Abstract: In a multifunction digital printing apparatus, such as a copier-printer, image data from print jobs are intermingled with image data from copy jobs, such as originating from a digital scanner. Further, scanner-only functions such as electronic filing and sending facsimiles can be performed without need for printing hardware. An auditing device can decrement a user's account on a per-sheet basis regardless of whether a requested job requires the use of the scanner or printing hardware or both.

Abstract: An equipment controlling apparatus is composed of a counter for counting the operational number of the equipment, memories for storing data indicating the state of the equipment, a communication device for communicating on the stored data with a centralized control apparatus, which controls the communicated data intensively, and a controlling device for causing the stored data to be transmitted to the centralized control apparatus when the counter has counted a predetermined value.

Abstract: A multifunction peripheral periodically stores its status information and a Host periodically receives this status information and stores it in a database in the Host. A technician may select some or all of the information to be provided to the technician on the occurrence of a number of trigger conditions. The technician may set the trigger conditions from any of the reportable status conditions. The Host automatically will connect to a remote monitoring computer designated by the technician and provide the selected information. The Host can also save the selected information to a removable storage medium.

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: An image forming apparatus includes a communications line for connecting the image forming apparatus to other image forming apparatuses to create a system of a plurality of image forming apparatuses; a device for setting a connected printing mode to allocate and print jobs to be printed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a device for executing printing in the connected printing mode by the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and a device for releasing the use of the image forming apparatus under the connected printing mode when the image forming apparatus receives a print command while a printing operation is being executed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses under the connected printing mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus supporting system includes a first control unit to perform a series of controls relative to the main body that performs the image forming operation; a program storage memory connected to the first control unit via an address bus and a data bus; a non-volatile memory to store maintenance data relative to the main body and an interface circuit that enables the interface between the non-volatile memory and an external device. Further, this system includes a second control unit that controls the main body so that maintenance data can be transmitted from a non-volatile memory to the external device via the interface circuit according to input/output items designated by the external device when the first control unit is not performing the control of the image forming operation in the main body.

Abstract: A printing system includes an input unit for entering a printing job, a calculator for calculating copying cost according to the input printing job, a display for displaying the calculated copying cost, and a controller for allowing modification of a displayed printing job, and permitting a printing operation after confirming that there is no modification in the displayed printing job. The cost of a desired printing job can be displayed prior to a print out operation, so that modification of the printing mode is allowed. Since a print out operation is permitted after confirming the display of the copying cost, the expense required for printing can be identified in advance.

Abstract: An equipment control apparatus in a system having an input unit for entering data on the conditions of equipment from the equipment, a communication unit for communicating with the apparatus located at a distance, and a control unit for exerting control in such a way as to transmit the data to the apparatus located at a distance through the steps of interrupting communication once on receiving a call from the apparatus requesting the data and then calling the apparatus located at a distance via the communication unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus supervisory system is provided. The image forming apparatus supervisory system includes an image forming apparatus and a control device. The image forming apparatus has an input unit for inputting an identification code and a transmission unit for transmitting the identification code. The control device is connected to the image forming apparatus, and has a reception unit for receiving the identification code and a transmission unit for transmitting to the image forming apparatus a signal for informing the image forming apparatus of a permitted number of time an image can be formed in response to receipt of the identification code. Upon receipt of the signal from the control device, the image forming apparatus permits forming an image the permitted number of times.

Abstract: A remote diagnosis system including a plurality of image forming apparatus each having a trouble informing device, and a central controller for receiving data including a trouble indicator indicative of a problem which may or has occurred in each of the image forming apparatus and for responding to this data. Also included is a data communication apparatus, connected to each of the plurality of image forming apparatus and the central controller, for receiving the data including the trouble indicator from each of the plurality of image forming apparatus, and for transmitting this data to the central controller. The remote diagnosis system further includes a trouble classifying device for classifying causes of trouble which may occur in each of the image forming apparatus. In addition, the data communication apparatus collects data classified by the classifying device.

Abstract: A photocopy count system and method which records usage information for accounting and billing purposes. The photocopy tracking system comprises a plurality of remote mini-terminals, a multiport serial board, and a central control computer. Billing identifier information entered at a remote mini-terminal is received at the central control computer where it is processed for verification of validity. If the billing information is valid, the central control computer generates a copier enable signal which is received at the remote mini-terminal to enable the associated photocopier. As each photocopy event occurs, the copy signal is detected by the central control computer. When copying is completed, the copy count and associated billing information is stored at the control computer for later accounting and billing use. The control and processing functions are centralized so as to reduce the cost to install and maintain the system.

Abstract: A consumable item supplying system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses each using a plurality of consumable items, for example, copysheets, toner, and so on. The consumable item supplying system includes a consumable item manual requesting operation for manually requesting a consumable item from each of the image forming apparatuses. A central controller orders a consumable item from a consumable item supplier or the like when the consumable item is requested from one of the image forming apparatuses, and a data communication device can receive data representing a consumable item request by polling each of the image forming apparatuses and sending the polling results from the image forming apparatus to the central controller.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling image processing devices from a remote location, including means for selectively monitoring the operational status of a device on a real time basis and means for generating control commands from the remote location to perform operational commands at the image processing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus control system including at least one copier or similar image forming apparatus and a central control unit connected by a data communication unit and a communication line is disclosed. The image forming apparatus selectively inhibits or permits its image forming operation on receiving image formation control data representative of inhibition or permission, respectively, from the central control unit. An inhibiting device is included in the apparatus for inhibiting, if the apparatus is performing a current image forming operation at the time of receipt of the image formation control data representative of inhibition, the next image forming operation after the current operation has completed.

Abstract: A product catalog related to an image reading apparatus includes a recording medium having a first side and a second side, at least one description region provided on an arbitrary one of the first and second sides of the recording medium and including characters and/or graphics describing the image reading apparatus, and at least one image evaluation pattern provided on an arbitrary one of the first and second sides of the recording medium and including a pattern for evaluating a performance of the image reading apparatus which processes the pattern.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus administration system includes an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper. A service terminal is connected to the image forming apparatus through a communication line and administers conditions of the image forming apparatus. An operation panel has operation keys and a screen. A changing device can be operated to change an indication of the operation panel from an indication for inputting an operation command for image formation to an indication for inputting a request command for transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to the service terminal. A transmitting device can transmit the data in response to the request command and the changing device changes the indication of the operation panel from the indication for inputting a request command for transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to the service terminal to the indication for inputting an operation command for image formation before the transmission of the data is completed.

Abstract: In a network composed of a plurality of DPPCs and the NWPs, the NW controller respectively sums respective amounts of printing operations and copying operations executed in the network, for example, upon completing a job in execution or at a predetermined timing. Based on the result of summation, an appropriate ratio in number of printing devices to copying devices is computed. Further, an NW controller selects a DPPC to be switched from its current mode to another mode and switches the mode of the selected DPPC to satisfy a ratio obtained from computation. According to the described arrangement, since the mode of the DPPC can be switched according to the summation of the jobs executed, an effective use of the DPPCs can be achieved. Furthermore, when switching the mode, an operation by the network administrator is not required, thereby reducing a burden of the user.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.

Abstract: A host computer does not instruct to initiate calibration immediately when calibration is requested by a printer. The host computer instructs to initiate calibration at time which is designated by an operator. As for the execution time of calibration to be designated, time right after calibration is requested, and time when a printing job is completed are included. Further, when automatic determination for determining execution time of calibration is designated, the execution time is determined on the basis of state of a printing job to be executed, or state of a printing job in progress. As for the state of a printing job, there are the number of remaining pages of the printing job, color printing or monochromatic printing, whether image data is included or not, for example. Accordingly, depending upon the state of the printing job, an optimized execution time of calibration is determined.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which the operating program can be changed even after the apparatus is delivered to the customer to perform the control meeting the prevailing status of the apparatus. An image of an original is read and formed by a mechanism, the status of the image forming apparatus is detected by a sensor, a first program for controlling the image forming mechanism is stored in a memory, a second program for controlling the apparatus according to the detected status is requested by a mechanism, the second program is received by and stored in a memory according to the request, and the image forming apparatus is controlled by a mechanism in accordance with the first and second programs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with a memory which stores predetermined data, receiver which receives data via a communications line, a first modifier which changes predetermined data based on data received by the receiver, a second modifier which changes predetermined data based on data input from an operation panel provided on the apparatus, wherein modification of predetermined data by the first modifier is allowed and modification of predetermined data by the second modifier is prohibited insofar as data can be transmitted via the communications line.

Abstract: Calibration data is generated by an external device, and calibration of a printer is performed based on the calibration data. When a printer detects change in printing conditions, such as temperature, it transmits a calibration request and information on change in printing conditions (e.g., measured temperature) to an external device. The external device generates calibration data (e.g., data used for correcting density) on the basis of the information on the printing conditions, and calibration of the printer is performed on the basis of the calibration data.

Abstract: A central control system that monitors and remotely controls one or more terminal devices which may be part of an apparatus such as an imaging machine. Each terminal device communicates with the central control system at a predetermined time and relays the operational conditions of the apparatus to which it is associated. Relayed conditions may include information such as the number of imaging operations performed in a period of time. The central control system controls each of the terminal devices in accordance with the information transmitted from each of the terminal devices. The central control system supervises incoming transmissions from the terminal devices and detects when a terminal device has not communicated at its predetermined time. When this condition arises, the identity of the non-reporting terminal, as well as the predetermined time it was to have contacted the central control system, are displayed at the central control system.

Abstract: A consumable having a memory device for storing information such as usage information to be used by a the original manufacturer or re-manufacturer. The memory device can also be used to provided software updates or patches for the microcomputers within an image forming or other office automation device.

Abstract: Original input unit, copy processing content instruction unit, and copy processing execution unit, which respectively function independently of each other, are arranged to be dispersed in a network. The information pertaining to the copy original such as image data is inputted by the original input unit. The contents of the copy processing such as the number of copies, enlargement, reduction, etc. are inputted by the copy processing content instruction unit. When the start button is clicked, the image is read, the instructed contents is generated and the inputted image data and the instructed contents relating to copy processing are transmitted to the copy processing execution unit via the network so as to execute the copy processing in accordance with this information. A displayed device displays a list of documents and a copy device panel window for designing information related to the copy processing simultaneously.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a server electrically connected to an image processing machine provides local data access and includes a monitor component, an analysis and prediction component to analyze data to track machine trends and predict machine subsytem and element faults, a diagnostic component capable of machine diagnostics at a higher level, components, and a communication component to provide a remote communication link. In a second embodiment, a first level of server modules are directly connected to given machines, a second level of server modules with trend analysis and diagnostic capability are connected to a network and associated with a set of machines on the network, and a third level of server modules are associated with a plurality of sets of machines on the network with the analysis and prediction components and diagnostic components providing trend data, fault prediction data, and machine corrective data for the plurality of sets of machines.

Abstract: A network system for copiers includes a plurality of copiers each provided with a communication device for communicating with external equipment and a power-on device for powering on the copier in a hold state in response to an external signal received by the communication device and a main controller including an operation controller for controlling operation of the copiers and a time setter for setting time to power on a copier, the main controller being connected to the copiers by a network. The operation controller executes control such that only predetermined one of the copiers is powered on at the power-on time set by the time setter.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus service system of the present invention includes a shared managing unit capable of predicting whether or not a serviceman's visit is necessary on the basis of data received from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, including low CV layer apparatuses, operated in a broad area including a number of service stations. The service system therefore allows a serviceman to take an adequate measure rapidly and efficiently before a critical trouble occurs in any one of the apparatuses.

Abstract: A host computer is connected to a copying machine through communication lines. The copying machine includes an management apparatus which is provided with a card reader. Using the card reader, a section code stored in a user ID card is read and is compared with section codes previously registered in the management apparatus. When the section code of the user ID card matches one of the section codes registered in advance, copying operation is allowed and the section code and the number of copying operations are stored as management data in a registration table stored in an SRAM. When the amount of available storage space becomes less than the predetermined amount, the management apparatus transmits the registered management data to the host computer through the communication lines, clears the storage area and waits for next registrations. The host computer has an accumulating table which is capable of storing the numbers of copying operations for all the sections subjected to management.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet comprises a jam data holder storing a predetermined number of jam occurrence data arranged in time sequence, whereby when the jam data holder receives the newest jam occurrence data, the jam data holder adds the newest jam occurrence data into the predetermined number of jam occurrence data and eliminates the oldest jam occurrence data from the predetermined number of jam occurrence data; a calculator for calculating jam occurrence frequency when the jam data holder receives the newest jam occurrence data, wherein the calculator references the jam occurrence data from the predetermined number of jam occurrence data stored in the jam data holder, calculates a number N of jam occurrences, the total sheet number T1 when the oldest jam occurrence was detected and the total sheet number T2 when the newest jam occurrence was detected and calculates a jam occurrence frequency based on the difference between the total sheet number T2 and the total sheet number T1

Abstract: In the present image forming system, when a digital copying machine having no specimen image judging section makes a copy, it transfers an input image to an image processing apparatus having the specimen image judging section within the system to request to judge whether the input image is a copy-prohibited image on its behalf. When the judging result is returned within a predetermined period, the digital copying machine controls the copying operation based on the judging result: when the judging result is negative, a normal copying operation is carried out; when the copying is totally prohibited, the image processing apparatus ends the copying operation after informing the user that the copying operation is terminated because the copying of the subject image is prohibited. Consequently, whether the subject image data are a specimen image like paper money can be discovered at the image processing machine, thereby preventing a crime, such as forgery of paper money or securities.

Abstract: An image forming system has a plurality of image forming apparatuses that are operatively connected so as to communicate image information with each other. Some of the image forming apparatuses carry out image processing in a distributed manner with respect to image information that has been inputted to one of the image forming apparatuses and corresponds to a plurality of pages. Such some image forming apparatuses carry out the image processing for every predetermined pages of the image information in parallel and within processing capacity levels of such some image forming apparatuses. The processing capacity levels fall within a permissible range. Such an arrangement causes (1) to shorten the time required for processing to be carried out within the image forming system and (2) for the image-processed image information to be substantially the same level over the entire pages.

Abstract: An administrating apparatus for administrating an image forming apparatus comprises a first receiving unit for receiving the status information of the image forming apparatus in the serial communication, a second receiving unit for receiving a pulse signal in accordance with the operation of the image forming apparatus, and a count unit for counting for each status indicated by the status information received in accordance with the pulse signal received. The administrating apparatus for administrating the image forming apparatus for each status can be provided with a simple construction.

Abstract: A communication control device connected between an image forming apparatus and a communication line in an image forming apparatus supervising system which connects the image forming apparatus and a host machine by the communication line. Assume that particular data of an image forming apparatus and updated day by day should be read periodically. Then, even when the power supply to the image forming apparatus is shut off, a host machine can access the apparatus to read the data which should be read periodically, and receive it. In addition, the data can be preserved until the next time for reading.

Abstract: An equipment control unit is composed of storage means for storing a control data for controlling an equipment, control means for controlling the equipment based on the control data stored in the storage means, and communication means for communicating with a centralized control system for making the centralized control for a plurality of equipments. The control means rewrites the control data stored in the storage means with a received control data when it receives the control data from the centralized control system.

Abstract: A computer-printable adhesive note system configures a computer and a printer to print information on self-sticking adhesive notes. The system includes a note assembly and a plurality of instructions in the form of computer code. The note assembly includes a printing sheet with a strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive applied on one side thereof and covered by a backing sheet. The printing sheet is divided into a plurality of notes by lines of perforations. The plurality of instructions are installed on a computer and may utilize an existing word-processing program on the computer. The plurality of instructions configure the computer to receive, from a keyboard of the computer, information to be printed on the printing sheet of one of the notes of the note assembly. The plurality of instructions then configure the printer to print the received information on the printing sheet of one of the notes of the note assembly.

Abstract: A copying machine control system includes a plurality of copying machines, a plurality of data terminals connected to the individual copying machines and which collect identification data particular to the copying machines, and a centralized control unit performing communication of data with the data terminals through a communication network. Each copying machine stores identification data particular to that copy machine and transmits it to the data terminal in response to a request. Each data terminal includes a receiving device for receiving the identification data and a transmitting device for transmitting the identification data to the centralized controller. The centralized controller confirms the data terminal and associated copy machine and therefore accurate control can be achieved.

Abstract: A method and system for determining that problems exist in a business office device such as a copier, printer, facsimile machine, or scanner by analyzing the user settings of the business office device. If the user settings deviate from the default settings by a predetermined amount, there is a probability that the default settings are improper, parameters need to be changed within the business office device, or defective components within the business office device need to be changed. The analysis of the user settings is triggered after a predetermined time period expires, after a predetermined number of jobs are performed, or alternatively after a predetermined combination of jobs and elapsed time occurs. After a problem is found to exist with the default settings, the business office device communicates with a diagnostic service center via a connectionless-mode of communication such as by an Internet electronic mail message.

Abstract: A printer has a controller unit and an engine unit, which are connected via a video interface. Upon reception of a designating command for designating a type of condition, whose condition change is to be reported, from the controller unit, the engine unit supplies a designated condition change signal to the controller unit immediately after the condition of the designated type has changed. The controller unit requests the engine unit to output detailed data associated with the status change in response to reception of the designated condition change signal.

Abstract: In a system in which a host computer performs lifetime management for components of a plurality of copiers, components whose lifetimes are to be managed can be freely selected copier by copier and, as a result, warning reports can be transmitted with a reduced number of communication sessions. The copiers are each equipped with a device for management, so that counting can be performed for their individual components and interlock counts for such counting can be freely specified. The host computer compares a count received through communication with a threshold value to issue a report within the host computer. Within one copier, during a period after a component PM call is issued and before a component is replaced, even if another component becomes a target of a component PM call, the component PM call is not issued. When a component replacement report is received, a report of a component PM call is automatically deleted from an urgency report list.

Abstract: An image forming machine including a host computer, a printer, a copying machine, and a document supply device for conveying a document printed by the printer to an automatic document feeder of the copying machine, in which a controller is provided for controlling a copy action based on a copy command from the host computer. The controller sends a left-behind document signal when a document is present on document stand of the automatic document feeder, while the host computer shows the presence of the left-behind document on a display when receiving the left-behind document signal from the controller.

Abstract: A host computer 104 at a remote administrative site receives a jam code and the number of accumulated copies made from a photocopier 100 at which jamming has occurred, an accumulated jam curve is calculated based on the received data, a certain filtering process is performed, the risk of jamming is estimated based on the filter output and a membership function between the filter value and risk, thus judging whether or not to visit the user.

Abstract: Even when a printer is in a condition incapable of receiving commands from a personal computer (PC), a status responding mode can be switched to ON in accordance with a request from the PC, thereby allowing detailed status information of the printer to be transmitted to the PC. When a printer is in an error condition when it is powered or reset, the printer rejects reception of data on a data line. Therefore, the mode of the printer cannot be changed with a set command transmitted from the PC to the printer through the data line. In view of the fact that the printer is capable of receiving signals on control lines even if the printer is in the error condition, the PC outputs a status transmission request through the select-in line for a predetermined number of times, so that a status transmission request interrupt process can be executed and then a parameter DEVICE is set to ON.

Abstract: In a service system, a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a control unit for remote-controlling them are connected by a communication line. A plurality of terminal units are located at respective service stations and also connected to the control unit. The image forming apparatuses each sends, when an event indicative of or predictive of an error occurs therein, information representative of the event to the control unit. The control unit received the information analyzes it and then selectively sends information relating to maintenance or repair to the image forming apparatuses to the terminal units.

Abstract: An image forming machine includes a host computer, a printer, a copying machine, and a document supply device for conveying a document printed by the printer to an automatic document feeder of the copying machine. The host computer and a control device provided in the printer are connected together via a parallel data transfer type interface, while the host computer and control device provided in the copying machine are connected together via a serial data transfer type interface. Thus independent data are transferred from the host computer to the control device of the printer and the control device of the copying machine.

Abstract: An office machine monitoring device (31) includes an interface unit (32) that couples to a main logic board (50) and a front panel display circuit (52) of an office machine (30). The interface unit (32) intercepts data exchanged between the main logic board (50) and the front panel display circuit (52). The interface unit (32) provides the intercepted data to a microcontroller unit (34) for processing. The microcontroller unit (34) processes the intercepted data and provides a wireless message to a transceiver unit (36). The transceiver unit (36) transmits the wireless message to a supervisory transceiver base unit (28) to allow for remote monitoring and control of the office machine (30).

Abstract: In a management system in which a plurality of copiers are managed by a host computer, each copier is provided with a device that is connected to the host computer so as to manage the copier. The device can be initialized from the copier without advance registration in the host computer. To achieve this, when a serviceperson, having set up the copier, enters a registration code and executes initialization, the device communicates with the host computer and transmits thereto an initialization report. On receiving the initialization report, the host computer creates a database, and subsequently sets the device using predetermined values in the database and assigns thereto a copier ID number. When communication has been completed without errors, the device returns the copier ID number to the copier. To register the copier, an operator of the host computer opens a screen of a list of non-registered pieces of equipment to be managed in order to select and register the corresponding copier on that screen.

Abstract: A communication control device connected between an image forming apparatus and a communication line in an image forming apparatus supervising system which connects the image forming apparatus and a host machine by the communication line. Assume that particular data of an image forming apparatus which is updated day by day should be read periodically. Then, even when the power supply to the image forming apparatus is shut off, a host machine can access the apparatus to read the data which should be read periodically, and receive it. In addition, the data can be preserved until the next time for reading. The data is stored in a first memory until the data is ready for transfer to the host machine, at which time the data is transferred to a second memory and then to the host machine.

Abstract: A system is constructed by connecting a plurality of digital copying machines (stations) having a common structure, and a master station 1001 and slave stations 1002 to 1004 are defined in accordance with their addresses. The master station 1001 issues a status request command to the slave stations at a predetermined time interval in order to gather information on the status of each slave station. The status which can be used in the system are recognized, depending upon the information, and a user selects the station or stations to be used. One of the station is made to read an original image, and the image is printed by the selected station or stations. The above constructed image processing system results in good expandability.