Abstract: In a multi-function imaging machine, a termination condition for each application is managed at a remote location, and a termination operation of the application based on the termination condition is controlled at the imaging apparatus. This imaging apparatus implements a plurality of different applications related to imaging and includes a communication unit that enables transmission and reception of information between an external apparatus, a table that records an application usage state and a termination condition set by the external apparatus for each application, and a control unit that determines whether or not any of the applications satisfies the termination condition during activation by referring to the table, and terminates the application when the termination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus supervising system includes a central control apparatus, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having a memory and connected to the central control apparatus with a communication line, and a data communication apparatus connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the central control apparatus using a communication line. An information code data transmitting device transmits information code data, having a plurality of levels in which character data is respectively included from the central control apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and a data reading device reads data corresponding to the information code data from the memory. A response data transmitting device transmits the data read from the memory to the central control apparatus via the data communication apparatus and the communication line.

Abstract: To provide a system for transmitting the counter information based on a counter value to be updated and an offset value to be entered in accordance with the communication from a device in order to perform the setting for easily collecting the correct accumulated counted number of prints, in which the counter value is reset when setting the offset value.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for asynchronous reporting of printer maintenance data in a printer. The method can include the operation of setting a hardware trap for a printer power-on event in the printer. The hardware trap is configured to report to a harvesting server in response to generation of the hardware trap. A further operation is generating the printer power-on event using the hardware trap when the printer is powered-on. Another operation is collecting printer maintenance data in response to the printer power-on event. In addition, the printer maintenance data that has been collected is sent to the harvesting server in order to update the printer maintenance data stored by the harvesting server.

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: A printing machine generates use information including the number of printouts made in a printing operation, and transmits the generated use information to a management apparatus. A machine information data base stores old use information of the printing machine and a threshold value of a predetermined number of printouts in association with the printing machine. Upon reception of the use information sent from the printing machine, a machine management server stores the use information in the machine information data base and counts up the number of printouts of the printing machine. When the counted number of printouts exceeds the threshold value stored in the machine information data base, it is determined that preventive maintenance for the printing machine is needed. When it is determined that preventive maintenance is necessary, the machine management server sends instruction information instructing preventive maintenance to the maintenance terminal.

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: In an information processing apparatus which can obtain use histories of the parts in an image forming apparatus, counter values of the parts in the image forming apparatus are obtained, magnitudes of the previously obtained counter value and the presently obtained counter value are discriminated, and if it is determined by the discrimination that the counter value becomes smaller, with respect to the part before exchanging, the previously obtained counter value is set into use results of the part before the exchanging.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the operating status of a plurality of image processing devices located in a proximate environment, which includes at least one transmitter connected to the plurality of image processing devices for sending wireless signals incorporating operating status data of each of the image processing devices and a portable terminal provided with a receiver for receiving the wireless signals. The portable terminal is provided with a display and with a presentation module for presenting on the display means status data for each of the image processing devices in the form of either a general system status indication or a device status indication regarding a particular image processing device, in accordance with a predetermined presentation scheme. The general system status indication is primarily intended for confirming that all devices are in order, and is automatically replaced by a device status indication regarding a particular device, when that device needs attention.

Abstract: In an image forming system of the present invention, a master image forming apparatus determines, at the beginning of a joint copy job, whether or not a user stamp is registered at a slave image forming apparatus. If the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus, the master image forming apparatus executes copying alone. Alternatively, the master image forming apparatus may send the user stamp to the slave image forming apparatus before the joint copy job. The system obviates erroneous copying in a joint copy mode and simply executes the joint copy mode even if the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus.

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

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of paper supply sections having a paper size sensor to detect a size of a print paper; an image forming section forming an image on the fed print paper; a paper discharge section stocking the print paper formed of the image and discharged; an auto fence located on the paper discharge section, and displacing the position of a width direction of the print paper stocked on the paper discharge section according to the paper size of the print paper fed from the paper supply sections; a storage section storing the image forming processing as the printing job in the image for one page unit; and a control section determining a sequence of each printing job stored in the storage section so that printing processing is executed in order from a printing job with the smallest paper size in the width direction.

Abstract: A method and system for providing updated help and solution information at a printing device is disclosed. According to one aspect, a printing device is configured to detect a problem relative to the printing device, to download solution data from a remote server, and display recommended actions to address the problem. According to another aspect, a printing device is configured to receive user input through a user interface on the printing device, and to print instructions for operating the printing device in response to the user input. According to another aspect, a printing device is configured to collect statistics that indicate how many times one or more particular help instructions or particular recommended actions have been selected or displayed. The printing device is further configured to provide the statistics to a remote server.

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 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: An image forming apparatus includes an operation management part managing the operation of the image forming apparatus. A first operation information storing part accumulates in chronological order operation information relating to the operation managed by the operation management part. An external output part refers to cumulative results accumulated in the first operation information storing part and outputs, to the outside, the operation information according to the cumulative results.

Abstract: A printing system is described. The printing system includes a printer capable of utilizing print material contained by a cartridge. The printer is capable of detecting when the level of the print material is at a different one of a plurality of pre-determined levels. The printer is also capable of counting pixels. The printer can periodically estimate the remaining life of the cartridge using a reference print material level and the change in pixel count since the print material was at the reference material level.

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: During the operation of an electronic system, such as a document processing system, machine and job data of the electronic system are collected by a diagnostic system for automated diagnosis or prognosis. Optionally, machine data and population based data are acquired from a database or server. According to one embodiment, the data is analyzed to determine an initial diagnosis of the electronic system. Based on the initial diagnosis, a determination is made whether a remote transmission is needed. If so, the data is sent via a distributed network to a remote diagnostic system for analysis. At least part of the collected machine data may be a signature waveform of a part of the electronic system. In such a case, at least the analysis by the remote diagnostic system includes signature analysis of the waveform. Based on the analysis of the data by the remote diagnostic system, a communication is sent.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a power supply that is not turned off even in power saving mode. The power supply continues to supply electric power to one or more sensors detecting the status of the apparatus and to an interface with a network. Thus, while power supply to such loads as a scanner unit, an image processing unit and a printing unit is turned off, respective sensor values in the image forming apparatus can be reported to an external communication terminal.

Abstract: In an image forming system of the present invention, a master image forming apparatus determines, at the beginning of a joint copy job, whether or not a user stamp is registered at a slave image forming apparatus. If the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus, the master image forming apparatus executes copying alone. Alternatively, the master image forming apparatus may send the user stamp to the slave image forming apparatus before the joint copy job. The system obviates erroneous copying in a joint copy mode and simply executes the joint copy mode even if the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In a method and a system to configure an electrophotographic printing or copying system, a first data set and at least a second data set are stored in a databank. The first data set comprises at least a value of a first default value and the second data set comprises at least the value of a second default value. A first program element reads out the value of the first default value and the value of the second default value from the databank with the aid of databank interrogation commands. Data with the value of the first default value and with the value of the second default value are transmitted to a first data processing system of an operating unit of the printing or copying system, whereby the data are supplied to a second program element executed by the first data processing system. With aid of a second program element, the data are transmitted via a data connection from the first data processing system to a second data processing system of the printing or copying system.

Abstract: Image data is stored into an image memory, then an image processing unit performs image processing on the image data stored in the image memory and generates information on a predicted amount of developer consumed in image formation, based on the image data resulted from the image processing. A printer forms an image by using the developer based on the processed image data, thereafter, the developer is supplied in correspondence with the information on the predicted consumption amount of the developer. Thus, primary image processing functions can be integrated on an image processing board, and the developer consumption amount can be predicted by the image processing board based on the image data.

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

Abstract: A network or local printer has a video demonstration mode, preferably using a control console of the printer to display steps to be performed by a human user, by producing a video presentation. A stored selection of video clips is stored or made available, each demonstrating an operation being performed on an exemplary printer that resembles the particular printer apparatus. A video clip processor selects among the video clips and/or controls the manner of playback, based on sensed conditions and/or user input to assist the human user in performing the operation, without boring experienced users or overloading inexperienced ones with unneeded information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be one medium of distribution for software code updates to that machine relating as to how that machine should use that replaceable sub-assembly. In one embodiment, there is provided a replaceable sub-assembly for use in a machine at various setpoints including a memory and further including upgraded executable instruction suitable for directing the machine to use the replaceable sub-assembly with different setpoints, where the upgraded executable instruction is stored in the memory. In this way, the replaceable sub-assembly becomes the medium for it's own or another's software updates.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit for acquiring information from a printer connected through a bidirectional interface, and a control unit for controlling a display status of a virtual printer, which is displayed on a display screen and represents the printer, on the basis of the information acquired by the acquiring unit. An output apparatus includes a setting unit for setting an operating environment, and a changing unit for changing operating environment information set by the setting unit on the basis of information acquired from an information processing apparatus connected through a bidirectional interface.

Abstract: In an image forming system of the present invention, a master image forming apparatus determines, at the beginning of a joint copy job, whether or not a user stamp is registered at a slave image forming apparatus. If the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus, the master image forming apparatus executes copying alone. Alternatively, the master image forming apparatus may send the user stamp to the slave image forming apparatus before the joint copy job. The system obviates erroneous copying in a joint copy mode and simply executes the joint copy mode even if the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A change-over part of an image reading apparatus changes over the function of an operation part disposed on the main body of the image reading apparatus between functioning as an operation part for a connection apparatus and functioning as an operation part for the main body of the image reading apparatus. By this arrangement, it is possible for the user to perform the various kinds of processing operations at the setting place of the image reading apparatus without coming and going between the image reading apparatus and a personal computer.

Abstract: An automatic archiving system that makes document archiving largely transparent to the user. In one embodiment, documents scanned in or printed during the course of office equipment operation are automatically archived. For example, an office local area network (LAN) may interconnect a copier, a printer, a fax machine, and a document management workstation. Whenever, a document is copied, printed, or faxed, a document image is archived by the document management workstation without further user intervention. A single user command results in the document being copied and archived, printed and archived, or faxed and archived.

Abstract: In a multi-function imaging machine, a termination condition for each application is managed at a remote location, and a termination operation of the application based on the termination condition is controlled at the imaging apparatus. This imaging apparatus implements a plurality of different applications related to imaging and includes a communication unit that enables transmission and reception of information between an external apparatus, a table that records an application usage state and a termination condition set by the external apparatus for each application, and a control unit that determines whether or not any of the applications satisfies the termination condition during activation by referring to the table, and terminates the application when the termination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be a medium of distribution for software code updates to that machine relating as to how that machine should operate. In one alternative, there is provided a method for operating a machine comprising the steps of providing a replaceable sub-assembly separable from the machine, the replaceable sub-assembly further comprising a wireless interface and a memory in which is stored software code of executable instructions. The method further provides communicating via the wireless interface with the replaceable subassembly to store software code of executable instructions relating to the operation of the machine into the memory. The method then provides placing the replaceable sub-assembly into the machine, reading the memory, placing the stored software code of executable instructions into the machine as new machine software code, and then operating the machine in accordance with the new software code.

Abstract: A digital printer retains in memory detailed alphanumeric data describing the contents of its paper trays, as well as describing any unusual features thereof. The alphanumeric data is entered at the local user interface of the printer, and is retained at the printer so it can be accessed by a remote user computer as needed. The alphanumeric data can be subject to search techniques by which a large number of printers can be searched for certain print media or other properties.

Abstract: In an image forming system of the present invention, a master image forming apparatus determines, at the beginning of a joint copy job, whether or not a user stamp is registered at a slave image forming apparatus. If the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus, the master image forming apparatus executes copying alone. Alternatively, the master image forming apparatus may send the user stamp to the slave image forming apparatus before the joint copy job. The system obviates erroneous copying in a joint copy mode and simply executes the joint copy mode even if the user stamp is not registered at the slave image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Software in a computer which accesses one or more software-intensive devices, such as a digital copier or printer, is organized in a set of layers. A device-dependent layer converts data transferred over various means, such as a modem or network, to a uniform data format. A protocol layer converts data from a particular accessed machine to a set of function calls. A system interface associated with the computer restricts a user of the computer to seeing only a subset of function calls, depending permissions granted to a particular user. The modular architecture of the software enables a system administrator to restrict a user to viewing machine status for a specific set of machines on a network, or limits the user to viewing only a certain set of functionalities from a particular machine.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product for communicating with machines connected to a network. Information sent to or from the machines is transmitted using electronic mail or a direct connection. The electronic mail may be transmitted over the Internet to a service center or from a service center to a resource administrator, but also may remain within a local or wide area network for transmission between a machine and a resource administrator. E-mail messages may be transmitted from a computer which is attached to a device which is being monitored or controlled and include information regarding the status, usage or capabilities of the attached device. The device may send status messages and usage information of the device to either a resource administrator or to a service center on the Internet through a firewall. The message may be sent directly to the resource administrator station if urgent service is needed by the device.

Abstract: A method of providing support to a user of a computer peripheral includes sensing a peripheral indicia at a computer and registering the peripheral and downloading from a server additional information about the peripheral based on the peripheral indicia. The peripheral indicia includes any of a model number, a part number, a serial number, a date of manufacturer and a configuration indicia. Registering the peripheral is performed by launching a communications browser to connect to the server. The method also senses a peripheral condition at the computer where the peripheral condition includes either an error code or a code indicative of a consumable reaching a predetermined threshold or both. This method accesses the server at an address defined by the peripheral condition, and the server provides the browser with additional information about the peripheral condition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an operation management part managing the operation of the image forming apparatus. A first operation information storing part accumulates in chronological order operation information relating to the operation managed by the operation management part. An external output part refers to cumulative results accumulated in the first operation information storing part and outputs, to the outside, the operation information according to the cumulative results.

Abstract: An information service server, which manages a home page that provides information about an image forming cartridge and a printing apparatus using the image forming cartridge, and a printing system are connected to each other via a network. The printing system includes an image forming cartridge having a nonvolatile memory that stores access information for gaining access to the home page and identification information for identifying the image forming cartridge, identifying means for identifying the image forming cartridge as a genuine product based on the identification information, and access means for gaining access to the home page based on the access information when the image forming cartridge is identified as a genuine product.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, method and program having a help function allow a user to obtain help information after first checking what help information is available at a host computer. In the image-forming apparatus 100, a first CPU 16 which serves as the controller in a printer/scanner section 10 accesses, via an external interface 20, an information source connected to a network NW, and has a list of help information displayed. In response to a help request selected and input from a control panel 15, necessary portions of detailed operating instructions or troubleshooting instructions are successively downloaded from the information source through the external interface and displayed on a control panel. The apparatus makes it possible to check what help information is available at a host computer and to obtain desired help information. Information capable of providing detailed instructions can be furnished without requiring the apparatus to have a large memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus supervising system includes a central control apparatus, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having a memory and connected to the central control apparatus with a communication line, and a data communication apparatus connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the central control apparatus using a communication line. An information code data transmitting device transmits information code data, having a plurality of levels in which character data is respectively included from the central control apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and a data reading device reads data corresponding to the information code data from the memory. A response data transmitting device transmits the data read from the memory to the central control apparatus via the data communication apparatus and the communication line.

Abstract: Message logs are created on serviceable pieces of equipment and transmitted to a centralized site where they are uploaded and inserted into a centralized database. Preferably, a digital printer that maintains message logs reporting printer page counts, jobs run, errors encountered, component replacement, maintenance performed, status and diagnostic information. Reports are created from log data from the machines in the field and are accessible from a Web Server for numerous systems. The reports can predict demand on component parts to assist in maintaining adequate inventories, provide research and development teams with insight into functions and capabilities that may be advantageous to add to new machines in the future, or report information back to the individual customer as a value-added service.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor capable of recording management information for managing the electrophotographic photoreceptor in a noncontact manner, and improving management of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive base, a photosensitive layer and a flange portion, wherein a noncontact information medium provided with an antenna part which communicates in a noncontact manner with a reader/writer of a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a control part which stores management information for managing the electrophotographic photoreceptor and controls the antenna part so as to communicate with the reader/writer is disposed onto the conductive base.

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 method and system for monitoring and controlling machines, such as printers, copiers, facsimile machine and other image forming machines. A server is used for transmitting and communicating information among machines and computers. The server acquires, after machine installation, reference values and during operation, current condition information. The server evaluates this information with the reference values such that a response to the machine may be executed remotely. The server also may update the reference values which change during operation.

Abstract: A method is described which provides for managing intelligent equipment that is deployed remotely. The capabilities of managing such distributed assets include both infrastructural capabilities to establish and maintain connection through a variety of wired and wireless mechanisms and application modules that provide distributed asset management capabilities.

Abstract: Image forming devices, methods of operating an image forming device, and methods of monitoring an environment proximate to an image forming device are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to form hard images; an environmental sensor configured to monitor at least one environmental condition proximate to the image forming device and to provide data indicative of the at least one environmental condition; and an interface configured to communicate the at least one environmental condition externally of the image forming device.

Abstract: In a printer in a system comprising multiple printers connected to a LAN, the service technician executes certain diagnostic adjustment through the operation of keys on the operation unit. When this is done, the controller of the printer generates a script that describes that the same service as indicated via the key input by the service technician in this diagnostic adjustment episode should be executed. The generated script is sent to the other printers. Each printer that receives the script automatically executes diagnostic adjustment based on the description of the script. As a result, the same diagnostic adjustment tasks as those executed regarding the printer from which the script was received is performed on each printer that received the script.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing consumables used in a bookbinding system are described. In one aspect, a bookbinding consumables quantity interrogator is configured to obtain information relating to usage of one or more consumables in a bookbinding system, and a processor is configured to compute usage statistics for the one or more bookbinding consumables based upon usage information obtained by the bookbinding consumables quantity interrogator.