Abstract: A system and method for determining an optimal use of printing devices and printing device options in a network computer system or enterprise environment based upon typically usage characteristics of the printing devices and the options available to the printing devices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a developer container is detachably mountable includes a receiving unit configured to receive, via wireless communication, temperature information detected by a temperature detecting unit, which is disposed in a developer container, from the developer container in a state not mounted to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further includes a determining unit configured to determine, based on the temperature information received by the receiving unit, whether an oscillating unit disposed in the developer container is to be oscillated, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a signal for oscillating the oscillating unit to the developer container via wireless communication based on a determination result of the determining unit indicating that the oscillating unit is to be oscillated.

Abstract: A system remotely monitors at least one image forming apparatus. The system receives first operation information and second operation information concerning the image forming apparatus. The system is capable of detecting a frequent occurrence of failures in the image forming apparatus based on the first operation information. The system is further capable of detecting a resolution of the frequent occurrence of failures based on the second operation information. In response to the detection of the resolution of the frequent occurrence of failures, the system outputs information that explicitly indicates the resolution of the frequent occurrence of failures.

Abstract: Each agent unit gets status information indicating the state of each of network printers connected by a LAN from the network printers every first time period. Whenever each agent unit gets the status information from the network printer, it overwrites a status log data file with the gotten status information. Each agent unit converts all status information stored in the status log data file into status mail of electronic mail and transmits the status mail to a mail server every second time period longer than the first time period. On the other hand, a console unit accesses the mail server and reads the status mail in a proper time period to the console unit.

Abstract: There is described an image forming system including an image forming section, a finishing process section, wherein restriction contents of finishing process function are set in the image forming system, and a finishing process function resetting section that resets the restriction contents of the finishing process function in accordance with a recording medium.

Abstract: A method for providing technical support to a customer relating to an imaging cartridge used in an imaging apparatus includes receiving a request from the customer for assistance relating to the imaging cartridge; executing diagnostic software associated with a type of the imaging apparatus based on the request to generate a diagnostic code pertaining to the imaging cartridge; receiving the diagnostic code from the customer; performing an analysis of the diagnostic code; and determining an action to be taken based on the analysis of the diagnostic code.

Abstract: Automated facsimile monitoring methods, systems, and computer program products can track response data from multiple facsimiles sent to different locations and generate electronically accessible failure reports to allow for error or faults to be tracked and assessed to thereby allow corrective action to be initiated in a more timely manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an office machine that comprises an electronic control unit and a data communication interface, wherein internal data of the office machine can be read via the data communication interface and internal data of the office machine can be input. According to the invention, the office machine (10) is associated with a computer unit (20) that is or can be connected to a computer network (24) and that can access internal data of the office machine. Said computer unit is further adapted to allow read-out of internal data of the office machine via the computer network or/and input of internal data of the office machine via the computer network.

Abstract: A device management system for a plurality of devices, including a data collecting device that acquires device data for one or more of the plurality of devices, and a transmission circuit that transmits the device data to a device management, wherein the device management station determines any outlying devices within the plurality of devices. Moreover, a device management method for a plurality of devices that includes acquiring device data for one or more of the plurality of devices, transmitting the device data to a device management station, generating a control chart on the basis of the transmitted device data, determining whether at least one of the plurality of devices is outside at least on of the upper limit and the lower limit, and providing an appropriate action to take on the basis of the determination.

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: An image forming system is provided that alleviates throughput reductions and enables reductions in power consumption and lower noise. The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material and a plurality of sheet-conveying devices that convey the recording material. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store connecting orders of the plurality of sheet-conveying devices and a determination unit configured to determine which of the sheet-conveying devices should be given notification by an operation start request or an operation end request according to designation information that designates the sheet-conveying device to which the recording material is conveyed and the connecting orders for the plurality of sheet-conveying devices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a communication section that wirelessly communicates with an RFID tag on a toner supply container. Based on a state of communication between the RFID tag and the communication section, an amount of toner in the toner supply container is measured, or a rotational angle of the toner supply container is detected. Since it is unnecessary to additionally provide a member for measuring the amount of the toner or detecting the rotational angle, the number of components can be reduced.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including an image reading part reading an original image; and a printing part printing the read image, it is detected that a down frequency or a number of times when the image forming apparatus enters a down state exceeds a threshold; and when the down frequency exceeds the threshold, this event is reported externally.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a communication interface configured to couple to a network, and a printing unit configured to process print data received via the communication interface. Also provided is a registration unit configured to register a plurality of user information for a plurality of users, each of the plurality of user information including hierarchy information corresponding to one of the plurality of users. The image forming apparatus further includes a managing unit configured to determine if operations of the image forming apparatus requested by the plurality of users are executable based on the corresponding hierarchy information. The managing unit is also configured to manage a verification process for the plurality of users based on the corresponding hierarchy information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing electronic documents is provided. A request, from a first user, to issue an alert to a second user that may have submitted a print request to the printing device is received at the printing device. The printing device may be attempting to process the print request submitted by the second user when the printing device receives the request from the first user. The first user may not know the identity of the second user. The printing device consults contact data that identifies how to contact the second user. The printing device thereafter issues the alert to the second user in accordance with the contact data. Upon receiving the alert, the second user is informed of the current condition of the printing device, e.g., the printing device may be experiencing a problem that prevents the second user's print request from being fully processed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes 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 start information acquiring section which acquires starting information of each of the programs stored in the storage section, a module identification information acquiring section which acquires module identification information of at least one arbitrary program from a recording medium which is recorded with updating data for a plurality of programs, an updating data selection section which selects the updating data corresponding to the at least one arbitrary program from the recording medium, based on the starting information and the module identification information, and an updating section which updates the at least one arbitrary program stored in the storage section based on the selected updating data.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting the need to service a machine. The system includes a processor and at least one of a device component and a supply component. The processor determines a time at which the device component will require repair or replacement and when the supply component will need replenishment and sends an electronic message addressed to a communication device accessible by the user or supplier. The electronic message includes data which facilitates ordering services and sending the supplies to the user of the machine.

Abstract: A connection apparatus is disclosed which includes a connection source and a connection destination. The connection source includes information about a predetermined connection destination; and a connecting element for making a connection request to the predetermined connection destination based on the information about the connection destination and, given a permission, for automatically connecting to the connection destination. The predetermined connection destination includes a receiving element for receiving the connection request from the connection source, a judging element which, upon interpreting the connection request, judges whether the connection source is a predetermined connection source or not, and a permission granting element which, if the judging element judges the connection source to be a predetermined connection source, then grants connection permission to the connection source.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus communicating with an outside system via a communication part for providing image forming apparatus information to the outside system is disclosed.

Abstract: A technique is provided that enables reduction in cost related to maintenance services and that also enables reduction in downtime of a product.

Abstract: A failure prevention diagnosis support system includes: an acquiring portion that acquires internal information about an internal state of an image forming apparatus; a storage portion that stores one or a plurality of logistic regression models that define an estimate value of a regression coefficient through a logistic regression analysis using the internal information obtained when the image forming apparatus is in a failed state and in a normal state; and a controller that performs a control operation to select a logistic regression model from the one or the plurality of the logistic regression models stored in the storage portion in accordance with the image forming apparatus, and to calculate risk degrees as objective variables that are indicators of failure degrees in the image forming apparatus by assigning the internal information acquired by the acquiring portion or the value obtained from the internal information to the selected logistic regression model.

Abstract: An image forming system having a management information server and an image forming apparatus connected via a network. When the image forming apparatus enters a power saving mode and a power source is off, the apparatus is not reactivated by management information from the server but the power saving mode is maintained and the electric power consumption can be reduced. The system has: a communication control unit which receives print data and a management information obtaining command from the outside; a data discriminating unit which discriminates them and notifies the communication control unit of the discrimination result; an image forming unit which receives the print data and prints; and a power supply control unit which shuts off/recovers a part or all of the power sources to the image forming unit and notifies the communication control unit that the shut-off/recovery has been made.

Abstract: A computer network comprises plural computer systems connected to plural printers. Each computer system comprises at least one application program for generating print data for one or more of the printers. One of the computer systems is partially employed as a stock control computer. An application program stored on the stock control computer runs a model of the overall system, including maintaining an up-to-date schedule of all print jobs on the system, and maintains a log of all media resources (i.e., paper) available to each printer. The application program ensures that the printers have suitable media resources and/or that print jobs are allocated to printers where appropriate media resources are available, if possible.

Abstract: A toner monitoring network printer system and method of monitoring a toner cartridge thereof. A first network printer includes a communication module to communicate data with terminals through a network and to support communication with a second network printer, a toner residue computing part to compute a toner residue value of a toner cartridge based on a number of pages printed by the first network printer, a memory to store toner cartridge information including the toner residue value computed by the toner residue computing part, and a central processing device to control the communication module to provide the second network printer with the toner cartridge information including the toner residue value computed by the toner residue computing part, and to control the toner cartridge information including the toner residue value provided from a second network printer to be stored in at least one of the memory and the toner cartridge.

Abstract: A sub-CPU copes with a status obtaining request from a network in a sleep mode. Further, necessary least power control for updating a status in an image forming apparatus in the sleep mode is realized by the sub-CPU.

Abstract: A method of ordering replacement items used by a reproduction device at least includes: providing coupled to said reproduction device, a replacement item information button; and in response to a user activating said replacement item button, producing via said reproduction device, at least one replacement item information document; wherein said replacement item information comprises specific information needed to facilitate the ordering of the exact replacement items which are used by said reproduction device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for notifying a user of a document left at a xerographic apparatus, such as a printer or copier. The system includes a sensor module for sensing the document and determining whether the user is within a predetermined distance of the xerographic apparatus. The system further includes a notification module for notifying the user of the document left if the copier user is outside the predetermined distance of the copier. The system and method can utilize RFID transponders each worn by a respective copier user or input data for determining the identity of the user. Notification can be accomplished by one of several methods, such as transmitting an electronic message to the user, actuating an alarm located near or at the xerographic apparatus, and preventing further use of the apparatus until the document is retrieved.

Abstract: Described herein is a printing platform having one or more marking modules for reproducing an image on a substrate; a print media source processing unit that supplies the substrate; a finisher that provides finishing capabilities for the substrate; and a platform manager that automatically removes electrical power from at least one component of the printing platform while other components continue to process print jobs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a replaceable component of a device may include a monitor located on the replacement component. The monitor may include a controller, a memory, and a first communicator that communicates with a second communicator in the device. The monitor may further include a sensor on the monitor that is capable of sensing at least one property of the replaceable component and/or the contents of the replaceable component. The monitor may include a parasitic power generator.

Abstract: A data retrieval method and system are provided that include providing, in a device, a replaceable unit, storing usage data of the device in a database based on information stored in a CRUM used in the replaceable unit, providing access to the database to a user, and providing the usage data to the user. The user data is based on the device performing an operation and the information stored in the CRUM reflecting at least one data point reflecting the performed operation.

Abstract: A driver management method for managing a driver that is used when an output apparatus is used from a terminal apparatus, includes monitoring a state of the output apparatus, and restricting availability of the driver according to the state of the output apparatus.

Abstract: The flexible printing system is comprised of a printer that has printing characteristics that can be updated. A printer cartridge comprises printer data memory that either stores new printing characteristics or stores a location from the Internet from which these characteristics can be downloaded. The printer accesses the cartridge's printer data memory and checks the stored printing characteristics. If the printer can use these characteristics and they differ from the characteristics that are presently being used by the printer, the printer updates its printing characteristics using the printer data memory's printing characteristics. In one embodiment, the printer characteristics are color tables and dithering algorithms.

Abstract: Programming of the input and output paper handling setup of a high speed reprographic system can adversely affect the throughput of the system. A method or system includes a control system that examines the proposed setup and then determine if any of these options results in a loss of throughput. If such losses are detected and exceed a predetermined threshold, the operator of the device will be informed and given the opportunity to change the setup to reduce the throughput loss.

Abstract: The on-line help or support system responds to a user help request in a responsive manner. In advance of the user help request, the on-line help system determines if the user is possibly in need of help information based upon the sequence of operational key inputs. The on-line help system monitors and analyzes the user key inputs according to a predetermined set of rules. In case of a possible confusion state for a certain operation for an image-forming device, the on-line help system obtains the corresponding relevant help information from a predetermined help server on the network even though the user has not yet requested for the help. The down loaded help information is stored in a cache memory.

Abstract: A printing control system has a contents provider and a printout service provider connected via a network. The contents provider comprises a device for generating viewing screens, a device for generating a conditions settings screen from printout information and service information obtained from a printout service provider, a device for generating a confirmation screen for setting the conditions, and a device for transmitting the contents selected with the viewing screen, and the printout service provider comprises a device for transmitting the service information, and a device for generating printing data from the contents provided from the contents provider. This provides contents providers with contents providing means other than downloading data, and users with services for various printing forms other than home-use printers.

Abstract: A technical solution for easily carrying out detailed image formation control corresponding to respective customers, i.e., a detachable unit, an image forming apparatus, a server computer, a computer program and client system for easily carrying out detailed image formation control corresponding to respective customers, is to be provided. The detachable unit is a detachable unit detachable to an image forming apparatus, the detachable unit has a memory part storing information containing control information, and upon mounting the detachable unit on an image forming apparatus main member, operation of the image forming apparatus is controlled based on the information stored in the memory part.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention enables quick completion of printing operations even when a large number of print jobs are concentrated on one printer. A print load distribution apparatus 80 monitors the job status in a buffer 55 and the error status of a printing mechanism 51 in a range of preset three computers 50, 60, and 70 among a plurality of computers connected to a computer network. When a number of print jobs are concentrated on one printer (for example, the printer 50) or when one printer (50) is in the error status, the print load distribution apparatus 80 takes in at least one print job stored in the spooling buffer 55 of the corresponding printer (50) and transfers the at least one print job to another printer (60 or 70) in the range of preset three computers 50, 60, and 70.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus detachably connecting an imaging process unit including a non-volatile memory, information recorded in the non-volatile memory is partially encrypted.

Abstract: A user sets a desired print function for a printer having a print function. In accordance with the set print function, whether a printer control command recognized by the printer is generated by an application for a host computer or a printer driver is determined. If an additional function of the printer driver, e.g., an N-page print function, a printing/bookbinding function, or the like is set, the printer driver generates a printer control command. If no additional function is set, the application generates a printer control command. The generated printer control command is output from the system spooler of the host computer to the printer.

Abstract: The advertisement managing device receives an advertisement request from an advertisement client terminal. The customer managing device specifies a copying machine adapted to the advertisement request, and advertisement contents requested to be advertised are transmitted to the specified copying machine. When the advertisement managing device receives an estimation request, an estimation result inclusive of the approximation of an advertisement charge is returned to the advertisement client terminal.

Abstract: An image forming device is disclosed which includes a problem detection unit for detecting problem, and problem alert unit for alerting a user to the detection of a problem. Until an initially detected problem A has been resolved, the problem alert unit will not issue a problem alert based upon a subsequently detected problem B. Consequently, when working to resolve a problem, if a subsequent problem B is detected, the detection of the problem B will be disregarded, and a problem alert will not be issued (by a buzzer or the like), and thus the user can devote themselves to resolving problem A without being disturbed by the buzzer or the like.

Abstract: A device is allowed to execute a job which is related to calibration work. Inconvenience such that a general job other than the calibration work is erroneously executed by a printer or a copier whose calibration is being executed is prevented. For this purpose, according to the invention, information showing that the calibration of an image forming apparatus is being executed is stored, and a job assigned to the image forming apparatus whose calibration is being executed is assigned to another image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In image forming device management system and method of the present invention, a data communication device transmits, on an early message date that is earlier than a normal message date for a corresponding one of a plurality of image forming devices, a usage data of the corresponding one of the image forming devices to a center management device via a telephone network by using a call sent by the data communication device. The center management device receives, on the early message date for the corresponding one of the image forming devices, the usage data of the corresponding one of the image forming devices that is transmitted by the data communication device, by using the call sent by the data communication device. The center management device issues a billing of a usage charge of the corresponding one of the image forming devices based on the usage data received by the center management device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system through which the nature of a problem in an apparatus is analyzed and the appropriate countermeasures displayed automatically by a computer that is capable of responding to an inquiry in the proper manner, thereby making it possible to determine the cause of the problem accurately and to deal with the problem quickly in round-the-clock support. A printer includes a controller having an internal store of information concerning sites to which inquiries regarding printer problems may be directed. A service depot computer is queried with regard to printer problems requiring maintenance by a serviceman. In a case where, depending upon the measures taken by the customer, it is possible for the customer to solve the problem himself without the assistance of a serviceman, a customer support computer is queried in regard to the nature of the problem. A message concerning countermeasures is received from the service depot computer or customer support computer and is displayed on a host computer.

Abstract: A mode information conversion device connected to a terminal and an image forming device which performs a printing operation. The mode information conversion device including a unit for receiving first mode information transmitted from the terminal, in which a user request to the image forming device is reflected; a unit for acquiring second mode information to be peculiarly used in the image forming device; a unit for registering the first and second mode information so as to be previously related to each other; a unit for converting the first mode information to the second mode information by reading the second mode information related to the first mode information on the mode information registering unit upon receiving the first mode information; and a unit for transmitting the second mode information acquired by conversion to the image forming device which is a print output destination based on the user request.

Abstract: A printing control system has a contents provider and a printout service provider connected via a network. The contents provider comprises a device for generating viewing screens, a device for generating a conditions settings screen from printout information and service information obtained from a printout service provider, a device for generating a confirmation screen for setting the conditions, and a device for transmitting the contents selected with the viewing screen, and the printout service provider comprises a device for transmitting the service information, and a device for generating printing data from the contents provided from the contents provider. This provides contents providers with contents providing means other than downloading data, and users with services for various printing forms other than home-use printers.

Abstract: In a system and method for remote maintenance, remote configuration and/or remote operation of an electrophotographic printing or copying system, a data processing system is connected with a communication unit of the printing or copying system via a network. Given a deactivated printing or copying system, the communication unit receives first data transmitted by the data processing system via the network and processes the transmitted first data. After receiving the first data, the communication unit activates a data processing unit of the printing or copying system. After the activation of the data processing unit, second data can be transmitted between the data processing system and the data processing unit.

Abstract: A recycling system for managing reusable units to be used in an image-forming apparatus (e.g., MFP device including units, the system comprising inputting kind information of the units), storing use information corresponding to the image-forming apparatus, and determining a reuse level of a reusable unit to be provided based on the kind information and the use information.

Abstract: A communication system that efficiently and accurately manages various devices on a network includes a local device, which performs a user authentication process by using user information (a user ID and a password) that is inputted by a user at an operation unit and information that was registered in advance. The local device transmits, to a remote device, the inputted user information together with an operating request that is issued to the remote device by the user. The remote device performs the user authentication process by using the user information received from the local device and the information that was registered in advance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating pricing data for managed computer printer services for a user of a fleet of computer printer devices over a contract time period including first selecting between two possible pricing models, pay-per-page with minimums or pay-per-page with a fixed periodic payment. Variable costs comprising the costs of toner cartridges and preventative maintenance are computed for both monochromatic and color printers and these respective variables contribute to determine the total costing of both models. In the fixed periodic model the cost of hardware and a service fee also contribute to the final pricing figure. The toner portion of the variable costs element may be determined on the basis of predictions of page coverage for both mono and color printers, but may also be determined from historical averages resulting from actual measurement of the page coverage of printers in the fleet.