Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus having a controller which reproduces operation procedure information received from an operation terminal as an external apparatus, the operation procedure information including a series of operation information as a time-series procedure, and the controller sequentially accepts various settings according to the series of operation information.

Abstract: One or more ink-usage parameters are adjusted based on ink remaining and historical ink usage, to reduce ink usage for an image to be printed on a sheet of media with ink. The image is printed on the sheet of media with the ink, in accordance with the ink-usage parameters. Adjustment of ink-usage parameters and printing an image on a sheet of media with the ink are repeated for each additional image to be printed on a sheet of media.

Abstract: In a state deciding apparatus, an information acquiring unit acquires pieces of information of different types related to a state of an image forming apparatus. An index value calculating unit calculates an index value based on the pieces of information acquired. A state change deciding unit decides a change in a subsequent state of the image forming apparatus, based on a temporal change in the index value calculated.

Abstract: A method of programming a memory unit in a hard copy output engine includes determining a geographical area or economic region within which the hard copy output engine is to be deployed, determining an electronic address for a consumables supplier appropriate to the geographical area and programming the electronic address into the memory.

Abstract: The printer 10 includes a user interface UI and a PC interface PIF that register specification information that specifies necessary status information, as well as a status management module DSM that, when status information regarding which the specification information is registered is changed, supplies the changed status information to the interface that carried out the registration of such information.

Abstract: A method of controlling an image forming apparatus having at least one consumption part. The method includes fetching specification information corresponding to the at least one consumption part, detecting whether control information for controlling a printing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the specification information is present in a memory of the image forming apparatus, storing the specification information of the at least one consumption part and the control information about the printing operation into the memory of the image forming apparatus when the control information is not present in the memory, and controlling the printing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the control information stored in the memory of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A universal cartridge chip for use with an imaging process cartridge installed in an imaging device is disclosed. The universal cartridge chip includes a memory storing imaging process cartridge data. The universal cartridge chip may be installed on the imaging process cartridge in a first orientation or a second orientation. If the cartridge chip is installed in a first orientation, the cartridge chip operates in a first mode. If the cartridge chip is installed in a second orientation the cartridge chip operates in a second mode.

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 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: A color image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming devices attachable to and detachable from a housing, a transfer device including a transfer belt, an exchange detecting device configured to detect exchange of the image forming devices, 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, when the exchange detecting device detects an exchange of the image forming device, 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: An image forming apparatus includes a memory for storing first sound information associated with a normal operating sound produced when the image forming apparatus normally operates, and a sensor for detecting an operating sound produced from the image forming apparatus and generating second sound information based on the detected operating sound. The image forming apparatus further includes a locating device for locating a fault in the image forming apparatus on the basis of the first sound information, the second sound information, and operation information associated with the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A system for handling objects includes a first image marking engine operative to mark objects, and a second image marking engine operative to mark objects. In addition, the system includes a first object delivery path operative to transport objects presented by the first image marking engine to a first destination. A second object delivery path is operative to transport objects presented by the second image marking engine to a second destination. The first and second destinations may be a single destination, separate destinations, or interchangeable destinations. At least one object is identifiable to isolate at least one aspect of a delivered object. The at least one object includes an associated object itinerary representing at least one object route through the system.

Abstract: An image-forming-apparatus simulation apparatus includes a storing section, a first acquiring section, a generating section, a display section and a control section. The storing section stores a defective event table. In the defective event table, event specifying information are associated with image correction rules. Each event specifying information represents a defective event relating to an image forming apparatus. Each image correction rule represents a method for simulating an influence of a defective event on an image formed by the image forming apparatus. The generating section selects at least one image correction rule. The generating unit executes image processing on target image data based on the selected image correction rule to generate defect-image data representing a defect image expected to be formed on a recording medium when the defective event occurs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of detecting a home position error are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing units, a cam shaft, and a plurality of cams that are formed on the cam shaft to correspond to the respective developing units. A power transmitting element is installed between the plurality of developing units and the plurality of cams and selectively transmits a rotational force of a driving source to the plurality of developing units according to a rotational phase of the cam shaft. An indicating element is installed on the cam shaft and includes a plurality of indicating units. A sensor senses the plurality of indicating units. A home position error is detected each time when the indicating units pass through the sensor.

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

Abstract: 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: A technique is proposed to provide an appropriate notification in accordance with the state of occurrence of conveyance errors. The level of maintenance required to normalize a conveying function is determined depending on the number of errors, and a notification is provided by displaying a message to a user or by transmitting a message to a service center depending on the level of maintenance. Since the message to the user indicates a specific content of maintenance to normalize the conveying function, the user can normalize the conveying function by taking appropriate measures. On the other hand, since the message to the service center indicates the required level of maintenance, a service person of the service center can normalize the conveying function by going to a place where a multi-function machine, for example, is installed and repairing the multi-function machine.

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

Abstract: An image forming device includes a device body, an image forming unit provided in the device body to form an image on a recording medium, a carrying unit detachably attached to the device body so as to carry a recording medium on a carrying route, a first detecting unit provided on the carrying route to output a detection signal that varies depending on whether there is a recording medium being carried, the first detecting unit including a movable portion that influences the detection signal depending on a location thereof, a displacing unit that changes the location of the movable portion depending on whether the carrying unit is attached to the device body, and a determining unit that determines based upon the detection signal of the first detecting unit whether there is a recording medium being carried and whether the carrying unit is attached to the device body.

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: Upon initialization of an image-forming device, a sensor generates a signal to indicate the presence of packaging material at a location within the image-forming device. The image-forming device displays a message to a user responsive to this signal. The message may include a graphical representation of the image-forming device that graphically indicates access to the location. Upon user request, the image-forming device may also display instructions on how to remove the packaging material from the location. The instructions may also include a graphical representation of the location within the image-forming device, and text describing how to remove the packaging material from the location. The sensor generates another signal when it senses that the packaging material has been removed from the location. Once the packaging materials have been removed, the image-forming device completes the initialization procedure in preparation for image-forming operations.

Abstract: In a diagnostic method for use in a diagnostic system capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus, information is obtained about print volume of an image forming apparatus for a certain period, the information being entered in the information processing apparatus by a user, a determination is made as to which of several image forming apparatus is to be recommended, based on the obtained information, and information is sent to the information processing apparatus via a communication line such that the recommendable image forming apparatus that has been determined is displayed in the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprises: an automatic adjustment unit for automatic adjustment of the apparatus; a job queuing unit for queuing image formation jobs; a counting unit for counting the number of pages from the previous automatic adjustment, for each automatic adjustment item; a determining unit for determining whether the number of image formation pages for automatic adjustment will be reached during execution of the image formation queued job; and a control unit wherein, in the event that the determining unit determines that the number of image formation pages for automatic adjustment will be reached during execution of the image formation job queued by the job queuing unit, automatic adjustment is performed before starting executing of the image formation queued job even though the number of image formation pages counted by the counting unit has not reached the number for the automatic adjustment is to be performed.

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: An image forming apparatus generates a color image on a transfer belt by superimposing toner images of respective colors generated by image forming units, and transfers the color image onto a transfer medium. The image forming apparatus includes a correction pattern forming unit configured to form a correction pattern for correcting color misalignment on the transfer belt, a detection sensor configured to detect the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt by the correction pattern forming unit, and a correction control unit configured to control a width of the correction pattern in response to an output of the detection sensor produced by detecting the correction pattern.

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 formation apparatus includes an automatic adjustment unit for automatic adjustment of the apparatus, a job queuing unit for queuing image formation jobs, a counting unit for counting the number of pages from the previous automatic adjustment for each automatic adjustment unit, and a determining unit for determining whether the number of image formation pages for automatic adjustment will be reached during the execution of the image formation queued job. In the event that the determining unit determines that the number of image formation pages for automatic adjustment will be reached during execution of the image formation job queued by the job queuing unit, automatic adjustment is performed before starting execution of the image formation queued job, even though the number of image formation pages counted by the counting unit has not reached the number for the automatic adjustment.

Abstract: Method embodiments herein print a test document using a multi-function printing device to produce a printed document. This printed document is examined in a first direction to determine a first skew of the printing device. The first skew comprises a combination of raster output scanner skew and media path skew. The printed document is also examined in a second direction to determine a second skew. However, this second skew only includes the media path skew of the printing device. Once these two skews are acquired, the method can subtract the media path skew from the first skew to calculate the raster output scanner skew of the printing device.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit that acquires information on disaster; and a switching unit that switches an operational mode of the image processing apparatus from a first operational mode in which image processing is not performed when there is lack of a part of consumables or failure of a part of functions to a second operational mode in which the image processing is performed by using other consumables that are available and other functions that do not fail even when there is the lack of a part of consumables or the failure of a part of functions, in response to the information on disaster acquired by the acquiring unit.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operational status of and initiating image processing device control commands on one or more image processing devices from a remote location, said image processing devices each having a control computer for controlling operation of the device, including representing one of said image processing devices at the remote location; posting operational status indications relating to the one of said image processing devices and/or device set-up parameters at said remote location; adjusting the device set-up parameters by generating an image processing device control command from the remote location; and transmitting said command to the image processing device control computer. This method includes the ability to adjust such things as contrast, enlargement/reduction, network configuration and passwords from the remote location.

Abstract: An image forming system including: an instruction input unit that allows a user to input a calibration execution instruction for performing a calibration; a restriction setting unit that sets a restriction setting that restricts performing the calibration; a determination unit that determines whether or not to restrict performing the calibration based on the restriction setting; and a control unit that performs the calibration in response to the execution instruction while the determination unit determines that the calibration is allowed to be performed, and ignores the execution instruction while the determination unit determines that the calibration is restricted from being performed.

Abstract: A laser printer having a self-diagnostic function includes a first sensing unit that changes in detection status when one of a process cartridge and an inspection cartridge is mounted therein, and a second sensing unit that changes in detection status when at least the other of the process cartridge and inspection cartridge is mounted therein. A control unit of the laser printer identifies the type of cartridge mounted in the laser printer based on detection results from the first and second sensing units and switches the operating mode of the laser printer from a normal mode for performing image-forming operations to a self-diagnostic mode for diagnosing the status of its components when the control unit determines that the inspection cartridge is mounted in the laser printer.

Abstract: A contextual fault handling method and apparatus in a printing system replaces a first diagnostic message with a second diagnostic message based on a measure of fault occurrence frequency. The first message includes information relating to a symptom of a first fault and the second message includes information relating to a root cause of the first fault. Printer usage log data is collected during operation of the printing apparatus. A trend analysis is performed on the print usage log data. Then, in response to a second occurrence of a first fault event and based on a result of the trend analysis, a second diagnostic message is displayed for providing information to the operator or end user relating to a root cause of the fault. The second diagnostic message could be displayed together with the first message or as a replacement for the first message.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes a scanner for reading an image, a printer for fixing an image formed thereby on paper and discharging the paper, a display for displaying information, and a controller for controlling the scanner, the printer, and the display. The controller is configured to execute control such that jam removal guidance in accordance with an operation of a user is displayed on the display when the operation of the user in an attempt to remove a jam that has occurred in the printer is different from an order displayed on the display. In the image forming apparatus according to the invention, even when the user does not execute the jam removal operation according to the displayed guidance, guidance will be displayed in accordance with the state of the apparatus after the execution of the operation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed that, when falling in failures possibly being fixable by switching off/on electric power, is able to be automatically and appropriately rebooted and does not involve disagreement in counts of different counters used for management actions in the course of rebooting process. The image processing apparatus, which has hardware resources used for image formation and programs used for controlling the image formation, includes a failure detection unit to detect a rebooting failure from type A or D failures which are possibly fixable by switching off/on electric power of the image processing apparatus, and a reboot unit to reboot the hardware resources and the programs. The image processing apparatus may further include an operation halting unit to halt operations of the hardware resources and the programs when the rebooting failure is detected.

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

Abstract: A control unit controls a device that executes an image forming process, compares changes of each toner adhesion amount in an image-density-detection pattern image when a developing-bias control condition is changed, with respect to a toner adhesion amount in an image-density-detection pattern image in a normal status, performs a malfunction-occurrence prediction process according to the degree of each change of the densities, and displays the result.

Abstract: When the density of a toner image of a leading end of a printing sheet is no less than a predetermined reference density, a printing start time is delayed or printing data is deleted so that printing data is not printed in the leading end of the sheet. When the printing is performed in a state where a cover used for copying is opened, a printing start time is delayed or the printing data of the leading end of the printing sheet is deleted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a fixing unit from being contaminated due to the toner image transferred to the leading end of the printing sheet.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus having a plurality of functions, including a copier function, retrieves user identification information from a memory card carried by the user within a detection area, obtains panel angle information that is set for the authenticated user based on the retrieved identification information, and adjusts, by a panel controller, a panel angle of an adjustable panel for the authenticated user according to the information, the panel being provided for inputting various operational instructions.

Abstract: A method of detecting image quality defects in the output of an image output device includes the steps of generating a test pattern at a known time, analyzing the test pattern to generate image quality defect records, storing the image quality defect records in memory linked to a time stamp indicating known time when the test pattern was generated, repeating the generating, analyzing and storing steps at a plurality of different known times to generate a database of time stamped image quality defect records, reconstructing isolated defect data from each of a plurality of image quality defect records in the database, constructing cumulative defect data by probabilistic summation of the isolated defect data and analyzing the cumulative defect data using an image quality assessment/analysis engine.

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 data processing apparatus, connected to a printing apparatus, that transfers print data to the printing apparatus and performs a status display of the printing apparatus, the data processing apparatus comprising: a first determination unit adapted to determine a processing status of the print data; a second determination unit adapted to determine the presence/absence of a warning status based on a status notified from the print apparatus; and a message display unit adapted to display a warning based on the determination made by the second determination unit, in accordance with the processing status of the print data as determined by the first determination unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming images with an electrophotographic system. The image forming apparatus includes a laser drive unit configured to control a laser light, and an image data transfer control unit configured to control image data from to the laser drive unit. The apparatus also includes a polygon mirror configured to reflect laser light from the electrophotographic system, a polygon mirror drive unit including a motor configured to rotate the polygon mirror, and a power supply level detecting unit configured to detect a voltage level of power supplied to the polygon mirror drive unit by an electric power supply unit. The image data transfer control unit is configured to provide any width and any number of a first pulse signal indicating a state when power supply is cut off to the polygon mirror drive unit.

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

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotary unit having a plurality of development devices provided around a rotary shaft, the development device having a constituent unit, wherein: a plurality of the development devices sequentially move to a development position, where the development devices oppose an image carrier by rotation of the rotary unit, and a development device located at the development position develops an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier; each of the plurality of development devices has a state detection unit that detects at least one of a state of the development device and a state of a constituent unit of the development device; and the state detection unit of each of the development devices performs state detection when the development device having the state detection unit is located at the development position.

Abstract: A jam removing method and printer using toner a save mode includes detecting a paper jam on a printing route, confirming whether a dot count value of a corresponding image exceeds a preset boundary value, and converting a printing mode into the toner save mode when the dot count value exceeds the boundary value. The paper jam by an image density is prevented from repeating, and successive paper jam is prevented from occurring, user's convenience may be enhanced, and the toner may not be wasted.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A diagnostic system that effectively presents optimum products to the users by effectively using information about the use history of an image forming apparatus used by the users and other information specific to the image forming apparatus that may be stored in advance. The diagnostic system includes a management device that receives and manages management information including at least information of print volume of an image forming apparatus for a predetermined period, a determination device that determines an optimum image forming apparatus based on the information of print volume in the predetermined period managed by the management device, and a notification device that notifies information indicative of the optimum image forming apparatus determined by the determination device to an information processing apparatus that is capable of communication via a communication line.

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