Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed that forms an image based on a control signal from an image processing controlling unit that processes input image information into image data. The apparatus includes a carriage that moves in a main scanning direction in accordance with the control signal; a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in a sub-scanning direction; an output detection unit that detects motor outputs of the carriage at any plural points when the carriage moves at a constant speed; and a jamming determination unit that compares an average value of the motor outputs of the carriage between the plural points with a predetermined tolerance to determine a conveyance failure.

Abstract: A maintenance system of an image forming apparatus is composed of an image forming apparatus and a central management apparatus connected to it via a communication line. The image forming apparatus is composed of an image forming unit for forming an image, an information output unit for outputting intra-machine information of the image forming unit, a voice information input unit for inputting voice information of a user of the image forming unit, and a first communication controller for outputting the intra-machine information and voice information via the communication line.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include a printer to fix images on paper sheets that travel along a first paper path and a second paper path, and first and second doors that may be open to uncover the first and second paper paths, respectively. First and second sensors may detect if the respective doors are open and first and second jam detectors may detect jams along the respective paper paths. A memory may store first and second jam removal guidance for the jams along the respective paper paths. A controller may cause a display to switch from displaying the first jam removal guidance read from the memory to displaying the second jam removal guidance read from the memory upon the second door sensor detecting the second door is open.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that can be used even when an access error occurs due to replacement of component elements. When replacement of a component element of the image forming apparatus is detected, it is determined whether or not a predetermined process has been normally carried out on the component element. When it is determined that the predetermined process has not been normally carried out, another process different from the predetermined process is carried out. When the other process has been normally carried out, the predetermined process for the component element is changed to the other process.

Abstract: An image forming system having a preceding stage apparatus for forming a toner image on a paper sheet, and a subsequent stage apparatus, connected downstream of the preceding stage apparatus, for forming a toner image on the paper sheet ejected from the preceding stage apparatus, includes: a first maintenance counter correlating with a part, subject to maintenance, in the preceding stage apparatus; a second maintenance counter correlating with a part, subject to maintenance, in the subsequent stage apparatus, in response to the first maintenance counter; a counter control section for increasing a count value of the first and the second maintenance counters by a first and a second designated value, respectively, in response to formation of a toner image on the paper sheet; and a setting section for setting the first and second designated values individually based on an operation mode of the image forming system.

Abstract: When printing, an image forming apparatus determines, based on a threshold voltage corresponding to a print speed during printing, whether or not a corona wire of a charger needs to be cleaned. On the basis of whether or not a monitoring voltage corresponding to a current value of a charged bias, which is applied to the corona wire by a charged-bias high-voltage power supply, is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold voltage corresponding to the print speed during printing, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the corona wire needs to be cleaned.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a waste-toner container, a light sensor having a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, a light-blocking member for covering the light sensor to detect the attachment of the waste-toner container, and a control unit. When the waste-toner container is determined to be full based on the output voltage of the light sensor, a printing operation is stopped or is not started until it is determined that the waste-toner container is removed and then attached, and that the waste-toner container is not full. A method for detecting the fullness of a waste-toner container includes the steps of detecting the fullness of the waste-toner container, prohibiting printing, detecting whether or not the waste-toner container is attached, and permitting printing.

Abstract: A system abnormality determining method comprises the steps of transmitting fake abnormal information representing an abnormal condition of the target instrument from the target instrument to a condition determination device via a network during a test operation of the target instrument instead of condition information, determining if the condition determination device can determine the target instrument as being abnormal based on the fake abnormal information, and operating the target instrument in a normal operation condition when the condition determination device can determine the target instrument as being abnormal.

Abstract: A system for controlling printing of a print job in a printing system is provided. In practice, a first value corresponding with a first proposed number of prints to be produced with the printing system is stored in a memory communicating with the controller. When the first value exceeds a number for which copyright clearance is available, a controller changes the first value corresponding with the first proposed number of prints to be produced to a second value corresponding with a second proposed number of prints to be produced. Additionally, when a selected condition is met the controller uses the second value corresponding with the second proposed number of prints to be produced to control the number of prints produced by the printing system.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch panel that includes an operation plane displaying various operation screens, and detects a press position on the operation screen as detection signal; a first storage portion that stores press information of the touch panel; a second storage portion that stores error information; a first control unit that stores the press position indicated by the detection signal from the touch panel as first press information in the first storage portion; a second control unit creates screen data with a mark indicating the press position on the operation screen when an error occurred, based on the first press information stored in the first storage portion, and stores the screen data as first error information in the second storage portion, when the error occurs in the electronic device; and a third control unit that outputs the error information based on an error information output command.

Abstract: A class of add-on system components providing functionality of devices, management of self-help, customization and enhancement of services for devices, and remote monitoring at significantly reduced cost. It reduces the cost of UI and greatly enhances ease-of-use by realizing that the networked system can be headless and use a browser-based UI for its platform. It embeds a Device Model Agent (DMA) and connects to the Device-Centric Services platform to offer services. Additionally, it offers customized diagnostic access for customer representatives to enable self-help service actions to be performed, unifies and manages multiple access needs to several disparate data access mechanisms, and uses largely COTS PC hardware rather than customized PWBs.

Abstract: In the image formation apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of detection sections outputs binary signals to a detection identification control section, and an image formation control section for control of periphery of the engine of the apparatus outputs a detection section identifying signal and a detection section period signal to the detection identification control section. Also, the detection identification control section outputs a detection result of the detection sections as detection data to a control board. A plurality of driver sections are connected to a driver identification control section via a data line through which driving signals for driving a section to be driven are transmitted. Accordingly, the present invention provides a versatile image formation apparatus with a reduced number of output lines which can deal with a change of image formation system without increasing the number of signal lines.

Abstract: A fault prediction method predicts a plurality of faults in a target device, and includes the steps of collecting internal information of the target device output from the target device, generating one or more criteria for defining a deviation from a normal state based on the collected internal information of the target device, incorporating the one or more criteria into a device state discriminator, identifying a deviation from a normal state in the target device according to the one or more criteria using the device state discriminator, and outputting a fault prediction as a result of the identifying step to a user. One or more of the steps are performed by a processor.

Abstract: A diagnostic system made part of or for use with a document handling device in which a customer is guided toward performance of at least one comparison means in a diagnostic routine analysis. The comparison means is selected from a group comprising (1) a first comparison comparing a fused print media and an unfused print media for presence of a defect, (2) a second comparison comparing an output print media and at least one image on a screen for a type of defect, and (3) a third comparison comparing a low-charged print media and a no-charged print media for qualities of the defect. The customer enters a selection based on results of the first, the second, or the third comparisons. The diagnostic system can identify a part causing a defect in the print media based on results of the comparisons.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming system that are capable of preventing a user or operator from forgetting to carry out a maintenance operation based on required sub-maintenance items after execution of a maintenance operation based on an associated maintenance item, such as component replacement, cleaning, or adjustment. A table of maintenance items and sub-maintenance items associated with respective ones of the maintenance items is stored in a ROM. When a CPU determines that a maintenance operation based on a selected one of the maintenance items has been completed, the CPU determines whether or not there is any sub-maintenance item associated with the selected maintenance item, by referring to the table. When it is determined that there is one or more sub-maintenance items associated with the selected maintenance item, a CPU provides control to display the sub-maintenance item or items in an operating/display unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit; a controller that controls the image forming unit to form, on a recording medium, an image based on image data in accordance with a first print setting; and a data recording unit that records original data of the image data and the first print setting on a non-contact tag attached to the recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, computer program, and product, each capable of detecting a state of an apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of devices. When at least one of the plurality of devices is determined to be in a first state, a second state of at least one of the plurality of devices is determined. When a state of the apparatus is determined to be in the first state, the second state of another apparatus is determined.

Abstract: An image processing device is configured to provide a service relating to at least one of (1) the image data generated by the function of the image processing device and (2) image data representing the image to be formed, in response to a request from the image processing device. The image processing device may include a parameter designating unit, a service request unit, and a function implementation unit that is adapted to implement the function of the image processing device based on the service providing parameter designated by the parameter designating unit. The service providing device is provided with a service provision executing unit that is adapted to execute a process to provide the service to the image processing device after receiving the request from the service request unit provided to the image processing device.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a cleaning blade cleans residual toner adhered on the surface of an image carrier and a sound sensor collects a sound generated inside a casing of the image forming apparatus. A determining unit determines, based on the sound collected by the sound sensor, whether cleaning failure has occurred in the cleaning blade. The determining unit makes the determination based on at least intensity of a first sound component that is a sound component of a first frequency and intensity of a second sound component that is a sound component of a second frequency different from the first frequency.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus executes controls relating to image formation in a dispersed manner without centralization. A printer part of the image forming apparatus includes a laser module, an image process module, a paper-feed cassette module, a conveyance module, a both-side module, a fixing module, a paper discharge module and a shared data module. Each module stores operation condition information, indicating its operation condition in the shared data module, and executes autonomously a specific operation by referring to operation parameters and the operation condition information indicating the operation conditions of the modules, stored in the shared data module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate using end-user feedback to automatically distinguish between a normal behavior and a device failure which can be a hard failure (e.g., a device malfunction) or a soft failure. For instance, upon detection of a usage switch from a first device to a second device by a user, a survey message is sent to the user to solicit information regarding the reasons for the switch. If the switch was triggered by a device malfunction, the detected device failure is verified and an alert is sent to an administrator and/or potentially impacted users. If the switch was triggered by the user's need for functionality (e.g., color printing, collation, etc.) not provided by the first device, which is otherwise functioning properly, then the detected failure is determined to be a failure and the failure detection algorithm is updated accordingly.

Abstract: Provided is a fixing device including: a heater; a heating body that is heated by the heater and is caused to rotate; a pressure body that is in contact with the heating body, and is caused to rotate; a plurality of temperature sensor units each including a temperature sensing element that is covered with a protective member and is in contact with the heating body in order to sense a temperature of the heating body; and a control unit that recognizes temperatures of the heating body at respective portions thereof based on signals received from the temperature sensor units, brings the heater into an ON state if the recognized temperatures exhibit a temperature difference of a predetermined value or larger, judges that the protective member has peeled off if all the temperatures sensed by using the temperature sensor units are recognized to have risen, and corrects the temperature.

Abstract: A replaceable unit monitor assembly includes a substrate member, multiple thermal insulating stand-off members, and a monitor device mounted on the substrate member. The stand-off members mount the substrate member to an end hub of a fuser roll of a printing machine while limiting conductive heat transfer to the monitor device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus operates in a power saving mode or in the normal printing mode. An image forming section forms an image in accordance with print data received from an external apparatus. A state detecting section detects a state of the image forming apparatus. A controller causes the image forming apparatus to enter into a power saving mode where the controller terminates supply of electric power to a section of the image forming apparatus that consumes a large electric power. A data detecting section detects whether the print data exists in the image forming apparatus. When the state detecting section detects a change in the state of the image forming apparatus and the data detecting section fails to detect print data in the image forming section, the controller causes the image forming apparatus to enter the power saving mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include an image forming device to form and fix an image on a paper, a paper conveyer to convey the paper from a sheet feeder through the image forming device to a finisher, at least one door configured to uncover and cover a part of the paper conveyer, a jam detector to detect whether a jam occurs in the paper conveyer, at least one door sensor to detect whether each door is open or closed, a display, a memory, and a controller to control the jam detector, the door sensor and the display. The controller may be configured to execute control to display a jam detection result detected by the jam detector and jam removal guidance, corresponding to the jam detector which detects the jam occurring in the paper conveyer, based on the information of preset display orders of the jam removal guidance.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing locked printing on a printing device with unlock via a keypad attached to the printing device via an interface. A user may specify for printing print jobs stored at a printing device using a keypad device to enter a job ID associated with a particular print job or a general ID associated with users to release all print jobs associated with a particular user, all print jobs not yet printed, or all print jobs. Print jobs may alternatively be identified by date. The approach may also include a user viewing a list of available locked print jobs on a user interface of the printing device, along with the associated job IDs. The approach may further include the use of a Web server on the printing device to generate and provide a Web page that lists stored print jobs and their associated job IDs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus management server, a Service Continuity Score (SCS) calculating method of the management server, and an image forming apparatus management system. A setup manager sets a priority with respect to items required to calculate an SCS indicative of a normal operation time of an image forming apparatus, an incident manager registers and manages an incident related to the image forming apparatus, and an SCS manager calculates the SCS using the registered incident and the priority set for the items.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an image forming portion forms an image on a rotator. A first designating portion determines a first estimated phase point based on a base time point, and designate, as a designated parameter, a correction parameter corresponding to said first estimated phase point based on change characteristics information stored in a storage portion. A correcting portion corrects an image forming position on the rotator based on the designated parameter. A changing portion changes a value of the designated parameter into an adjusted value intermediate between the designated parameter and a reference parameter that is a correction parameter designated based on the time when the detecting portion detects the detecting phase point.

Abstract: An imaging method enabling spontaneous, single-site implementation of, and control over, the execution of an imaging job employing the combinable native functionalities and related user-accessible controls of plural, currently available, imaging-related instrumentalities.

Abstract: An elastic sheet is defined in accordance with a user input operation to have a shape with which the elastic sheet does not cross another member (building component) (step S1). Then, the elastic sheet is divided into rigid elements (step S2). Angles formed by each rigid element with adjacent rigid elements on two sides are calculated, and the calculation results and the like are stored in a RAM (step S3). A flexible medium which moves through a conveyance path is defined (step S4). Conveyance conditions when the flexible medium moves through the conveyance path are set (step S5). After that, the motion is calculated (step S6). The result of the motion calculation, that is, the behavior of the flexible medium, is displayed on a display device (step S7).

Abstract: A controller determines a state of a switch unit based on a potential difference between a power supply side and a load side of the switch unit. Alternatively, when an electronic device is in a first operating state, the controller determines a state of the switch based on a result of a first detection unit. When the electronic device is in a second operating state that a power consumption of the device is lower than that in the first operating state, the controller determines the state of the switch based on a result of a second detection unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that forms a color image includes: a sensor that detects a density of an image formed on the transfer body; a density adjusting unit that forms a density test pattern on a transfer body and that adjusts process parameters such that a density of the density test pattern on the transfer body falls within a predetermined range of a reference density; and a gradation adjusting unit that forms a gradation test pattern on the transfer body and updates the gradation correction data such that a density for every gradation of the gradation test pattern on the transfer body falls within a predetermined range of a reference gradation density acquired and stored beforehand. The gradation adjusting unit updates the gradation correction data subsequently after the density adjusting unit adjusts the density of the density test pattern.

Abstract: A management device for an image forming apparatus including a status data collection unit where multiple types of status data are received from the image forming apparatus and stored in a status database, a target data creation unit where multiple types of target data are created based upon the multiple types of status data, a first stage determination unit where the multiple types of target data are identified as being above or below reference values set for each type, and a second stage determination unit where a weight value set for each status data type is attached to the determination results of the multiple types of status data of the first stage determination unit and as a whole of the multiple types of status data determined with majority logic for abnormal occurrence prediction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an opening-closing lid for opening and closing an opening portion formed in an apparatus main body; a detection unit for detecting an open state of the opening-closing lid; an execution unit for executing a specific operation; a main power source for supplying power to the execution unit; a retaining unit for retaining an open history indicating the open state of the opening-closing lid when the detection unit detects the open state of the opening-closing lid during a period of time when the main power source does not supply power to the execution unit; and a determining unit for determining whether the execution unit executes the specific operation according to the open history retained in the retaining unit when the main power source starts supplying power to the execution unit.

Abstract: A system of diagnosing a printer or photocopying system using a flexible diagnostic sheet is described. In the system, a thin diagnostic sheet including a plurality of sensors formed on the sheet is run through the paper path of the printing system. The printing system subjects the diagnostic sheet to the printing process, including the deposition of fuser oil and toner on the sheet. Sensors on the sheet record various parameters, including but not limited to the amount of fuser oil deposited and the charge on various toner particles. The information is transmitted to service personnel or the printer end user to enable timely repair of the printer.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can provide a sensor system. The sensor system can include a belt having an undesirable portion and an aperture formed at a distance from the undesirable portion, a reflector located in the aperture, and a detector that senses a light reflected by the reflector to determine a location of the undesirable portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus in which a replacement component is set including the replacement component in which a storage medium storing adjustment necessity information indicating whether an adjustment procedure is needed or not after the replacement component is replaced and adjustment item information indicating an adjustment item is attached, an information reading unit to read the adjustment necessity information and the adjustment item information from the storage medium when the replacement component is set and a control unit to execute the adjustment procedure based on the adjustment necessity information and the adjustment item information read by the information reading unit when a power is turned on after the replacement component is replaced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a monitor that monitors a state of communication performed in the image forming apparatus; and a controller that, when the monitor monitors that the state of the communication is abnormal, controls the communication based on an operation of the image forming apparatus in which a state has been changed within previously determined time including a time point at which the state of the communication has become abnormal.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an image forming portion forms an image on a rotator. A storage portion stores change characteristics information relevant to correction parameters corresponding to phase points of the rotator. A designating portion designates a correction parameter from the correction parameters based on the change characteristics information. A correcting portion corrects an image forming position on the rotator based on the correction parameter designated by the designating portion. When a first determining portion determines, based on a detecting phase point of the rotator detected by a detecting portion, that the current phase of the rotator corresponds to a shifting phase point, and further a second determining portion determines that the image forming portion is in inactive time, the designation by said designating portion is shifted to the correction parameter corresponding to the shifting phase point.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus, first printing data used for the first printing apparatus to perform a print is associated with second printing data generated from the same print job as the first printing data. A printing apparatus detects an operating state of the apparatus. The printing apparatus, when the detected operating state shows generation of an error and the error is not removed, in a case where it is determined that a job inputted into a printing system and associated is not completed, displays information in regard to a removal method of the error on an I/F. In addition, the printing apparatus notifies the printing apparatus of generation information of the error. The printing apparatus displays the information showing that the error is generated on an I/F.

Abstract: A system, including an improved sensor, for determining toner particle uniformity is described. The sensor measures toner particle charge, typically be having the charge on the toner particle control a current flow through the channel of a thin film transistor. By measuring the charge on many toner particles, the system determines whether sufficient toner degradation has occurred that the toner should be replaced. The sensor is particularly suitable for being formed on a thin diagnostic sheet that is input through the paper path of a printing system.

Abstract: An information attaching unit attaches either one of carrier density information of initial developer and loose apparent density information of toner in the initial developer to a housing of a developing device. A density-information storage unit stores therein either one of the carrier density information and the loose apparent density information as electronic data. At least one of the information attaching unit and the density-information storage unit is provided before shipment of the developing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes; a main body; a detachable member; a cover; a displacement member movable between a preventing position and a permitting position; a one-way link mechanism provided for displacing the displacement member from the preventing position to the permitting position when the cover is opened from a state in which the cover is closed and the displacement member is disposed in the preventing position, and for keeping the displacement member in the permitting position when the cover is closed from a state in which the cover is opened; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the displacement member right after a power supply unit has been switched on; and a history determination unit for determining an existence of a history showing an opening and closure of the cover while the power supply unit is left off based on the position of the displacement member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. In the image forming apparatus, a contact portion that contacts a detection gear of a development cartridge and to which information about the development cartridge is transmitted is positioned inside of a path for attachment and detachment of a process cartridge. At both times of attachment and detachment of the process cartridge to and from a main unit casing, when the process cartridge contacts the contact portion, the contact portion can be swayed in a single direction while a pivot extending in a direction parallel to the direction of attachment and detachment of the process cartridge is taken as a fulcrum for swaying action.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an image forming portion forms an image on a rotator. A storage portion stores change characteristics information relevant to correction parameters corresponding to phase points of the rotator. A designating portion sequentially designates the correction parameters based on the change characteristics information. A correcting portion corrects an image forming position on the rotator based on the correction parameter designated by the designating portion. When it is determined, based on a detecting phase point of the rotator detected by a detecting portion, that the current phase of the rotator corresponds to a gradual phase point at which the correction parameter changes at a rate equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the designation by said designating portion is shifted to the correction parameter corresponding to the gradual phase point.

Abstract: Document processing systems and methods are presented in which a graphical user interface is used to set a user-selectable refill level for a print engine consumable, such as toner, replenisher, paper, etc. Once the user-selectable level has been reached, the user is notified and is prompted to either refill the print consumable or to continue use of the document processing system without refilling.

Abstract: A defect once around signal time period of a defect source inherent in a marking device is determined, the defect source having one or more banding frequencies. A reference scanline time delay, which is a time between a page sync signal and a writing of a reference scanline, is determined. A test target is written, sensed and analyzed. A reference scanline phase offset of each banding frequency relative to the reference scanline is determined. A banding phase of each banding frequency is determined based at least on the defect once around signal time period, reference scanline time delay and reference scanline phase offset.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of which maintenance work can always be conducted appropriately independent of time-degradation of the apparatus is provided. In the image forming apparatus of which maintenance work is done in accordance with either a user mode or a service engineer mode, an image forming unit including an image forming station prints an image in accordance with image data, and a main CPU calculates duration of use of the apparatus as an index indicating time-degradation, and determines whether or not the calculated duration of use of the apparatus has reached one year as a predetermined threshold value. Based on the result of determination, a user mode or a service engineer mode is set as a maintenance method for conducting maintenance work.

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 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.