Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to perform communication with another apparatus to receive a change in a function of processing data performed in the other apparatus; cause the change to be reflected in the function of the information processing apparatus; execute a process related to a first function of the information processing apparatus on first data in accordance with an instruction from a user, during a period in which communication with the other apparatus is not performed; and display information for specifying the first data in a case where a change in the first function is received from the other apparatus when communication with the other apparatus is performed after executing the process related to the first function on the first data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier configured to carry an image; a developing unit configured to develop the image carried by the image carrier with a developer; and a developer replenishing unit configured to supply the developer to the developing unit, the developer replenishing unit being configured to predict, in advance, an amount of developer consumed by the image carrier at a start or an end of image formation apart from developer consumed in the image formation, to replenish the predicted amount of the developer.

Abstract: Client devices having deployed an application may experience a crash of the application. For example, a first client device may experience a first crash having a first crash signature of the application. After experiencing the first crash, a first device identification of the first client device may be assigned to a first bucket designating one or more device identifications of client devices having experienced the first crash. Client devices having device identifications in the first bucket are provided with a first crash fix for the first crash, while a second client device is not provide with the first crash fix, where the application is deployed on the second client device and the second client device was not assigned to the first bucket.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system at least one physical memory device to store monitoring logic and one or more processors coupled with the at least one physical memory device, to execute the monitoring logic to receive a first and a second ink deposition data representing an output ink amount versus an input digital count for each of a plurality of color planes, generate first optical density (OD) response data for each of the plurality of color planes based on the first ink deposition data, wherein the first OD response data represents a first OD value versus the input digital count, generate second OD response data for each of the plurality of color planes based on the second ink deposition data, determine whether a difference between the first OD response data and the second OD response data exceeds a predetermined threshold and transmit a signal upon a determination that the difference between the first OD response data and the second OD response data exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for logging diagnostic information are disclosed. In accordance with one method, first diagnostic information is logged in a router in accordance with a first mode having a first logging rate. In addition, an operational problem within the router is detected. Further, in response to detecting the operational problem, second diagnostic information is logged in accordance with a second mode having a second logging rate that is greater than the first logging rate of the first mode.

Abstract: Client devices having deployed an application may experience a crash of the application. For example, a first client device may experience a first crash having a first crash signature of the application. After experiencing the first crash, a first device identification of the first client device may be assigned to a first bucket designating one or more device identifications of client devices having experienced the first crash. Client devices having device identifications in the first bucket are provided with a first crash fix for the first crash, while a second client device is not provide with the first crash fix, where the application is deployed on the second client device and the second client device was not assigned to the first bucket.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus including a print image generation section that generates print image data to be supplied to a printing device by executing a rasterizing process and an additional process for printing on print data, and an image density calculation section that executes the rasterizing process on the print data without the additional process and calculates image density information used in control of an image forming process in the printing device from raster image data generated through the rasterizing process to process the print data at a speed higher than a speed in print image generation section, wherein a difference in a processing speed between the print image generation section and the image density calculation section causes image density information of a page prior to a page of the print image data printed by the printing device to be supplied to the printing device.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus including a print image generation section that generates print image data to be supplied to a printing device by executing a rasterizing process with a resolution for printing on print data, and an image density calculation section that executes the rasterizing process on the print data with a resolution lower than the resolution for printing and calculates image density information used in control of an image forming process in the printing device based on raster image data which is generated through the rasterizing process and has a resolution lower than the resolution for printing, wherein a difference in a processing speed between the print image generation section and the image density calculation section causes the image density information of a page prior to a page of the print image data being printed by the printing device to be supplied to the printing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a hard disk configured to store data; a hard disk malfunction detecting unit configured to detect malfunction of the hard disk; a partition confirmation unit configured to determine as to whether a malfunctioning portion of the hard disk is in a preliminary determined partition; and a partition formatting unit configured to format the partition, wherein, when the malfunctioning portion of the hard disk detected by the hard disk malfunction detecting unit is determined as being in the partition preliminary determined by the partition confirmation unit, the partition formatting unit formats the partition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer; a charger to charge the image bearer; an electrostatic latent image former to form an electrostatic latent image on the image bearer; an image developer to develop the electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a visual toner image; a transferer to transfer the toner image on a transfer material; a toner concentration calculator to calculate a concentration of the toner; and an optical detector. At least a toner patch image is formed on the image bearer with an irradiation quantity set such that an irradiated part potential is larger than a developing condition, the toner patch image is read by the optical detector, and the charging condition is corrected on the basis of a difference between a toner concentration of the toner patch image and a target toner concentration.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member and a developer replenishment device. In addition, a control portion executes a first mode of detecting a first toner image for control by a sensor and controlling an operation of the replenishment device so that a detection result from the sensor attains a first target value, a second mode of detecting a second toner image for control by the sensor and setting a development contrast of a maximum image density so that a detection result attains a second target value, and a third mode of detecting a third toner image for control by the sensor and changing, based on the detection result, at least one of the first target value and a development contrast of the first toner image for control, wherein the control portion executes the third mode according to a timing at which the second mode is executed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading a document and a background image outside the document, and method of controlling the apparatus. The apparatus determines a degree of similarity between a color of the background image and a color of a marginal region of the document from the image data, sets a region extraction parameter based on the determined degree of similarity, and determines a document region by using the region extraction parameter from the image data.

Abstract: A developing device in an image forming apparatus includes a developer bearing member that bears a developer including toner and a carrier, and first and second toner chambers. In addition, a supplying unit supplies toner to the first or second chamber, a magnetic detection element generates an output according to a magnetic density of the developer of the first or second chamber, and a controller controls a toner supply amount. A timer detects information of a time regarding operating of first and second conveying units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: a storage medium 35 configured to arrange in a toner cartridge 30; a detection sensor 37 configured to detect the toner specific concentration of the developer in the developing apparatus 14; a control unit 100 configured to calculate a value corresponding to the drive time of the drive motor 31 to calculate an integrated count value for the toner cartridge, and output a message containing the cause of an abnormity corresponding to the count value when the toner specific concentration detected by the detection sensor shows a value indicative of the empty of the toner, wherein the count value and an empty information indicating whether or not the toner cartridge is empty are stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a forming portion, an adjusting portion and a control portion. The forming portion is configured to form an image, while the adjusting portion is configured to execute an adjustment for correcting a pre-selected adjustable image forming condition based on a measurement of an image formed by the forming portion. The control portion is configured to control execution of the adjustment achieved by the adjusting portion. Specifically, the control portion obtains a plurality of kinds of variation values, which individually indicate a different state variation capable of involving a state change in the pre-selected adjustable image forming condition. The control portion calculates a complex evaluation of the current state of the pre-selected adjustable image forming condition based on the plurality of kinds of variation values, and determines a starting time for execution of the adjustment based on the complex evaluation.

Abstract: An image extraction device for extracting an image showing a document from an image of the document shot by an imaging device includes a document table on which a document is placed, a side detection unit, an opposing side estimator, and an image extraction unit. The side detection unit detects a side of the document on the document table based on the shot image of the document. The opposing side estimator estimates a position of a side opposite the side detected by the side detection unit. The image extraction unit segments the image of the document from the shot image of the document based on the side detected by the side detection unit and the opposite side estimated by the opposing side estimator.

Abstract: A quality regulating apparatus and method is disclosed which operates on a product stream having an incoming product stream quality level so that an outgoing product stream quality level provided by the apparatus follows a target quality level so that it is better than the target quality level providing a maximum yield. The apparatus includes a conveying device, a product stream imager, an inspection engine, a routing engine, and an object diverting station. In operation, the inspection engine and routing engine cooperate in a manner so that objects classified as defective are intentionally passed to the output product stream when their inclusion maintains the quality level of the first output product stream at a level that is better than or equal to the target quality level.

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: Whether a job-lock function is enabled is determined. Whether a current mode is a mode for outputting an image of an area on an original document onto a recording paper is determined. When the job-lock function is determined to be enabled, and when the current mode is the mode for outputting the image of the part of the area of the original document on the recording paper, the image of an area larger than the part of the area is read. It is possible to improve accuracy of recognizing a copying protection pattern, and to improve security, even when density unevenness is present on a copying prevented original document.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing the processing of print data at a printing device based upon available consumable resources. A printing device includes a print process configured to determine consumable resources that are currently available at the printing device. The print process is further configured to determine which print data is to be processed based upon the consumable resources currently available at the printing device and the consumable resources required to completely process each of the print data. Print data that can be completely processed using the currently available consumable resources are selected for processing. The print process may also be configured to cause a notification to be provided to a client device to indicate the consumable resources currently available at a printing device and/or that insufficient consumable resources were available to process particular print data and to recommend other consumable resources to process the particular print data.

Abstract: A printing speed is adaptively set using Fuzzy inference, based on various printing environments including a printing medium width and the average amount of printing, so that the internal temperature of an apparatus can be stably maintained, and the use convenience can be enhanced.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring hardware devices of the hardware devices network to detect failures, past logged jobs are analyzed to determine a pattern of past usage of hardware devices by users of the hardware devices network. A failure of a hardware device is inferred based on a deviation in usage of the hardware devices from the pattern of past usage. In some embodiments, a state model is constructed that assigns one of two or more available operational states to each hardware device of the hardware devices network based on a recent load of jobs logged to the hardware device and a stored history of logged jobs indicative of typical loading of the hardware devices. One or more failing hardware devices are identified based on the assigned operational states.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for accurately estimating the volume of toner consumption of a laser printer by subtracting the volume of toner consumption corresponding to overlapping areas between adjacent bits of video data sequentially input by the bit from an average volume of toner consumption per bit. The apparatus includes an effective video data generator receiving video data and generating effective video data, a first storing unit receiving and temporarily storing the effective video data, and a toner consumption calculator receiving the effective video data from the first storing unit and calculating the volume of toner consumption per bit. The toner consumption calculator calculates the volume of toner consumption per bit by sequentially receiving the effective video data by the bit and subtracting the volume of toner consumption corresponding to overlapping areas between a bit and its adjacent bits from an average volume of toner consumption per bit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that allows easy implementation of options or other extensions to a multi-functional peripheral or the like is provided, together with a function extension program for use in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads a predetermined function program from a storage section storing at least one function program on which usage restrictions have previously been placed and enables the read function program. It is detected whether or not a cancellation device (2, 3 or 4) that cancels the usage restrictions on the at least one function program is connected to a hot-pluggable connecting terminal. Cancellation information is read from the cancellation device when the cancellation device is detected being connected to the connecting terminal. The usage restrictions on the at least one function program are canceled according to the read cancellation information.

Abstract: An electrographic printing machine (10) operable in combination with an installed one of a plurality of developing, or toning, stations (38a, 38b), is disclosed. Each of the plurality of toning stations (38a, 38b) is associated with a toner type, with one of the toning stations (38a) associated with Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) toner. Each toning station (38a, 38b) has an indicator (50), for example a resistor, that can be interrogated or measured by the printing machine (10) when installed, so that the printing machine (10) is aware of the type of toner to be used. If a MICR toning station (38a) is installed, a set of process setpoints and parameters are used that optimize MICR printing; if a normal toning station (38b) is installed, a different set of process setpoints and parameters adapted for the normal toner is used.

Abstract: An integrated information support system (IISS) uses a stand-alone, large capacity memory device, such as a CD ROM, to enhance the user interface of a copier system. The IISS, providing system users with access to vast quantities of graphical, textual, video and audio information, is a separately controlled system which may be integrated with the normal control functions of the copier system. Information is retrieved from the memory device and presented to a system user either spontaneously, on-demand, or in response to specific system conditions such as faults. In a preferred embodiment, an expert coach controls the presentation of information and is capable of monitoring user actions to, for example, ensure a suggested course of action is actually being followed. The IISS may advantageously share existing user interface facilities, such as the copier system's video monitor and button matrix.

Abstract: In the present invention, control amounts are input from plural sensors. Good/bad determination is performed to determine whether all deviations of control amount variables are within tolerable ranges. If a determination result is “bad”, it is determined whether a position in a control amount deviation space is present in success experiences learnt at this time point. If there is the experience, a learning control using the operation amount of the success experience is executed. Otherwise, the operation amount is determined based on an adaptive control.

Abstract: A system of classifying the type of incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media according to markings or identifying indicia on the back surface of the media opposite the printing surface which ultimately bears the printed image. The printing surface of the incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance values. A spatial frequency signature for the incoming media is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the media according to major categories (transparencies, glossy photo media, premium or plain paper), and specific types of media within these categories (matte photo, premium, or high-gloss photo media). An optimum print mode is selected according to the determined media type to automatically generate outstanding images without bothersome user intervention. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: An image information processing apparatus which includes an image reading section which reads an image of a document and outputs image data, a document judging section which judges whether the read document is an original document or a reproduced document according to whether or not specific data is present in the image data, an inquiry section for visualizing inquiry data related to the original document into a visible image, and a control section which controls the inquiry section to visualize the inquiry data designated by the specific data into visible image when the read document is judged to be a reproduced document by the document judging section.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device including first and second substrates opposing each other at a certain gap, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first substrate, thin film transistors as nonlinear resistors disposed in a region where the plurality of electrodes overlap, and a liquid crystal filled between the first and second substrates, characterized in that: a plurality of gate electrodes for applying an external signal to the thin film transistors, and an opaque anode oxide electrode for forming a gate insulating film by subjecting the gate electrodes to an anodic oxidation treatment are provided on the first substrate, and the plurality of gate electrodes are connected to each other by the opaque anode oxide electrode when the gate electrodes are subject to the anodic oxidation treatment; wherein a gate insulating film as an anode oxidation film thereof is formed on the gate electrodes, a semiconductor layer is provided on the gate insulating film, and a source electrode and a drain electrode are pro

Abstract: There is disclosed a lightweight and small liquid crystal display which achieves low power consumption and in which the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal material is compensated for in order to enhance the viewing angle characteristics and the response speed of the liquid crystal material. Display electrodes and a common electrode are formed on one of the substrates. The orientation of the liquid crystal material is of the HAN (hybrid alignment nematic) type. This compensates for the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal material and improves the response speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and cutting individual images from a web containing a plurality of images, the web having a magnetic media capable of retaining magnetically recorded data. The apparatus comprising a reader for reading magnetically recorded data contained on the magnetic media which provides information relating to the location of the images thereon; and a mechanism responsive to the information read by the reader and for performing an operation to the web in accordance with the information.

Abstract: A host computer 104 at a remote administrative site receives a jam code and the number of accumulated copies made from a photocopier 100 at which jamming has occurred, an accumulated jam curve is calculated based on the received data, a certain filtering process is performed, the risk of jamming is estimated based on the filter output and a membership function between the filter value and risk, thus judging whether or not to visit the user.

Abstract: A simulation system is provided which is capable of simulating the behavior of a sheet transported by a transportation system. In response to application of a control sequence formulated for the sheet transportation system, a simulation is performed to check how the sheet is to be transported in the sheet transportation system on the basis of the applied control sequence. Necessary data are extracted from hardware systems constituting the real sheet transportation system. On the basis of the extracted data, a virtual sheet transportation system is constructed in a computer, and the sheet is represented by information indicative of the locations of opposite ends of the sheet and the distance therebetween. The sheet thus represented is moved by a predetermined unit distance in the virtual sheet transportation system on the basis of the control sequence, and data is computed for every movement of the sheet.

Abstract: Operation variables such as laser power, grid voltage, and developing bias are corrected by using image-density controlling rules so as to control the image density. Control of toner supply is also effected by using the image-density controlling rules. A solid density reference pattern corresponding to actual values of the operation variables is measured, and a rule which fits the solid density is used to correct the operation variables. A solid density to be obtained with standard values of the operation variables is calculated by using the composed rule. A standard solid density for a standard toner concentration or a standard toner charge amount is outputted, and is compared with the calculated solid density. The toner supply is controlled in such a manner that an error between the two solid densities becomes zero, to thereby ensure that the toner concentration in a developing device or the toner charge amount reaches a standard value.

Abstract: A toner detecting system includes an image forming apparatus having a toner reservoir. A toner sensor of the system has a toner sensing element positioned to detect toner amount within the toner reservoir. A pixel counter of the system is configured to count pixels used when forming images. A processor of the system associates counted pixels with previous toner use. The associated counted pixels and previous toner use cooperate to enable enhanced toner level characterization of remaining available toner level. A method for detecting toner level within a toner-reservoir of an image forming device according to the toner detecting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A copying machine equipped with a PC counter for counting cumulative rotation time of a photoconductive drum, a development counter for counting cumulative drive time of a developing unit, a sensor for detecting deposition amount of toner onto the photoconductive drum, a sensor for detecting toner concentration in the developer, and a humidity sensor. Based on output values from the counters and sensors, a control section of the copying machine estimates the degree of consumption of a consumable article by using fuzzy inference method or neural network, and thereby decides whether the consumable article have reached an end of life.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus is provided with a detecting means for detecting transfer efficiency when transferring a toner image from a photosensitive member to a transfer sheet, and a developing efficiency changing means for changing developing efficiency based on the transfer efficiency detected by the detecting means, and corrects the toner consumption predicted by the predicting means based on the transfer efficiency as detected by the detecting means, so as to determine the amount of toner to be replenished. When the developing efficiency is changed based on the transfer efficiency, toner consumption also changes, and does not match the predicted toner consumption. According to the present invention, toner concentration in a developer can be even more accurately controlled by correcting the predicted toner consumption by the change in transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A potential estimation apparatus estimates a potential of a photosensitive body of an image forming apparatus that carries out an electro-photography process using the photosensitive body. The potential estimation apparatus includes a sensor group for sensing and outputting data related to information which affects the electro-photography process, a storage unit for at least storing the data output from the sensor group and information related to charge of the photosensitive body, and an estimation circuit including a neural network for estimating a charged portion potential of the photosensitive body based on a charge retentivity of the photosensitive body learned by the neural network.

Abstract: In a digital copier, facsimile machine, scanner, image filing apparatus or similar apparatus, an image processing device is provided with a capability of surely identifying confidential or secrecy documents which should be protected from unauthorized persons. The confidential or inhibited documents are provided with inhibition patterns by printing or copying over the entire surfaces thereof. The device prevents image data representative of this kind of documents from being improperly copied, transferred, stored or input.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: an input device for supplying color image information; a discrimination unit to discriminate whether the color image information includes a predetermined image or not in accordance with a color distribution of the color image information supplied by the input device; and a processing circuit to process the color image information in accordance with the result of the discrimination of the discriminating means. The color image information is constructed by a plurality of color component signals. The color distribution is a distribution of the color image information in a color space.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to make good self-repair on which little secondary effect is exerted by calculating a manipulated variable of a parameter at the time of the repair by a functional amount in an image forming apparatus having a self-repair function. When a fault occurs, control-type repair for operating a physical parameter is first made. In this repair, the physical parameter to be operated is searched for (n3). If the physical parameter to be operated is determined, a manipulated variable of the physical parameter is then calculated by a functional amount (n4). The manipulated variable of the parameter by the functional amount is determined by adjusting the degree to which a plurality of functions are developed. Therefore, a manipulated variable in which the development of the functions is most preferable as the entire apparatus is determined. If the fault cannot be repaired by the control type repair, functional redundancy type repair is made (n6, n7, n8, n9).

Abstract: A detector for detecting status quantities in processes of an image forming apparatus and a correction mechanism for changing parameters are connected to a controller. By virtue of this arrangement, the amount of current associated with a primary charging device in a latent-image process, the surface potential of a photoreceptor drum and a voltage correction coefficient are fed into the controller as status quantities. By using the entered status quantities as well as membership functions and fuzzy rules that have been stored in an internal memory of the controller, the controller executes fuzzy reasoning and outputs a signal indicating the failure rate or rate of erroneous setting of each processing element.