Abstract: An image processing device is provided with a first unit, a second unit attached to the first unit rotatably around a rotational axis, flat cables connecting elements in the first unit with elements in the second unit, and a guide member having wiring paths each defined between two of separations walls, the guide member guiding, from the first unit to the second unit, the flat cables laid through the wiring paths, respectively, in a state spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction thereof without contacting each other, at least one of the separation walls including a curving wall curving to surround the rotational axis, at least one of the flat cables guided to have a curving section along the curving wall, a first extension extending continuously from the curving section to the first unit, and a second extension extending continuously from the curving section to the second unit.

Abstract: In a main controller of an image forming apparatus, the status renewing-and-notifying unit (a) obtains statuses from a queue, and store status values at addresses corresponding to status IDs in a first status storage unit; (b) notifies a component of both of a objective status and a dependent status either at a same time or in a reversed time order if the statuses includes the objective status and the dependent status, and the status value of the dependent status in the first status storage unit and the status value of the dependent status in the second status storage unit are different from each other; and (c) stores a status value of each status that the component is notified of at an address corresponding to a status ID of the status in the second status storage unit at a notification timing of the status.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes an identification information storage, an intermediate clock generator and an operating clock generator. The identification information storage stores identification information of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The intermediate clock generator generates an intermediate clock having a frequency higher than that of a reference clock using the reference clock input to the semiconductor integrated circuit from the outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The operating clock generator generates the operating clock having a frequency higher than that of the reference clock and lower than that of the intermediate clock in synchronization with a timing allotted according to the identification information stored in the identification information storage, using the intermediate clock.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a memory unit to store various pieces of information; and a control unit to execute backup control to store information stored in the memory unit into an external memory device and to make the image forming apparatus shift from an operating state to a predetermined standby state, wherein with the backup control, the control unit makes the image forming apparatus shift from the operating state to the standby state.

Abstract: A server apparatus 120, each time a process request is received from a client apparatus 110, stores the process request for a given interval and if the status of the server apparatus 120 at the time when the process request is received is standby, switches the status to a state of receiving a request. The server apparatus 120 also measures the elapsed time since the status was switched to the state of receiving a request and when the elapsed time since the status was switched to the state of receiving a request, reaches a given period, executes a process that corresponds to a process request stored in a temporary storing unit.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the initiation of an image forming apparatus are provided using a NAND flash memory. The device for controlling initiation of an image forming apparatus includes: a NAND flash memory for storing a boot program and system control programs for initiating the image forming apparatus; a random-access-memory (RAM) for temporarily storing an execution program and data; and a driving unit arranged to first read the boot program and an engine control program among the system control programs from the NAND flash memory, execute the boot program and the engine control program, then read remaining system control programs from the NAND flash memory and store the remaining system control programs in the RAM when the boot program and the engine control program are being executed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus for performing a process of transiting to a power-off state or sleep state in accordance with the connected state of an interface, a control method thereof, and a storage medium. To accomplish this, if a condition for changing the power state of this image processing apparatus is satisfied, the image processing apparatus confirms an interface which is able to communicate with an external apparatus, and determines whether the image processing apparatus can transit to the sleep state based on the confirmation result. If it is determined that the image processing apparatus transits to the sleep state, the image processing apparatus is transited to the sleep state. If it is determined that the image processing apparatus does not transit to the sleep state, the image processing apparatus is turned off.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus executes the steps of: calculating an end time of the job of which execution is instructed, and determining if the end time of the job is before the start time of power outage; specifying, if it is determined that the end time of the job is not before the start time of power outage, a part of processing of the job that can be completed before the start time of power outage; starting the job, if it is determined that the end time of the job is before the start time of power outage; and starting the part of processing of the job if it is determined that the end time of the job is not before the start time of power outage. Thus, abnormal termination of an active job due to power outage can be prevented.

Abstract: A power-supply control device includes a power-supply control section, a first detection section that detects whether or not a body capable of movement is moving, a second detection section that detects whether or not the body capable of movement exists, and an instruction section. The power-supply control section receives supply of power from a mains power source section, and selectively sets a power supply mode, in which power is supplied to a processing section, and a power saving mode, in which supply of power to the processing section is stopped. The first and second detection sections and the instruction section are caused to operate at least in the power saving mode. The instruction section provides, for the power-supply control section, an instruction for switching between the power supply mode and the power saving mode.

Abstract: An image forming system capable of immediately responding to a job command given by a user, reducing power consumption, and preventing the service life of component parts from being adversely affected. In a case where no printing is to be performed, a main controller of the image forming system controls each of first and second image forming apparatuses of the image forming system to assume either a standby state or a sleep state. In a case where printing is to be performed, the main controller controls each of the first and second image forming apparatuses to assume either the standby state or the sleep state according to whether double-sided printing should be performed or single-sided printing should be performed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, printing, on a first side of a media, of a first plurality of plots and a plurality of associated fiducials is caused. For each of a second plurality of plots, using data from a sensor, a distance to one of the plurality of associated fiducials is measured to discern a reference for printing that plot on a second side of the media. Printing of the second plurality of plots on the second side is caused so that each of the second plurality of plots is substantially in registration with one of the first plurality of plots.

Abstract: Printing processing is performed on a sheet having a characteristic value within a range of a characteristic value of a sheet which is defined usable in the printing processing in accordance with a specific print job. Specifically, in a case where a test page print job is input, a CPU selects a sheet feeding tray on which sheets having a characteristic value within a range of a characteristic value represented by characteristic value range information. The CPU performs a control operation so that a sheet is fed from the selected sheet feeding tray to a printer unit and the printer unit executes the test page print job.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a print unit; an instruction unit for giving an instruction to start a printing operation; and a print control unit for controlling the printing operation according to the instruction to start the printing operation from the instruction unit, in which, when there is no instruction to start a subsequent printing operation after the executing of the printing operation to the recording medium according to the instruction to start the printing operation from the instruction unit, the print control unit executes a first post-processing operation for completing the printing operation, and the print control unit determines an operation to be performed after the executing of the first post-processing operation based on whether or not the instruction to start the subsequent printing operation is received during the executing of the first post-processing operation.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a detecting unit, a processing unit, a plurality of controllers, a command determination unit, and a load determination unit. The detecting unit is for detecting a command. The processing unit executes a process for the command. The plurality of controllers controls the processing unit and includes a first controller. The command determination unit determines whether or not the command indicates that the process is to be executed by the processing unit under the control of the first controller. The load determination unit determines whether or not a load required for the process is larger than a prescribed threshold value. While the first controller is in a halted state, if the command determination unit makes a negative determination and if the load determination unit makes a positive determination, the first controller is activated and controls the processing unit to execute the process.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing and using an integrated printer driver that can be used to print to multiple printing devices. The printer driver executes on a client device. A user selects features and options, displayed in a user interface of the printer driver, for a print job without knowing which printing device will eventually process the print job. Based on the selected features and options, the printer driver determines the printing device to which the print job will be sent. In an embodiment, a printer server receives capabilities data from multiple printing devices and builds, based on the capabilities data, a database of printer description data, from which the user interface that is displayed to an end-user is generated. In an embodiment, the printer server applies an administrative policy that filters out capabilities data of one or more printing devices that are registered with the printer server.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that can prevent image deletion in carrying out image formation upon turning-on of power supply after main power supply is turned off before the image forming apparatus goes into a sleep state. A movable member is moved between a shielding position at which it shields a photosensitive drum from a charger and a retracting position at which the photosensitive drum and the charger are opened to each other. When power supply is turned on, a time period for which the photosensitive drum is rotated by a driving unit is controlled according to the position of the movable member detected by a movable member sensor.

Abstract: An operation device includes a first condition in which the operation device consumes a first amount of electric power; a second condition in which the operation device consumes a second amount of electric power; a first detecting unit, to which electric power is supplied in the second condition, having a first detection range and detecting a person in the first detection range; a second detecting unit having a second detection range and detecting the person in the second detection range; a transmitting section that transmits, when the person is detected by the first detecting unit in the second condition, the electric power required for the second detecting unit to detect the person to the second detecting unit; and an instructing section that instructs, when the person is detected by the second detecting unit, the operation device to change a condition from the second condition to the first condition.

Abstract: A control method of an image forming apparatus which is connected to an external apparatus, supports a resource saving mode, and outputs document data is provided. The control method includes: selecting the document data to be output, selecting an output option to be applied to the selected document data, comparing a resource saving value corresponding to the output option to be applied to the document data and a resource saving set value which is pre-set in the image forming apparatus, displaying at least one suggestion option to save resources of the document data according to a result of comparison, and selecting one of the displayed suggestion option and outputting the document data.

Abstract: A printing apparatus/method includes at least one processor, at least one printing engine, and at least one graphic user interface all operatively (directly or indirectly) connected to each other. The graphic user interface has at least one display and at least one user input device. The display provides at least one menu having at least one user selectable parameter of the printing engine. The display provides at least one linear scale bar representing a range of values to which the selectable parameter can be set. The display provides at least two different graphic icons along the linear scale. The graphic icons conceptually represent different performance characteristics that the printing apparatus will have when the selectable parameter is set to different values along the range of values represented on the linear scale. The display can also provide numerical performance values adjacent each of the different graphic icons.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material; an image reading device that is disposed above the image forming section, and reads an image on an original; a connecting section that is disposed at either one of end sides of an apparatus housing in a lateral direction thereof, and that connects the image forming section and the image reading device to each other; an operating section that is disposed in front of the image reading device, and that is operated by a person; a human detecting device that detects the person operating the operating section; a discharging section that discharges the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming section to a placing section; and the placing section on which the recording material discharged from the discharging section is placed.

Abstract: A printing system includes, for example, a printing apparatus which forms an image on a sheet, and a plurality of dollies which are assigned different dolly identification information and used to stack the sheet discharged from the discharging port of the printing apparatus. The printing system also includes a designation unit which designates a dolly to be used for a print job, and an output unit which outputs alert information when the dolly designated by the designation unit is not allocated at the discharging port.

Abstract: An image forming device switches a system speed when assignment of a license has been accepted, and stores switching information of the system speed. The image forming device performs two-stage image stabilization for determining a setting value of a parameter relating to an image formation process of the image forming device when the switching information of the system speed is stored, and performs single-stage image stabilization for determining a setting value of the parameter relating to the image formation process of the image forming device when the switching information of the system speed is not stored.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which, to the extent possible, prevents an operation for protecting a printer engine from being uncompleted before power to the printer engine is shut down due to cancellation of a process that should be carried out by the printer engine. When a predetermined time period has elapsed since an instruction to reduce power consumption was detected, power to the printer engine is shut down. When the instruction is detected, a canceling instruction for canceling the process that should be carried out by the printer engine is issued to the printer engine. Responsive to this, a cancellation process for the process is started, and an engine protecting instruction for protecting the printer engine without waiting for completion of the cancellation process is issued to the printer engine. After the operation for protecting the printer engine is carried out, power to the printer engine is shut down.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of components, a display section to display information of the components, a storage section to store replacing person information of the components and a control section to make the information of the components which are displayed in the display section be different according to the replacing person information of the components.

Abstract: The main body of the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus; an optional apparatus; and a communication unit configured to perform communication between the main body of the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus. The optional apparatus includes one optional control unit for controlling multiple optional functions, and the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a registration designation unit configured to designate registration of an ID number to the one optional control unit of the optional apparatus by the communication unit to designate registration of an ID number to the one optional control unit of the optional apparatus. The one optional control unit assigns an ID number to each of the multiple optional functions according to the designation from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In a main controller of an image forming apparatus, the status renewing-and-notifying unit (a) obtains statuses from a queue, and store status values at addresses corresponding to status IDs in a first status storage unit; (b) notifies a component of both of a objective status and a dependent status either at a same time or in a reversed time order if the statuses includes the objective status and the dependent status, and the status value of the dependent status in the first status storage unit and the status value of the dependent status in the second status storage unit are different from each other; and (c) stores a status value of each status that the component is notified of at an address corresponding to a status ID of the status in the second status storage unit at a notification timing of the status.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided, which includes a controller configured to, when a carriage reaches a turn-around position in a moving direction, control a motor to once stop, then rotate in a second direction opposite to a first direction such that a planetary gear swings to a position separated from an output gear and that an intermediate gear moves to an engagement position to engage with the output gear, and thereafter again rotate in the first direction so as to transmit a driving force from the motor to the output gear via an input gear, a planetary gear, and the intermediate gear.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an internal control portion operable, in response to input of an internal command, to perform processing predetermined for the internal command in accordance with a parameter set for a setting item corresponding to the internal command, an application executing portion to execute an application program, and an application control portion operable, in the case where the application executing portion outputs an application command, to convert the application command into an internal command and output the internal command to the internal control portion. The application control portion includes an analysis portion operable, at the stage of installation of an application program, to analyze the application program and extract an application command, and a setting information updating portion to update the setting information to a state where the internal control portion is capable of executing the internal command corresponding to the application command.

Abstract: A printer includes: a printing unit; a processor; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causing the printer to perform operations comprising: shifting from a power supply mode to a power saving mode in case that a shift condition from the power supply mode to the power saving mode is met; executing a correction processing group that includes a first correction process in case that a first execution condition is met, and a second correction process unit in case that a second execution condition is met after the execution of the first correction process is completed; and delaying the shifting from the power supply mode to the power saving mode until completion of the second correction process, when both execution condition are met and when the execution of the first correction process has started and the execution of the second correction process is not completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing device comprising, a storage unit configured, before the printing device is turn off, to store information according to a state of the printing device, and a control unit configured, after the printing device is turn on, to control so that the printing device shifts to a state according to the information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: An electric power control apparatus sets a first period for performing electric power control and an overall target amount of power consumption to be consumed by all of a plurality of information processing apparatuses during the first period, calculates an individual target amount of power consumption to be consumed by each information processing apparatus during a plurality of second periods obtained by segmentalizing the first period, based on the first period and the overall target amount, transmits the corresponding second period and the individual target amount to each information processing apparatus, receives an actual usage value of the amount of power consumption in the corresponding second period transmitted from each information processing apparatus, calculates the individual target amount, based on the actual usage value of the amount and the overall target amount, and retransmits the individual target amount to each information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a print unit; an instruction unit for giving an instruction to start a printing operation; and a print control unit for controlling the printing operation according to the instruction to start the printing operation from the instruction unit, in which, when there is no instruction to start a subsequent printing operation after the executing of the printing operation to the recording medium according to the instruction to start the printing operation from the instruction unit, the print control unit executes a first post-processing operation for completing the printing operation, and the print control unit determines an operation to be performed after the executing of the first post-processing operation based on whether or not the instruction to start the subsequent printing operation is received during the executing of the first post-processing operation.

Abstract: An image fixing apparatus includes a heater including a substrate, a first electrode provided on one side of the substrate and a second electrode provided on the other side of the substrate; and a connector, connected with the heater, for receiving electric power, the connector including an electrically insulative housing, and a contact terminal provided inside the housing and having first spring contact contacted to the first electrode and a second spring contact contacted to the second electrode, wherein the first spring contact and the second spring contact are disposed at positions different as seen in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit that executes an image process in accordance with an instruction by a user; an accumulating unit that accumulates electric energy consumed in a preparation process of the image processing unit for each user; and a control unit which, if the image processing unit is made usable by the preparation process and executes image processes in accordance with a plurality of instructions by a plurality of users, controls the accumulating unit to allot and accumulate the electric energy for each of the plurality of users.

Abstract: A correction unit executes a correcting function for measuring at least one of position and density of a test image in response to a correction instruction and correcting an operation setting of a printing unit based on the measurement result. Print data includes correction requiring data that is required to execute the correcting function by the correction unit before an image corresponding to the correction requiring data is printed. A determining unit is configured to determine whether or not at least one of two conditions is satisfied. One condition is such that a ratio of a second numerical value represented by the correction requiring data to a first numerical value represented by the print data is less than a first reference value. Another condition is such that the second numerical value is less than a second reference value.

Abstract: Image recording devices, such as electrophotographic devices, laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, often have a cartridge that utilizes an encoder wheel assembly in addition to or instead of a chip for determining toner load. It may be desirable to alter the encoder wheel or part of the cartridge, either by the printer or the cartridge, to permit a deliberate end of life function situation that requires the replacement of the cartridge, encoder wheel, or encoder wheel assembly components. This thereby controls the remanufacture or replacement of the toner cartridge in a way that is desirable to the manufacturer and prevents unauthorized refilling of the cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a UI application that configures functions supported in an energy saving mode and in a normal mode, an energy saving memory control service that manages settings of the configured functions supported in the energy saving mode, and a filtering service that filters external access to the image forming apparatus in the energy saving mode along with the settings. In the energy saving mode, the filtering service determines whether the image forming apparatus remains in the energy saving mode or returns to the normal mode in order to process the access using the settings.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reading unit, a first control unit, a second control unit, and a power supply control unit. The reading unit reads authentication information including a card type and a user code. The first control unit determines, in a state where power is not being supplied to the second control unit, whether a card type included in the authentication information read by the reading unit corresponds to a predetermined card type. The second control unit requests an authentication apparatus to perform user authentication based on the authentication information read by the reading unit. The power supply control unit controls power supply to the second control unit. In response to the first control unit determining that the card type included in the authentication information read by the reading unit corresponds to the predetermined card type, the power supply control unit supplies power to the second control unit.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a print unit; an instruction unit for giving an instruction to start a printing operation; and a print control unit for controlling the printing operation according to the instruction to start the printing operation from the instruction unit, in which, when there is no instruction to start a subsequent printing operation after the executing of the printing operation to the recording medium according to the instruction to start the printing operation from the instruction unit, the print control unit executes a first post-processing operation for completing the printing operation, and the print control unit determines an operation to be performed after the executing of the first post-processing operation based on whether or not the instruction to start the subsequent printing operation is received during the executing of the first post-processing operation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reading unit reading an original document and generating image data; a power source unit supplying power to the reading unit; a power source switching signal output unit outputting a switching signal for switching between supply and shut-off of the power for any one of an image pickup element and an image processing unit; a measuring unit measuring a power stopping time while the power is shut off; a judging unit determining whether to carry out only a first initial setting when the measured power stopping time is less than a predetermined time and whether to carry out both the first initial setting and a second initial setting when the measured power stopping time is the predetermined time or more; and an initial setting unit carrying out only the first initial setting or the second initial setting also upon the determination by the judging unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus for performing a process of transiting to a power-off state or sleep state in accordance with the connected state of an interface, a control method thereof, and a storage medium. To accomplish this, if a condition for changing the power state of this image processing apparatus is satisfied, the image processing apparatus confirms an interface which is able to communicate with an external apparatus, and determines whether the image processing apparatus can transit to the sleep state based on the confirmation result. If it is determined that the image processing apparatus transits to the sleep state, the image processing apparatus is transited to the sleep state. If it is determined that the image processing apparatus does not transit to the sleep state, the image processing apparatus is turned off.

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner and an image reading apparatus including the same. The scanner can include a transparent plate, a scanning unit configured to scan a document on the transparent plate, a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is positioned in a first document zone that is associated with an area in which a first document type is to be positioned based on a first alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The second sensor is positioned in a second document zone that is associated with an area in which a second document type of a different size is positioned based on a second alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The first document zone and the second document zone are non-overlapping zones. The document type and/or orientation can be determined based on the detection signals from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: An image forming system including first and second image forming apparatuses that includes a first image forming unit configured to form an image on a first surface of recording paper, a discharging unit configured to discharge the recording paper on which the image is formed by the first image forming unit to the second image forming apparatus, a second image forming unit configured to form an image on a second surface of the recording paper discharged by the discharging unit from the first image forming apparatus, and a correction unit configured to correct adjustment timing of the image forming system as a whole so that first adjustment timing for performing an adjustment operation of an output image formed by the first image forming unit and second adjustment timing for performing an adjustment operation of an output image formed by the second image forming unit accord with each other.

Abstract: In a power supply device, the controller outputs a control signal specifying a voltage value. The voltage conversion unit converts a first voltage to a second voltage in response to a control signal specifying a voltage value output from the controller. The voltage conversion unit converts the first voltage to a start voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a first control signal specifying a start voltage value output from the controller and further converts the first voltage to a target voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a second control signal specifying a target voltage value output from the controller. A transition period of time is intervened between generation of the start voltage and generation of the target voltage during which the controller outputs a third control signal specifying the intermediate voltage value between the start voltage value and the target voltage value.

Abstract: A system and method of storing a default function from among possible functions to be executed by a device, and executing the default function after a pre-defined interval, if during the interval a user does not respond to a notification of the upcoming execution of the default function, through the user's providing a signal of his desire not to execute the default function.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an engine configured to perform image formation; an engine control unit configured to control the engine; an apparatus control unit configured to control the whole of the apparatus; a storage unit; and a state management unit configured to set the apparatus to a power-saving mode in which the apparatus control unit and the storage unit are supplied with power while the engine, and the engine control unit are not supplied with power when a main power supply is turned on. When the apparatus is set to the power-saving mode, the apparatus control unit reads out second engine information that represents a configuration of the engine from the storage unit and performs a start-up process on the apparatus control unit on the basis of the second engine information.

Abstract: When a pre-rotation sequence is started at a time at which a print-start notification command is transmitted, in the case where a predicted time period is longer than a time period taken to perform the pre-rotation sequence, an appropriate FPOT is not realized. To determine whether the pre-rotation sequence can be started at a time at which a print reservation command that is to be transmitted before transmission of the print-start notification command is transmitted to the engine, a drum-rotation permission command is provided, whereby, in the case of immediately starting the pre-rotation sequence, the pre-rotation sequence can be started earlier than the pre-rotation sequence is started, reducing the FPOT. In the case of not immediately starting the pre-rotation sequence, a time period taken to perform image expansion and the time period taken to perform the pre-rotation sequence can be made to coincide with each other, reducing consumable items deterioration.

Abstract: A printing apparatus connected to another printing apparatus to feed sheets to the another printing apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive, from another printing apparatus, stop detection information regarding timing of a printing stop in another printing apparatus, and a control unit configured to feed sheets for performing printing up to a page indicated by the stop detection information received by the reception unit, perform printing on the sheets to prevent retention of the fed sheets, and cancel feeding preparation of the sheets for printing the page indicated by the stop information and succeeding pages.

Abstract: In full-color printing, one of first and second rotary members is activated with a time lag after the other of the first and second rotary members is activated such that the phase difference between the first and second rotary members is an adjusted phase difference. In addition, every time monochrome printing is performed, the time lag is changed.

Abstract: An image forming system capable of shortening the time required to process configuration information on an image forming system and shortening communication time. When any of sheet processing apparatuses is activated before activation of an image forming apparatus, a controller of a sheet processing apparatus acting as a sub-manager configures a sub-system consisting of sheet processing apparatuses connected to a communication network and creates configuration data on the sub-system. When recognizing that the image forming apparatus is newly connected to the network, the sub-manager apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of the already created configuration data based on which a controller of the image forming apparatus creates configuration data on the system and stores it into a RAM.