition used when the feeding error has occurred. This makes it possible to prevent a JAM corresponding to the same image from recurring in the fixing device.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus according to the present invention transmits an electromagnetic wave signal to a memory card carried by a user who enters a detection area, scans identification information of the user for user authentication, and starts a warm-up operation immediately after the authentication. Accordingly, the time period spent by the user starting from the user's arrival at the multifunction apparatus until the completion of the warm-up operation is shortened. In addition, the multifunction apparatus determines whether the user remains in the detection area after a job is completed, and transitions from a normal mode to an energy-save mode when it is determined that the user is not remaining in the detection area, the normal mode being in a state where sufficient electrical power is supplied for a job execution, the energy-save mode being in a state where the power supply is decreased compared to the normal mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation together with temperature rise by heating of a fixing apparatus to ensure a good fixability and a shortest first print out time and to prevent loss of power consumption without burdening a constitutional member of the image forming apparatus (e.g., life-shortening of the constitutional member) is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing apparatus for heat-fixing a toner image on a recording material and a detection member for detecting a toner of a fixing apparatus member and performs simultaneously temperature rise by heating of the fixing apparatus and an image forming operation including a pre-process and an image forming sequence.

Abstract: Signals representing a document are supplied by a computer to a printer having a printer processor. The computer supplies to the printer processor (1) instruction data (such as page description language) and (2) resource information indicative of printer processor resources required by the printer at different document printing stages. The printer processor schedules printer processor resources for the different document printing stages in accordance with the resource information, and causes the printer to print the document with the printer processor resources as scheduled. The resource information is provided as comments in page description language located in page headers so the printer learns, in advance of receiving pages of a job, how its resources should be scheduled to prevent printer stalls.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed that has an optical device including an optical source that is driven corresponding to image data, a deflection unit that deflects an optical beam output from the optical source in a main scanning direction, and an optical element that reflects the optical beam onto a photosensitive drum; a detection device that is arranged outside the optical device and detects a positional shift of the optical beam in a sub-scanning direction defined as a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction; and a control unit that corrects the positional shift in the sub-scanning direction using an output from the detection device.

Abstract: An actuator includes: a first vibration system including a driving member having a frame shape, and a pair of first axial members each one end of which supports the driving member so as to allow the driving member to rotate about an X-axis; a second vibration system including a movable plate provided inside the driving member, and a pair of second axial members each one end of which supports the movable plate so as to allow the movable plate to rotate about a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis; a driving unit including a ferromagnetic member, a coil acting a magnetic field on the ferromagnetic member and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage to the coil, either one of the ferromagnetic member and the coil being disposed at a position on the driving member apart from each of the X and Y axes in a plan view of the movable plate; and a positioning portion that is disposed to the driving member and determine a fixing position of the ferromagnetic member or the coil with respect to the driving member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention is arranged to hold an intermediate transfer belt and a photoconductive drum out of contact with each other. In a non image formation process in a first mode, the intermediate transfer belt and the photoconductive drum are separated from each other upon completion of the image formation, thereby preventing contamination of the photoconductive drum due to back transfer. In a non image formation process in a second mode, the intermediate transfer belt and the photoconductive drum are separated from each other upon completion of the image formation, and then the intermediate transfer belt and the photoconductive drum are contacted with each other again upon completion of secondary transfer of an image. They are driven for a predetermined time with a speed difference therebetween, thereby abrading the surface of the photoconductive drum to refresh it.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image sensor formed from a plurality of areas each including a plurality of pixels, and a corrector adapted to correct signals from the plurality of areas of the image sensor. The corrector has a plurality of correction data smaller in number than the areas, and performs correction by selectively using the correction data for each area of the image sensor.

Abstract: An image forming system including: an instruction input unit that allows a user to input a calibration execution instruction for performing a calibration; a restriction setting unit that sets a restriction setting that restricts performing the calibration; a determination unit that determines whether or not to restrict performing the calibration based on the restriction setting; and a control unit that performs the calibration in response to the execution instruction while the determination unit determines that the calibration is allowed to be performed, and ignores the execution instruction while the determination unit determines that the calibration is restricted from being performed.

Abstract: In an image formation method of an image formation apparatus for correcting uneven image formation on the basis of vibration property information corresponding to an operation sequence in image formation, vibration property information corresponding to a plurality of operation sequences are stored in a storage device. The uneven image formation is corrected on the basis of vibration property information corresponding to an operation sequence selected from the storage device. Vibration property information generated by driving a movable member is measured when the selected operation sequence is being executed while correcting the uneven image formation. It is determined whether the measured vibration property information is similar to the vibration property information selected from the storage device. The vibration property information stored in the storage device is rewrite-controlled in accordance with the measurement result or the determination result.

Abstract: When the density of a toner image of a leading end of a printing sheet is no less than a predetermined reference density, a printing start time is delayed or printing data is deleted so that printing data is not printed in the leading end of the sheet. When the printing is performed in a state where a cover used for copying is opened, a printing start time is delayed or the printing data of the leading end of the printing sheet is deleted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a fixing unit from being contaminated due to the toner image transferred to the leading end of the printing sheet.

Abstract: Provided are a high voltage generator of an image forming apparatus, which simplifies a circuit structure and reduces the number of control signals by commonly using a roller resistance sensing circuit unit, and a method of sensing roller resistance. The high voltage generator applies high voltages to a plurality of rollers included in the image forming apparatus and senses resistance values of the rollers. The high voltage generator includes a plurality of voltage-pumping circuit units for providing high voltages to the respective rollers. A plurality of high voltage divide circuit units divide the high voltages output from the voltage-pumping circuit units. A multiplexer receives a plurality of divide signals output from the high voltage divide circuit units, selects and outputs a divide signal, which corresponds to a resistance of a roller to be sensed, based on a predetermined select signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus reads the amount of use of each unit from a first storage section which stores the amount of use of each unit. The image forming apparatus reads a condition, set to enable each unit to execute an optimal operation, from a second storage section which stores the condition, on the basis of the read amount of use of each unit, thereby operating each unit under the read condition and executing an image forming operation.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of timing control of electrographic machines. The invention is particularly suited for changing from one frame mode to another. Printing processes and apparatus are provided wherein timing signals are generated, such as one periodic timing signal having a period corresponding to a first frame size, and another alternative periodic timing signal having a period corresponding to a second frame size that is different from the first period The printing process and apparatus creates indicium that are at variable distances and create alternate frame modes to improve productivity with receiver sheets of various sizes. A splice indicium indicating a location of a splice in the electrographic imaging member may also be provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a laser light output control apparatus having a plurality of laser light output control systems including a laser light source capable of receiving supplying of current via a power supplying path from a power source and irradiating laser light, a photo-detecting device capable of receiving the light irradiated from the laser light source and outputting a monitor current dependent on the amount of light received, a conversion circuit capable of converting the monitor current into a voltage value, a control circuit capable of controlling the current supplied to the laser light source based on the voltage value outputted from the conversion circuit so that the intensity of laser light irradiated from the laser light source changes to a predetermined value, the respective conversion circuits of each said output control system have a fixed resistor and a variable resistor connected in series to each other, and at least one of the fixed resistors of each said pluralit

Abstract: An apparatus and method of supplying driving signals to an image sensor are provided. The apparatus includes a driving signal generator generating two driving signals at one of a plurality of rates, a filtering unit filtering the driving signals in response to the plurality of rates, and a selector selecting the filtering result corresponding to the rate of the driving signals from the plurality of filtering results. Accordingly, the image sensor can stable operate even when the driving signals are applied to the image sensor at various rates.

Abstract: A printer as an image forming apparatus controls to discharge the tab sheets that became no longer necessary when the type of tab sheets supplied is changed. Thus, the printer controls to discharge the tab sheets that became no longer necessary while printing a unit number of copies for a printing job.