Abstract: A method and system for printing image documents using a variety of toners where some toners using a multi-development station having two or more development stations. These toners are co-printed prior to fixing, on the receiver by the multi-development station.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus has a controller for conveying original documents from a section for loading documents via a section for reading documents to a section on which the documents are stacked, and controlling an operation of reading the documents. The apparatus includes respective sections for reporting apparatus information, detecting a start instruction when reading a document, and counting sheets conveyed to the reading section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including a body housing in which an opening is formed for providing removal/mounting access of a removable cartridge; a door member for selectively closing the opening. The removable cartridge includes a cartridge status chip in which predetermined information relating to the removable cartridge is recorded. The door member of the image forming apparatus and the removable cartridge may each be provided with respective contact terminal or terminals that engage when the door member is closed with the removable cartridge received in the body housing of the image forming apparatus. The controller of the image forming apparatus uses the electrical continuity information of the contact terminal or terminals in order to determine the closure status of the door member and to control the operation of the image forming apparatus accordingly.

Abstract: A transporter is adapted to transport a sheet in a transport direction in a transport path that includes a detecting range. A measurer is disposed at an upstream end of the detecting range in the transport direction, and is operable to measure a moving distance of the sheet. A detector is disposed at a downstream end of the detecting range in the transport direction, and is operable to detect a leading end edge of the sheet. A processor is operable to detect a jam in case that the moving distance is longer than a distance of the detecting range in the transport direction while the leading end edge of the sheet is not detected by the detector.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes toner image forming devices for forming toner images of a plurality of mutually different colors, a toner image carrying member for carrying thereon the toner images of the plurality of colors to be transferred onto a recording medium at one time, an adhesion amount detection device for detecting a toner adhesion amount of each of the toner images, and a failure determination device for determining the presence or absence of a sign of failure in the toner image forming devices. The failure determination device determines the presence or absence of the sign of failure in one of the toner image forming devices on the basis of information based on adhesion amount detection results obtained through detection by the adhesion amount detection device of toner adhesion amounts of toner images formed on the toner image carrying member by the other toner image forming devices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus detects whether a cover is opened or closed in each of a general power mode and a power saving mode. The image forming apparatus includes a cover opening/closing sensor to detect opening or closing of a cover, a cover opening/closing sensing power-supply input unit to provide or not to provide a voltage different from an operation voltage of the image forming apparatus, to the cover opening/closing sensor according to the opening or closing of the cover, and an interlock switch to connect or not to connect the cover opening/closing sensor to the cover opening/closing sensing power-supply unit according to the opening or closing of the cover.

Abstract: An abnormality determining apparatus includes an information storing device that stores information, an information obtaining device that obtains information of a detection subject, a receiving device that receives abnormality presence/absence information indicative of the presence or absence of an abnormality in the detection subject detected by a user, a normal group data set constructing device that constructs a normal group data set that is a collection of normal data indicating that the detection subject is in a normal state based on the abnormality presence/absence information received by the receiving device and based on the information obtained by the information obtaining device during a preset period, and a determining device that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the detection subject by performing calculations based on the normal group data set stored in the information storing device and based on the information obtained by the information obtaining device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including at least one latent image carrier, an image forming unit to form a toner image on the at least one latent image carrier based on image data, a transfer body onto which the toner image formed on the at least one latent image carrier is transferred in one or more valid image ranges, a non-image range determiner to determine a non-image range on a surface of the transfer body onto which the toner image is not transferred, a surface detector to detect the surface of the transfer body in the non-image range, and a toner determiner to determine whether or not toner is present in the non-image range based on a result detected by the surface detector.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a feeding portion, an image forming portion, a discharge portion, a paper transport path, a plurality of detection members, and a control portion. The image forming portion forms images on sheets of paper fed from the feeding portion. The path transports paper from the feeding portion to the discharge portion via the image forming portion. The detection members detect transport state of paper at respective locations on the path including the feeding portion, between the feeding and image forming portions, within the image forming portion, between the image forming and discharge portions, and the discharge portion. Upon detection of paper jam at any of the locations, the control portion displays, on an indicator, information identifying a location where the jam has occurred, and the image forming portion where paper is detected by the detection members, as locations of paper to be eliminated from the path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes a cooling fan as a cooling device, an image formation processing unit, a changeover unit, a main control unit, a secondary control unit, and a power supply unit. The main control unit and the secondary control unit make an appropriate action in association with each other in the event of the occurrence of an abnormality in the cooling device. The changeover unit is configured to connect the image formation processing unit to the main image formation control unit in the main control unit in a case where power is supplied to the main control unit, and to connect the image formation processing unit to the secondary image formation control unit in the secondary control unit in a case where power supply to the main control unit is stopped by the power supply control unit in the secondary control unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for printing on pre-printed media. A printing device includes a printer component to identify location and color setting information of pre-printed material on a print media. A print engine can execute a print job on the print media based on the location and color setting information of the pre-printed material on the print media.

Abstract: A printing device includes a printing unit which prints an image on a sheet according to a print command, a judgment unit which judges whether a total adhesion amount of a print agent adhering to the sheet for the image printing exceeds a prescribed threshold value based on inputted print data, and a control unit which executes a process for reducing the total adhesion amount of the print agent when the total adhesion amount is judged to exceed the threshold value by the judgment unit.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring hardware devices of the hardware devices network to detect failures, past logged jobs are analyzed to determine a pattern of past usage of hardware devices by users of the hardware devices network. A failure of a hardware device is inferred based on a deviation in usage of the hardware devices from the pattern of past usage. In some embodiments, a state model is constructed that assigns one of two or more available operational states to each hardware device of the hardware devices network based on a recent load of jobs logged to the hardware device and a stored history of logged jobs indicative of typical loading of the hardware devices. One or more failing hardware devices are identified based on the assigned operational states.

Abstract: A printer, fax machine, copier, scanner, or any other office device used by multiple users from multiple locations is provided with improved apparatus and/or software for locking out all incoming commands from reaching the device's internal controller except for commands coming from a newly-designated primary controller used by the service technician. This lockout can be used with any type of office machine that has it's own internal controller, so it applies equally to all types of office machines and systems generally used in today's office environments.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a body; an electronic unit; a replaceable unit that is detachably installed within the body; a power supply that generates and outputs a predetermined operation voltage; a high voltage generating part that receives the operation voltage and generates and outputs a high voltage; an electronic unit driving part that receives the operation voltage and regulates a driving voltage supplied to the electronic unit; and a controller that controls the power supply to cut off the operation voltage if the replaceable unit is not installed within the body. Also taught is a method of operating the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A write device includes an opening arranged on a casing of a write unit that emits irradiation light to expose a photoreceptor; a shutter unit movably mounted on the casing to open and close the opening; plural wall-like sections having respective different widths and being arranged in a standing manner on a side intersecting with a rotary shaft of a rotator that moves the shutter unit; a detecting unit that detects the plural wall-like sections moving in accordance with the rotation of the rotator; a measuring unit that measures a time period from when a wall-like section is detected until when the wall-like section is no longer detected; and a position detecting unit that determines the detected wall-like section by using the measured time period and the width thereof and detects the position of the shutter unit by using the determined wall-like section.

Abstract: The goal of the present invention is, while waiting for reserved printing that is to be executed at a future time, even in a case where new printing is executed before then, to compare the remaining amount of consumable material to the amount of consumable material necessary for the designated reserved printing. The terminal apparatus that sent the printing data to execute new printing is notified about the condition of the consumable material. The present invention detects a lack of consumable material by comparing the remaining amount of consumable material to the amount of consumable material necessary for the reserved printing. Therefore, a user using the terminal apparatus can be informed about the information concerning the consumable material by having the terminal apparatus, which newly sent the printing data, notified of the information concerning the detected consumable material.

Abstract: Failures of respective light emitting elements are detected without printing on a sheet.

Abstract: A printing system includes printing apparatuses connected to a network. A control apparatus of the printing system may send a print job to each printing apparatus and instruct each printing apparatus to execute the print job. When a first printing apparatus is instructed to execute the print job, the control apparatus makes a substitute printing reservation. The substitute printing reservation is for a second printing apparatus to execute the print job instead of the first printing apparatus. The second printing apparatus is set to a waiting state in which the second printing apparatus waits to execute the print job instead of the first printing apparatus.

Abstract: A spectral colorimetric apparatus for detecting a color of an image of a subject, including: an illumination optical system illuminating the subject on a detection surface; a spectral optical system including a spectral element spectrally separating the beam diffused by the subject and a light receiving element array detecting a spectral intensity distribution; and a guiding optical system for guiding a beam diffused by the subject, wherein: the detection surface is parallel to a spectral plane including a principal ray of a beam entering the spectral optical system and a principal ray of a beam spectrally separated; the principal ray of the beam enters the spectral optical system within the spectral plane obliquely to a line joining a center of the light receiving element array with a surface vertex of the spectral element; and a light receiving surface of the light receiving element array is orthogonal to the spectral plane.

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 is provided with an image forming station for forming an image, a display unit for displaying specified information, a mode changing section for switching a mode of the image forming apparatus between a first mode for waiting on standby with first power consumption and a second mode for waiting on standby with second power consumption lower than the first power consumption, a determining section for determining whether or not an image can be formed after the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, a starting section for starting the display unit when the determining section determines that no image can be formed, and a notifying section for displaying on the display unit information to the effect that no image can be formed.

Abstract: A digital copying machine is connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with which data communications can be performed. The digital copying machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing according to a print request from the outside. When receiving the print request from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts the print request on hold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a cover opening of an image forming apparatus and a method and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to the image forming apparatus by detecting cover opening are provided. A detection is made as to whether first and second covers for the image forming apparatus are both closed. A verification is made as to whether memory information of a predetermined memory placed in the first cover is detected, if at least any one of the first and second covers is open. A determination is made that the second cover is open, if the memory information is detected. Accordingly, a user can know which cover is open among covers provided in the image forming apparatus by using one switching element. In addition, since a circuit used for detecting cover opening can be implemented with low cost, maintenance of the circuit can be promptly carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting nip width based on a scanned nip print image on ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive media in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal to generate a nip print, automatically inserting a sheet of UV-sensitive media into a fuser nip in the image production device, pausing the sheet of UV-sensitive media in the fuser nip for a predetermined time period, illuminating the UV-sensitive media with ultraviolet light to generate a nip print, scanning the generated nip print, determining if a nip width adjustment is required based on the scanned nip print, and if it is determined that a nip width adjustment is required based on the scanned nip print, adjusting the nip width using a nip width adjustment device.

Abstract: A time point at which a predetermined period elapses since the start of use of a copying machine as a detection subject after factory shipment or repair is obtained. Pieces of set information, which are combinations of various types of information until the time point is reached are sequentially stored to construct a normal set information group. After the time point is reached, presence of abnormality in the copying machine is determined based on the normal set information group and the various types of information obtained.

Abstract: Image forming devices and methods of assisting with maintenance of image forming device consumables are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes: an image engine configured to utilize a consumable to form hard images; an interface adapted to communicate with a network comprising a plurality of network devices external of the image forming device; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to forward a search request to the interface for communication to the network, to receive information regarding the consumable from the plurality of network devices via the interface responsive to the search request, to generate a message including information received from at least one of the network devices, and to control communication of the message.

Abstract: An image-forming device is configured so that a process to print confidential print data is not automatically resumed after the printing process has been interrupted and the cause of the interruption has been resolved. Accordingly, the printing of confidential print data is not resumed when the user who requested the printing operation is not near the printer during an interruption and another person resolves the cause of the interruption. In this way the image-forming device prevents content of the confidential print data from being exposed to another person.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to monitor a status of consumables of an image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store the status of the consumables of the image forming apparatus, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a consumption rate of the consumables of the image forming apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine a subsequent status of the consumables based on the status of the consumables stored in the storage unit and the consumption rate acquired by the acquisition unit. The status of the consumables includes a first status, a second status, and a third status. The second status has a remaining amount of the consumables less than the first status. When the consumables is in the third status, the determination unit does not determine that the subsequent status of the consumables is the second status if a consumption rate equals to or exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reader, an image forming unit, an output portion, and a notifying mechanism for notifying the operator of the apparatus. The image reader is configured to read an image on an original sheet to create image data. The image forming unit is configured to form a toner image on a sheet according to the image data. The output portion is disposed between the image reader and the image forming unit and includes a bin tray configured to receive the sheet having the toner image. The notifying mechanism includes a signal generator and a notifying member. The signal generator is configured to generate a signal when the sheet is output onto the bin tray. The notifying member is configured to notify that the sheet is output on the bin tray in accordance with the signal generated by the signal generator.

Abstract: When an error occurs in an image processor, error information including a performer of the job having been processed upon occurrence of the error, the type of the job, and the type of the error is transmitted to a host. In the host, a transmission destination of support information is determined based on the type of the job having been processed upon the occurrence of the error, and the support information is retrieved from a knowledge base, based on the type of the error in the job, and transmitted to the transmission destination.

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: A digital copying machine is connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with which data communications can be performed. The digital copying machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing according to a print request from the outside. When receiving the print request from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts the print request on hold.

Abstract: If, upon an occurrence of a jam, a sheet is detected by a sensor disposed downstream of a fixing portion or the leading end thereof has not reached this sensor and a coverage rate is high, the jam is judged to have occurred in the fixing portion. A number (x) of blank sheets to be passed is determined from a coverage rate of the entire sheet, and a cleaning mode is automatically executed if the automatic execution of the cleaning mode is selected, whereas a notification urging the input of an instruction as to whether or not to execute the cleaning mode is given if the automatic notification is selected. Therefore, toner adhered to the fixing portion can be simply and properly cleaned.

Abstract: A printer monitoring interface is disclosed that uses a combination of dynamic three dimensional representations of a printing system and actual photographic images (still or video) of problem areas to give an operator monitoring the printing system realtime feedback, in both graphical and actual-image form, of areas of the printing system experiencing problems. The graphical images (which may also be actual photographic images) provide the operator with a representation of the overall system, and the actual images of problem areas provide the operator with the ability to actually see the problem that is occurring. The graphical and actual-image views are combined so that the operator can quickly and easily identify where in the system the problem is occurring, and quickly diagnose problems and determine solutions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a processing unit which performs an image recording process for recording an image on a recording medium based on image data; a movement mechanism which moves the processing unit; a first control section which controls the image recording process performed by the processing unit; and a second control section which acquires a state of progress of the image recording process and controls the movement mechanism so as to move the processing unit to a position according to the progress state.

Abstract: A printer includes a printing module, a system status module, and a transmitter. The transmitter is in communication with the system status module. The transmitter is adapted to transmit a signal in response to a code generated by the system status module. A method for providing a code to an operator of a printer includes communicating a fault or warning code to a transmitter of the printer and transmitting a signal that corresponds to the code via an RF, an IR or an ultrasonic transmission.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of performing a failsafe image forming operation even when a memory device of a replaceable unit mounted thereon is faulty. A controller of the image forming apparatus determines whether or not a memory tag of a toner cartridge is faulty. If the memory tag is determined to be faulty, the controller causes image adjustment to be executed.

Abstract: A multi-functional print platform includes at least two marking engines that process information at different processing rates and a scheduler that distributes portions of a job across the at least two marking engines based at least on a content of the job and the different processing rates of the at least two marking engines.

Abstract: An operation target identification system includes at least one terminal device connected to a network, having a first display, devices connected to the network, each of which has a second display, and an identical pattern setting unit provided on the network, which selects one of multiple preset display patterns and sets the selected display pattern to the first display of the terminal device and the second display of one of the devices designated as an operation target of the terminal device.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming devices, a transfer device including a transfer belt, a test pattern forming device configured to form, on the transfer belt, a test pattern including a plurality of marks formed by the image forming devices, an optical sensor configured to read the plurality of marks, and a checking device configured to determine whether reading by the optical sensor is performed correctly or not.

Abstract: In a method for outputting data of a diagnosis data stream of a printer or copier, the diagnosis data stream comprises first data of a first data type and at least second data of the second data type, the first data and the second data each including structure date and use data corresponding to the respective data type. The diagnosis data stream is supplied to an evaluation program of an evaluation unit for evaluating the first and the second data. The structured data of the first data is analyzed with aid of the evaluation program, a first identification which is characteristic of the first data type being determined. Upon the determination of the first identification, selecting a first evaluation instruction from a plurality of evaluation instructions with aid of the evaluation program and loading it, the use data of the first data being evaluated with aid of the first evaluation instruction.

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: 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: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming stations. In each image forming station an electrostatic latent image carrier and a charging member are arranged to face each other with a specified gap therebetween. A charging failure caused by an abnormal discharge in the gap is detected based on a current detection result by a current sensor, and an image forming station having an abnormality is reliably specified.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is capable of minimizing the increase in the capacity of a non-volatile memory provided in the wireless tag and of minimizing the increase in the time required for reading data. A sub unit such as a lid includes a wireless tag therein is detachably attached to an accommodating section such as a main body of the electronic apparatus. A reader-and-writer unit is housed in the accommodating section. When the sub unit is positioned in place in the accommodating section, the reader-and-writer unit communicates with the wireless tag to read data from the wireless tag and write data into the wireless tag. An anticipation signal generator provides an anticipation signal to the reader-and-writer unit when communication between the wireless tag and the reader-and-writer unit is anticipated to fail. The reader-and-writer unit is prevented from communicating with the wireless tag in accordance with the anticipation signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for performing a process relating to forming of an image includes a log management unit to manage generated log information, and a log transfer unit to transfer log information of a type specified in log transfer information among the log information managed by the log management unit to a transfer destination specified in the log transfer information.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems to diagnose modular printing systems having two or more interchangeable modules. In addition, methods and systems are provided to generate instructions for configuring the interchangeable modules within the printing system to produce optimal results.

Abstract: An image forming device, which includes an inspection data storing section that stores inspection data for inspecting an inspection target for identifying a cause of a defective print, and an image forming section that forms on a medium the inspection data stored in the inspection data storing section.