Abstract: A printer includes a media storage device, a print engine and a media supply system for supplying print media from the media storage device to the print engine. The printer is arranged to print media-related information onto media that are left over in the media storage device after a print process. The media storage device includes a tray arranged for accommodating cut media sheets and having an auxiliary printer for printing the media-related information onto a sheet in the tray.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transport unit that transports a sheet and an image forming section that forms an image region formed of a toner layer that enables information written on the sheet, which has been transported by the transport unit, by using a whiteboard marker to be erased by using a whiteboard eraser.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit, a conveyance unit, an opening, and a movement unit. The storage unit stores, in an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus, a sheet having an image. The conveyance unit conveys the sheet having the image to the storage unit. The opening exposes the stored sheet to an outside of the apparatus body. The movement unit is movable to a first position where the sheet conveyed to the storage unit can be stored in the storage unit and a second position. The stored sheet is moved when the movement unit moves from the first to the second position, and is stopped in an exposed state where a part of the sheet is exposed to outside the apparatus body from the opening. The movement unit moves from the second to the first position when the sheet is in the exposed state.

Abstract: A feeder feeds a first recording medium in a first direction. A curved guide guides the first recording medium fed by the feeder upward along a first path. An upper guide receives a leading edge of the first recording medium, guided by the curved guide, and guides the first recording medium in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. An insertion guide guides, along a second path, a second recording medium inserted from an opening. A conveying unit disposed downstream of the upper guide in the second direction conveys the first recording medium and the second recording medium to a recording unit which records an image on each recording medium supported by a supporting unit. A deflecting member has a surface inclined with respect to the second direction and deflects a leading edge of the second recording medium, guided by the insertion guide, upward toward the upper guide.

Abstract: In a method or device to sample a web movement, an incremental encoder translates the web movement into two phase-offset output signals. A quadrature decoder generates first and second digital output signals with two respective signal levels. The first output signal is designated as a forward signal and the second output signal is designated as a backward signal. An evaluation circuit outputs a control signal and has a first counter that counts a signal change of the forward signal and subtracts from the count a signal change of the backward signal. A second counter counts a signal change of the control signal. A comparator compares values of the first and the second counters. A disabling device enables the forward signal if values of both the first and second counters are the same so that the forward signal is output, and disables the forward signal if values of the two counters are different.

Abstract: An image processing method includes printing out a layout mark-sensing sheet indicating a plurality of different sample image layout options that graphically indicate different layouts of an image to be printed on a recording medium that has a specific shape. The layout mark-sensing sheet allows a user to mark the layout mark-sensing sheet to designate a specific image layout option from among the plurality of different sample image layout options. The layout mark-sensing sheet marked by the user is read and the image is printed on the recording medium based on the specific image layout option marked by the user on the layout mark-sensing sheet.

Abstract: A method, print making device, and system for printing input document sheets as one or more print jobs, including the following steps. First, generating virtual documents with the documents including at least one code sheet and input document sheets. The code sheet(s) include commands for printing encrypted print jobs. Next, reviewing the virtual documents, and identifying a first code sheet. After that, decoding the first code sheet to identify commands for print jobs associated with the first code sheet. Then, printing the virtual documents following the first code sheet. Subsequently, identifying a second code sheet while printing the virtual documents of the first print job. Followed by decoding the second code sheet to identify the commands for printing the print jobs associated with the second code sheet. Lastly, printing the virtual documents following the second code sheet.

Abstract: A method of configuring a printing system includes providing a document key having an initial image and providing a printing system that includes a memory storing a first system setting. The method also includes scanning the document key and validating the initial image. The method can optionally include marking a first overlay image over at least a portion of the initial image, scanning the document key, and verifying the marking of the first overlay image thereon. The method also includes configuring or permitting the configuration of the printing system after the initial image has been validated or the marking of the first overlay image on the initial image has been verified. A printing system that is capable of being configured using the document key is also included.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus wherein if paper used to print a first page of a first print job is not tab paper, the paper of a size equal to the size of the paper used to print the first page is used for a job information sheet and, if the paper used to print the first page of the first print job is tab paper, the paper of a type different from the tab paper of the size determined based on the size of the tab paper used to print the first page is used for the job information sheet.

Abstract: A printing system includes an optical sensor that reads a plurality of order sheets at least selecting images to be printed and printing sheet types, a printing specifying unit that specifies the images and printing sheet types selected by the order sheets on the basis of an output from the optical sensor, a reader that reads image data of the images selected by the order sheets from a recording medium, and a printer that prints the read image data on types of printing paper which correspond to the printing sheet types selected by the order sheets, wherein after the optical sensor reads the order sheets, the printer performs batch printing based on the images and printing sheet types selected by all the order sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved productivity and reducing operator induced shut-downs when feeding multiple jobs from a single sheet tray includes providing bar-coded job divider sheets; loading the divider sheets into the sheet supply tray on top of their corresponding sheet stack; providing a bar-code sensor above the sheet supply that reads each divider sheet bar-code information; confirming that the bar-code information matches what is in the job cue; and setting subsystem operating parameters for that paper. Once the first divider sheet is sensed, it is then fed to a purge tray before the job starts. When the job is complete, remaining sheets for that job can be fed (optionally at high speed) to the purge tray on top of the corresponding divider sheet for reuse later. If too few sheets were loaded for the job, the feeder will cause a soft cycle down and flag the problem.

Abstract: Based on whether image formation is to be performed on an one side or both sides of record paper, and on whether image data concerning image formation is image data of an one-sided document or image data of a double-sided document, it is judged whether a blank page or a blank sheet whose both sides are blank pages is included, and image formation is performed excluding said blank page or both sides of the blank sheet based on said judgment result.

Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes an image forming paper accommodating unit accommodating papers on which an image is formed, a specific paper accommodating unit accommodating specific papers, an image forming processing unit forming an image based on single-side or double-side image page data for papers, a sheet discharge unit to which the papers are discharged, and a control unit configured to control all the units, in which, when determining that the image forming job assigned to the specific papers accommodated in the specific paper accommodating unit is the double-side image forming job, the specific papers are fed from the specific paper accommodating unit based on the image page data assigned to a front side of the double-side image forming job and the image page data assigned to a rear side of the double-side image forming job are deleted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention can include an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet material having a memory capable of storing information, and a writing unit that is configured to send next use information to the memory, the next use information based on a current image formation on the sheet material by the image forming unit, the next use information usable in a next image formation.

Abstract: A production and finishing system, particularly a printing and finishing system, for electronic management and control of a wide range of finishing processes characterized by input from multiple production operations and equipment that, depending upon the job, may be variably applied to work pieces that themselves are highly variable between different jobs. Particular emphasis is demonstrated in relation to printing and finishing operations for printed documents. The principles of the present invention, however, apply to such production and finishing systems as, without limitation, textile production (which may include printing, cutting, sewing, and finishing), packaging operations for various consumer and industrial products, and printed wiring board production, etc. The present invention is particularly applicable to many operations where processes for production of work pieces are managed separately from processes for finishing and packaging of such work pieces.

Abstract: When multiple print jobs that include banner printing are combined and prescribed manipulation settings are specified, data for banner printing is processed separately of the multiple items of print data and the multiple items of print data are combined into a single item of print data, and newly created data for banner printing and the print data that has been combined is output. As a result, it is possible to avoid problems that arise from the combining of jobs for which banner printing settings and settings for finishing processing or layout processing have been made concurrently, and a user can be provided with the optimum printout by adapting processing in accordance with circumstances.

Abstract: A consumable resource option control unit includes a consumable resource and an option key coupled to the consumable resource. The option key is configured to enable an optional mode of operation for an image-forming device and to cause a display associated with an image-forming device to indicate availability of the mode of operation.

Abstract: An image-printing device includes a connection bay that accepts an insertable consumable resource. The consumable resource includes an option key that identifies at least one mode of operation associated with the consumable resource. The connection bay outputs at least one signal associated with the mode of operation when the consumable resource is inserted. A controller receives the signal associated with the mode of operation and in response outputs display information suitable for use by a display to indicate a selectable availability of the at least one mode of operation.

Abstract: A method of configuring a printing system includes providing a document key having an initial image and providing a printing system that includes a memory storing a first system setting. The method also includes scanning the document key and validating the initial image. The method can optionally include marking a first overlay image over at least a portion of the initial image, scanning the document key, and verifying the marking of the first overlay image thereon. The method also includes configuring or permitting the configuration of the printing system after the initial image has been validated or the marking of the first overlay, image on the initial image has been verified. A printing system that is capable of being configured using the document key is also included.

Abstract: When a printing process on a first apparatus is interrupted due to an error and the printing process is resumed by a second apparatus, it is determined whether a predetermined function (for example, stapling) is selected for the printing process according to the printing mode. If the predetermined function is selected for the printing process, the second printing apparatus prints the number of copies including the copy interrupted in the first machine according to the print setting. If the predetermined function is not selected for the printing process, the second printing apparatus prints the number of copies excluding the interrupted copy and the unprinted pages in the interrupted copy according to the print setting.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enable an image processing apparatus to correspond to plural kinds of data, and to easily and surely perform printout and management of various kinds of and large quantity of data. In the image processing apparatus which includes image printing means, image reading means and storage means capable of storing plural kinds of data, a user specifies kinds of data in the storage means which are desired to be subjected to printout or management processing, and allows a mark type sheet adapted to the kinds of data to be printed. On the other hand, the printout or management processing of data printed on the mark type sheet is controlled on the basis of the presence of marks and the positions of the marks on the mark type sheet, which are read from the mark type sheet.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image on a paper supplied from a paper storage part of an image forming device includes the steps of reading paper information recorded in a radio IC chip attached to a paper provided in the paper storage part, recording information of a reading order of the read paper information in relation to the paper information, by paper information storage means of the image forming device, recording newly read paper information in the paper information storage means, and performing a printing process by using a paper profile based on paper information whose reading order recorded in the paper information storage means is most recent among read paper information, by printing means.

Abstract: New information can be added to an information medium, and the information is certainly managed such that the information is not leaked when the information is outputted. An image reading section 2 reads the information medium and inputs images including a unique image and a code image. A detecting section 64 of a code processing section 63 determines the code image and the unique image from inputted images to detect the code image. An extracting section 65 restores the code image to obtain confidential information. Alternatively, the extracting section 65 restores the code image and obtains access information. A control section 7 accesses a management apparatus 8 based on the access information and requests confidential information related to the information medium. The management apparatus 8 transmits the specified confidential information to an image processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit to read an original document, an image data storage unit to store read image data, a print unit to print out the image data, a sheet insertion designation unit to perform a sheet insertion processing and a sheet insertion control unit. The user performs execution designation of the sheet insertion processing by the sheet insertion designation unit before a reading job of a first original document. When the execution of the sheet insertion processing is designated and a reading job of a specified original document is ended, the sheet insertion control unit requests the user to select a mode of the sheet insertion processing, and creates page data for performing the sheet insertion in the mode designated there. The printout including the page data for the sheet insertion is performed collectively after reading jobs of all original documents are ended.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a document conveying section that reversely conveys documents such that a front side and back side of the documents pass through a reading position, an image reading section for reading images on the documents conveyed to the reading position and generating image data, an image forming section for forming images on recording media, according to the image data, an input section for inputting designation whether the images are to be formed on both sides or on one side of the recording media, and a control section for controlling image reading by the image reading section and image forming by the image forming section, wherein the control section controls the image forming section to form an image according to image data in a condition where a single job includes both single-sided and double-sided image recording, correspondingly to the designation inputted via the input section.

Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a print job parameter including the steps of ascertaining a first print job parameter and automatically selecting a second print job parameter based upon the first print job parameter. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of automatically ascertaining a pre-selected toner density setting and automatically selecting a print media based upon the pre-selected toner density setting. Alternately, the method for automatically selecting a print job parameter may include the steps of ascertaining a pre-selected print media and automatically selecting a toner density setting based upon the pre-selected print media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a sheet of paper to control document processing is described. In one embodiment, the method includes scanning a first sheet of paper and a first document, identifying one or more processing operations identified on the first sheet of paper, performing the one or more processing operations on the first document, and generating a second sheet of paper that encodes the first document and the processing operations.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of forming an image on any of an image-erasable recording medium having recording-medium identification information and a recording medium and is capable performing image formation according to a first mode for forming an erasable image and according to a second mode for forming an inerasable image arbitrarily. The apparatus includes an image-forming unit, a detecting unit, and a control unit, feeds the image-erasable recording medium to the image-forming unit and allows the same to carry out image formation according to the first image-forming mode, when the first image-forming mode is selected, the detecting unit detects a recording medium having the recording medium-identification information, and the mode-control unit determines that image formation on an image-erasable recording medium can be carried out and does not prohibit image formation according to the first image-forming mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention can include an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet material having a memory capable of storing information, and a writing unit that is configured to send next use information to the memory, the next use information based on a current image formation on the sheet material by the image forming unit, the next use information usable in a next image formation.

Abstract: A sensor module is able to sense at least one aspect of objects produced by a plurality of object sources. Since one sensor module or set of sensor elements is used to examine output from the plurality of object sources, sensor to sensor variation is removed as a source of error. In a multi-engine document processor, information from the sensor module is used to adjust process actuators, adjust image data and/or generate scheduling constraints to improve output consistency. For example, facing pages of a document are rendered only on marking engines operating within a predetermined tolerance of one another. Image data may be altered so that related images are within the measured capabilities of a plurality of marking engines. System actuators, such as xerographic actuators, of selected marking engines are adjusted to improve output consistency between marking engines.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image on a paper supplied from a paper storage part of an image forming device includes the steps of reading paper information recorded in a radio IC chip attached to a paper provided in the paper storage part, recording information of a reading order of the read paper information in relation to the paper information, by paper information storage member of the image forming device, recording newly read paper information in the paper information storage member, and performing a printing process by using a paper profile based on paper information whose reading order recorded in the paper information storage member is most recent among read paper information, by printing member.

Abstract: In a device (1) for writing image information onto recording material (2), several separate images (B1 to B13) are assigned to the image information. Marks (M1 to M14) that are assigned to the several images (B1 to B13) are applied to the recording material (2) with a marking means (3). An output unit (4) is used for outputting the image information onto the recording material (2). Using a first transport means (5), the recording material (2) is transported in the area of the marking means (3). A second transport means (6) serves to transport the recording material (2) in the area of the output unit (4). The first transport means (5) and the second transport means (6) are designed such that the transport direction (T4, R4) of the recording material in the output unit (4) can be set independently of the transport of the recording material (2) in the marking means (3).

Abstract: Arrangements and procedures are described to automatically configure an imaging device to form images on sheets of print media in a stack of print media. To accomplish this, information is imprinted on the top sheet of the stack of print media. The information provides media parameter information that corresponds to each of the other sheets of print media in the stack of print media. An imaging device senses, or reads the information from the top sheet in a manner that is independent of any particular orientation of the top sheet. The imaging device is configured form images on each of the sheets of print media based on the sensed information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer for printing a collated multi-page document when presented with a plurality of manually collated pages, the printer including a code sensor which senses machine-readable codes on the manually collated pages, a control unit which uses the machine-readable codes to identify and retrieve previously stored electronic versions of the pages, and a print engine which prints the retrieved pages.

Abstract: Continuous “load while run” printing of ordered sets of plural different sheets in a defined order in a printer paper path is provided even where plural different sheet feeding trays are stacked with multiple such ordered sets, by additionally loading therein near the bottom of the stack in between said ordered sets a control sheet with optically detectable control indicia which is detected in a printer paper path as that control sheet fed out from a first substantially but not fully emptied sheet feeding tray. In response to that control sheet detection, the sheet feeding from that first sheet feeding tray is automatically stopped to allow the reloading of additional ordered sets therein, and sheet feeding of further said ordered sets is automatically started from a second sheet feeding tray provide said continuous printing of said ordered sets in said defined order.

Abstract: Editing a printing job of printing data temporarily stored in an intermediate-code format is restricted such that an error does not occur in the result of printing. A user interface for editing the printing-setting information of the data temporarily stored in the intermediate-code format is controlled such that a change of printing settings which can be edited is restricted and the printing settings are displayed.

Abstract: An image read from a document is analyzed to check whether the image includes a guide information at a predetermined position of the image. The guide information represents, for example, a layout of the document on the paper. The direction of a paper on which the image read is to be formed on a paper is adjusted based on the guide information included in the image. Thus, an operator is not required to adjust the direction of the paper. The guide information may include information such as whether the image is to be formed on both sides of the paper.

Abstract: Image data is stored on a removable external card together with previous printing information relating to printing of this image data. Accordingly, when printing identical with that executed previously is carried out, the need to make printing settings again is eliminated by performing printing based upon the stored information. By further storing printing paper information in the external card, information regarding a new type of printing paper can be registered in an image processing apparatus with ease. This makes it possible for the apparatus to print properly even on a new type of paper.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make an exact judgment on suitability of a replaceable component such as a toner supplying container with use of an existing mechanism of an image forming apparatus, without additionally providing a data storage component designed for a consumable product which is detachably attached to the apparatus, or a data reading component to be placed in the image forming apparatus main body. In an incorporated control section, a specific part of a replaceable component, which is placed on an original platform prior to being loaded into the apparatus, is optically scanned to read image information, and, based on the reading result, whether or not the replaceable component is suitable for the image forming apparatus is judged.

Abstract: An image read from a document is analyzed to check whether the image includes a guide information at a predetermined position of the image. The guide information represents, for example, a layout of the document on the paper. The direction of a paper on which the image read is to be formed on a paper is adjusted based on the guide information included in the image. Thus, an operator is not required to adjust the direction of the paper. The guide information may include information such as whether the image is to be formed on both sides of the paper.

Abstract: Arrangements and procedures are described to automatically configure an imaging device to form images on sheets of print media in a stack of print media. To accomplish this, information is imprinted on the top sheet of the stack of print media. The information provides media parameter information that corresponds to each of the other sheets of print media in the stack of print media. An imaging device senses, or reads the information from the top sheet in a manner that is independent of any particular orientation of the top sheet. The imaging device is configured form images on each of the sheets of print media based on the sensed information.

Abstract: The described arrangements and procedures pertain to configuring image forming devices to form images on various types of print media. Specifically, an imaging device sense data from a sheet of print media independent of whether a media marking comprising the data is imprinted on an edge or a face of a sheet of print media. The sensed media marking includes media parameter information corresponding to the sheet of print media. The imaging device retrieves the media parameter information from the sensed media marking to configure imaging operations.

Abstract: Control over the output of duplex or double-sided copying is facilitated by indicator pages identifying an original page which should be copied to the front side of a new copy page, even if the back side of a previous copy page must be left blank in order to do so. Special separator pages containing detectable indicia such as a bar code may be inserted within single-side originals immediately prior to a page which should be printed on the front side of a duplex copy page to serve as the indicator page. Pages with unique, detectable content such as white space followed by large-print chapter or section headings may be employed as the indicator page, identifying the respective page as a page which should be printed on the front side of a new duplex copy page.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including print sheet feeding unit for feeding a print sheet, receiving unit for receiving image data and an identification of the image data from a personal computer, printing unit for printing an image on the print sheet fed by the print sheet feeding unit in accordance with the image data received by the receiving unit, insert sheet feeding unit for feeding a insert sheet, operation panel for inputting an identification of the insert sheet by a user, control unit for control the insert sheet feeding unit to feed the insert sheet in accordance with the identification of the image data corresponding to the identification of the insert sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has therein an input device for inputting plural jobs relating to image forming, a specifying device which specifies degree of urgency relating to at least a part of the inputted job, a priority order determining device which determines the priority order of the inputted job based on the specified degree of urgency, and an execution device which executes the inputted job, based on the determined priority order.

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital camera in which a lens cover formed with a plurality of holes is attached to a lens barrel. Different items of the print conditions are assigned to the individual holes. The camera senses these holes formed on the cover, recognizes the print conditions based on the sensed image, and transmits the recognized condition to a printing apparatus as print condition data.

Abstract: An image printing system for generating multiple printed image copies in response to an order. A processor can divide the order into multiple sub-orders for respective image printers, each sub-order having a sub-order header which includes a unique order identification and an indication of the number of copies of the image to be printed by the corresponding printer. A plurality of image printers are connected to the processor, to each receive a corresponding sub-order and print the corresponding sub-order header, and the numbers of image copies indicated in that header. A method which can be executed by such a system and a computer program product which can execute the method on a programmable computer, are also provided.

Abstract: An image printing system includes an image forming apparatus comprising a digital still camera to take images and store the taken images by converting them into electronic information, a scanner to read document images, image forming units to form document images read by the scanner on recording media and a sorter to sort the recording media with images formed thereon. The image printing system further includes a designation medium to designate a first information designating image to be printout to recording media out of those images taken by a digital still camera, a second information designating the number of recording media on which images are to be printed and a third information designating the sorting of recording media on which images are output.

Abstract: A transmission job originating station for controlling transmission of job information, based on the processing of a print job in a printing system, is provided. The control system includes a document generating subsystem for providing at least a portion of the print job to be delivered to a print machine and a user interface for programming a set of information including one or more confirmation destinations with each confirmation destination being disposed remotely of the transmission job originating station. The transmission job originating station further includes a control subsystem which, in response to the processing of at least a portion of the print job at the printing machine, reads the set of information and determines each confirmation destination, programmed with the user interface, to which the job information is to be transmitted.

Abstract: A transmission job originating station for controlling transmission of job information, based on the processing of a print job in a printing system, is provided. The control system includes a document generating subsystem for providing at least a portion of the print job to be delivered to a print machine and a user interface for programming a set of information including one or more confirmation destinations with each confirmation destination being disposed remotely of the transmission job originating station. The transmission job originating station further includes a control subsystem which, in response to the processing of at least a portion of the print job at the printing machine, reads the set of information and determines each confirmation destination, programmed with the user interface, to which the job information is to be transmitted.