Abstract: An image forming apparatus judges whether first processing information of current sheet information is different from that of preceding sheet information. If they are different, the current first processing information is notified to a finishing device. The finishing device prepares for processing based on the first processing information. Upon completing the preparation, the finishing device notifies preparation completion information to the image processing apparatus. Upon receiving the preparation completion information, the image processing apparatus starts image formation processing on the next sheet and notifies second processing information to the finishing device. Upon receiving the second processing information, the finishing device calculates a processing time necessary to perform a finishing operation and notifies it to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A cam mechanism for a printer that includes a cam including an active cam surface having a continually increasing radius over an active cam angle, a biased cam follower in contact with the active cam surface, and a drive mechanism for rotating the cam such that only the active cam surface contacts the cam follower.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is configured to facilitate design modification. The image forming apparatus has an engine mechanism to carry out a printing job with respect to a print data applied from an external device, an image processing unit to convert the print data into image data, and an engine controlling unit to control the engine mechanism to carry out the print job with respect to the image data. The engine controlling unit and the image processing unit are arranged on a single printed circuit board (PCB) in which a first and a second division are defined, with the engine controlling unit being arranged in the first division and the image processing unit being arranged in the second division. A circuit element in the second division is shared by the engine controlling unit and the image processing unit to reduce costs and redesign time.

Abstract: Sensitive consumable components of printing devices involved in the process of transferring and fixing an image with toner onto a print medium are protected from harmful exposure to the environment and handling through designating and consistently positioning non-use regions of the components toward exposure gaps in their protective housings upon the completion of every printing process. The need for shutter mechanisms on consumable housings to cover up exposure gaps to protect consumables while in a general handling environment is therefore reduced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a left time informing function, which can accurately predict time required for finishing forming an image. The image forming apparatus with a left time informing function, has: a storage for storing data of various types of basic operation time for forming an image, therein; and a status management section for calculating and informing left time required for completing forming the image on the basis of the data stored in the storage, when a condition of forming the image is determined; wherein the basic operation time include print time corresponding to a single-sided mode and a double-sided mode, respectively, for every size of a transfer sheet, and interprocessing time for every postprocessing.

Abstract: A plurality of monochrome toner image carriers are respectively opposing to a circulating belt member to transfer each monochrome toner image onto the belt member or a recording medium held on the belt member. Each of a plurality of driving gears rotates one of the monochrome toner image carriers. Each of a plurality of intermediate gears is disposed between adjacent driving gears for transmitting a driving force from a previous driving gear to a subsequent driving gear. A rotation center of each intermediate gear is placed at a position shifted from a line connecting rotation centers of the adjacent driving gears.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed which includes a power-on section which supplies power, a storage section which stores image data, a printing section which prints image data stored in the storage section, an instruction section which accept an instruction to print using the printing section, a processing section which initializes the storage section upon turn-on of the power-on section, a time measurement section which measures time required at least for the processing section to execute processing, a report section which reports that the apparatus is in a state in which the instruction section can accept the instruction to execute printing, a control section which controls, upon turn-on of the power-on section, report of the state in which the instruction section can accept the instruction to execute printing before completion of initialization of the storage section.

Abstract: A method for power management of a printer. In the method, a power mode is determined for the printer from one or more calendar entries. In addition, a power save mode is entered into in response a determination that the one or more calendar entries indicates that the printer should enter a power save mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, such as a copier or a printer, in which recyclable components to be discarded are recycled in newly producing an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a first image forming section for forming an image of first type, a control board and a first drive circuit. The first drive circuit drives the first image forming section. The first drive circuit is connected to the control board. The control board has a connection section to be connected to a second board on which a second drive circuit for driving a second image forming section is mounted. The second image forming section forms an image of second type.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method using a toner containing toner particles having a coefficient of shape falling within a range of 1.0 to 1.6 of an amount of at least 65% by number, and having no protrusion of an amount of at least 50% by number, the image forming apparatus including a charging device for uniformly charging a photoreceptor, a developing device for developing an image obtained by imagewise exposure with the toner, a transfer device for transferring a toner image onto a transfer material, a fixing device for fixing, and a cleaning device for cleaning the photoreceptor after the transfer of a toner image, wherein when a toner image which is not to be transferred is formed on the photoreceptor, image formation is performed after cleaning is done a plurality of times for an area on which the toner image has been formed in the previous process.

Abstract: In the image forming apparatus, when a RECEIVE PROCESSING UNIT receives program data downloaded from the outside, a transfer control unit judges whether the program data corresponds to the peripheral device connected to the image forming apparatus by comparing a type of the peripheral device identified by a peripheral device identification unit and the type of the peripheral device which can be specified with the downloaded program data. The transfer control unit judges that the program data is program data which corresponds to the connected peripheral device and transfers the program data to the peripheral device. In the peripheral device, a write control unit updates program data by writing the transferred program data to a data storage unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a transfer mechanism, a fixing mechanism, a sheet ejection mechanism, and a driving source. The transfer mechanism including a transfer roller that transfers a toner image carried on a photosensitive member onto a recording sheet. The fixing mechanism fixes the toner image onto the recording sheet with heat and pressure. The fixing mechanism includes a fixing roller and a pressure plate, and applies heat and pressure to the toner image on the recording sheet when the recording sheet is caused to pass through a fixing nip portion. The sheet ejection mechanism ejects the recording sheet and includes sheet ejection rollers. The driving source drives the photosensitive member, the transfer roller, the fixing roller, and the sheet ejection rollers to transfer the recording sheet at a linear speed in a substantially constant manner from the photosensitive member through to the sheet ejection mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming system for connecting a plurality of image forming apparatus and which is capable of conducting a tandem operation such that an image input by one of the plurality of image forming apparatus is output by the plurality of image forming apparatus and which includes job reserving sections provided on each of the image forming apparatus, for reserving an image forming job, wherein while conducting the tandem operation, any of the job reserving sections on the image forming apparatus is capable of reserving a job.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can reduce a system return time by reducing a time required for initialization of peripheral control integrated circuits according to a control program and achieves a low-power consumption so as to improve convenience for a user. A CPU performs a control of the image processing apparatus. A control bus for address and data is controlled by the CPU. A memory is connected to the control bus so as to stored a control program of the processing unit. A reset IC initializes the CPU when a power is turned on. A peripheral control ASIC controls each part of the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction of the CPU. An exclusive control bus is connected to the peripheral control ASIC. An operation of the exclusive control bus is started according to an input from the reset IC so as to perform an initializing process of the peripheral control ASIC.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus is provided with a driving circuit board for driving an apparatus main body, a control circuit board for controlling the apparatus main body, and an image controller board for controlling image data, in which the driving circuit substrate and the image controller board are arranged substantially vertically, and the control circuit board is arranged substantially horizontally. Consequently, a high-frequency wiring part can be shortened, and reduction of radiation field noises and costs for coping with the noises can be realized. Moreover, since heat radiation efficiency increases, deterioration of components and degradation of an image quality due to increase in temperature inside the apparatus can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention provides an image-forming machine with a user detection system. The image-forming machine has image-forming equipment and at least one sensor. The image-forming equipment may include a photoconductor, one or more chargers, an exposure machine, a toning station, a fusing station, related equipment, and accessories. The image-forming machine may also include a sensor interface and a communication link. The sensor is monitored to detect when a user is near the image-forming machine. An output signal from the sensor indicates a user presence near the image-forming machine. A warm-up procedure is started in response to the output signal of the sensor.

Abstract: A media advance device includes a pick roller and a pair of sensors. The first sensor may be an encoder utilized to determine the speed of media advance. In addition, data from the first sensor and/or the second sensor may be utilized in a closed loop feedback system to alter the time in which an error signal may be returned according to the level of the media in the media tray. In addition, the speed of the media advance may be varied in real time to compensate for variations in the time intervals required to advance sheets of media from the media tray to the second sensor. By virtue of the detected speed of media advance as sensed by the first sensor and/or the second sensor, the level of media in the media tray may be calculated in a substantially accurate manner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a process cartridge capable of satisfying both a high quality image and an excellent maintenance property with a simple configuration. A photosensitive member and a charging roller that is a member rotating in contact with the photosensitive member are brought into contact with each other in the image forming process. When an image forming operation starts from a standstill, the charging roller is rotated before the photosensitive member starts to be rotated. Furthermore, before the photosensitive member stars to be rotated, a reversed bias voltage that is a voltage opposite to the bias voltage at usual development time is applied between the members rotating in contact with the photosensitive member and the photosensitive member. The time for which the charging roller is rotated before the photosensitive member starts to be rotated is set to be 0.01-2.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus for executing an image forming cycle in which a toner image is formed in response to an image formation start command and an image consisting of a fixed toner image is formed on the recording medium by transferring and fixing the toner image onto a recording medium, and executing a predetermined post-process cycle when a subsequent image formation start command is not issued within a predetermined time after a final image forming cycle is ended, there is provided a sequence controlling means for stopping the post-process cycle and causing a process to shift to a subsequent image forming cycle when the subsequent image formation start command is received during when the post-process cycle is being carried out.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier for carrying a toner image thereon while being driven to rotate. A conveyor conveys a recording medium, to which the toner image is to be transferred from the image carrier, to an image transfer position. An image carrier controller controls the linear velocity of the image carrier in rotation. A conveyance controller controls the linear velocity of the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyor. A main controller controls the image carrier controller and conveyance controller such that the mean linear velocity of the image carrier and that of the recording medium are different from each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a left time informing function, which can accurately predict time required for finishing forming an image. The image forming apparatus with a left time informing function, has: a storage for storing data of various types of basic operation time for forming an image, therein; and a status management section for calculating and informing left time required for completing forming the image on the basis of the data stored in the storage, when a condition of forming the image is determined; wherein the basic operation time include print time corresponding to a single-sided mode and a double-sided mode, respectively, for every size of a transfer sheet, and interprocessing time for every postprocessing.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus has a controller which performs monitoring and control over a directly connected option apparatus by communicating with a controller of the directly connected option apparatus. Monitoring and control over another option apparatus that itself has a controller is performed not by the controller of the image formation apparatus but by the controller of the option apparatus close to the image formation apparatus. The image formation apparatus can keep track of the situation of a far-off option apparatus without performing direct monitoring or control thereof, by the controller of the option apparatus sending to the controller of the image formation apparatus a notice indicating the situation of the option apparatus sent from the controller of yet another option apparatus.

Abstract: To provide age forming device and a developing cartridge used in the image forming device capable of performing high-speed image forming operation for forming high-quality images and of reliably detecting an accurate amount of remaining toner. An agitator and a developing roller provided to a developing cartridge are driven to rotate independent from each other. During the detection of the remaining toner amount, the agitator is rotated at a lower speed so as not to stir up the toner. On the other hand, the agitator is rotated at a higher speed during the image forming operations, so that the toner efficiently circulates within the developing cartridge, thereby forming preferable images.

Abstract: Gas purge is performed in a pellicle space surrounded by a reticle and pellicle film. First and second openable/closable lids are attached to a pellicle support frame. Lid suction nozzle proximity mechanisms and lid suction nozzles for opening/closing the first and second lids of the pellicle support frame, inert gas supply and discharge nozzles, a pellicle flexure measurement unit for measuring the flexure of the pellicle film, and an impurity detection device for measuring an impurity concentration in the pellicle space are inserted in a reticle transfer path. Gas for gas purge is supplied into the pellicle space.

Abstract: An upgradeable imaging system includes a housing with an opening. A support structure and a plurality of imaging stations are disposed within the housing. Each imaging station includes a charging unit and a developing unit. The imaging system also includes a removable module with a photoreceptive substrate. The removable module has an interior space defined within the photoreceptive substrate and at least one exposing unit disposed within the interior space. The removable module is configured to be engageable with the support structure and passable through the opening of the housing. When the removable module is engaged with the support structure, the photoreceptive substrate is disposed operatively adjacent to the imaging stations. Accordingly, the removable module may be removed from the imaging system and replaced with another module. The imaging system includes circuitry for configuring the imaging stations to operate according to a printing routine depending upon the number of exposing units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Web-based imaging system that provides print job assurance. Such systems of this type, generally, warm the user, prior to printing, whether or not the print job will be able to be printed, as expected.

Abstract: A rotation stabilizing device of the invention has therein a rotary member which rotates around the central rotation axis, an inertia member which is arranged at the position different from that for the royary member in terms of the axial direction of the central rotation axis, and a connecting member which is provided with a viscoelastic member having viscosity and elasticity and connects the rotary member and the inertia member in a detachable manner through the viscoelastic member, and is characterized in that the connecting member is provided at the position which is away from the central rotation axis in the radial direction.

Abstract: After an image forming operation is finished, a motor that drives a belt is stopped after a predetermined time period passes since a sensor detects the only one mark provided on the belt. The predetermined time period is different for first, second and third job. This is repeated for the jobs thereafter. One job is a series of processing from the start of the motor to the stop of the motor. Thus, the belt stops at three different position for each consecutive three jobs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling picture quality in a transfuse xerographic machine has independent velocity control of image transfer and transfuse belts or rollers when they are disengaged from each other and a common velocity control when they are engaged with each other. The machine can be a monochrome or color copier or printer. Various rollers can be the drive and/or the encoder rollers.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus for executing an image forming cycle in which a toner image is formed in response to an image formation start command and an image consisting of a fixed toner image is formed on the recording medium by transferring and fixing the toner image onto a recording medium, and executing a predetermined post-process cycle when a subsequent image formation start command is not issued within a predetermined time after a final image forming cycle is ended, there is provided a sequence controlling means for stopping the post-process cycle and causing a process to shift to a subsequent image forming cycle when the subsequent image formation start command is received during when the post-process cycle is being carried out.

Abstract: A user is notified of an auto power off operation or an auto power save operation before the operation is executed. Therefore, an unexpected power off operation or unexpected switching into a power save mode can be avoided, and no extra labor or time is imposed on the user.

Abstract: In a digital printing apparatus, various modules each perform a specific function, such as paper feeding, marking sheets, interpreting image data from high-level formats, and performing finishing operations. One or more of these modules includes a board therein, which is able to communicate with another board within the apparatus by infrared or other wireless communication. Such wireless communication obviates the need for large and expensive wire harnesses. There may further be provided barrier structures within the apparatus to prevent crosstalk among various wireless-capable boards. The interaction of the modules facilitates a method of outputting prints.

Abstract: The present invention includes individually (independently) a drive control section for driving/controlling an induction heating device of a fixing device and a main-body control section for entirely controlling an electronic copying machine. The start-up processing for the induction heating device is started prior to start-up processing for parts of the main body of the electronic copying machine other than the induction heating device.

Abstract: When a user stands in front of an image forming apparatus, sets originals on an ADF, and depresses a start key, a central control unit effects issuance of a print job, which is to be executed subsequent to a scanner job, on a print control order management table. Then, if print data is sent from a client to the image forming apparatus via an external controller, the central control unit issues as a second print job the print request from the client because the first print job was issued on the print control order management table. The central control unit does not operate a printer unit until the original reading operation by the ADF is finished. The moment the original reading operation by the ADF is finished, the central control unit executes printing by the printer unit on the basis of the read original data. After completing printing of all original data read by the ADF, the central control unit starts the print job sent from the client.

Abstract: An image forming system for connecting a plurality of image forming apparatus and being capable of conducting a tandem operation such that an image inputted by one of the plurality of image forming apparatus is outputted by the plurality of image forming apparatus, the system comprises:

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus that maintains uniformity of image quality in print of identical images and that improves the performance of a printer.

Abstract: In order to manage the amount of power consumed by executing a plurality of jobs in parallel to a proper level, when a job start key is pressed, whether power consumption exceeds a predetermined value is determined. If the power consumption does not exceed the predetermined value, the job is executed; otherwise, the job is not executed, and the processing waits for a next instruction.

Abstract: In order to provide a reversing section for reversing the recording paper for recording on both sides, in such a manner as to avoid increase in size of the device, reversing rollers 14 are provided over the rear part of the paper cassette 3, and a reversing path 15 is formed at the back of the paper cassette 3. The recording paper 2 having passed the reversing rollers 14 enters the reversing path 15. Additional reversing path 16 is provided under the paper cassette 3, and the recording paper 2 moves from the reversing path 15 into the reversing path 16.

Abstract: A multi-mode image forming apparatus and method have a first mode which can be used by all users and a second mode which is available to authorized users only. The second mode is induced in response to a request from a management apparatus which is connected image forming apparatus. A reception arrangement is arranged to receive updating data sent from the management apparatus in the second mode and to store this data in a memory from which a non-volatile memory of the image forming apparatus can be updated at a later time. This arrangement permits file data to be transferred from the management apparatus to a HDD in the image forming apparatus. During an update, this data can be read out from the HDD to an EEPROM (non-volatile memory) so that even if the updating operation fails, the time for repeating the updating can be minimized.

Abstract: A quotient (rounding up at one decimal place) obtained by dividing a user-designated number UNum of copies by a limit number PNum of copies unique to a printer is set as a number J of print jobs. PNum copies of print data obtained by one despool operation are printed. After printing of the PNum copies is performed (J-1) times, the number of copies for the final job (Jth job) is calculated. Since PNum x (J-1) copies have already been output at that time, N copies as the remainder of division of UNum by PNum suffice to be printed by the final job. Hence, the N copies are printed as the number of copies for the Jth print job, and printing is complete. This makes it possible to print the user-designated number of copies regardless of the printer limitation.

Abstract: To provide an image formation apparatus with a suppressed increase of processing load on the controller of the image formation apparatus even if a plurality of option apparatuses is connected, option apparatuses of the image formation apparatus and an image formation system configured by these image formation apparatus and option apparatuses. A controller 127 of the image formation apparatus performs monitoring and control over the directly connected option apparatus by communicating with A controller 128 of the directly connected option apparatus. Monitoring and control over another option apparatus that owns a controller 129 is performed not by the controller 127 of the image formation apparatus but by the controller 128 of the option apparatus close to the image formation apparatus.

Abstract: A facsimile machine performs a printing operation in an optimum environment by detecting the environment of the facsimile machine when it receives a facsimile signal from a remote device. A control circuit assembly (1) of the facsimile machine includes a scanner unit (15), a printing unit (20) and a transmission and reception unit (25). All of them are operated by commands from a main controller (2). A memory (5) that accumulates image information is associated with the main controller (2). If the image information is input into the transmission and reception unit (25), a fan (11) and a heater (12) are operated in accordance with control information stored in a table (31) prepared in the memory (5) until attainment of the operation-assured environment. After that, the printing unit (20) prints the information on sheets of paper. By pressing a button (8), the printing is forcibly output at whatever time.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a continuous medium printing apparatus including a printing section, a determining section, instructing unit, wherein the determining section is controlled in its reading operation for acquiring printed image data from continuous paper in accordance with first instructing signal supplied from the instructing unit, and the printing section is controlled in its printing operation on the continuous paper in accordance with a second instructing signal supplied from the instructing unit.

Abstract: Upon restarting a printer, current is fed to a charge roller for charging a transfer belt, a drum charger for charging a photosensitive drum and a developing unit for developing a latent image on the photosensitive drum, while prohibiting current feed to an LED head. Then, the transfer belt is caused to abut upon the photosensitive drum, driven in a given direction and cleaned at a downstream side by a belt cleaner.

Abstract: A printer for forming a toner image to be transferred onto a work piece, includes a latent image roller with an outer peripheral image surface adapted to be electrified in such a manner that an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon, an image developing roller with an outer peripheral toner surface adapted to hold thereon toner to be supplied onto the outer peripheral image surface so that the electrostatic latent image is developed by the toner to form the toner image, an electrifier for electrifying the outer peripheral image surface, and a discharger for partially electrically discharging the electrified outer peripheral image surface to form the electrostatic latent image. A motor drives both the latent image roller and the image developing roller.

Abstract: A variety of motors employed in the main body of an image forming apparatus are controlled in accordance with operating times which are other than those of the motors of the main body and which are exemplified by the operating time of the finisher coupled to the image forming apparatus. Owing to this control, the operating speed of the printing processing need not be lowered, and unnecessary idle operations of the motors are prevented. Accordingly, consumables, such as a photosensitive drum driven by the main motor, do not deteriorate in a short period of time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has first to fourth photoconductor drums, a driving source (i.e, motor), a transmitting member for transmitting power of the driving source to the photoconductor drums to rotate the photoconductor drums (i.e, gears and belts), a first restricting member being rotatably held and being coupled to the first and second photoconductor drums to restrict rotations of the first and second photoconductor drums (i.e, gear), the first restricting member being a member different from the transmitting member and a second restricting member being rotatably held and being coupled to the third and fourth photoconductor drums to restrict rotations of the third and fourth photoconductor drums (i.e, gear), and the second restricting member being a member different from the transmitting member.

Abstract: The main body of a digital copying machine is connected to a finisher. The main body subtracts a certain length of time from the sheet processing time designated by the finisher. Owing to this, even when the finisher is used, printing processing is executed with no need to decrease the processing speed originally provided for the main body of the digital copying machine.

Abstract: An image formation device, such as a printer, forms an image in a transfer format. The image formation device is configured to execute a predetermined down sequence to prepare the device for the next image formation operation after completion of an image formation operation. Alternatively, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the device is configured to execute a blank rotation sequence instead of executing the down sequence after completion of an image formation operation. The device may have the ability to form an image from different image generation sources. A determination of whether an image formation operation switches from one image generation source to using another image generation source may be based on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be that the sizes of the images formed using each image generation source are equal.

Abstract: A process including: providing an electrically powered imaging system including a flexible electrostatographic imaging member belt including at least one layer including a thermoplastic polymer matrix, an imaging surface and a back surface, and at least two rotatable belt support members, each support member having an arcuate contacting surface in contact with the back surface of the imaging belt; providing electrical power to the imaging system, the imaging system having operating modes including a copying mode and at least one non-copying mode; and cycling the belt at low speed around the belt support members after the imaging system has continuously been in the at least one non-copying mode for at least about 1.5 hours.