Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; an exposure portion configured to expose the photosensitive member to light depending on image information to form a latent image on the photosensitive member; a developing portion configured to develop the latent image into a toner image with toner; and a transfer portion configured to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive member onto a recording material. The image forming apparatus changes a surface movement speed of the photosensitive member at timing prior to predetermined timing, when a moving speed of a recording material at the transfer portion changes, by a predetermined time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; an exposure portion configured to expose the photosensitive member to light depending on image information to form a latent image on the photosensitive member; a developing portion configured to develop the latent image into a toner image with toner; and a transfer portion configured to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive member onto a recording material. The image forming apparatus changes a surface movement speed of the photosensitive member at timing prior to predetermined timing, when a moving speed of a recording material at the transfer portion changes, by a predetermined time.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus that is capable of executing a scan job and another image process in parallel without lowering a reading speed of a scanner unit. A reading unit reads a document according to an execution instruction for a predetermined image process. An image processing unit applies the predetermined image process to image data obtained by the reading unit. A clock controller controls an image transfer clock for transferring the image data to the image processing unit from the reading unit. The clock controller sets a frequency of the image transfer clock to a predetermined frequency in a case where the predetermined image process is executed independently. And the clock controller sets the frequency of the image transfer clock to a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency in a case where the predetermined image process is executed in parallel with another image process that differs from the predetermined image process.

Abstract: A data transmission method, a chip, a controller, and a display device. The method is applied to a target driving chip in the display device. The display device includes a controller (01), a plurality of driving chips (02), and an in-cell touch display panel (03). The target driving chip is one of the plurality of driving chips (02). The target driving chip is respectively connected to the controller (01) and the in-cell touch display panel (03). The method includes: receiving state data acquired by the in-cell touch display panel, the state data being configured to reflect a working state of the in-cell touch display panel; and sending return data to the controller, the return data including the state data which includes control data.

Abstract: Provided is a device for monitoring printer-related data on USB cables. The USB-compatible device comprises a first USB connector, a second USB connector, a processor, and a non-volatile memory. The device stores printer-related data, reports stored printer-related data to a server, and removes the stored printer-related data from the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A display device capable of upgrading smart functions as broadly described herein may include a multi-functional display device capable of upgrading smart functions, including a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the received broadcast signal, a decoder for decoding the demultiplexed broadcast signal, a display for displaying the decoded broadcast signal, an external device interface configured to connect to a smart card for receiving upgrade data, a memory for storing the upgrade data and version information of the smart card, and a controller configured to process and display the received broadcast signal on the display, determine whether the smart card is connected to the display device, and communicate with the smart card to operate the multi-functional display device, wherein the smart card includes at least one smart function for execution on the multi-functional display device.

Abstract: A method for scheduling different combinations of jobs simultaneously running on a shared hardware platform is disclosed. Schedules may be created while executing the current set of jobs, for one or more possible sets of jobs that may occur after a change in the current set of jobs. In at least one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in a SDR system where the jobs may correspond to radios in the SDR system. The possible combinations of radios that may occur after a change in the set of currently running radios may be determined at run time by adding or removing one radio at a time from the set of currently running radios.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium; a fixing section that includes a heat roller with a heater inside and fixes a toner image on the recording medium; a temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of an end region of the heat roller in a direction of a rotary axis thereof; a control section that controls the operation of the heater based on the detected temperature; and a post-drive time calculating section that calculates a post-drive time for a post-drive of the fixing section after a successive image formation on recording media, depending upon the sizes of the recording media and through a subtraction using a correction factor set according to a condition of conveyance of the recording media. The control section causes the fixing section to perform the post-drive for the calculated post-drive time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a sheet conveying unit, a TOD (Top of Data) control module for instructing the image forming unit to start generation of a toner image, a timing roller driving module for instructing the sheet conveying unit to start driving of the timing roller, an image synchronization module designed depending on the sheet conveying unit and the image forming unit, and a sheet information module for generating an image synchronization identifier for designating a pattern of image synchronization control related to printing of the toner image on the sheet, depending on a type of the sheet designated. The image synchronization module is activated when the formation of the toner image on the sheet has become possible, and activate each of the TOD control module and the timing roller driving module, with a relative time lag based on the image synchronization identifier.

Abstract: Upon recovery from a power-saving mode to a normal mode and then restart of fixing temperature control from a state in which the fixing temperature control is stopped, a control part (display control part 10 obtains a current temperature of a fixing part based on output of a temperature detector and required stabilization time T1 based on required stabilization time data, and based on necessary time data A and the number of remaining setting screens on which settings need to be made in a wizard format, issues a restart signal RS for restarting the fixing temperature control between a first time point TP1 reached by tracing back by the required stabilization time T1 from a predicted time point at which making the settings is predicted to complete and a second time point TP2 as a time point the necessary time before the first time point.

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: A method for operating a selectively interconnected modular printing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a selectively interconnected modular printing system that is responsive to an operational preference setting and associated configuration information for each module; communicating the associated configuration information for the selectively interconnected modules to a system controller; and using the system controller to automatically determine operational parameters based on the associated configuration information. The method further includes determining a set of operational preferences from the operational parameters; selecting at least one operational preference setting; using the system controller to determine specific operational parameters based on the selected operational preference setting; and storing the specific operational parameters so that the modular printing system is effective for operation.

Abstract: There is provided a heating controlling device having: a receiving section receiving heating instructions for plural heaters; and a controller that, when the receiving section receives a heating instruction to heat another heater while two or more heaters other than the heater for which the heating instruction is received are heating, stops heating of the heaters that are heating, after a first predetermined time period elapses from the control to stop heating, starts heating of the heater for which the heating instruction is received, and each time a number of second predetermined time periods elapses from the control to start heating, restarts heating, on the basis of predetermined priority rankings, of the heaters that were controlled to stop heating.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a print system is provided comprising a plurality of networked print engines in communication with one another, a presence detector, and a controller to communicate with the presence detector to determine a user presence and to access usage data of each of the plurality of print engines. The controller combines and shares the user presence and the usage data to adjust operations of the plurality of print engines enabling quick entry to, and quick exit from, power saving mode of at least two of the plurality of print engines.

Abstract: A charging management server is informed of an ID number stored in an IC card, and a user charging table of the charging management server is read. A new user charging list is transmitted to an MFP. In the case where the MFP receives a cooperative job to be executed by a cooperative server, a sub charging list is generated. The generated new sub charging list is transmitted together with image data to the cooperative server. The cooperative server executes the job on the basis of charging a fee for the job. As the job is executed on the basis of charging, the sub charging list is updated. In parallel with the execution of the cooperative job by the cooperative server, the MFP can perform a normal job according to the charging list.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device that has a display control unit that causes, when one or more of setting items for specifying a processing are sequentially specified by a manipulation made by an operator, a display unit to display processing information sets each including setting items in a predetermined order on the basis of the sequentially specified setting items, and has a processing execution unit that executes a processing specified by setting items included in a processing information set specified by a manipulation made by the operator among the displayed processing information sets.

Abstract: A printing control system includes a host interface, a user interface, a printing unit, and a controller. The host interface communicates with a host device that submits a print job. The user interface communicates with a user. The printing unit executes the print job. The controller suspends operation at the printing unit in response to a suspend request received at one of the host interface and user interface. The controller measures an elapsed time since the suspension, and transmits one of first and second commands upon determining that the elapsed time exceeds a given reference time. The first command causes the printing unit to automatically resume the suspended operation. The second command causes the host interface to send a notification of the suspension.

Abstract: A method of authenticating at least one piece of content provided to an image forming apparatus in which at least one consumable is disposed includes determining whether the at least one consumable includes authentication information of the at least one piece of content, displaying the at least one piece of content on a user interface according to a license policy corresponding to the authentication information, selecting at least one piece of content from the at least one piece of content displayed on the user interface, and executing the selected at least one piece of content.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that can be connected to an image-forming apparatus, a method, and a program used for the information processing apparatus are disclosed. The information processing apparatus comprises a control unit for controlling print-setting information set for document data to be printed, a recognition unit for recognizing information about a first function specified by the print-setting information by translating the print-setting information controlled by the control unit, an obtaining unit for obtaining information about a second function of the image-forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, a determination unit for determining whether or not the image-forming apparatus can perform the first function recognized by the recognition unit based on the second-function information obtained by the obtaining unit, and a modification unit for modifying the print-setting information controlled by the control unit based on the determination result.

Abstract: When an instruction reception section receives an image forming instruction from an operator, a detector detects an toner image forming unit which performs an image forming operation in connection with the operator's instruction. A mode determining section determines which one of an image formation preceding mode or a sheet conveyance preceding mode is set for the toner image forming unit detected by the detector, and a drive controller controls drivings of the sheet conveying section and the image forming section according to the determined mode.

Abstract: In order to provide an automatic job template generating apparatus capable of making operations simpler by reducing the steps in the user interface operation to match a frequently used capability of an MFP, an automatic job template generating apparatus of the invention is formed of an operation history acquisition unit configured to acquire an operation history of a multi function peripherals for each user according to information accessed to the multi function peripherals on the Web, an operation frequency analysis unit configured to analyze an operation frequency at regular timing according to the operation history acquired by the operation history acquisition unit, and a job template generation unit configured to newly generate a job execution parameter having a high operation frequency on an operation screen as a job template button according to an analysis result of the operation analysis unit.

Abstract: In the printing and finishing of sheet-like objects, printing instructions are outputted to a printer. In accordance therewith, sheet-like objects are printed by the printer and are subsequently delivered by the printer directly to the finishing apparatus and then finished by the finishing apparatus. Output data concerning the printing instructions sent to the printer which are at least indicative of the printer capacity required for the printer to process the printing instructions outputted to the printer are registered. Sheet-like objects displaced by the printer are detected and signaled by the detector. At least periodically, production data in accordance with the signals received from the detector are generated. These data are at least indicative of a production quantity realized by the printer in response to the printing instructions sent to the printer. Depending on the production data, the output of next ones of the printing instructions to the printer is dosed.

Abstract: A system for printing a multi-layer document includes no less than two continuous feed simplex printing devices that each print on no more than one of a plurality of media webs. An in-line post-processing device merges the media webs into a multi-layer document. The system also may have a controller that controls the printing devices and the post-processing device from a single synchronized dataflow. A method prints a multi-layer document, including the steps of simultaneously printing on no less than two media webs by a plurality of roll fed printers that each print on only one of the media webs; and merging the media webs from the plurality of roll fed printers in an inline post-processing device.

Abstract: A multifunctional machine includes a first component section that starts up taking a first time period, and a second component section that starts up taking a second time period shorter than the first time period. An operation start prediction information obtaining section is provided to obtain operation start prediction information predicting a time when a user starts the multifunctional machine. A start up control section is provided to start up the first component section in advance of the second component section. A power supply control section is provided to supply power from at least one external power source and drive the start up control section in accordance with the operation start prediction information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that can be connected to an image-forming apparatus, a method, and a program used for the information processing apparatus are disclosed. The information processing apparatus comprises a control unit for controlling print-setting information set for document data to be printed, a recognition unit for recognizing information about a first function specified by the print-setting information by translating the print-setting information controlled by the control unit, an obtaining unit for obtaining information about a second function of the image-forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, a determination unit for determining whether or not the image-forming apparatus can perform the first function recognized by the recognition unit based on the second-function information obtained by the obtaining unit, and a modification unit for modifying the print-setting information controlled by the control unit based on the determination result.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is provided with an image information storage unit, an image information processing unit, an actual image forming unit, an image information control unit that controls transfer of image information between each of the units, a power supply control unit, a cost information management unit that holds basic cost information prescribing power costs dependent on a usage time and calculates unit cost information, and an image processing time management unit that calculates a processing time required for image output jobs, wherein the image information control unit sets the execution timings of the image output jobs based on the basic cost information so that a total of image output costs of the image output jobs stored in the image information storage unit is lowest.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming unit which forms an image as a toner image on a printing medium, a first fixing unit which fixes, on the printing medium, the toner image formed by the image forming unit, a second fixing unit arranged at a position different from the first fixing unit and used when a larger amount of heat is necessary for fixing the toner image on the printing medium, and a changing unit which changes the sequence of image formation by the image forming unit when the second fixing unit is used during image formation.

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

Abstract: Based on regional calendar data including weekday information and holiday information, days of a month to be set are displayed as date buttons in a nonconsultation day setting image. A WORK button, an ALL button, a PM button or an AM button may be clicked to set consultation days and nonconsultation days for each day or weekday. The amount of energy consumed by an image forming apparatus is reduced by an energy saving mode in a preset nonbusiness time zone on nonbusiness days, and on Sundays and holidays which are not working days.

Abstract: An interface card for a device with image output capabilities. The interface card includes a connector for connecting to the device and a controller. The controller sends data for output of an image of a quick-start guide from the interface card to the device through the connector. The controller sends the data once without error and does not send the data to the device again unless the interface card is reset with respect to whether the data has been sent. In the preferred embodiment, the interface card further includes a non-volatile memory, and the controller stores an indication that the data has been sent without error in the non-volatile memory in a case that the data has been sent without error. The controller uses the indication to determine if the data has been sent once without error, and the interface card is reset with respect to whether the data has been sent by resetting the indication.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a controller configured to control each unit of the image forming apparatus, and an engine to which a startup instruction is sent from the controller and a plurality of peripheral devices is connected in series. Power is supplied to the controller and the engine separately, and further supplied to the plurality of peripheral devices from the engine. The engine independently sends startup instructions to the plurality of peripheral devices.

Abstract: An image recording system is provided which includes two image recording apparatuses that can independently record images and can sequentially start up the two image recording apparatuses one by one rather than starting up at the same time. A bypass transporting path apparatus is disposed on a color image recording apparatus and a transporting path connecting apparatus is disposed between a front portion of a monochrome image recording apparatus and a rear portion of the color image recording apparatus. This system includes a start-up controlling portion that performs control such that after any one image recording apparatus is started up and put into a recordable state, the other image recording apparatus is started up and put into a recordable state.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that outputs a reference clock, divides the outputted reference clock based on a set multiple, and generates an image clock based on the division, a width of a synchronization signal that indicates dynamic deviation characteristics is detected, and the multiple is set in accordance with the detected width of the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus initiate the supply of power to a component to ready the component to perform a function in response to further operator input.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dispersed input and output system adapted to instruct the execution of a dispersed divided input operation at a document input and output device, perform control to cause a plurality of document input and output devices other than the document input and output device to cooperatively carry out dispersed divided input operations, and register the operations as one job in a document handling function at the end.

Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus forming a visible image on a recording medium includes: a functional element required for an image forming operation; a first control unit controlling the functional element; an input unit inputting an external instruction; and a second control unit communicating with the first control unit about information on the image, performing a process in accordance with the instruction input via the input unit, and outputting a return signal for starting the functional element required for performing the process in accordance with the instruction.

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

Abstract: A digital printing apparatus comprises a rotatable image receptor defining a plurality of test zones along a circumference thereof. Test patches on the image receptor are requested for each of a plurality of types of test routines. A table is used for scheduling test routines requested by the control means, the table having as inputs a plurality of test zones for each a plurality of future rotations of the image receptor, and as outputs constraints relating to types of test routines for each test zone in a plurality of future rotations of the image receptor.

Abstract: An engine control part determines a print operation start timing, wherein a transferring material discharging interval designated by a transferring material discharging interval notifying means for notifying a controller part of the transferring material discharging interval till the transferring material can be received when a transferring material discharging schedule operation means makes a schedule of a transferring material discharging operation for a transferring material discharging option control part, is set as a transferring material discharging interval from the transferring material discharged by a transferring material discharging option last time. A futile downtime is eliminated by virtue of processing of an discharging option such as changeover of discharging bins, stapling, bookbinding, etc. even in a case where an interval between transferring materials is expanded wider than normal.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses which are connected to each other via a communication line. Each of the image forming apparatuses includes an image reader that reads an image of an original document as image data; an image data storage that stores the image data; an image forming unit that forms an image onto a sheet of paper from the image data; and a communication unit that transmits and receives any one of the image data and control data for controlling an image forming operation. At least one of the image forming apparatuses includes an output timing controller that controls the plurality of image forming apparatuses so that start time of an image forming operation are different among the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with hardware resources used by an image forming process, a storage section which stores one or more programs for carrying out processes of user services and control services related to the image forming process, a network control service which controls a network communication as an arbitrary control service and receives via a network an updating data group including an updating data for at least one of a plurality of programs, and a program starting section which starts the arbitrary control service when the network control service receives the updating data group. In addition, an updating data selection section selects an updating data from the updating data group received by the network control service, based on a program of the control service started by or is startable by the program starting section, and an updating section updates at least one arbitrary program stored in the storage section based on the selected updating data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes hardware resources used by an image forming process, a storage section that stores programs for carrying out processes of user services and control services related to the image forming process, an updating data selection section that selects an updating data for at least one of programs from an updating data group, based on a program of a control service that is started or is startable, and an updating section that updates at least one arbitrary program stored in the storage section based on the selected updating data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system having a computer and a plurality of printers connected to the computer. A printer selector selects a printer which can perform printing in the output form inputted by an operator through an input unit such as a keyboard or the like, based on print job data or printer data or the like. By inputting the output form, a printer having desired function e.g., printer capable of color printing or capable of both-sides printing and the like, is automatically selected.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus on which a paper handling apparatus is detachably mountable is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image processing section that processes an externally inputted image signal, an image forming section that forms an image on a paper sheet based on the image signal processed by the image processing section, and a control section that controls the image forming section based on an instruction from the image processing section, wherein the control section transmits to the image processing section a paper delivery signal indicating a timing to deliver paper sheets from the image forming section to the paper handling apparatus. The image processing section controls the paper handling apparatus based on the paper delivery signal received from the control section.

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 forming apparatus. A control bus for address and data is controlled by the CPU. A memory is connected to the control bus and is configured to store a control program of the CPU. 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: Disclosed are systems and methods for print recommendation and control. In one embodiment, a system and method pertain to analyzing print job parameters, determining whether any of the print job parameters are impermissible, and interrupting the print job if one or more print job parameters is determined to be impermissible. In another embodiment, a system and method pertain to analyzing print job parameters, determining if one or more print job parameters is likely to create an adverse printing outcome, and if it is determined that an adverse printing outcome is likely, notifying the user as to the likelihood of the adverse printing outcome and providing an alternative print recommendation to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for print recommendation and control. In one embodiment, a system and method pertain to analyzing print job parameters, determining whether any of the print job parameters are impermissible, and interrupting the print job if one or more print job parameters is determined to be impermissible. In another embodiment, a system and method pertain to analyzing print job parameters, determining if one or more print job parameters is likely to create an adverse printing outcome, and if it is determined that an adverse printing outcome is likely, notifying the user as to the likelihood of the adverse printing outcome and providing an alternative print recommendation to the user.

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 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: The invention is a method of establishing, and a structure for, a print stream job ticket. The method begins with receiving a unique job message identifier from a server client, where the identifier is representative of a particular print processing job. Once the identifier is received, the method locates a job ticket template database then attempts to match the received identifier with a template located in the database. The matching step is accomplished by plotting each element of the identifier to determine a set of elements to be mapped against a corresponding template. The identifier is then mapped against each one of the templates to determine a match based upon a set of matching rules. If a match exists, the matched template is selected to establish a new job ticket.