Abstract: A group machine time slot reservation and management system and process including (a) a machine time slot reservation subsystem having a storage device for storing time slot reservation information, calendar and time clock information, time slot status information, intended user ID code information, and machine control information, for a user operated group machine; (b) receiving and analyzing wares for receiving and analyzing machine operation information including order quantity information for the UOGM; (c) capability for checking a status of any time slot corresponding with a current clock time; (d) a first programmed application for operating the UOGM to run the received order quantity when the current clock time shows no reserved time slots for the UOGM; (e) user ID verifier for receiving and processing an actual user ID code against the intended user ID code, when the current clock time corresponds to a reserved time slot; and (f) a second programmed application for enabling operation of the UOGM to ru

Abstract: A diagnostic system that effectively presents optimum products to the users by effectively using information about the use history of an image forming apparatus used by the users and other information specific to the image forming apparatus that may be stored in advance. The diagnostic system includes a management device that receives and manages management information including at least information of print volume of an image forming apparatus for a predetermined period, a determination device that determines an optimum image forming apparatus based on the information of print volume in the predetermined period managed by the management device, and a notification device that notifies information indicative of the optimum image forming apparatus determined by the determination device to an information processing apparatus that is capable of communication via a communication line.

Abstract: With a push of a maintenance button disposed on a printer, printer information mail is created based on information previously stored in a memory, and sent to a mail server. The sent mail is read by a support server, the support server extracts maintenance information that best suits the contents of the sent mail from a database, and sends it as maintenance information mail to the mail server in reply to the mail. When the maintenance information mail arrives at the printer, cleaning is performed or error remedy is displayed or printed, according to the contents of the maintenance information mail.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a self-diagnosis system suitable for grasping conditions relating to electrophotographic parameters of an engine in an image forming apparatus on the market, and for reducing customer complaints. The self-diagnosis system enables the electrophotographic parameters to be displayed and/or output, has a function of displaying the electrophotographic parameters by converting the electrophotographic parameters into indices other than physical quantities, the function of printing the electrophotographic parameters on an output sheet, and the function of enabling the electrophotographic parameters to be transferred to an external information apparatus by a communication device, and includes a device for transferring the electrophotographic parameters to a formatter through a video interface or from the formatter to a host computer, a computer in a service center, or the like via a communication line or the internet.

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: A printing system includes a printer, a center side data processor, and a remote user side processor (input terminal) all interconnected via a network. A print request and information related to a printing operation is sent from a user side processor to a reception device at the center side data processor. A printing cost is calculated and transmitted back to the user side processor via the network. Upon determination that payment has been received, the front data is sent to the printer for printing. The period of time of retaining the print data 8 is modified depending upon whether payment has been received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image formation system for forming images of read original images, a control method of the image formation system, image formation apparatuses, a storage medium thereof. According to the present invention, sheets of which size corresponds to an attribute of the images are selected, and it is detected whether or not the image formation apparatus has the sheets selected by the image formation apparatus. When it is detected that the image formation apparatus does not have the selected sheets, sheets other than the selected sized sheets are selected as sheets used in forming images by the image formation apparatus, and it is controlled that another image formation apparatus performs an image formation using the sheets other than the selected sized sheets.

Abstract: Vibration data is transmitted from a remote site to a control facility using wireless data transmission. In one embodiment, the vibration signal is conditioned and digitized, and then sent via a page transmitter to the control facility.

Abstract: The invention provides automatic machinery with the capability to communicate to an operator or technician or other machine user with a description of a machine condition, such as, for example, a machine problem, if the machine requires attention.

Abstract: A recycle information system for recycling reusable parts from machines and equipment such as image forming apparatus, and reutilize the recovered member as a manufacturing material. A recycle information system utilizing a production control computer to manage information on production parts being used or scheduled for use in manufacturing and maintenance services, is linked by a communications line with a control device for machines and equipment scheduled for recycling, monitors information on parts of machines and equipment capable of recycling, and when a machine is recovered from a user, compares production part information stored in the production control computer with recovered part information stored in the recovered device, and acquires information on whether individual parts used in the recovered machine are capable of being recycled, and information on a factory destination address.

Abstract: A terminal of a service provider is characterized in that it includes: a storage unit for registering unique information on a machine of a contract signer; a communications unit for detecting information on a remaining amount of a consumable article in the machine via telephone lines as a network; and a processing unit for making an instruction to dispatch a new machine to the contract signer if the remaining amount of the consumable article has reached a specified value. A comprehensive and essential service is provided covering from sales to continuous use of the machine, by which consumable articles are managed, replaced, and collected without requiring any work done by machine users or any financial burden borne by manufacturers selling the machine.

Abstract: In an image forming device, a first transmitting unit periodically transmits a regular message, indicating a state information of the device, to a central management equipment by connecting the device to the management equipment via a communication line when a timing of dispatch of the regular message is detected. A second transmitting unit transmits an irregular message, indicating a malfunction information of the device, to the management equipment by connecting the device to the management equipment via the communication line when a malfunction in the device is detected. A transmission judgment unit determines, immediately before the regular message transmission is started, whether the irregular message has been transmitted within a preset period prior to a timing of the regular message transmission, based on a stored newest malfunction information.

Abstract: An administrative program that causes a computer to perform a step (S3) of requesting the transmission of information regarding the status of a collection flag that indicates the execution of an information collection routine from the administrative apparatuses that can execute an information collection routine in which administrative information is collected from the copying machine connected to the LAN, and a step (S5) of requesting, when information indicating a positive collection flag status is received, the transmission of the collected information from the administrative apparatus from which such information is received.

Abstract: A printer determines the condition of connection with a peripheral device. When detecting a paper ejector is connected, the printer reads out the model name and the serial number, for identifying the paper ejector, stored in a memory, and transmits the model name and the serial number to a server connected to a network. Then, the printer receives a program for controlling the paper ejector from the server, and writes the received control program into a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The printer executes the control program to thereby control the peripheral device connected to the printer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism for performing an image forming operation, a detachable process cartridge, a card inlet having a data input and output port, and a controlling mechanism. The process cartridge contains material used to make the image visible. The card inlet receives for electrical connection an electronic money integrated circuit card including an integrated circuit chip dedicated to an electronic money application. The controlling mechanism having an integrated circuit chip dedicated to the electronic money application controls the image forming operation and is capable of communicating for monetary information with the electronic money integrated circuit card.

Abstract: A copier or printer apparatus provides printed copies in accordance with instructions provided by respective remote users of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a marking engine for printing copies of information; a user interface supervisor for controlling interface between users and the marking engine; and a network web server that downloads software to a computer at a remote location to which a remote user has access to provide user interface software for establishing a user operational interface for communicating requirements for a print job to the user interface supervisor for printing by the marking engine. In operation, the web server downloads applets for execution by the computer at the remote location wherein downloaded applets provide a program for the computer at the remote location to process data for a printer interface display screen page for viewing by the remote user.

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

Abstract: To provide a data communications system which makes it possible to know the operation status of equipment without going to the installation location of the equipment.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a composite machine-server system which can handle electronic documents more efficiently and can be realized at a low cost. A composite machine-server system is constructed by connecting a plurality of composite machines and a server to a network. Each of the composite machines has a second-kind process function of executing a second-kind process without cooperating with the server when requested to execute the second-kind process, as well as a first-kind process function of sending, when requested to execute a first-kind process, an electronic document necessary for execution of the first-kind process to the server and requesting the server to execute the first-kind process on the electronic document. The server has a function of executing first-kind processes whose execution is requested by the composite machines.

Abstract: In an apparatus administrating system, transmission and receipt are possible between at least one image outputting apparatus and an administrating apparatus that conducts maintenance administration for the image outputting apparatus mutually, each function and each unit both necessary for operating the image outputting apparatus are controlled on a unification basis, the administrating apparatus acquires information about the functions and units of the image outputting apparatus through transmission and receipt, and software of plural image outputting apparatuses capable of operating under appropriate conditions including the image outputting apparatus are updated as occasion demands.

Abstract: In a printer or copier, a removable module, such as a marking material supply module or a marking device module, is provided with a non-volatile memory chip which retains information about the cumulative use of the module and other performance-related data. The non-volatile memory is accessed through a wireless interface, such as an RF loop or IR detector, which is also associated with the module. The memory can be accessed, through wireless means, either by the printer or copier itself or by an external device. The wireless interface can also be used to access a memory which is attached to part which moves within the printer or copier, such as a roller or drum, thus avoiding the use of wire harnesses.

Abstract: The invention provides automatic machinery with the capability to communicate to an operator or technician or other machine user with a description of a machine condition, such as, for example, a machine problem, if the machine requires attention.

Abstract: A printer service tool includes a control panel port connector for connecting to the control panel port of a printer, a controller diagnostic port connector for connecting to a diagnostic port of the printer, and a display. The display displays a plurality of menus. A first menu includes a representation of buttons displayed on a control panel of the printer. A second menu includes menu items which provides ability to monitor printer functionality.

Abstract: A consumable management device, an image forming system, and a method of managing an imaging consumable of an image forming device are described. According to an aspect of the present invention, a consumable management device includes an interface adapted to communicate with an image forming device configured to use an imaging consumable to form a hard image, the interface being adapted to receive a status message from the image forming device corresponding to the status of the imaging consumable within the image forming device; storage circuitry configured to store a current inventory status of the imaging consumable within an inventory for the image forming device; and processing circuitry coupled with the interface and configured to update the current inventory status responsive to the status message providing an updated inventory status.

Abstract: A supervising method and system, the system including a plurality of image-forming apparatuses, and a monitoring terminal apparatus disposed in a service center which is connected to the plurality of image-forming apparatuses via a public line. Each image-forming apparatuses is capable of transmitting report information to the service center when an abnormality occurs in the image-forming apparatus. A monitoring terminal stores and displays the report information from the image-forming apparatus. The monitoring device counts a not-yet-dealt-elapsing time period per stored report information. The monitoring terminal further compares each not-yet-dealt-elapsing time period of the report information with a predetermined time period, alerting an operator of the report information and associated effect based upon the not-yet-dealt-elapsing time period exceeding the predetermined time period as to process expediently urgent report information.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable for forming an image onto a recording medium includes a recognizing device for recognizing identifying information peculiar to the process cartridge, a detector for detecting use status information when the process cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus, a rewritable memory for storing the identifying information recognized by the recognizing device and the use status information of the process cartridge detected by the detector, and an information communicating device for giving and receiving the use status information of the process cartridge stored in another electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is detachably mountable to and from another electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A copying machine to which a cooperative copying machine is connectable by a cable and which can perform a tandem function for distributing a job to the cooperative copying machine and causing the cooperative copying machine to execute the job. The copying machine includes a function selection input accepting circuit for accepting only function selection input relating to a common function provided in both the copying machine and the cooperative copying machine when a tandem mode is set, and a function setting circuit for setting the copying machine in order to perform the function accepted by the function selection input accepting circuit.

Abstract: In relation to a control system of an image processor by which transmission and receiving can be conducted with an equipment placed in a store, office, hospital, etc., and with a control apparatus to conduct a maintenance control of the equipment, the maintenance control system of the image processor includes: the image processor; a communication section for transmitting and receiving information between the control apparatus and the image processor; and an information obtaining device for obtaining information to reproduce a condition of the image processor on a control apparatus side, wherein the information obtained by the information obtaining device is transmitted to the control apparatus through the communication section.

Abstract: A maintenance system for improving maintenance service includes a copying machine and a management server. When a copying machine uses a communication server to notify a management server of malfunction, the management server posts malfunction details and the names of components required for repair to an information terminal of a serviceperson. The copying machine is notified of an estimated time of arrival of the serviceperson, and the time is displayed on an operation panel.

Abstract: A copier or printer apparatus provides printed copies in accordance with instructions provided by respective remote users of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a marking engine for printing copies of information; a user interface supervisor for controlling interface between users and the marking engine; and a network web server that downloads software to a computer at a remote location to which a remote user has access to provide user interface software for establishing a user operational interface for communicating requirements for a print job to the user interface supervisor for printing by the marking engine. In operation, the web server downloads applets for execution by the computer at the remote location wherein downloaded applets provide a program for the computer at the remote location to process data for a printer interface display screen page for viewing by the remote user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of outputting a recording medium on which forgery-inhibited data of a certificate of residence, securities, or the like which is obtained through a communication network such as a computer network and is inhibited to be forged by copying is printed directly from a printer without using a copy forgery preventing sheet. A recording medium outputting system of the invention is constructed by connecting a LAN having a DB server managing transmission/reception of data to/from a database disposed in a city office or the like, and a number of LANs each having a terminal and a printer installed in stores such as convenience stores via a communication line and the Internet.

Abstract: A method and a system for facilitating service for image forming devices such as copiers, fax machines and printers. A main service center receives a service request from a user, such as via an Internet home page that the main service center maintains. Based on the service requests and databases for user information and information regarding local service centers, the main service centers identifies the local service center(s) that are suitable for meeting the service request, in term of the type of devices and territories they service and other factors. The user, the main service center, and the one or more local service centers transmit information among themselves to track the service request and responses by the user and one or more local service centers and to ensure that the requested service is appropriately supplied.

Abstract: An engine control unit of a printer engine checks he status of each part of the printer, and if there is any change in the status, generates a predetermined representative status of changes and outputs a status change signal to a controller (RIP). The controller is informed of a change in the status by the status change signal, and reads the predetermined representative status to discriminate the changed status from unchanged statuses. In accordance with the discriminated status, the current status can be read. Accordingly, it is not necessary to periodically read the statuses, improving the efficiency of an image forming process. A status change informing control unit in the engine control unit sets a changing status bit of a basic status or status change signal and sends it to the controller, when there occurs a change in any data of a presence/absence and paper size of a paper sheet at a paper feeding port and a loading state of an optional paper feeder.

Abstract: A spool file manager lays out print data, which has been stored in a spool file, in a format wherein the data is printed on each side of printing paper in conformity with a specified method of bookbinding printing. Specified methods of bookbinding printing include a method in which all output sheets of paper are folded in half collectively, and a method of gathering a certain number of sheets together at a time, folding the certain numbers of sheets in half and putting them in order. Pages that have been stored in the spool file are rearranged and printed out in accordance with the particular method. Sheets of paper that have thus been printed on are folded in half, in the order in which they are output, gathering together a certain number of sheets at a time, thus making it possible to bind the sheets together in the form of a book.

Abstract: A printing system provides consumer messages to users of the printing device by storing user message data in memory located in the printing device and displaying the user message upon the occurrence of a certain event. The user message data may either be an electronic representation of the user message, or it may be a pointer corresponding to an external memory location that contains the electronic representation of the user message.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operational status of and initiating image processing device control commands on one or more image processing devices from a remote location, said image processing devices each having a control computer for controlling operation of the device, including displaying a screen representing one of said image processing devices at the remote location; posting operational status indications relating to the one of said image processing devices and/or device set-up parameters on said screen; adjusting the device set-up parameters by generating an image processing device control command from the remote location; and transmitting said command to the image processing device control computer. This method includes the ability to adjust such things as contrast, enlargement/reduction, network configuration and passwords from the remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether or not sufficient consumable supplies such as toner or ink and print media, for example, are available to an imaging device such as a printer to complete a submitted print job. The method determines the amount of selected consumable supplies remaining and, based on the requirements of a submitted print job and historical data gathered over the lifetime of the imaging device, calculates the amount of consumable supplies required for the print job and compares that to the amount of consumable supplies available. If insufficient consumable supplies are available, the user is notified of the condition. The user then knows at the time the print job is submitted that sufficient consumable supplies are available and that the print job will be complete and available at the printer. The user is further notified that specific consumable supplies are in need of replenishment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus supervising system includes a problem detecting device in each of image forming apparatuses, which detects a problem to be reported to a central control apparatus as a service person call when the problem occurs in the image forming apparatus. A first copysheet number storing device is employed to store a total number of copysheets having been copied before a current occurrence of the problem occurs in an image forming apparatus. A second copysheet number storing device is also employed to store a number of copysheets having been copied before a last occurrence of the problem. The problem is reported only when a difference between the numbers of copysheets stored in the first copysheet number storing device and the second copysheet number storing device exceeds a predetermined level so that an erroneously detected problem can be avoided from being reported as the service person call.

Abstract: A method and an electronic image forming device having at least one replaceable consumable. At least means is provided for automatically sensing when the replaceable consumable in the mage forming device reaches a predetermined condition. A software program automatically initiates an offer to the user of the electronic image forming device when the predetermined condition is reached. The offer may include a discount for the purchase of a new consumable or related item. The software program may also initiate communication with a remote site for ordering of a replaceable consumable.

Abstract: A redundant reorder prevention system prevents redundant reorders for replaceable components in printing devices. The replaceable component has memory integrated therein which contains a reorder value field. The reorder value field is initially configured in a first state which indicates that a new replaceable component has not been ordered to replace the current replaceable component. Before the system orders a new replaceable component, it checks the reorder value field. If the first state is detected, a new replaceable component is ordered and the reorder value field is reconfigured to a second state which indicates that the new replaceable component has been ordered. If the second state is detected before an order is placed, the order process is terminated before a new replaceable component is ordered.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes at least one processor which receives data from an input unit. A setting unit sets a time at which data may be input by the input unit, and a determination unit determines if the current time corresponds to the set time. When the current time corresponds to the set time, the input data is stored in a storage unit.

Abstract: In tandem copy, an external controller assigns a minimum print copy number to a slave image forming apparatus from a total print copy number. The external controller assigns a remainder print copy number, which is obtained by subtracting the minimum print copy number assigned to the slave image forming apparatus from the total print copy number, to a master image forming apparatus, and instructs starting of printing out. When detecting that printing of all assigned copy number is completed in the slave and a new interrupt print job (other job print request) has come in, the external controller starts a new print job in the slave. When detecting that the interrupt printing in the slave is completed, the external controller suspends printing in the master and inquires of the master about a non-output copy number.

Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic imaging apparatus support system using a network contains an upgrade support server including a database for storing information on developer products in order to provide a service supporting upgrade of data to calculate densities with respect to developer products, and an upgrade support engine connected to a network for supporting access to and search of the database; and a liquid electrophotographic imaging apparatus including a communication device for connecting to the upgrade support server through the network, searching the information on the developer products stored in the database by exchanging information with the upgrade support engine, and downloading the density calculating data with respect to a desired developer product.

Abstract: A copying system includes a plurality of copying apparatuses, a communication line interconnecting the plurality of copying apparatuses with each other such that the plurality of copying apparatuses can communicate image data therebetween, and a controller. The controller controls the copying system such that: (i) several or all of the plurality of copying apparatuses produce copying materials in parallel according to image data read by one of the plurality of copying apparatuses, and (ii) at least one of the several or all of the plurality of copying apparatuses receive image data of a next job while a present job is being conducted.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is disclosed which comprises print means for printing input print data on a print recording medium, the print means driven by the input print data, storage means for storing the print data, storage control means for determining whether or not storage specification is set in the print data and storing the print data in the storage means as a file if the storage specification is set, attribute information transfer means for transferring attribute information of the file stored in the storage means to a source issuing the attribute information transfer request in response to an input attribute information transfer request, file conversion means for converting the file stored in the storage means into an image data file in response to an image data file transfer request input based on the attribute information, image data file transfer means for transferring the image data file to a source issuing the image data file transfer request, and reprint means for reading the file stored in the stora

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: illuminating means for illuminating an original with light; a lens forming an image of reflected light from the original, the lens having a resolution characteristic in which a resolution in a vertical scanning direction in an image-reading wavelength region at a field angle in a vicinity of an end of the original is lower than a minimum resolution in an image-reading wavelength region at a field angle on an inner side of the vicinity-of the end of the original; light shielding means for shielding part of the reflected light such that a pupil diameter in the vertical scanning direction in the reflected light from the vicinity of the end of the original is reduced; and photoelectrically converting means for converting the reflected light partly shielded by the light shielding means and undergone image formation by the lens into an electrical signal.

Abstract: When data of one page is output for a predetermined amount, the host unit performs division of the printing data into a plurality of divided jobs a predetermined calibration on the basis of the calibration execution. For every divided job, the most recent calibration information from a printer-side is obtained. On the basis of the obtained calibration information, a density correction value of a .gamma. correction table is updated. Then, the .gamma. correction table performed calibration is used for performing printing of the divided jobs. By this, the printing apparatus performs a printing operation according to the printing job output from the host unit to enable appropriate calibration when a large amount is printed for the same information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting image parameters for each of several image forming apparatuses networked together are provided. In the present method and apparatus, one device, which can be one of the networked image forming apparatuses, operates as an image parameter correction apparatus. The image parameter correction apparatus reads in a prescribed image formed by each image forming apparatus, and calculates image parameter correction values for each image forming apparatus. The image parameter correction values for each image forming apparatus are calculated by comparing image parameters for the corresponding scanned prescribed image with reference image parameters. The image parameter correction values for each image forming apparatus are then transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus service system, each image forming apparatus adds, when an abnormal or preabnormal phenomenon or similar factor to be reported occurs therein, information relating to its operation and including the cumulative number of images formed to information representative of the above factor. The information and additional information are sent to a central control unit managing the image forming apparatus. Each central control unit collects and stores the information received from image forming apparatuses lying in its coverage apparatus by apparatus and transfers the day's (one day) information stored to a server at a preselected time via a WAN (Wide Area Network). The server stores the information received from all the central control units in a format suitable for a data base. A person using each data processing unit is capable of downloading desired information from each central control unit or the server via the WAN by operating a keyboard or a mouse.

Abstract: An engine control unit of a printer engine checks the status of each part of the printer, and if there is any change in the status, generates a predetermined representative status of changes and outputs a status change signal to a controller (RIP). The controller is informed of a change in the status by the status change signal, and reads the predetermined representative status to discriminate the changed status from unchanged statuses. In accordance with the discriminated status, the current status can be read. Accordingly, it is not necessary to periodically read the statuses, improving the efficiency of an image forming process. A status change informing control unit in the engine control unit sets a changing status bit of a basic status or status change signal and sends it to the controller, when there occurs a change in any data of a presence/absence and paper size of a paper sheet at a paper feeding port and a loading state of an optional paper feeder.