МИКРОЧИП КАРТРИДЖА ПРИНТЕРОВ

Изобретение относится к микрочипам для картриджей принтеров, применяемым в сочетании с несколькими типами картриджей принтеров и/или принтеров различных моделей или семейств. Ряд микрочипов осуществляют передачу данных в ответ на запросы о передаче данных или информации и/или команды принтера, например процессора принтера. В случае если микрочип располагает правильными данными или информацией, принтер может эксплуатироваться в сочетании с данным конкретным картриджем. Элемент памяти включает в себя, по меньшей мере, один отдельный подэлемент памяти, предназначенный только для чтения, и, по меньшей мере, один отдельный перезаписываемый подэлемент памяти. Каждый подэлемент памяти, предназначенный только для чтения, может соответствовать принтеру одной модели или одного семейства. Технический результат - обеспечение возможности использования одного микрочипа картриджа принтера в сочетании с принтерами ряда различных моделей или семейств. 2 н. и 12 з.п. ф-лы, 9 ил., 8 табл.

УСТРОЙСТВО ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ЦВЕТНЫХ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

... 1. Устройство формирования цветных изображений, содержащее блоки формирования изображений для каждого цвета, причем каждый из блоков формирования изображений включает в себя светочувствительный элемент, приводимый во вращение, секцию зарядки для зарядки светочувствительного элемента, секцию излучения света для излучения света, чтобы сформировать электростатическое скрытое изображение на светочувствительном элементе, секцию проявления для нанесения тонера на электростатическое скрытое изображение и формирования порошкового изображения на светочувствительном элементе, и секцию переноса для переноса порошкового изображения, налипшего на светочувствительном элементе, причем секция зарядки, секция проявления и секция переноса приспособлены для светочувствительного элемента, при этом упомянутое устройство формирования цветных изображений содержит:секцию формирования, которая управляет секцией излучения света, соответствующей каждому цвету и формирующей электростатическое скрытое изображение для ...

Einrichtung zum Überwachen, Steuern und Kommunizieren mit einem oder mehreren Bürogeräten

Tonerausgabegerät für ein Drucksystem

Bilderzeugungsgerät.

Überwachungs-/Gewährleistungssystem für elektrostatographische Wiedergabegeräte mit austauschbaren Kassetten.

TINTENBEHÄLTER MIT ELEKTRONISCHEN UND MECHANISCHEN MERKMALEN, DER ZWISCHEN VERSCHIEDENEN VERSORGUNGSGRÖSSEN STECKERKOMPABILITÄT ERLAUBT

Überwachungseinrichtung für einen Digitalrechner

ELEKTROSTATISCHES KOPIERGERAET.

REPRODUZIERGERAET MIT PAPIERWEG- DIAGNOSTIK

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AND COMMUNICATING ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Using a status of a hardcopy output engine to compose an electronic message for use in scheduling a service event

A method P1 of scheduling a service event with respect to a hardcopy output engine (14, figure 2) includes detecting S1 a status of a portion of the hardcopy engine (14) from a sensor (17) incorporated in the hardcopy output engine (14), composing an electronic message including the detected status and transmitting S3, S4 the electronic message to a scheduling engine. The hardcopy output engine could be for example a printer, photocopier or fax machine. A detected status may indicate inter alia an "out of" status for consumables such as toner, a preventative maintenance requirement or a billing related status. Also disclosed is use of the scheduling engine for normal task management with respect to the tasks scheduled for a particular user, e.g. resolving scheduling conflicts, and the review of a status of a scheduled service event, e.g. date completed.

Mounting image forming device consumable assemblies

Image forming devices, image forming device consumable assemblies and image forming device communication methods are provided. One exemplary embodiment provides an image forming device 10 configured to use a consumable to form hard images, the image forming device 10 includes first electrical circuitry 16, second electrical circuitry 18 spaced from the first electrical circuitry 16, the first electrical circuitry 16 and the second electrical circuitry 18 being configured to assist with the formation of hard images, a receptacle 20 configured to receive a consumable assembly 22 containing a supply of the consumable, a first electrical connection 17 configured to electrically couple the first electrical circuitry 16 with a conductor 38, 40, 42 coupled with the consumable assembly 22 when the consumable assembly 22 is positioned within the receptacle 20 and a second electrical connection 19 configured to electrically couple the second electrical circuitry 18 with the conductor 38, 40, 42 coupled ...

IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS HAVING A DIAGNOSING FUNCTION

Consumable authentication system

There is provided methods and systems for authenticating an imaging device consumer replaceable unit (CRU) used in products such as a printing system with appropriate programming such that they are able to positively recognize and accommodate authorized consumables. A microcontroller or processing chip is integrated with the CRU and capable of generating a validation code. A code key will be comprised of a value string including programmed characters representing a combination of all or portions of a market program designator or code, consumable identification (ID) information and a randomly generated value, which may be hidden from view. The resulting string key is a basis for an algorithm created validation Code. This code is generated by the consumable processor and readable by a printing system or device the CRU is inserted into. The code is independently established by the printing system or device using the same algorithm and information and validates the resulting Code when they ...

FAULT DETECTION IN ELECTROSTATOGRAPHIC MACHINES

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OFFICE MACHINES, IN PARTICULAR PHOTOCOPYING APPARATUSES OR SUCH A THING.

TESTING COPY PRODUCTION MACHINES

MAINTENANCE CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR COPY PRODUCTION MACHINES

COVER FOR WIRE WRAPPED CARD CHASSIS

MONITOR/WARRANTY SYSTEM FOR ELECTROSTATOGRAPHIC REPRODUCING MACHINES USING REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGES

PRINTER OR COPIER DEVICE HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE SUB-UNITS COMPRISING AN IDENTIFICATION ARRANGEMENT, METHOD FOR THE OPERATION OF SUCH A DEVICE AS WELL AS TONER CONTAINER FOR EMPLOYMEMT IN SUCH A DEVICE

The invention relates to a printing or copying appliance which has one or several exchangeable part units (14) with a modular assembly. The part unit (14) to be identified has an identification device (30) with a non-volatile memory (43) for storing function-relevant operating data of said part unit (14), said operating data being allocated to operating states. Said part unit (14) also has a communication interface (38, 39) for detachably connecting said identification device (30) to a process control device (40) of the appliance.

СИСТЕМА И СПОСОБ СОЗДАНИЯ УНИВЕРСАЛЬНЫХ КОМПОНЕНТОВ ДЛЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

Чип 100 картриджа для использования в картридже, устанавливаемом в устройстве для формирования изображений, включает элемент 106 памяти для хранения данных чипа и контроллер 104 для управления работой чипа и для определения, является устройство для формирования изображений устройством первого типа или устройством второго типа. Контроллер используется для работы чипа в первом рабочем режиме, если устройство для формирования изображений является устройством первого типа, и для работы чипа во втором рабочем режиме, если устройство для формирования изображений является устройством второго типа.

Maintenance system and method

A technique is provided that enables reduction in cost related to maintenance services and that also enables reduction in downtime of a product. A maintenance system for making a maintenance plan for consumable parts of an apparatus that is a maintenance target, includes: an interval information acquiring unit configured to acquire information related to a combination of a visit interval that prescribes a time interval at which a visit should be made for maintenance operation for each consumable part, and a replacement interval that prescribes a time interval at which each consumable part should be replaced and that is associated with the visit interval; a counter value acquiring unit configured to acquire a counter value that indicates actual use of consumable parts in the apparatus that is a maintenance target; and a maintenance plan calculating unit configured to calculate timing at which a next visit should be made for the apparatus that is a maintenance target, and a consumable part ...

Heat Generating Unit, Fixing Unit And Image Forming Apparatus

Image forming apparatus

Image forming apparatus

Image forming apparatus

Graphical user surface and method for indicating a malfunction state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system

IMAGING APPARATUS.

MACHINE DE REPRODUCTION MUNIE DE MOYENS DE DIAGNOSTIC RELATIFS AU TRAJET DE TRANSFERT DE DOCUMENTS

La présente invention concerne une machine de reproduction munie de moyens de diagnostic relatifs au trajet de transfert de documents. Cette machine comprend un contrôleur programmable. Le contrôleur comprend un programme principal faisant fonctionner les divers composants de la machine. Pour maintenir la qualité des copies et la fiabilité de la machine, le contrôleur programmable comprend en outre des programmes de diagnostic pour faire fonctionner les composants de la machine de façon différente. La machine comprend plusieurs détecteurs 246, 280, 281, 282 disposés selon le trajet de papier en divers emplacements de la machine. Tandis que chaque feuille est détectée, l'instant correspondant sur un compteur est mémorisé dans la mémoire du contrôleur. L'un des programmes de diagnostic est utilisé pour accéder sélectivement aux instants souhaités. Application à la reproduction xérographique automatique à grand vitesse.

MACHINE OF REPRODUCTION INCLUDING/UNDERSTANDING OF THE MEANS OF DIAGNOSIS OF CHARGER OF DOCUMENTS

MACHINE OF REPRODUCTION PROVIDED WITH MEANS OF DIAGNOSIS RELATING TO THE WAY OF TRANSFER OF DOCUMENTS

APPARATUS OF FORMATION Of IMAGES.

Apparatus making it possible to control and bring about communication between office-automation devices

L'invention concerne un appareil et un procédé permettant de commander et de faire communiquer des dispositifs de bureautique, comme des copieurs, des télécopieurs et, ou bien, des imprimantes. L'appareil fait communiquer et commande divers modules de dispositifs de bureautique qui permettent à un dispositif externe, par exemple un panneau de commande (20) d'accéder à l'état d'un dispositif prototype, par exemple un copieur, une imprimante ou un télécopieur. Le panneau de commande peut communiquer avec le dispositif prototype (10) et commander celui-ci. De plus, un poste de diagnostic à distance (30) peut produire des diagnostics sur le dispositif prototype.

Image forming device, disposable components included therein and method of managing status of the disposable components

Articles of consumption unit and image forming device using the same

테스트 인쇄 기능을 갖는 화상형성장치, 화상형성장치의 제어 방법, 기억매체, 및 화상 형성 시스템

... 화상형성장치에 의해 복수의 섹션으로 구성되는 인쇄 데이터를 인쇄하는 경우에 유저의 혼란을 방지하는 화상형성장치. 화상형성장치는 복수 부수의 인쇄가 실행되는 인쇄 데이터의 테스트 인쇄를 실행할 수 있다. 선택된 인쇄 데이터에 복수의 섹션이 포함되어 있는지 아닌지를 판별하고, 선택된 인쇄 데이터에 복수의 섹션이 포함되어 있다고 판별되었을 때, 상기 테스트 인쇄의 실행을 제한한다.

IMAGE-FORMING APPARATUS AND REPLACEABLE PART USED FOR THE SAME

PURPOSE: To provide an image-forming apparatus, capable of surely inputting information on replaceable parts to the device body, without restricting the connecting direction of the replaceable parts, or deteriorating the operability of the replaceable parts, without making the device and the replaceable parts large in size and increasing the cost, and to provide the replaceable parts used for the image forming device, as for the image-forming apparatus constituted so that information on the replaceable parts may be inputted to the device body and the device is controlled, based on the information. CONSTITUTION: For the image-forming apparatus, where the parts to be periodically replaced are loaded detachably to the device body, a storage medium for storing the information on the replaceable parts is mounted on the replaceable parts, then the information stored by the storage medium is read by a communicating means for communicating through radio waves on at least the image-forming apparatus ...

FUSING DEVICE OF AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND A LEAKAGE CURRENT DETECTION METHOD THEREOF FOR EFFECTIVELY DISTINGUISHING NOISE AND LEAKAGE CURRENT BY ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SIGNALS

PURPOSE: A fusing device of an image forming device and a leakage current detection method thereof are provided to block power which is supplied to a heating layer corresponding to detection of current of the heating layer of the fusing device, thereby preventing malfunction of the device and electric shock of a user. CONSTITUTION: A power supply unit(160) applies power to a heating layer(114). A current signal detection unit(130) detects a current signal corresponding to a difference of input current and output current of the heating layer. A determination unit(140) determines whether or not current is leaked from the heating layer by analyzing the current signal. When the current is leaked from the heating layer, a power blocking unit(150) blocks the power which is applied to the heating layer from the power supply unit. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2013 [Reference numerals] (130) Current signal detection unit; (140) Determination unit; (150) Power blocking unit; (160) Power supply unit; ...

PRINTING DEVICE, A CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND A MEMORY MEDIUM THEREOF CAPABLE OF ACQUIRING PAPER FEEDING DESTINATION INFORMATION FROM A MEMORY OF A NEWLY CONNECTED SHEET PROCESSING DEVICE AND DETERMINING A PAPER FEEDING DESTINATION ACCORDING TO THE FEEDING DESTINATION INFORMATION

PURPOSE: A printing device, a control method thereof, and a memory medium thereof are provided to prevent a paper from being fed to an unintended feeding tray while omitting an annoying setting related to a sheet processing device when the sheet processing device is newly connected. CONSTITUTION: A memory control unit memorizes information for determining a paper feeding destination among plural paper feeding destinations in a memory unit. A newly connected sheet processing unit is the same kind as a kind of a previously connected sheet processing unit, a control unit(201) does not change the information memorized in the memory unit. If the newly connected sheet processing unit is a different kind from the kind of the previously connected sheet processing device, the control unit updates the memorized information. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2013 [Reference numerals] (101) Controller; (202) Memory; (203) Liquid crystal display(operation unit); (204) Key board(operation unit); (205) Network interface ...

IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS

An image heating apparatus for heating a toner image formed on a recording material, the image heating apparatus includes a heater (203) including a substrate (203a) and a heat generating resistor (203b) thereon for generating heat for heating the toner image, by electric power supply; an electric power shut-off member (206) operable in response to an abnormality temperature rise of the heater to shut off the electric power supply; and a heat conduction member (207, 208) having a thermal conductivity, in a direction of a thickness of the substrate, higher than that of the substrate, wherein a contact area between the heat conduction member and the substrate is larger than a contact area between the heat conduction member and the electric power shut-off member.

Operator replaceable component life tracking system

The present invention uses a concept of Operator Replaceable Component (ORC) devices that allows an operator that is not a skilled field engineer or service technician, to perform maintenance on a digital printer, resulting in significantly higher uptime for the press. The ORC devices employed by the present invention have an expected life span and the system can track the remaining life for each of the ORC devices and prompts the operator when they should be replaced. Preferably, the recent use of the digital printer is compared against the remaining life of the ORC device with the shortest remaining life. The recent use of the digital printer is used to decrement the remaining life of the ORC devices until an ORC device needs replacement. The operator is then notified of the need to replace the ORC device that has expired.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An exposure device irradiates a light beam to the photoconductor drum and thereby forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor drum. A developing roller causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image and thereby develops a toner image. A development bias power supply circuit applies a development bias to the developing roller. A direct current detection circuit detects a direct current that flows between the development bias power supply circuit and the developing roller. A control circuit (a) causes the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image of an adjustment patch for toner density adjustment, (b) measures a value of the direct current at a timing when the developing roller causes the toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image of the adjustment patch, and (c) performs the toner density adjustment on the basis of the measured value of the direct current.

IMAGE INSPECTION APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE INSPECTION METHOD, AND PROGRAM

An image inspection apparatus includes: an image reader that performs processing of reading conveyed paper as an image for a correct answer image and an image to be inspected; an information acquirer that acquires setting information at a time of forming an image of paper conveyed to the image reader; a storage that saves, as a correct answer image, an image read by the image reader as an image for a correct answer image, and saves the setting information; and a hardware processor that performs inspection by comparing an image to be inspected read by the image reader to a correct answer image stored in the storage.

Image forming device management system

An image forming device management system includes a plurality of image forming devices, a central service station which provides a maintenance service for the image forming devices, and a communication control unit which is connected to each of the image forming devices by a signal line, the communication control unit connecting one of the image forming devices to the central service station via a communication network. In the system, each of the image forming devices includes a message unit which outputs a signal line separation message when the image forming device has no signal from the central service station or the communication control unit over a predetermined period.

Image forming apparatus capable of optimum outputting according to the grade of consumables

An image forming apparatus capable of satisfying various demands of a user by enabling the user to determine a grade of consumables in a single image forming apparatus, and the method of employing the same. The printing method of an image forming apparatus which has a recognition device to print according to grades of consumables, comprises the steps of checking a grade of at least one consumable by the recognition device, searching a setup condition of the apparatus, through which the optimum printing can be obtained by combining the mounted consumables, setting up a printing condition which is preset by the combination of the consumables, and printing with the setup condition by a user's printing command. The image forming apparatus that operates according to grades of consumables, comprises a recognition device capable of recognizing the grades of the consumables, a memory storing image printing information with respect to combinations of the plurality of consumables, and a main control ...

Image forming device

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

Method of calibrating a spatial light modulator printing system

A method for calibrating a printing system using a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator is an array of individually activated elements, all of which are set in a predetermined state, such as the ON state. Light is then directed onto the array and the resultant light passed into the printing system from the modulator is monitored by a sensor. Discrepancies between the light expected and received at the sensor are used to adjust the operation of the modulator to compensate for stuck or non-responsive pixels.

System for recording and remotely accessing operating data in a reproduction machine

System for recording and remotely accessing certain operating data in an electrostatographic reproduction machine for use in analyzing machine faults and software crashes, with transfer of the data to a remote service site either by floppy disk or telecommunications line.

Image forming method and apparatus

A copy machine is provided wherein a document on a document table is exposed by an exposure lamp, a toner image is formed on a photosensitive drum by reflected light from the document, and the toner image is transferred and fixed on a copying paper sheet. Half of a document on the document table is copied on an upper surface of a copying paper sheet, and the other half thereof is copied on a lower surface of the sheet. In this case, when a check command is entered in a continuous copying operation mode, the copying operation is interrupted after one copied sheet is obtained and a copied state can be checked. When the copied state is good, the interruption is released by entering another check command so as to restart the copying operation.

Printing apparatus for printing errors in color

A printing apparatus which enables the operator to immediately discriminate a position of a check objective paper from results of printing has a printing mechanism for printing in at least one color on predetermined papers, a control unit for controlling a printing operation of the printing mechanism, and a detecting unit for detecting an opportunity of printing and outputting the check objective paper during the printing operation of the printing mechanism. When the detecting unit detects said opportunity, the control unit controls the printing mechanism to implement a color printing on the check objective paper in order to discriminate the check objective paper from another printed output papers. The printing apparatus is applicable to a printer which is connected to an upper apparatus such as a host computer to print data fed from the upper apparatus.

Image forming apparatus having self-repair function and self-repair method for the apparatus

In an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a software portion incorporated in the apparatus is provided with a virtual case storage portion 12, to previously create virtual cases by a virtual case compiler 16 outside of the apparatus and store the virtual cases. Fault diagnosis is made by comparing fuzzy qualitative values into which the values of sensors are converted on the basis of fuzzy membership functions with the virtual cases. If a fault is diagnosed as a result of the comparison, repair operations for repairing the fault are read out from a work script table 15. In this case, operation information for repair are stored to correspond to each of a plurality of domains into which a state space which the apparatus can take up is divided. Accordingly, it is possible to correctly read out corresponding repair operations from the work script table 15 depending on which of the domains is a domain to which the present state of the apparatus belongs. As a result, a ...

Fault notes user interface for a printing system

A method and graphical user interface system provide fault notes in a printing system. A fault screen window is provided that depicts faults for individual supply unit devices and output unit devices which can be opened by selecting the fault button and/or fault icon. A fault notes window is also provided for user editable text linked to the fault screen window. The fault notes window displays only user editable text related to a selected device or displays only user editable text related to the system when no device is selected. A fault notes icon is configured to appear when user editable text has previously been entered on said fault notes window.

Apparatus and method for preventing an information storage device from falling from a removable device

A toner container includes a container body, an opening, a cover, a toner discharge port, a shutter, a cylindrical structure, protrusions, and an identifier. The shutter is attached to the cover and includes a main shutter covering the toner discharge port. The main shutter moves between a closed position to close the toner discharge port and an open position to open the toner discharge port. The protrusions are on both sides of the cover and protrude in a direction orthogonal to a toner container mounting direction. The identifier is on the cover to indicate a toner color. The cylindrical structure's leading end is downstream of leading ends of the protrusions in the mounting direction. The main shutter's leading end is downstream of the protrusions' leading ends in the mounting direction when the main shutter is in the closed position. The protrusions are downstream of the identifier in the mounting direction.

Calibration of a temperature sensor of a printing device

A printing device having a heating apparatus arranged to heat an image substrate, a temperature sensor associated with the image substrate, and a processor communicatively coupled to the heating apparatus. During a simulation mode of the printing device, the processor determines the heating power of the heating apparatus, predicts a temperature of the image substrate based on the heating power, compares the predicted temperature to a measured temperature of the image substrate by the temperature sensor, determines a calibration offset when the measured temperature deviates from the predicted temperature, and selectively generates a control signal for use in calibrating the temperature sensor based on the calibration offset.

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of copying modes and a plurality of copy paper transport passages to be selected according to the copying modes, which includes a device for selecting a desired copying mode from the plurality of copying modes, a device for setting a copy paper transport passage to be used for the selected copying mode, from the plurality of paper transport passages, a detecting device disposed in the plurality of copy paper transport passages for detecting trouble during transport of copy paper, a display for indicating a position in the copy paper transport passage where the trouble for transporting the copy paper has occurred, with the display including a plurality of display elements, and a control device for actuating some of the plurality of display elements for indicating the position where the copy paper transport trouble has occurred and the set copy paper transport passage, in response to the detection of the copy paper transport trouble.

Consumable selection in a printing system

A marking engine includes a plurality of components which each perform a portion of a marking operation. A processing component receives information on a replacement module, such as a toner cartridge selected from a set of different toner carridges, which is to be incorporated into the marking engine. The processing component determines, for one or more of the components of the marking engine, appropriate adjustments for rendering the marking engine compatible with the replacement module, based on the received information.

Electronic apparatus, information communications apparatus, management system for same electronic apparatus, and management method for same electronic apparatus

A management system of the present invention is provided with an electronic apparatus having a specific function, such as a digital composite machine, an information management apparatus, and a plurality of service information terminals. The information management apparatus and a plurality of the service information terminals are linked with the electronic apparatus via a network. After the operation of the digital composite machine, which has been serviced, is resumed after the service, operational information is prepared, for example, by inputting operating condition information into an operation panel in accordance with a determination made by a user, so as to transmit the operational information to the information management apparatus. The information management apparatus uses the operational information, at least as a reference for determining whether or not it is necessary to the service, so as to instruct the service information terminal to repeat the service, for example. In this ...

Electronic apparatus with communication function and method of transmitting data by using the apparatus

A CPU in a CRU-type digital multi-functional peripheral refers to a CRU alert table and reads out message information relating to a consumable component, when replacement of the consumable component occurs, and transmits a message indicative of the consumption of the consumable component and a need for replacement to a personal computer possessed by a user.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium, includes a developer container configured to store developer, an image bearing member configured to be rotated and on which a latent image is formed, a developer bearing member configured to bear developer and to be rotated to develop the latent image, an agitation member configured to be rotated to agitate the developer stored in the developer container, and a control unit configured to control the rotations of the image bearing member, the developer bearing member, and the agitation member so as to rotate the agitation member while the image bearing member is not rotated.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes: an image formation section, a display section, an abnormal image information reception section, a cause specification section, and an operation control section. The abnormal image information reception section causes display of the image data at an operation section and also receives, from a user, specification of a position and a kind of an abnormal image appearing on recording paper on which an image has been formed by the image formation section. The cause specification section specifies a cause of the appearance of the abnormal image based on the position and the kind of the abnormal image received by the abnormal image information reception section. The operation control section controls a cleaning section cleaning each driving section of the image formation section to make the cleaning section perform a predefined cleaning operation in correspondence with the cause specified by the cause specification section.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A light source is provided in the casing and emits a light beam for forming an image. A first sensor receives the light beam emitted by the light source and outputs a light reception signal. A cover opens and closes relative to the casing. A shutter prevents the first sensor from receiving the light beam when the cover is at an open position, and allows the first sensor to receive the light beam when the cover is at a closed position. A controller is configured to: execute a lighting process of lighting the light source; execute a first determining process of determining whether the light reception signal is outputted from the first sensor, in response to the lighting process; and determine that the cover is at the open position upon determination in the first determining process that no light reception signal is outputted. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a casing;a light source provided in the casing and configured to emit a light beam for forming an image;a first sensor configured to receive the light beam emitted by the light source and to output a light reception signal;a cover configured to open and close relative to the casing;a shutter configured to prevent the first sensor from receiving the light beam when the cover is at an open position, and to allow the first sensor to receive the light beam when the cover is at a closed position; and execute a lighting process of lighting the light source;', 'execute a first determining process of determining whether the light reception signal is outputted from the first sensor, in response to the lighting process; and', 'determine that the cover is at the open position upon determination in the first determining process that no light reception signal is outputted., 'a controller configured to2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a photosensitive member; anda deflector configured to deflect the light beam emitted by the light source and to scan the photosensitive member with ...

Image formation device with life determination section for replaceable unit

Provided is an image formation device including a photoreceptor configured to carry a toner image and a developer configured to form the toner image on a surface of the photoreceptor and configured such that the developer is a replaceable development unit, the image formation device including: a development bias application section configured to apply a development bias to between the photoreceptor and the developer; a stabilization control section configured to perform image stabilization control of determining a development bias value to be used in future by changing the development bias while measuring a density of the toner image formed by the developer, thereby obtaining the toner image with a target density; and a life determination section configured to determine expiration of use of the development unit when the development bias value determined by the stabilization control falls outside a preset acceptable range.

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to execute a mode for correcting a transfer voltage during a continuous image forming job of forming an image on a plurality of recording materials. The controller is configured to correct the transfer voltage on the basis of detection results which are detected by a voltage detection unit and a current detection unit during a predetermined time.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF THE SAME

According to one embodiment, the control section forms a latent image pattern for detecting malfunction, on each photoconductive drum. The control section determines malfunction of each laser unit based on the detection result of each surface potential sensor with respect to the formed latent image pattern.

AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION OF HFSI WARNING THRESHOLDS BASED ON ACTUAL SERVICE INTERVAL STATISTICS

If the device-specific maintenance rate statistics is higher than the average maintenance rate statistics, method embodiments herein alter replacement warning thresholds for components of the device by extending the replacement warning thresholds to produce modified replacement warning thresholds. If the specific device incurs unscheduled maintenance visits more often than average, the embodiments herein extend the replacement warning thresholds for components of the device. The amount that the replacement warning thresholds are extended is different for different parts, and is based on part life, part cost, and part service cost. If the device-specific maintenance rate statistics is lower than the average maintenance rate statistics, method embodiments herein alter replacement warning thresholds for components of the device by shortening the replacement warning thresholds to produce modified replacement warning thresholds. If the specific device incurs unscheduled maintenance visits less ...

Peripheral device control system, printing device, peripheral device control method, and program

An application in an image processing apparatus presents information about ink installed in a peripheral device, such as the shape, color, size, arrangement direction, and a remaining ink level of an ink tank, in a visually realistic manner using accurate graphics. The image processing apparatus acquires ink information about, in particular, a remaining ink level, arrangement direction, and the order of the arrangement of the ink tank, and displays the information about the peripheral device in a user interface of the application using the acquired ink information.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

In an image forming apparatus, a control unit performs a control to cause an exposing unit to expose a plurality of image bearing members at different times to form exposure regions on a plurality of image bearing members, to acquire results acquired by applying direct current voltage lower than discharge start voltage to a plurality of abutting members by an applying unit when the exposure region pass by the abutting parts against the abutting members and detected by a detecting unit, and to, based on the acquired results of the detections, acquire information regarding the surface potentials of the a plurality of image bearing members.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND FAILURE POINT ESTIMATION METHOD

An image forming apparatus, including: an image former; a sheet detection sensor; an image reader; and a hardware processor that: detects an image abnormality by analyzing the read image data and obtains a position in a sheet conveyance direction of the detected image abnormality in the read image data for each piece of the read image data corresponding to each of the sheets; estimates a conveyance interval of the plurality of sheets based on a detection result by the sheet detection sensor, and determines whether a specific periodicity exists based on the estimated conveyance interval and the position of the image abnormality detected from the read image data corresponding to each of the sheets; and when the specific periodicity is determined to exist, estimates a part corresponding to the specific periodicity as a failure point.

PRINTER APPARATUS AND SECURITY METHOD USED FOR THE SAME

The present invention relates to a printer apparatus and a security method used for the same. The present invention can store a plurality of printer security algorithms in a printer, and stores a plurality of toner security algorithms corresponding to the respective printer security algorithms, and can replace security algorithms that are applied to the printer and toner either periodically or at an arbitrary time.

Image forming apparatus including a heat shield interposed between a heater and a fixing rotary body and image forming method

An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device including a fixing rotary body and a heater for heating the fixing rotary body. An opposed body contacts the fixing rotary body with releasable pressure therebetween to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium is conveyed. A heat shield is interposed between the heater and the fixing rotary body and movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotary body to shield the fixing rotary body from the heater in a variable circumferential direct heating span of the fixing rotary body where the heater is disposed opposite the fixing rotary body directly. A controller halts the heat shield instantly when a fault occurs during a print job.

Image heating apparatus having film, back-up member forming a nip with the film, a heater, and heat conductive members configured to be brought into contact with heater surface opposite to the surface of the heater brought into contact with the film

The image heating apparatus includes a tubular shaped film; a backup member configured to be brought into contact with an outer surface of the film; a heater having an elongated shape and being configured to be brought into contact with the film, the heater including a substrate and a heat generating resistor formed; a first heat conductive member having a higher thermal conductivity than the substrate and being configured to be brought into contact with a surface of the heater, the first heat conductive member including divided first heat conductive members arranged with a gap formed therebetween; a pinching member configured to pinch the first heat conductive member; and a second heat conductive member provided in a region of the gap so as to be brought into contact with both of the heater and the pinching member.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a toner image forming device; an image transferring device; a transfer bias applying device; an image fixing device; a sensor for detecting light reflected by the toner image fixed on the sheet; a controller for controlling a leading portion bias applied to the leading portion of the sheet with respect to a sheet feeding direction and a central portion bias applied to the central area of the sheet. The controller forms first and second test images on the leading and central portions, respectively, and sets conditions of the leading and central portion biases on the basis of an output of the sensor, in correlation with a kind of the sheet. A toner deposition amount per unit area of the first test image is smaller than that of the second test image.

Image forming device and insertable developing unit with identification protrusions for determining compatibility

An image forming device includes a device frame, a developing unit which is inserted into the device frame in a prescribed inserting direction, two terminals which are provided in the device frame, a metal conduction member which is provided in the developing unit and makes contact with at least one of the terminals, and a detecting unit which detects a presence or an absence of continuity between the terminals. Identification protrusions are fixed on an upper surface of the developing unit for determining compatibility between the developing unit and device frame.

Printing device and printing system to manage print jobs based on print history and computer readable storage medium for storing a computer program therefor

A printing apparatus connectable with an external storage device is provided. The printing apparatus includes a printer unit to execute a printing operation to print an image in a current print job, a print log provider to provide a print log, which indicates a record of the printing operation for the current print job, to the external storage device, a print log obtainer to obtain a preceding print log, indicating a record of an earlier printing operation executed earlier in the printing apparatus, provided to and stored in the external storage device, a print log examiner to examine the preceding print log and determine normality of the preceding print log based on the record of the earlier print operation, and a controller to permit the printer unit to print the image and restrict the printer unit from printing the image depending on normality of the obtained print logs.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, includes: a cartridge, detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, including a memory and an image forming process member actable on an image bearing member in an image forming process; and an image density measuring portion, provided in the main assembly, for measuring a density of a developer image formed by the image forming process. The memory stores information for discriminating a state of the image forming process member on the basis of the density, measured by the image density measuring portion, of the developer image formed under an image forming condition different from that during normal image formation. 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material , comprising:a cartridge, detachably mountable to a main assembly of said image forming apparatus, including a memory and an image forming process member actable on an image bearing member in an image forming process; andimage density measuring means, provided in the main assembly, for measuring a density of a developer image formed by the image forming process,wherein said memory stores information for discriminating a state of the image forming process member on the basis of the density, measured by said image density measuring means, of the developer image formed under an image forming condition different from that during normal image formation.2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the information for discriminating the state of the image forming process member includes at least one of the measured density claim 9 , information that the measured density is not less than a predetermined value claim 9 , and recycling go/no-go information of the image forming process member.31. An image forming apparatus according to claim claim 9 , further comprising a controller for storing in said memory the information for discriminating the state of the image forming ...

Image forming device

An image forming device includes a main body, a replaceable unit, a determination unit, a first memory, a second memory, a temporary memory, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The determination unit determines whether the replaceable unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product with respect to the main body. The first memory is configured to store a physical value increasing with a use of the main body mounted with the genuine product. The second memory is configured to store the physical value increasing with the use of the main body mounted with the non-genuine product. The temporary memory is configured to temporarily store the physical value increasing with the use of the main body mounted with the non-genuine product.

Image forming system, maintenance method applied thereto, and program for causing a computer to implement the maintenance method

An image forming system that makes it possible to open or remove an external cover of an apparatus to perform maintenance on the apparatus even while the system is operating. Out of a plurality of conveying paths, at least one conveying path for which at least one part related to the conveying path can be subjected to maintenance is determined, in accordance with a type of the image forming process being executed. The conveying path for which it has been determined that the part related to the conveying path can be subjected to maintenance is displayed on a display device.

Post-processing device and image forming system

A post-processing device includes a sheet conveyer that conveys a sheet along a first direction and a sheet end detection sensor that is movable along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and that detects an end of the sheet in the second direction, wherein the second direction is a sheet width direction. The post-processing device further includes a control unit that: causes the hole puncher to move along the second direction based on a position of the end of the sheet detected by the sheet end detection sensor, adjusts a sensitivity of the sheet end detection sensor, determines, prior to adjusting the sensitivity, whether the sheet still remains at the hole puncher based on levels of output signals from the sheet end detection sensor, and outputs, upon determining that the sheet still remains at the hole puncher, a warning signal.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, DETERMINATION APPARATUS, AND CONTROL METHOD

An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device, an image reading unit, and a control unit. The fixing device includes a heating elements arranged in a main scanning direction, a band-shaped thin film which slides on the surface of the heating element while in contact with the heating element, and a rotatable body configured to press against a surface of the thin film to cause the thin film to rotate. The fixing device heats the heating elements when an inspection sheet is passed through the fixing device, the inspection sheet having plural images formed by using a decolorable developer, each of the images having an image density that differs in a sub-scanning direction of the image forming apparatus. The image reading unit reads an image of the heated inspection sheet and the control unit determines an operative state of each heating element based on the read image.

Methods for retrying pick in an image-before-pick system

A method of operating an imaging device is disclosed. The imaging device is designed to start the imaging process before picking a sheet. During a pick retry, the device waits to start the imaging process until after the sheet is picked successfully. This method improves pick reliability and reduces wasted toner. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Image reading apparatus and image forming system

An image reading apparatus includes a conveyance unit, a first reading unit, a first guide portion, a second reading unit, and a second guide portion. The second reading unit includes a rectangular transparent member, an optical reading unit, a housing, a first and a second contact portions, a first and a second pressing members, and a protruding portion. The first and the second contact portions are protruding from a facing surface of the housing. The protruding portion, when viewed from an upstream side in a conveyance direction of a recording material passing through a conveyance path between the second reading unit and the second guide portion, is disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion and protruding from the facing surface of the housing, a protruding amount of the protruding portion being smaller than protruding amounts of the first and the second contact portions.

Data processing apparatus and method for controlling a communication unit in accordance with a generated error type

To flexibly control a communication status between devices, in accordance with an error type generated in a data process device such as a printing device. Also, to improve a communication efficiency or attain a low power consumption. A type of an error generated in the data process device, such as the printing device, is discriminated by the data process unit such as the printing device or an imaging device. In accordance with the discriminated error type, the communication with a partner device is transited to the low power consumption mode, or the communication with the partner device is disconnected.

Graphical user surface and method for indicating a malfunction state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system

Die Erfindung betrifft eine grafische Benutzeroberfläche und ein Verfahren zum Anzeigen eines Störungszustandes eines elektrofotografischen Druck- oder Kopiersystems mit mindestens einem Anzeigefeld (14, 16, 54, 56) zur Störungsanzeige, wobei in einem ungestörten ersten Betriebszustand das Anzeigefeld (14, 16, 54, 56) im wesentlichen in einer ersten Farbe dargestellt ist. Bei einem potentiell gestörten zweiten Betriebszustand mit einer potentiellen Störung einer ersten Gruppe wird das Anzeigefeld (14, 16, 54, 56) im wesentlichen in einer zweiten Farbe dargestellt. Bei einem gestörten dritten Betriebszustand mit einer Störung einer zweiten Gruppe wird das Anzeigefeld (14, 16, 54, 56) in einer dritten Farbe dargestellt. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine grafische Benutzeroberfläche (20, 40, 60) und ein Verfahren zum Unterstützen beim Beseitigen eines Fehlerzustands eines elektrofotografischen Druck- oder Kopiersystems sowie ein System zum Verfahren zum automatischen Erzeugen von Nachrichten ...

A method and system to determine a media handling system configuration

Apparatus and method for determining the status of a toner sensor

An image forming apparatus (1) which comprises a developing unit (10) having a toner and a developer therein, the apparatus includes a toner sensor (20) to receive a control voltage and to generate an output voltage corresponding to a remaining amount of the toner in the developing unit (10), a pulse width modulator (30) to supply the control voltage to the toner sensor (20) corresponding to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and a controller to control the pulse width modulator (30) to supply the control voltage to the toner sensor (20) to adjust a duty ratio of the PWM signal and make the output voltage reach a target value.

Image forming apparatus and control method thereof

An image forming apparatus and method which reduces time taken for color registration and reflects misregistration of colors in real time to correct color misregistration of prints are provided. Image forming apparatus may include photoconductor elements corresponding to colors; first sensing unit arranged between first and second photoconductor elements among photoconductor elements, and sensing toner images transferred to intermediate transfer body; final sensing unit arranged after final photoconductor element among photoconductor elements, and sensing transferred toner images; and controller calculating fixed errors of remaining colors except for first color among colors, with respect to first color corresponding to first photoconductor element, based on output values of final sensing unit before printing, calculating variable error based on output value of first sensing unit during printing, and adjusting scanning time of at least one color of remaining colors in real time in consideration ...

Copying apparatus having a digital computer for controlling the various functions of the apparatus

In a copying apparatus controlled by means of a digital computer (11-13), at least the adjustment and correction switches (12) of the digital computer, which are to be operated exclusively by a service technician, are arranged underneath an apparatus cover (5) which can only be opened by means of a special tool and which controls a diagnostic switch (16-18). As a result, the selection, occurring by means of a code to be entered at the operating keyboard (2) of the apparatus, of a diagnostic or maintenance program which should not be accessible to the normal user of the apparatus, is only possible when the apparatus cover (5) is opened. When the apparatus cover (5) is closed, the entire operating program of the copying apparatus is automatically set back into its initial state. ...

Self testing system for reproduction machine

A reproduction machine incorporating self test routines to test the machine operating logic, particularly at start up, to insure the integrity and operability of the component parts of the operating logic. The tests include routines for initially checking the logic and memory of the machine master control module (19). A display panel on the master control module visually identifies any fault in the event the communication link to the machine main display (7) has failed. Once the operability of the master control module (19) is established, self tests of the various machine remote control modules (9, 11, 13, 15, 17) are carried out followed by a test of the communication channel (25) between all modules. Any fault found is visually identified to facilitate repair and servicing.

Equipment control apparatus

The described equipment controlling apparatus is adapted for controlling communication between an image formation apparatus (100) for recording an image on a recording medium and external apparatus (999) located at a position apart from said equipment controlling apparatus (800) and said image formation apparatus; it comprises storage means for storing data indicative of a state of the image formation apparatus, communication means for communicating with the external apparatus (999) and transmission instruction means for instructing transmission of the stored data to said external apparatus. It is characterized in that said data comprise a total count value of image formation operations at the time of an abnormality in said image formation apparatus and a type of the abnormality. ...

Electrical connector, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Facsimile apparatus

Self-repair type image forming apparatus utilizing functional representation

The present invention makes it possible to make good self-repair on which little secondary effect is exerted by calculating a manipulated variable of a parameter at the time of the repair by a functional amount in an image forming apparatus having a self-repair function. When a fault occurs, control-type repair for operating a physical parameter is first made. In this repair, the physical parameter to be operated is searched for (n3). If the physical parameter to be operated is determined, a manipulated variable of the physical parameter is then calculated by a functional amount (n4). The manipulated variable of the parameter by the functional amount is determined by adjusting the degree to which a plurality of functions are developed. Therefore, a manipulated variable in which the development of the functions is most preferable as the entire apparatus is determined. If the fault cannot be repaired by the control type repair, functional redundancy type repair is made (n6, n7, n8, n9). In ...

Image forming apparatus and developer cartridge

A developer cartridge (28) is configured to be detachably mounted in a main body (2) of an image forming apparatus. A drive member (70) is configured to be driven by the driving force and to move in a moving direction (A) when the developer cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body. A moving portion (78) is provided on the drive member (70) and is configured to move together with the drive member in the moving direction (A). An interfering portion (94) is disposed downstream of a predetermined detection position with respect to the moving direction (A), thereby interfering with the moving portion (78) and preventing the moving portion from passing the predetermined detection position a second time. A detecting portion (81,91) detects passage of the moving portion (78) at the predetermined detection position. An information determining portion (100) determines information on the developer cartridge based on detection results of the detecting portion.

POST-PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, AND ADJUSTMENT METHOD AND ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM FOR POST-PROCESSING DEVICE

Post-processing modules selected for post-processing to be applied to an output product of an image are installed in a post-processing device. The post-processing device includes a controller which (i) recognizes post-processing modules that are installed and (ii) determines and controls adjustment contents based on recognition.

COPYING MACHINE

PURPOSE: To permit prompt access to a residual spot, in case of removing copying paper left in a copying machine, by providing a detecting means selecting a paper passing route in accordance with a copying mode to detect the copying paper for its passing trouble generated spot and a means displaying the paper passing trouble generated spot and the selected paper passing route being classified. CONSTITUTION: A trouble detecting means, detecting copying paper for its passing trouble generated spot, is provided. Further display means 805 to 809, displaying the paper passing trouble generated spot and a paper passing route, selected at the time of generating a trouble, respectively being classified, are provided. As a result, a user, in case of removing the copying paper when the paper passing trouble is generated, can surely and clearly discriminate the copying paper for its spot of existence, with residual possibility and without residual possibility. Consequently, waste time for searching ...

DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR PAPER CONVEYING STATE OF COPYING MACHINE

PURPOSE: To permit judgement of whether a copying machine operates in accordance with the operator's demands or not by using a microcomputer and permitting mimic depiction of various paper conveying lines on the operation board of a copying machine. CONSTITUTION: Mimic data of various paper conveying lines are beforehand stored in an ROM2. When the operator selects additional works such as selection of paper sizes, paper folding, gathering, or the like with the switches on an operation board, the operator's demands are inputted through an input port 4. In accordance with these inputs, a CPU1 judges the conveying line for the paper, and lights the associated lamps of a line display board 7 on which the respective unit constitution in the copying machine is graphically depicted by the mimic lamp arrangement. Therefore, the operator is able to know whether the copying machine is going to execute the operation in conformity with his demands or not prior to starting of the copying operation.

ジャム自動除去のためのジャム用紙自動排出制御方法

... 【目的】 複写機等でジャムが発生したとき、使用者が直接ジャムされた用紙を除去しなくても、自動でジャムが除去されるようにするためのジャム用紙自動排出制御方法を提供する。 【構成】 ジャムの除去を自動で試図するジャム自動除去モードと、ジャムが発生した後、使用者が複写開始キーを押すことにより、ジャム除去を試図する半自動除去モード、既存複写機のようなジャム発生時に複写機が停止する手動除去モードを置き、強制排出によるローラーの磨耗等器具部の劣化を防止するようにする。そして、使用者が複写機のドアを開けなくても、直ちに用紙を除去するようにするが、複写機現像部及び定着部の汚染と器具部の損傷を最小化し、ジャム除去中又はジャム用紙手動除去を表示して、これを使用者が認識できるようにする。 ...

MAINTENANCE CONTROL DEVICE FOR IMAGE FORMING EQUIPMENT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To instruct such maintenance work that the previous maintenance work is executed as the main work and the working omission is not caused by providing a device with a working content storage means, a working content judgement means and a working conent decision means. SOLUTION: When it is decided which working content set area of a maintenance table 40 a present count exists, the set area is judged to be a first time, that means, 'cleaning'. Next, the arraying number X of the set area is recognized as X = 1 and a maintenance executing flag at this time is decided. In such a case, the maintenance executing flag is turned on until a second time. Therefore, the arraying number X is undated once and X=2, that means, αoiling' being a second maintenance executing content is instructed. Thus, since the present count is within the area of the first time, the next area, that means, the 'oiling' is instructed. By comfirming again that the maintenance executing flag of this time ...

Empty bottle detection using a one time foil seal

An image forming apparatus comprises a controller that stores instructions, which cause the image forming apparatus to determine a characteristic measurement in response to a toner cartridge being partially inserted into the image forming apparatus. A pair of spaced apart sensors included on the image forming apparatus each contact an outer cross-sectional surface of a film on a delivery aperture of the toner cartridge. The image forming apparatus further includes an auger having at least one sensor for conducting a characteristic measurement on the film. The characteristic measurement corresponds to criteria programmed in the image forming apparatus for determining if the toner cartridge has a full toner level or a partially full (or low) toner level.

Image Forming Apparatus, Toner Usage Evaluation Method, and Computer-Readable Non-Transitory Recording Medium Storing a Toner Usage Evaluation Program

Provided is an image forming apparatus including a reference image generating unit and a toner usage evaluation unit. The reference image generating unit is configured to convert a subject image into a reference image having a data amount smaller than the subject image. The toner usage evaluation unit is configured to obtain a usage of toner for printing the subject image based on the reference image.

Fixing device and image forming apparatus

A fixing device includes a fixing rotation body heating and fixing an unfixed image onto a recording medium; a pressing rotation body pressing the recording medium to the fixing rotation body; and a temperature detection unit detecting a temperature of the pressing rotation body. Further, when a predetermined time period elapses since a warm-up operation has started before a temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature or when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature before the predetermined time period elapses since a warm-up operation has started, the fixing device determines that the warm-up operation is finished.

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to bear a latent image on a surface thereof, a developing unit to develop the latent image on the image bearing member with toner, a driving unit to drive the developing device, a storage unit to store a cumulative travel distance of the developing roller at predetermined timing, a total travel distance of the developing unit, and control conditions for the developing unit, a controller to obtain a difference between the total travel distance of the developing roller and the cumulative travel distance up to a predetermined point in time in image forming operation and to instruct intermittent printing in which continuous printing is limited to a certain number of pages in a predetermined time period when the difference is equal to or greater than a threshold travel distance, and an operation unit in which the control conditions are set.

Method and apparatus for determining accurate low supply levels in consumables used in an image production device

A method and apparatus for determining accurate low supply levels in consumables used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include determining an average volume used per day of the consumable, determining an average delivery time for the consumable, determining an average installation time for the consumable, determining a low level threshold of the consumable based on average volume used per day of a consumable, average delivery time for the consumable, and average installation time for the consumable, determining if the fill level of the consumable is less than the determined low level threshold, wherein if it is determined that the fill level of the consumable is less than the determined low level threshold, ordering a replacement consumable.

Printing device and print job control method

A printing device includes a receiving part receiving print job data, an analysis part, a memory part, an image forming part that executes a print process of image information using first and second consumable products and that includes a remaining amount detecting part, and a print control unit that controls the print process. When the remaining amount of the first consumable product is detected to be lower than a predetermined amount, the print process using the first consumable product is temporarily suspended, the memory part stores the image information and the print information of the print job data that are sequentially received by the receiving part. When the print information for another print process not using the first consumable product is stored in the memory part, the print control unit deletes information relating to the print job data of the suspended print process.

Image forming apparatus

A control unit decreases the potential difference according to an increase in the drive amounts of the image bearing member and the developer bearing member, based on a first information about a drive amount of the image bearing member and second information about a drive amount of the developer bearing member, in a case that an integrated value of the first information and the second information from initial installation or replacement of the developing device is greater than a predetermined value.

Information processing apparatus capable of appropriately executing shutdown processing, method of controlling the information processing apparatus, and storage medium

An information processing apparatus capable of recovering the apparatus from a state in which software operation is abnormal to a state in which the same is normal. The information processing apparatus is provided with a CPU for receiving an instruction for turning off power of the information processing apparatus. Upon receipt of the instruction, the CPU determines whether or not it is necessary to turn off the power of the information processing apparatus. When it is necessary to turn off the power of the information processing apparatus, the CPU controls the information processing apparatus such that the power thereof is turned off, whereas when it is unnecessary to turn off the power of the information processing apparatus, the CPU controls the information processing apparatus such that the power thereof is not turned off.

Real-time consumables management

There is disclosed a method and system for real time consumables management for multifunction peripheral devices. The method includes receiving a consumable insertion notification in response to the insertion of the consumable into a multifunction peripheral device, the insertion notification including a unique identifier for the multifunction peripheral device. The method also includes receiving an update regarding a status of the consumable from the multifunction peripheral device and generating a depletion notification when the update indicates that the consumable has reached a predetermined threshold of depletion. The method also includes processing an order for the consumable in response to the depletion notification, the order using the unique identifier to obtain billing preference data and shipping preference data for the multifunction peripheral device obtained from a database.

Print apparatus and method of controlling the same, and storage medium and cartridge

A print apparatus having a photosensitive drum used for color printing. In the apparatus, the number of sheets on which color printing has been performed and the number of sheets on which monochrome printing has been performed are obtained. It is determined whether or not the lifetime of the photosensitive drum used for color printing has expired based on a threshold value determined based on the ratio between the number of sheets on which color printing has been performed and the number of sheets on which monochrome printing has been performed and the sum of the number of sheets on which the color printing has been performed and the number of sheets on which the monochrome printing has been performed.

Replenishing toner used from electrophotographic developer

Two-component developer in an electrophotographic (EP) printer is replenished. Image data are received and a corresponding latent image is produced. Toner is supplied to the latent image by bringing developer containing toner particles and carrier particles into proximity with the latent image on the photoreceptor using a toning member, so that toner particles are removed from the developer to produce depleted developer. The depleted developer is transported to a return channel, along which it is moved at a channel speed. A processor automatically estimates, as a replenishment amount of toner to be added to the return channel, the amount of toner supplied to the latent image in a diagonal swath on the photoreceptor defined by the process surface speed and the channel speed using the received image data. The replenishment amount of toner is added to the depleted developer in the return channel to replenish the developer.

Image forming apparatus and image forming method with synchronous and asynchronous control for continuous operation

An image forming method reads a document by a scanner that is a device, provides image data corresponding to a document image, forms an image corresponding to the image data provided from the scanner by a printer that is a device, and detects operating errors of the scanner and the printer. Further, when any operating error is detected, the image forming method stops the operation of the device generating the error and operates the device not generating the error.

Image forming apparatus

A temperature sensor detects information regarding humidity in an atmosphere of a developing container. A temperature sensor detects information regarding humidity in an atmosphere of a toner hopper. An inductance sensor detects information regarding a toner density within the developing container. A printer controller controls a replenishing operation of a replenishing screw member based on image information. The printer controller controls the replenishing operation of the replenishing screw member so that a toner density within the developing container is less than or equal to a predetermined value based on a detection result of the inductance sensor. The printer controller controls the predetermined value to be small when a difference between humidity detection results detected by each of the temperature sensors is large as compared to when the difference is small.

Toner-Density Calculating Method, Reflective Optical Sensor, Reflective Optical Sensor Device, and Image Forming Apparatus

A toner density is calculated from outputs of light-receiving elements based on a difference between a reflection property of a supporting member and a reflection property of a toner pattern. Light-emitting elements aligned in one direction that is inclined to a sub-direction emit a detection light in such a manner that a distance between adjacent spots falling on the supporting member in a second direction is equal to or smaller than a width of the toner pattern in the second direction. The light-receiving elements receive a reflected light reflected from the supporting member and/or the toner pattern. The light-receiving elements are aligned, opposed to the supporting member, in a one direction corresponding to the light-emitting elements.

Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus and storage medium

A printing apparatus includes a post-processing control unit, an adding control unit, and a control unit. The post-processing control unit performs control to perform binding processing for binding a print product. The adding control unit performs control to add, to the print product, a sheet representing an area where printing has been interrupted due to occurrence of an interruption factor. The control unit performs control not to perform the binding processing for the print product to which the sheet has been added by the adding control unit.

Management system, management server, and method therefor

A management server stores stock information on a toner collection box in an image forming apparatus and updates, if a notification received from the image forming apparatus indicates that the toner collection box is full or close to full, the stored stock information of the toner collection box.

Mark forming apparatus, image forming apparatus, and mark forming method

A mark forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image acquisition portion, a calculation portion, a detection portion, and a formation portion. The image acquisition portion scans and acquires an image formed on a sheet. The calculation portion calculates a color material attachment amount of the image from the image acquired by the image acquisition portion. The detection portion detects a predetermined mark which is already formed on the sheet. The formation portion forms a predetermined mark with a shape according to the color material attachment amount calculated by the calculation portion on the sheet in addition to the existing predetermined mark detected by the detection portion.

Electric power relaying unit and image forming apparatus having the same

An electric power relaying unit of an image forming apparatus which includes an electric power blocking unit which selectively blocks the alternating current electric power output from the electric power input unit to be input to the electric power output unit, the electric power blocking unit including: a switching unit which switches an input of the alternating current electric power with respect to the electric power output unit; an electric power detecting unit which detects an electric power property; a memory unit in which a predetermined electric power property information is stored; and a control unit which controls a switching operation of the switching unit if determining that the detected electric power property corresponds to a predetermined electric power property in a failure of the image forming apparatus main body from a comparison result.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING INTEGRATED SENSING UNIT

An image forming apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an integrated sensing unit, which includes an optical sensor including a light emitting part and a light receiving part to receive light emitted from the light emitting part, and an actuator which selectively blocks light to be received by the light receiving part. The actuator includes a shaft member that is elastically supported in one rotation direction, a light blocking member that is mounted on the shaft member and is selectively positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part, and a first contact member and a second contact member distanced from each other on the shaft member. 1. An image forming apparatus which comprises an integrated sensing unit which senses presence/absence of paper in a printing medium supply unit and a size of paper picked up from the printing medium supply unit , collectively , an optical sensor which comprises a light emitting part and a light receiving part to receive light emitted from the light emitting part; and', 'an actuator which selectively blocks light to be received by the light receiving part,, 'wherein the integrated sensing unit comprises a shaft member elastically supported in one rotation direction;', 'a light blocking member mounted on the shaft member and positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part; and', 'a first contact member and a second contact member distanced from each other on the shaft member,, 'wherein the actuator compriseswherein the first contact member rotates the light blocking member on the shaft member in the other rotation direction opposite to the one rotation direction by contact with paper supplied to the printing medium supply unit, thereby reversing a light receiving state of the light receiving part,wherein the second contact member further rotates the light blocking member on the shaft member in the other rotation direction by contact with paper of a size larger than a pre-defined ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND OUTPUT SETTING METHOD OF CONSUMED STATUS OF CONSUMABLE ITEMS OF THE IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An apparatus in which a plurality of consumable items are loadable to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a consumption status detecting unit to detect a respective consumption status of each of the consumable items, a consumption information output setting unit to set whether an exchange message for each of the consumable items is to be output, and a consumable item information output unit to output the exchange message, which is indicative of an exchange time of the respective consumable item, based on the respective consumption statuses detected by the consumption status detecting unit and the setting of the consumption information output setting unit. 16-. (canceled)7. An apparatus that uses plural kinds of consumable items different from each other , the apparatus comprising:a consumption status detecting unit configured to detect a respective consumption status for each of the plural kinds of the consumable items;a memory configured to store a plurality of settings for each of the plural kinds of the consumable items, each of the settings including presence or non-presence of information output; andan output unit configured to output the consumption status detected by the consumption status detecting unit, according to the setting of the presence or the non-presence of information output stored in the memory.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , whereinthe memory stores a plurality of tables, each of the tables storing the settings including the presence or the non-presence of information output for each of the plural kinds of the consumable items;the apparatus further comprises a selecting unit configured to select one table of the plurality of tables; andthe output unit outputs the consumption status based on the table selected by the selecting unit.9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the selecting unit selects the one table based on an instruction by a user or a manager.10. The apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising:a consumable-item output referring unit ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus, including: an image bearing member; a transfer member to which a transfer voltage is applied to transfer the toner image on the image bearing member to a recording medium; a transfer voltage applying unit configured to apply the transfer voltage to the transfer member to make a value of a current flowing through the transfer member into a set current value; and a control unit configured to control the transfer voltage applying unit by changing stepwise the set current value according to a resistance of the transfer member, wherein the control unit sets a set current value smaller than a target current value when a target voltage value is larger than a preset threshold voltage value, the target current value being set according to the resistance of the transfer member, the target voltage value being applied to flow a current of the target current value. 1. An image forming apparatus , comprising:an image bearing member on which a toner image is to be formed;a transfer member to which a transfer voltage is to be applied so that the toner image on the image bearing member is transferred onto a recording medium;a transfer voltage applying unit configured to apply the transfer voltage to the transfer member so that a value of a current flowing through the transfer member reaches a set current value; anda control unit configured to control the transfer voltage applying unit by changing the set current value in accordance with a resistance of the transfer member,wherein the control unit sets the set current value to a value smaller than a target current value when a target voltage value is larger than a preset threshold voltage value, the target current value being a current value which is set in accordance with the resistance of the transfer member, the target voltage value being a value of a voltage which is applied to flow a current of the target current value.2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , the control ...

Printer maintenance

This disclosure relates to instructing deposition of a service patch for different toners, and determining the respective different toner amounts as a function of toner coverages on at least one previous media unit.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes an intermediary transfer member for carrying an image; a transferring device for transferring the image from the intermediary transfer member onto a sheet; a device for forming a toner patch for a density adjustment between adjacent sheets, in an area corresponding to between adjacent ones of sheets on the intermediary transfer member; a detector for detecting density of the patch; and a sheet interval density adjusting device for adjusting in real time a density/tone-gradation property of the image on the basis of a detection result of the density detector. The patch includes a density detection area, and an outer marginal portion having a density lower than that of the density detection area. The patch forming device changes at least one of a patch image density of the density detection area, a size of the marginal portion and a density of the marginal portion. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an intermediary transfer member for carrying an image formed by image forming means;secondary transferring means for transferring the image from said intermediary transfer member onto a recording material;toner patch forming means for forming a toner patch for a density adjustment between adjacent recording materials, in an area corresponding to between adjacent ones of recording materials in continuous image formation on said intermediary transfer member, by controlling said image forming means;density detecting means for detecting density information of the toner patch; anda sheet interval density adjusting means for adjusting substantially in real time a density/tone-gradation property of the image formed by said image forming means on the basis of a detection result of said density detecting means,wherein the toner patch includes a density detection area a density of which is detected, and a marginal portion provided at a outer marginal portion of the density detection area and having a density lower than that of the density ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes a image forming unit; an image bearing member having a surface to bear a toner image and a test pattern; the surface having a first time-surface positioned identical to the test pattern, an integer multiple of revolutions upstream or downstream from the test pattern in a surface movement direction, and a second time-surface positioned different from the test pattern, shorter than one revolution upstream or downstream from the test pattern; a reflection light detector to detect the amount of light reflected from the test pattern and the first and second time-surfaces of the image bearing member; and a controller to control the image forming unit based on the detection result and determine whether to execute a first-surface control to detect at least the first time-surface or a second-surface control to detect only the second time-surface based on use condition of the image forming apparatus. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an endless rotary image bearing member having a surface to bear a toner image and a potential-control toner pattern;an image forming unit to form the toner image and the potential-control toner pattern onto the surface of the image bearing member;a reflection light detector having a light source to emit light onto the surface of the image bearing member and the potential-control toner pattern formed on the image bearing member and a light-receiving element to detect the amount of light reflected from the potential-control toner pattern formed on the surface of the image bearing member as toner attraction output, and the amount of light reflected from the surface of the image bearing member as a surface output; anda controller to detect toner information of the toner image based on the toner attraction output corresponding to the detected amount of light reflected from the potential-control toner pattern formed on the image bearing member, and the surface output corresponding to the amount of light ...

Image forming apparatus

Image forming apparatus includes a movable image bearing member, a first image forming unit, a second image forming unit, a detection member, an execution unit and an adjustment unit. A toner image for adjustment formed on an upstream photoreceptor is made to pass a photoreceptor while facing an area exposed by a downstream image forming unit and is detected by a detection unit.

IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

An image forming system includes an image forming unit configured to output image data onto a recording medium; a first conveying unit configured to convey the medium; a reading unit configured to read an image from the medium; a defect determining unit configured to determine whether the read image has a defect; a device connection determining unit configured to determine whether a discharge device is directly connected to an image inspection device at the downstream side or is connected to the image inspection device via another device at the downstream side; a second conveying unit configured to convey the medium to the discharge device on a longer conveying path, when the discharge device is directly connected to the image inspection device; a defective discharge tray to which the medium having a defective image is discharged; and a normal discharge tray to which the medium having a non-defective image is discharged. 1. An image forming system comprising:an image forming apparatus;an image inspection device connected to the image forming apparatus;a discharge device connected to the image inspection device;an image forming unit configured to output image data onto a recording medium;a first conveying unit configured to convey the recording medium onto which the image data has been output;a reading unit configured to read an image from the recording medium that is conveyed;a defect determining unit configured to determine whether the read image has a defect;a plurality of conveying paths arranged to convey the recording medium whose image has been read, the conveying paths having different lengths;a device connection determining unit configured to determine whether, at a downstream side of the image inspection device in a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed, the discharge device is directly connected to the image inspection device without another device in between or is connected to the image inspection device via another device;a second conveying ...

Enhanced printer functionality with dynamic identifier code

An apparatus may comprise a code output device and a processor configured to detect a first apparatus condition indication, generate a first dynamic identifier code representative of a first apparatus condition in response to detecting the first apparatus condition indication, output the first dynamic identifier code to the code output device, detect a second apparatus condition indication, generate a second dynamic identifier code representative of a second apparatus condition in response to detecting the second apparatus condition indication, wherein the second dynamic identifier code is different than the first dynamic identifier code, and output the second dynamic identifier code to the code output device. Associated methods, computer program products, and systems are also provided.

Systems for Detecting Low Toner in an Electro-photographic Toner Cartridge

An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an optical emitter positioned to emit a light beam through a window into a reservoir holding toner toward a reflective surface in the reservoir as a paddle positioned within the reservoir rotates. An optical receiver is positioned to sense an amount of the light beam reflected by the reflective surface. At least one processor is configured to receive a signal related to the amount of light sensed by the optical receiver. The at least one processor includes computer executable program instructions including: instructions for calculating an average value for the signal for each of a plurality of sets of paddle revolutions, instructions for calculating a variation value for the signal for each of the plurality of sets of paddle revolutions, instructions for filtering each variation value to determine a plurality of short term variation values, instructions for monitoring whether at least one short term variation value exceeds a first threshold, and instructions for signaling that a toner level in the reservoir is low when the at least one short term variation value exceeds the first threshold.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

An image forming apparatus configured to form a color image by having at least one consumable product, the image forming apparatus including a main board, a first memory unit detachably coupled to the main body, a consumable product memory unit installed at the consumable product, and configured to store information on a lifespan of the consumable product, and a control unit configured to read the information on the lifespan of the consumable product from the consumable product memory unit, and to store the information on the lifespan of the consumable product at the first memory unit in the form of a backup. 1. An image forming apparatus configured to form a color image by having at least one consumable product , the image forming apparatus comprising:a main board;a first memory unit detachably coupled to the main board;a consumable product memory unit installed at the consumable product and configured to store information of a lifespan of the consumable product; anda control unit configured to read the information of the lifespan of the consumable product from the consumable product memory unit and to store the read information of the lifespan of the consumable product to the first memory unit in the form of a backup.2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a second memory unit connected to the main board,wherein the control unit is configured to store the read information on the lifespan of the consumable product to the second memory unit in the form of a backup.3. The image forming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein:in a case when the read information of the lifespan of the consumable product is shorter than the information of the lifespan of the consumable product stored at the first memory unit or at the second memory unit in the form of a backup, the control unit is configured to determine whether the read information of the lifespan of the consumable product is valid.4. The image forming apparatus of claim 3 , wherein:if determined that the ...

Issue detection in a digital printer

Detecting an issue in a digital printer that has an optical element positioned to direct a laser beam towards a photoconductor surface may include sending optical element position commands to move the optical element to compensate for inconsistent movements of a photoconductor drum and creating a record of the optical element position commands.

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum; a charging rotatable member for charging the drum by applying a voltage comprising a DC voltage component and an AC voltage component; a current detector for detecting a current flowing when a predetermined inspecting voltage is applied to the charging rotatable member; a storing portion for storing information corresponding to a reference current; a supplying portion for supplying a signal for notifying information corresponding to a lifetime of the drum on the basis of information stored in the storing portion and an output of the current detector; and a renewing portion for renewing information stored in the storing portion in accordance with the output of the current detector.

Image forming apparatus

A reference value of an electric current flowing through each charging member is determined and recorded in a memory unit at a predetermined time by a reference value recording unit. A voltage application unit is caused to start applying a voltage to the charging members upon startup of an image forming apparatus, and a measurement value of an electric current flowing through each charging member is determined by a measurement unit. A charging member of which the measurement value is such that an absolute value of a difference between the reference value and the measurement value is not smaller than a predetermined value is marked by a determination unit. If there is at least one marked charging member and at least one not-marked charging member, a notification produced by a messaging unit is given through a notification unit.

COOLING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME

A cooling device for an image forming apparatus includes a heat receiver disposed to contact a heated member; a heat releaser to release heat; a coolant circulation passage connecting the heat receiver and the heat releaser in which a coolant circulates between the heat receiver and the heat releaser; a pump configured to convey and circulate the coolant in the coolant circulation passage; a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of a part of the heated portion of the heated member at which a temperature rises; a cooling fan, included in the heat releaser, configured to change a thermal capacity released from the heat releaser based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; and a controller to determine presence or absence of a leakage of the liquid or a pump failure by monitoring a control performed by the cooling fan and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. 1. A cooling device for an image forming apparatus , comprising:a heat receiver disposed to contact a heated member;a heat releaser to release heat;a coolant circulation passage connecting the heat receiver and the heat releaser, in which a coolant circulates between the heat receiver and the heat releaser;a pump disposed on the coolant circulation passage and configured to convey and circulate the coolant in the coolant circulation passage;a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the heated member;a cooling fan, included in the heat releaser, configured to change a thermal capacity released from the heat releaser based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor; anda controller to determine presence or absence of a leakage of a liquid or a pump failure by monitoring control performed by the cooling fan and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.2. The cooling device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control performed by the cooling fan includes operation or stoppage of the cooling fan and switching of a speed of the fan.3. The cooling device as ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

The image forming apparatus determines whether or not supplementation of a consumable product is required, and whether or not an image corresponding to the consumable product procurement information including information related to the procurement of the consumable product is recorded by linkage with the consumable product. Then when the image forming apparatus determines that that supplementation of a consumable product is required, and that an image corresponding to the consumable product procurement information is recorded by linkage with the consumable product, a printing instruction screen for the image is displayed, and the printing of the image is performed in accordance with the printing instructions input through the printing instruction screen. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a detection unit configured to detect that supplementation of a consumable product is required;a determination unit configured to determine whether or not an image corresponding to consumable product procurement information including information related to procurement of the consumable product is recorded by linkage with the consumable product;a display unit configured to display a printing instruction screen of the image when the detection unit detects that supplementation of the consumable product is required and the determination unit determines that an image corresponding to the consumable product procurement information is recorded by linkage with the consumable product; anda printing unit configured to print the image in response to the printing instruction through the printing instruction screen.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the consumable product procurement information further includes information related to an enquiry other than an order for procurement of the consumable product.3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a recording unit configured to record an image corresponding to the consumable ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus has an image forming section, a casing, a wall section, a first unit, a second unit and a first regulating member. The casing has an internal space in which the image forming section is disposed. The first unit is mounted in a first position of the internal space. The first insertion path is a path through which the first unit passes in the internal space. The second unit is mounted in a second position of the internal space closer to the wall section than the first position is. The second insertion path is a path through which the second unit passes in the internal space. The first regulating member projects to the second insertion path when the first unit is not mounted in the first position and retracts from the second insertion path when the first unit is mounted in the first position. 1. An image forming apparatus , comprising:an image forming section that executes an image forming operation;a casing that has a plurality of surfaces and an internal space in which the image forming section is disposed;a wall section that is openable/closeable with respect to the casing, configures one surface of the casing in a closed state of the wall section, and opens the internal space to the outside of the casing in an open state of the wall section;a first unit that is mounted in a first position of the internal space when the wall section enters the open state;a first insertion path through which the first unit passes in the internal space when the first unit is mounted in the first position;a second unit that is mounted in a second position of the internal space closer to the wall section than the first position is, when the wall section enters the open state;a second insertion path through which the second unit passes in the internal space when the second unit is mounted in the second position; anda first regulating member that is capable of changing a state thereof between a first state in which the first regulating member projects to the ...

Image forming apparatus and toner cartridge

An image forming apparatus comprises: a storage medium 35 configured to arrange in a toner cartridge 30; a detection sensor 37 configured to detect the toner specific concentration of the developer in the developing apparatus 14; a control unit 100 configured to calculate a value corresponding to the drive time of the drive motor 31 to calculate an integrated count value for the toner cartridge, and output a message containing the cause of an abnormity corresponding to the count value when the toner specific concentration detected by the detection sensor shows a value indicative of the empty of the toner, wherein the count value and an empty information indicating whether or not the toner cartridge is empty are stored in the storage medium.

Liquid electrophotographic ink

The present disclosure provides for liquid electrophotographic inks having charge stabilizers and associated methods. In one example, a liquid electrophotographic ink can comprise a carrier liquid, a resin, a pigment, a negative charge director, and a charge stabilizer having a reduction potential of 0.16 v to 3.0 v.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes: a cartridge, detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, including a memory and an image forming process member actable on an image bearing member; and current detecting portion, provided in the main assembly, for detecting a value of current passing through the process member. The current detecting portion detects the value of the current passing through the process member when a voltage is applied to the process member, and the memory stores information for discriminating a state of the process member on the basis of the detected value of the current. 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material , comprising:a cartridge, detachably mountable to a main assembly of said image forming apparatus, including a memory and an image forming process member actable on an image bearing member in an image forming process; andcurrent detecting means, provided in the main assembly, for detecting a value of current passing through the image forming process member,wherein said current detecting means detects the value of the current passing through the image forming process member when a voltage is applied to the image forming process member, and said memory stores information for discriminating a state of the image forming process member on the basis of the detected value of the current.2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information for discriminating the state of the image forming process member includes at least one of the detected value of the current claim 1 , a change level of a plurality of current values claim 1 , and recycling go/no-go information of the image forming process member.3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a controller for storing in said memory the information for discriminating the state of the image forming process member on the basis of the value of the ...

Image forming apparatus

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a cover member 25 , a cover open/closed detection sensor 29 , a driven unit 38 , a drive detection sensor 35 , and an attitude determination unit 60 . The cover open/closed detection sensor 29 outputs a closed signal corresponding to an open attitude and an open signal corresponding to an open attitude. The drive detection sensor 35 outputs a state signal corresponding to the drive state of the driven unit. The attitude determination unit 60 determines whether the cover member is in an open attitude or is in a closed attitude based on a closed signal and a state signal input after the open signal.

Image Forming Apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes a control device executing: a holding process of holding developer attached on an image carrier at a holding member; a moving process of moving the developer from the holding member to the image carrier; and a collection process of collecting the developer attached on the image carrier into a collection member. The control device executes the moving process and the collection process after completing printing. The control device sets a first flag when predetermined time period elapses from start of the moving process and unsets the first flag at start of the printing. When the first flag is not set at a startup time, the control device executes the moving process and the collection process before the printing. When the first flag is set, the control device omits the moving process before the printing. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an image carrier configured to carry a developer image;a holding member configured to hold developer attached on the image carrier and to move the held developer to the image carrier;a collection member configured to collect the developer attached on the image carrier into a collection receptacle; and a holding process of holding the developer attached on the image carrier at the holding member;', 'a moving process of moving the developer held by the holding member to the image carrier; and', 'a collection process of collecting the developer attached on the image carrier into the collection member,', 'the control device being configured to execute the holding process during a printing, and', 'the control device being configured to execute the moving process and the collection process after completion of the printing,, 'a control device configured to executewherein the control device is configured to set a first flag when predetermined time period elapses from start of the moving process and to unset the first flag at the start of the printing,wherein when the first flag is not set at startup ...

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus is disclosed, including a light source; a drum; an optical scanning apparatus; and an endless belt. The image forming apparatus further includes a pattern forming unit which forms, on the endless belt along a conveying direction of the endless belt, a density fluctuation detecting pattern having a period; a density sensor which detects the density fluctuating detecting pattern and outputs a density signal including information on density fluctuations in the conveying direction of the endless belt; and a period detecting sensor which detects the period included in the density fluctuations.

LUBRICANT SUPPLYING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE

In an embodiment, provided is a lubricant supplying device that includes: a solid lubricant; a supplying member that supplies lubricant of the solid lubricant to a lubricant supplying target; and a remaining amount detecting unit that detects an amount of the solid lubricant being at a given amount or less. The remaining amount detecting unit is provided on a downstream side in a rubbing direction of the supplying member with respect to the solid lubricant. 1. A lubricant supplying device comprising:a solid lubricant;a supplying member that supplies lubricant of the solid lubricant to a lubricant supplying target; anda remaining amount detecting unit that detects an amount of the solid lubricant being at a given amount or less, whereinthe remaining amount detecting unit is provided on a downstream side in a rubbing direction of the supplying member with respect to the solid lubricant.2. The lubricant supplying device according to claim 1 , whereinthe remaining amount detecting unit detects a detected portion that moves along with consumption of the solid lubricant coming to a given position so as to detect a remaining amount of the solid lubricant being at a given amount or less.3. The lubricant supplying device according to claim 2 , further comprising:a housing case that houses the solid lubricant, whereinthe remaining amount detecting unit is provided outside the housing case.4. The lubricant supplying device according to claim 3 , whereinthe housing case has an opening through which the detected portion penetrates, anda cover is provided that covers the remaining amount detecting unit and the opening.5. The lubricant supplying device according to claim 2 , wherein the remaining amount detecting unit includesa first electrode member, anda second electrode member that abuts the first electrode member by being pressed towards the first electrode member directly or indirectly by the detected portion, andelectrical conduction between the first electrode member and ...

LUBRICANT SUPPLYING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

In the present invention, a lubricant supplying device includes a lubricant end determining unit that determines that a solid lubricant is in an end state when the amount of a lubricant supplying operation reaches a threshold after a residual amount detecting unit detects that the residual amount of the solid lubricant is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount. The lubricant end determining unit makes a threshold of the amount of the lubricant supplying operation at temperature or humidity of equal to or lower than a predetermined value lower than a threshold of the amount of the lubricant supplying operation at temperature or humidity of higher than the predetermined value. 1. A lubricant supplying device comprising:a solid lubricant;a supplying member that comes into contact with the solid lubricant and supplies a lubricant scraped off by rubbing the solid lubricant to a target to be supplied with the lubricant;a residual amount detecting unit that detects that a residual amount of the solid lubricant is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount by detecting that the length of the solid lubricant in a direction in which the solid lubricant moves while being scraped by the supplying member is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value; anda lubricant end determining unit that determines that the solid lubricant is in an end state when the amount of a lubricant supplying operation reaches a threshold after the residual amount detecting unit detects that the residual amount of the solid lubricant is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount, whereinthe lubricant end determining unit makes a threshold of the amount of the lubricant supplying operation at temperature or humidity of equal to or lower than a predetermined value lower than a threshold of the amount of the lubricant supplying operation at temperature or humidity of higher than the predetermined value.2. The lubricant supplying device according to claim 1 , further comprising a ...

LUBRICANT SUPPLYING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE

A lubricant supplying device used with a solid lubricant, includes a supplying member to supply lubricant taken from the solid lubricant to an object to be supplied with the lubricant, and a remaining amount detecting section to detect a remaining amount of the solid lubricant becoming below a predetermined value. A detection of the remaining amount of the solid lubricant is executed when an operation to supply the lubricant to the object to be supplied with the lubricant stops. 1. A lubricant supplying device used with a solid lubricant , comprising:a supplying member to supply lubricant taken from the solid lubricant to an object to be supplied with the lubricant; anda remaining amount detecting section to detect a remaining amount of the solid lubricant becoming below a predetermined value;wherein a detection of the remaining amount of the solid lubricant is executed when an operation to supply the lubricant to the object to be supplied with the lubricant stops.2. The lubricant supplying device as claimed in claim 1 ,wherein the remaining amount detecting section includes:a first conductive member attached to the solid lubricant; anda second conductive member either coming into contact with the first conductive member, or separating from the first conductive member, when the remaining amount of the solid lubricant becomes below the predetermined value,wherein the detection of the remaining amount of the solid lubricant is determined by a state of electrical continuity between the first conductive member and the second conductive member.3. The lubricant supplying device as claimed in claim 2 ,wherein the remaining amount detecting section is configured so that the electrical continuity between the first conductive member and the second conductive member is taken at multiple positions on the solid lubricant along a longitudinal direction of the solid lubricant.4. The lubricant supplying device as claimed in claim 3 ,wherein the electrical continuity between the ...

IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM AND LATENT IMAGE CARRIER REPLACEMENT TIME DETECTION METHOD

An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a physical property detector, a data storage device, and a latent image carrier replacement time detector. The image forming apparatus includes a replaceable latent image carrier, forms a latent image on a surface of the latent image carrier, develops the latent image into a visible image, and transfers the visible image onto a recording medium. The physical property detector detects predetermined physical properties of the image forming apparatus in a continuous manner or an intermittent manner. The data storage device stores, as a specific physical property, data on at least one of the detected physical properties, which changes before and after replacement of the latent image carrier. The latent image carrier replacement time detector detects, on the basis of changes over time of the stored specific physical property, a latent image carrier replacement time. 1. An image forming system comprising:an image forming apparatus including a replaceable latent image carrier, and configured to form a latent image on a surface of the latent image carrier, develop the latent image into a visible image, and transfer the visible image onto a recording medium;a physical property detector configured to detect predetermined physical properties of the image forming apparatus in one of a continuous manner and an intermittent manner;a data storage device configured to store, as a specific physical property, data on at least one of the physical properties detected by the physical property detector, which changes before and after replacement of the latent image carrier; anda latent image carrier replacement time detector configured to detect, on the basis of changes over time of the specific physical property stored in the data storage device, a latent image carrier replacement time.2. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises:a charging device configured to ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND TONER SENSOR STATUS SENSING METHOD THEREOF

An image forming apparatus which comprises a developing unit having a toner and a developer therein, the apparatus includes a toner sensor to receive a control voltage and to generate an output voltage corresponding to a remaining amount of the toner in the developing unit, a pulse width modulator to supply the control voltage to the toner sensor corresponding to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and a controller to control the pulse width modulator to supply the control voltage to the toner sensor to adjust a duty ratio of the PWM signal and make the output voltage reach a target value. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a control unit to generate a control signal; and a toner/carrier compartment having toner and carrier therein,', 'a toner/carrier ratio sensor to receive the control signal and to generate an output signal corresponding to a toner/carrier ratio in the toner/carrier compartment and', 'an agitator to agitate the toner in the developing unit,, 'a developing unit comprising'}wherein the control unit determines a value of the control signal which causes the toner/carrier ratio sensor of the developing unit to generate the output signal which is within a target value range, andwherein the control unit determines whether the agitator is normal or abnormal based on a detected periodic fluctuation of an output voltage of the toner/carrier ratio sensor, where the agitator is abnormal when a predetermined voltage is not periodically detected with the detected periodic fluctuation of the output voltage of the toner/carrier ratio sensor.2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the target value range corresponds to an initial toner/carrier ratio of toner/carrier in the toner/carrier compartment.3. The image forming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein when an unused developing unit having the initial toner/carrier ratio of toner/carrier is newly installed in the image forming apparatus claim 2 , the control unit determines the value of the control ...

Sheet feed device and image forming apparatus

A sheet feed device comprises: a second detection unit which detects a state of the detection switch unit whose state is switched due to the change of state of the sheet feed device; a signal conversion unit which converts a detection signal obtained in accordance with a state of the detection switch into a serial signal; a communication line which connects the first detection unit to the second detection unit; and a signal line configured to connect the first detection unit to the signal conversion unit, wherein when the sheet feed device is in a first state, the first detection unit receives information indicating the state detected by the second detection unit via the communication line, and thereby detects the change of state of the sheet feed device.

Method and apparatus for assessing the operation of a color printing system

A method and apparatus are provided for assessing the operation of a col or printing system () by measuring color plane mis-registration. The printing system () is caused to print a multi-sheet test job () with corresponding test points on each sheet distributed vertically and horizontally over the sheet. The test points comprise test markings for determining horizontal and vertical color plane mis-registration values. These test markings are measured by an imaging subsystem () to determine horizontal and vertical color plane mis-registration values () for the printing colors. The mis-registration values are then analyzed () by a processing subsystem () to derive a plurality of mis-registration parameters that provide different respective views of mis-registration behaviour across the test sheets. An output is provided based on the mis-registration parameters. 116.-. (canceled)17. A method of assessing the operation of a color printing system , comprising:printing a multi-sheet test job with corresponding test points on each sheet distributed vertically and horizontally over the sheet, the test points comprising test markings for enabling measurement of horizontal and vertical color plane registration for each of multiple printing colors;measuring the printed test markings at the test points to determine for said printing colors a multiplicity of horizontal and vertical color plane misregistration values;analyzing the multiplicity of misregistration values to derive a plurality of misregistration parameters providing different respective views of misregistration behavior across the test sheets; andproviding an output based on the misregistration parameters.18. A method according to claim 17 , wherein said multiplicity of horizontal and vertical color plane misregistration values are determined for said multiple printing colors relative a reference formed by the color plane of a further printing color.19. A method according to claim 17 , wherein the misregistration ...

System, method and software for reducing printer colorant usage

A system, method, and printer controller software for reducing printer colorant usage by using printer controller software which controls the deposition by the printer of the printer colorant on the printable medium in response to selected print image quality and printer colorant reduction criteria, as well as identifying printer colorant deposition characteristics of the printable medium, identifying characteristics of the printer, and identifying characteristics of the printer colorant.

Printing apparatus, information processing device, and printing method

A CPU of a printing apparatus selects one of a plurality of setting permission information items based on sheet property information in a case in which printing processing is performed employing a specific sheet type. Subsequently, the CPU of the printing apparatus performs a setting regarding each of a plurality of printing setting items so as to obtain a setting permitted in the selected setting permission information item in a case in which printing processing is performed employing a specific sheet type. Thus, a printing apparatus capable of executing the printing settings of a plurality of printing setting items appropriately is provided.

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus, including a control portion configured to control a process condition for image formation, wherein the control portion changes the process condition for image formation when, in a case where a developing unit having a developer amount smaller than a predetermined amount is removed from a main body of the image forming apparatus, the developing unit removed is remounted to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Developer accommodating unit, developing cartridge and image forming apparatus

A developer accommodating unit includes a developer accommodating unit formed by a developer accommodating frame and includes an integrally formed light guide member. The light guide member is mounted through the developer accommodating frame in a state in which an incident portion and an emergent portion are exposed through an incident side opening and an emergent side opening, respectively, and is connected with the developer accommodating frame in a sealed state so that an outside and inside of the developer accommodating chamber are prevented from communicating with each other via the incident side opening and the emergent side opening.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND TEST IMAGE FORMING METHOD

Density unevenness is suppressed even in an image that is formed by a multiple exposures method in which the same region on a photoreceptor is exposed multiple times with different laser light sources (light emitting elements), by adjusting the amounts of light of the respective lasers based on a density difference among test images. An image is formed for each group of light emitting elements grouped together for multiple exposures by dividing, in the main scanning direction, the region of a test image formed on a recording medium. The images formed for the respective multiple-exposure light emitting element groups are compared to one another in density, to thereby adjust the amounts of light of the respective laser light sources (light emitting elements) and reduce fluctuations in image density. 1. An image forming apparatus , comprising:a photoreceptor to be driven to rotate; a light source that comprises a first light emitting element which emits a first light beam, a second light emitting element which emits a second light beam, a third light emitting element which emits a third light beam, and a fourth light emitting element which emits a fourth light beam; and', 'a deflection unit configured to deflect the first light beam, the second light beam, the third light beam, and the fourth light beam so that the first light beam, the second light beam, the third light beam, and the fourth light beam scan the photoreceptor,', 'wherein the first light beam and the third light beam form, on the photoreceptor, a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to a first pixel, and the second light beam and the fourth light beam form, on the photoreceptor, a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to a second pixel which is different from the first pixel;, 'an optical scanning device comprisingan image forming unit configured to develop, with a toner, the first electrostatic latent image and the second electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor by ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MISREGISTRATION AMOUNT AND DENSITY

An image forming apparatus includes a control unit configured to detect a misregistration amount and densities of the toner images by detecting first and second detection patterns. The first detection pattern includes black and color portions, and the control unit is further configured to set a light-emitting amount of a detection unit, a threshold, or a sensitivity of a detection unit so that a received light amount of diffuse reflection light from the black portion is less than the threshold and a received light amount of diffuse reflection light from the color portion exceeds the threshold, and to set the light-emitting amount or the sensitivity so that the received light amount of the diffuse reflection light from the color portion is less than an upper limit of the detection unit. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an image forming unit configured to form toner images of respective colors on an image carrier;a detection unit configured to irradiate a surface of the image carrier or the toner images formed on the image carrier with light, and to receive reflection light; anda control unit configured to control to detect a relative misregistration amount of the toner images of the respective colors formed on the image carrier by determining, using a threshold, a received light amount of said detection unit when said detection unit detects a first detection pattern as a toner image formed on the image carrier, and to detect densities of the toner images of the respective colors formed on the image carrier by detecting, by said detection unit, a second detection pattern as a toner image formed on the image carrier,wherein the first detection pattern includes a black portion as a portion of a black toner image, and a color portion as another color portion, andsaid control unit is further configured to form, when the misregistration amount and the densities are successively detected, both the first detection pattern and the second detection pattern on the image ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND DENSITY CHANGE SUPPRESSING METHOD

An image forming apparatus includes: a density detection unit that detects densities of an image developed by a developing unit at a plurality of positions in a main-scanning direction; a processing unit that obtains at least one of an amplitude and a phase of a first periodical density change of the image, of which cycle is a rotation cycle of a photosensitive drum, at the plurality of positions in the main-scanning direction on the basis of an output signal of the density detection unit, and corrects a drive signal for the light source so as to suppress the first periodical density change of the image at each position in the main-scanning direction on the basis of the rotation cycle of the photosensitive drum and at least one of the amplitude and the phase. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a photosensitive drum;an optical scanning device that includes a light source, the optical scanning device scanning a surface of the photosensitive drum in a main-scanning direction using light from the light source, and that forms a latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum;a developing unit that develops the latent image;a drum cycle detection sensor that detects a rotation cycle of the photosensitive drum;a density detection unit that detects densities of an image developed by the developing unit at a plurality of positions in the main-scanning direction;a processing unit that obtains at least one of an amplitude and a phase of a first periodical density change of the image, of which cycle is a rotation cycle of the photosensitive drum, at the plurality of positions in the main-scanning direction on the basis of an output signal of the density detection unit, and that corrects a drive signal for the light source so as to suppress the first periodical density change of the image at each position in the main-scanning direction on the basis of the rotation cycle of the photosensitive drum and at least one of the amplitude and the phase.2. The image forming ...

State determining device, image processing apparatus, state determining method, and computer program product

A state determining device includes a current detecting unit, a state determining unit, and a notifying unit. The current detecting unit detects a current value of a drive current which flows into a drive motor that rotary-drives a driven unit with a drive force according to the drive current. Based on the drive current value detected by the current detecting unit, the state determining unit determines a state of a driving system including the driven unit. The notifying unit notifies a user of a determination result of the state determining unit.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable photosensitive member; an exposure unit for exposing a surface of the photosensitive member to light; and a detecting portion for detecting a lifetime of the photosensitive member on the basis of first information on a thickness of a charge transporting layer of the photosensitive member and second information on an amount of the light received by the charge transporting layer of the photosensitive member. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a rotatable photosensitive member;an exposure unit for exposing a surface of said photosensitive member to light; anda detecting portion for detecting a lifetime of said photosensitive member on the basis of first information on a thickness of a charge transporting layer of said photosensitive member and second information on an amount of the light received by the charge transporting layer of said photosensitive member.2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first information is an integrated value of the number of rotations of said photosensitive member.3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first information is an integrated value of a rotation time of said photosensitive member.4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second information is an integrated value of the number of dots on said photosensitive member exposed to light by said exposure unit.5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second information is an integrated value of an exposure time of said photosensitive member by said exposure unit.6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a charging member for electrically charging the surface of said photosensitive member to a predetermined potential; anda transfer member for transferring for a toner image, formed on the surface of said photosensitive member, onto an intermediary transfer member or a recording material,wherein said exposure ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD

An image forming apparatus includes a charging device configured to uniformly charge a surface of a photoconductive element; an image writing device configured to write an image in the charged photoconductive element by light to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing device configured to visualize the formed electrostatic latent image as a toner image; a transfer device configured to transfer the toner image to a sheet recording medium; a fixing device configured to fix the transferred toner image onto the medium; and a surface information detecting device configured to detect surface information of a fixing member of the fixing device. The surface information detecting device radiates optical spots on a surface of the fixing member in a direction crossing a conveying direction, receives reflected light of each optical spot, and detects the surface information of the fixing device based on the detection results of the reflective lights. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a photoconductive photoconductive element;a charging device configured to uniformly charge a photoconductive surface of the photoconductive element;an image writing device configured to write an image in the charged photoconductive element by means of light to form an electrostatic latent image;a developing device configured to visualize the formed electrostatic latent image as a toner image;a transfer device configured to transfer the toner image to a sheet recording medium;a fixing device configured to fix the transferred toner image onto the sheet recording medium; anda surface information detecting device configured to detect surface information of a fixing member of the fixing device, whereinthe surface information detecting device radiates a plurality of optical spots on a surface of the fixing member in a direction crossing a conveying direction, receives and detects a reflected light of each optical spot, and detects the surface information of the fixing device based on a ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of white reference plates, a plurality of measurement units configured to be arranged in positions opposed to the respective plurality of white reference plates, irradiate the white reference plates with light, and measure reflected light from the white reference plates, and a determination unit configured to determine an abnormality of the plurality of white reference plates by using respective measurement results measured by the plurality of measurement units. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a plurality of white reference plates;a plurality of measurement units configured to be arranged in positions opposed to the respective plurality of white reference plates, irradiate the white reference plates with light, and measure reflected light from the white reference plates; anda determination unit configured to determine an abnormality of the plurality of white reference plates by using respective measurement results measured by the plurality of measurement units.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:an image forming unit configured to form a measurement image on a sheet by using color material; anda setting unit configured to set an image forming condition based on measurement results of the measurement image by the plurality of measurement units.3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a calculation unit configured to calculate a spectral reflectance of reflected light from a margin portion with respect to each of the plurality of measurement units based on a first measurement value obtained by measuring the margin portion of the sheet on which the measurement image is not formed by the measurement unit and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the white reference plate by the measurement unit claim 2 ,wherein the determination unit is configured to determine an abnormality of the white reference plates based on the spectral ...

Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium

An image forming apparatus includes a first retrieval unit that retrieves a table of document data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium in accordance with the document data, a second retrieval unit that retrieves a cumulative amount of images formed by the image forming unit, a third retrieval unit that retrieves a threshold value of the cumulative amount of images formed by the image forming unit, and a display unit that displays a selection screen that allows a user to select document data forming an image from the document data included in the table. If the cumulative amount does not exceed the threshold value, the display unit displays a screen including a batch selection screen. If the cumulative amount exceeds the threshold value, the display unit displays an individual selection screen.

Method and apparatus for electronic fuser assembly labeling

An approach is provided for pairing a fuser assembly with a media size and for electronically labeling the fuser assembly for use with the media size. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a fuser assembly having a memory to be tagged with an identifier related to a corresponding media size, the identifier being stored in the memory. The approach also involves determining a media size associated with a print job to be run by a printing system. The approach further involves determining the identifier of an installed fuser assembly. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, a comparison between the determined media size associated with the print job and the identifier of the installed fuser assembly to determine if a conflict exists.

Network Printer System

Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield. 1. A system for determining an accurate amount of consumable in a print cartridge , the system comprising:a printing device having an print cartridge loaded therein, wherein the print cartridge has a cartridge identification associated therewith, wherein the print cartridge has an expected print yield that is different than an expected print yield of a standard yield cartridge manufactured for use in the printing device;a processor;a peripheral device communicatively connected between the at least one printing device and the processor to monitor communication between the processor and the printing device, wherein the peripheral device determines an accurate amount of remaining consumable by monitoring the communication between the processor and the printing device.2. The system of wherein the peripheral device determines specific information about the printing device based upon the cartridge identification.3. The system of wherein the peripheral device determines specific information about the print cartridge based upon the cartridge identification.4. The system of wherein the peripheral device is a virtual printer that monitors print job information sent to the printing device from the processor.5. The system of wherein the processor is a computer.6. The system of wherein the computer is connected to local-area-network.7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the computer is connected to managed print system for monitoring print consumable consumption.8. The system of wherein the print consumable is toner.9. The system of wherein the print consumable is ink.10. The system of wherein the print ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit configured to form an image, a power supply unit configured to supply electric power to the image forming unit via a power supply line, a door configured to be opened for accessing the image forming unit, an output unit configured to output a signal indicating whether the door is open or closed, an interruption unit configured to interrupt electric power supplied by the power supply unit via the power supply line while the door is open, and a storage unit configured to store information indicating that the interruption unit interrupts electric power supplied by the power supply unit, wherein the signal comprises a first signal indicating that the door is open, and a second signal indicating that the door is closed, and wherein the storage unit clears the information after the second signal is output from the output unit. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an image forming unit configured to form an image;a power supply unit configured to supply electric power to the image forming unit via a power supply line;a door configured to be opened for accessing the image forming unit;an output unit configured to output, at intervals of a predetermined period, a signal indicating whether the door is open or closed;an interruption unit configured to interrupt electric power supplied by the power supply unit via the power supply line while the door is open; anda storage unit configured to store information indicating that the interruption unit interrupts electric power supplied by the power supply unit,wherein the signal comprises a first signal indicating that the door is open and a second signal indicating that the door is closed, andwherein the storage unit clears the information after the second signal is output from the output unit.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the interruption unit comprises:a switching contact located on the power supply line,wherein the interruption unit ...

MALFUNCTION INFERRING APPARATUS, MALFUNCTION INFERRING METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

A malfunction inferring apparatus includes an obtaining unit and an inferring unit. The obtaining unit obtains, from a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus which are used alternatively with each other by plural users, a first usage status of the first image forming apparatus and a second usage status of the second image forming apparatus. If a first change occurs in the first usage status and if a second change corresponding to the first change occurs in the second usage status, the inferring unit infers that a malfunction has occurred in any one of the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, in accordance with the first usage status and the second usage status obtained by the obtaining unit. 1. A malfunction inferring apparatus comprising:an obtaining unit that obtains, from a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus which are used alternatively with each other by a plurality of users, a first usage status of the first image forming apparatus and a second usage status of the second image forming apparatus; andan inferring unit that, if a first change occurs in the first usage status and if a second change corresponding to the first change occurs in the second usage status, infers that a malfunction has occurred in any one of the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, in accordance with the first usage status and the second usage status obtained by the obtaining unit.2. The malfunction inferring apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a memory that stores, for each of the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, information about one or more regular users who usually use the image forming apparatus and information about one or more temporary users who use the image forming apparatus as an alternative to another image forming apparatus,wherein the obtaining unit obtains, as the first usage status and the second ...

TONER-STATE PREDICTING DEVICE, METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

A toner-state predicting device includes a changing unit that changes a rotation speed of a stepping motor that drives a toner recovery mechanism in an image forming apparatus; a detecting unit that detects presence of synchronization loss of the stepping motor at the changed rotation speed; and a predicting unit that predicts toner clogging which will occur in future in the toner recovery mechanism, based on the rotation speed changed by the changing unit and the presence of the synchronization loss detected by the detecting unit. 1. A toner-state predicting device , comprising:a changing unit that changes a rotation speed of a stepping motor that drives a toner recovery mechanism in an image forming apparatus;a detecting unit that detects presence of synchronization loss of the stepping motor at the changed rotation speed; anda predicting unit that predicts toner clogging which will occur in future in the toner recovery mechanism, based on the rotation speed changed by the changing unit and the presence of the synchronization loss detected by the detecting unit.2. The toner-state predicting device according to claim 1 , wherein the predicting unit predicts a timing at which the toner clogging occurs in the toner recovery mechanism claim 1 , based on a relationship between a timing at which the synchronization loss is detected at a first rotation speed being higher than a reference rotation speed and a timing at which the synchronization loss is detected at a second rotation speed being higher than the reference rotation speed and lower than the first rotation speed.3. The toner-state predicting device according to claim 2 , wherein the predicting unit predicts the timing at which the toner clogging occurs in the toner recovery mechanism claim 2 , if the synchronization loss is detected at a rotation speed being higher than the reference rotation speed.4. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to realize functions claim 2 , ...

Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including a latent image carrier, a charging device, a latent image writing device, and a development device; a cumulative value calculation device that calculates, for each of regions of a surface of the image carrier, a cumulative value of the area of a latent image formed in the region; a surface potential detector that detects the surface potential of the image carrier in one of the regions as a detection region; and a determination device that determines the deterioration degree of the detection region on the basis of the detected potential, and determines the deterioration degree of a region other than the detection region on the basis of the detected potential, the cumulative value for the detection region, and the cumulative value for the region other than the detection region.

Image forming apparatus

Based on a photosensitive drum life threshold value when each of the plurality of image formation execution modes is independently used, and a photosensitive drum life threshold value according to a usage rate of each of the image formation execution modes, the image forming apparatus having a plurality of image formation execution modes calculates a photosensitive drum life threshold value according to the usage rate. Then, the image forming apparatus compares the calculated photosensitive drum life threshold value with a remaining CT film thickness prediction value for the photosensitive drum to determine the life of the photosensitive drum.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum life estimation mechanism which estimates wear amounts of a charge transfer layer in both of a toner bearing area and an end portion of a toner non-bearing area of a developing roller and informs a user that the photosensitive drum has reached the end of its life if, out of total wear amounts of the areas corresponding to predetermined life threshold values of the toner bearing and non-bearing areas, either of the total wear amounts reaches the threshold value. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a rotatable image bearing member having an organic photosensitive layer on a surface;a charging member configured to contact and charge the surface of the image bearing member;an exposure unit configured to form a latent image by exposing the surface of the charged image bearing member to light;a development device including a developer bearing member configured to bear developer, contact the surface of the image bearing member, and convey the developer to develop the latent image;a cleaning member configured to contact the surface of the image bearing member and clean the surface of the image bearing member;a storage unit configured to store each of a plurality of threshold values of wear amounts of a plurality of different portions of the organic photosensitive layer; andan image bearing member life estimation unit configured to estimate each of the wear amounts of the plurality of different portions of the organic photosensitive layer, compare the estimated plurality of wear amounts and the plurality of threshold values, and send out a message informing that the image bearing member has reached the end of its life if any of the wear amounts reaches the threshold value.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of different portions of the organic photosensitive layer includes a first area corresponding to a developer bearing area bearing the developer in an axial direction of ...

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An image forming device provided in a management system manages remaining amount information of consumable contained in a loaded consumable container, detects identification information of a new consumable container to be loaded upon replacing the consumable container, and transmits a replacement notification including identification information, counter information indicating the operation status of the image forming device upon replacement, and remaining amount information of consumable contained in the previously loaded consumable container which has been removed by the replacement to a management device. The management device receives a replacement notification, associates identification information of a consumable container, counter information relating to the replacement of the consumable container, and the remaining amount information with each other based on the replacement notification, and stores the same as management information. 1. A management system comprising:an image forming device that replaceably loads a consumable container; anda management device that communicates with the image forming device via a network, a management unit configured to manage remaining amount information of consumable contained in the loaded consumable container;', 'a detection unit configured to detect identification information of a new consumable container to be loaded on the image forming device upon replacement of the consumable container; and', 'a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the management device, a replacement notification including the detected identification information, counter information indicating the operation status of the image forming device upon replacement, and remaining amount information of consumable contained in the previously loaded consumable container which has been removed by the replacement, and, 'wherein the image forming device comprises a reception unit configured to receive the replacement notification; and', 'a storage unit ...

IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, METHOD OF NOTIFYING CONSUMABLE EXHAUSTION, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

An image forming device includes a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on attribute information of a print job, a supply time point at which supply of consumables becomes necessary due to execution of the print job; and a notification unit configured to notify a user of necessity of the supply of the consumables at a time point obtained by subtracting a transit time it takes for the user to move to the image forming device and a supply time necessary for supplying the consumables from the supply time point. 1. An image forming device comprising:a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on attribute information of a print job, a supply time point at which supply of consumables becomes necessary due to execution of the print job; anda notification unit configured to notify a user of necessity of the supply of the consumables at a time point obtained by subtracting a transit time it takes for the user to move to the image forming device and a supply time necessary for supplying the consumables from the supply time point.2. The image forming device according to claim 1 , wherein the user is a user who has requested the execution of the print job.3. The image forming device according to claim 1 , wherein the user is a predetermined manager.4. The image forming device according to claim 1 , wherein the user is a user who is closest to the image forming device.5. The image forming device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit is configured to calculate the supply time point from a number of pages such that the supply of the consumables becoming necessary due to printing the number of pages and from print speed of one page.6. The image forming device according to claim 5 , whereinthe consumables are toner; and calculate the number of pages based on an amount of toner consumption corresponding to a number of dots to be printed and an amount of remaining toner, and', 'calculate the supply time point from the calculated number of pages and the ...

TONER-DENSITY CALCULATING METHOD, REFLECTIVE OPTICAL SENSOR, REFLECTIVE OPTICAL SENSOR DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A toner density is calculated from outputs of light-receiving elements based on a difference between a reflection property of a supporting member and a reflection property of a toner pattern. Light-emitting elements aligned in one direction that is inclined to a sub-direction emit a detection light in such a manner that a distance between adjacent spots falling on the supporting member in a second direction is equal to or smaller than a width of the toner pattern in the second direction. The light-receiving elements receive a reflected light reflected from the supporting member and/or the toner pattern. The light-receiving elements are aligned, opposed to the supporting member, in a one direction corresponding to the light-emitting elements. 112-. (canceled)13. A toner-density detecting method implemented on a toner image forming apparatus , the toner-density calculating method comprising:forming a predetermined toner pattern on a surface of a supporting member that moves in a first direction;emitting a detection light onto the supporting member with a light-emitting unit;receiving a reflected light reflected from at least one of the supporting member and the toner pattern with a light-receiving unit; anddetecting a toner density of the toner pattern based on a difference between a reflection property of the supporting member to the detection light and a reflection property of the toner pattern to the detection light, whereinthe light-emitting unit includes M number of light-emitting elements emitting light having the same wavelength and aligned in a third direction that is inclined to the first direction, where M is equal to or larger than three, wherein the light-emitting elements emit the detection light so that M number of light spots fall on the supporting member in such a manner that a distance between adjacent light spots in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction in a plane of the supporting member is equal to or smaller than a width ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM

An image forming apparatus is disclosed that corrects a gradation of an image to be formed by detecting a gradation pattern. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that transfers a correction toner image corresponding to the gradation pattern on a surface of an intermediate transfer medium and forms a correction image corresponding to the gradation pattern on a surface of a recording medium, a detection unit that detects the correction toner image and the correction image, and an image processing unit that corrects the gradation based on the detected correction toner image and the detected correction image. 1. An image forming apparatus that corrects a gradation of an image to be formed by detecting a gradation pattern , the image forming apparatus comprising:an image forming unit that transfers a correction toner image corresponding to the gradation pattern on a surface of an intermediate transfer medium and forms a correction image corresponding to the gradation pattern on a surface of a recording medium;a detection unit that detects the correction toner image and the correction image; andan image processing unit that corrects the gradation based on the detected correction toner image and the detected correction image.2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , whereinthe image forming unit transfers a first pattern including a plurality of gradation values on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium as the correction toner image and forms a second pattern including a plurality of gradation values on the surface of the recording medium as the correction image.3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , whereinthe image processing unit calculates a transfer characteristic based on the correction toner image detected by the detection unit, calculates an image forming characteristic based on the correction image detected by the detection unit, and corrects the gradation based on the calculated transfer characteristic ...

TONER RESUPPLY DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A toner resupply device having: a detector plate for detecting a surface of toner stored in a hopper; a douser that moves together with the detector plate; a fixing plate for fixing the detector plate and the douser integrally; and a toner sensor for detecting a phase of the douser. The douser has a light-blocking surface that blocks and transmits light to be detected by the toner sensor, and a shaft extending in an axial direction crossing the light-blocking surface, the shaft being inserted in a hole made in the detector plate. The shaft has a groove in which the fixing plate is locked, the groove extending in a direction crossing the axial direction. The fixing plate in a state of being locked in the groove pushes the shaft in the axial direction, thereby fixing the detector plate and the douser to each other. 1. A toner resupply device for resupplying toner from a hopper to a developing device; the toner resupply device comprising:a detector plate for detecting a surface of toner stored in the hopper;a douser that moves together with the detector plate;a fixing plate for fixing the detector plate and the douser integrally; anda toner sensor for detecting a phase of the douser,wherein the douser comprises a light-blocking surface that blocks and transmits light to be detected by the toner sensor, and a shaft extending in an axial direction crossing the light-blocking surface, the shaft being inserted in a hole made in the detector plate;wherein the shaft has a groove in which the fixing plate is locked, the groove extending in a direction crossing the axial direction; andwherein the fixing plate in a state of being locked in the groove pushes the shaft in the axial direction, thereby fixing the detector plate and the douser to each other.2. A toner resupply device according to claim 1 ,wherein the fixing plate has an opening; andwherein the fixing plate is fitted to the shaft from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction such that the opening of the ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR CHECKING CONNECTION STATUS OF DEVELOPING UNIT AND METHOD THEREOF

An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal. 1. A developer supplier , comprising:a serial clock line (SCL) port configured to connect to a multiplexer of a control board of an image forming apparatus via an SCL;a ground port; anda resistor connected in series between the SCL port and the ground port.2. The developer suppler of claim 1 , wherein the SCL port is connected to a connection node between the multiplexer and a pull-up resistor in the image forming apparatus.3. The developer suppler of claim 2 , wherein the image forming apparatus detects a connection signal from the connection node and determines whether the developer supplier is an initial developer supplier or a regular developer supplier. This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/346,224 filed Jan. 9, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/485,982 filed Jun. 17, 2009, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 (a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0096557, filed on Oct. 1, 2008, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.1. FieldThe present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for checking the status thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an image forming apparatus capable of determining whether a developer supplier is mounted, and a method for checking the status thereof.2. Description of the Related ...

LUBRICANT APPLICATOR, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE

A lubricant applicator includes a block of lubricant, a supply member contactable against the block of lubricant to scrape the block of lubricant, and a lubricant gauge to detect whether a remaining amount of lubricant is less than a threshold value. The lubricant gauge includes a rotary member rotatable about a pivot, a pressing member disposed opposite the rotary member to rotate the rotary member by pressing a contact part of the rotary member as the block of lubricant is consumed, and a detection part of the rotary member opposite to the contact part across the pivot of the rotary member. A length of the rotary member from the pivot to the detection part is longer than a length of the rotary member from the pivot to the contact part. 1. A lubricant applicator , comprising:a block of lubricant;a supply member contactable against the block of lubricant to scrape the block of lubricant; and a rotary member rotatable about a pivot;', 'a pressing member disposed opposite the rotary member to rotate the rotary member by pressing a contact part of the rotary member as the block of lubricant is consumed; and', 'a detection part of the rotary member opposite to the contact part across the pivot of the rotary member,, 'a lubricant gauge to detect whether a remaining amount of lubricant is less than a threshold value, the lubricant gauge comprisinga length of the rotary member from the pivot to the detection part being longer than a length of the rotary member from the pivot to the contact part.2. The lubricant applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising:a first electrode; anda second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode, the second electrode being pressed against the first electrode by the rotary member,wherein whether the remaining amount of lubricant is less than the threshold value is detected based on establishment of electrical continuity between the first electrode and the second electrode.3. The lubricant applicator according to claim 1 , ...

LUBRICANT APPLICATOR, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE

A lubricant applicator includes a block of lubricant, a supply member contactable against the block of lubricant to scrape the block of lubricant, and a lubricant gauge including a first electrode and a second electrode. The lubricant gauge is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to detect whether an amount of lubricant remaining is less than a threshold value based on establishment of electrical continuity between the first electrode and the second electrode. One of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a projection projecting toward the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode. 1. A lubricant applicator , comprising:a block of lubricant;a supply member contactable against the block of lubricant to scrape the block of lubricant; and a first electrode; and', 'a second electrode,, 'a lubricant gauge comprisingthe lubricant gauge electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to detect whether an amount of lubricant remaining is less than a threshold value based on establishment of electrical continuity between the first electrode and the second electrode,one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprising a projection projecting toward the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode.2. The lubricant applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising multiple projections provided to one of the first electrode and the second electrode and projecting toward the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode.3. The lubricant applicator according to claim 1 , wherein a tip of the projection is contactable against the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode at a point or along a line.4. The lubricant applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising a lubricant holder to hold the block of lubricant claim 1 ,wherein:the lubricant holder directly or indirectly presses the second electrode to deform the second electrode with one ...

Color image forming apparatus having function of obtaining color information of patch

An image forming apparatus uses the difference in time taken for each patch to reach a color sensor, which occurs upon reversing the conveyance direction of a printing material. Due to this difference in time, the temperature of the printing material in detection by the color sensor differs among the respective patches. The error of a colorimetric value due to thermochromism is reduced by placing a patch with a colorimetric value which has a low temperature dependence so as to be detected earlier, and a patch with a colorimetric value which has a high temperature dependence so as to be detected later.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD

This invention is to provide a technique of always obtaining a stable output image in image formation using toner. A supplier () supplies toner in a decided toner supply amount. A developing device () agitates the supplied toner and supplies the agitated toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum (), thereby developing a toner image on the photosensitive drum (). A correction amount calculation unit () estimates the toner charge amount by calculating a function model that approximates the variation characteristic of the toner charge amount using the toner consumption necessary for printing a print target image, the toner supply amount necessary for printing the print target image, and the toner agitation time. At least one of an image processing condition and a process condition is controlled using the estimated toner charge amount. 15.-. (canceled)6. An image forming apparatus comprising:an image forming unit configured to form an image, the image forming unit comprising a charge unit configured to charge a surface of a photosensitive member, an exposure unit configured to expose the charged surface of the photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit configured to develop the electrostatic latent image using a toner, and a supply unit configured to supply toner to the developing unit;a prediction unit configured to predict a toner consumption amount;an obtaining unit configured to obtain a time of toner agitation by the developing unit; anda control unit configured to set a control condition for controlling the image forming unit, on the basis of the toner consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit, the toner supply amount supplied by the supply unit, and the time of toner agitation obtained by the obtaining unit.7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control condition indicates charge amount of the photosensitive member charged by the charge unit.8. The apparatus according to claim ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting deformation of a roller member. The image forming apparatus configured to form an image by forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum () and developing the electrostatic latent image by a developer, includes: a rotatable roller member () configured to be held in press-contact with the photosensitive drum (); and a deformation determining unit configured to determine deformation of the roller member (), and the deformation determining unit configured to detect a value of a current flowing between the roller member () and the photosensitive drum () in response to application of a voltage to the rotating roller member (), and determine the deformation of the roller member () based on the detection result. 1. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image by forming an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member and developing the electrostatic latent image by a developer , the image forming apparatus comprising:a rotatable roller member configured to be held in press-contact with the image bearing member; anda deformation determining unit configured to determine deformation of the roller member, and the deformation determining unit configured to determine the deformation of the roller member based on a value of a current flowing between the roller member and the image bearing member in response to application of a voltage to the rotating roller member.2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the deformation determining unit determines whether the value of the current falls within a predetermined range claim 1 , andwherein the predetermined range has a plurality of ranges set in accordance with a level of the deformation of the roller member.3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a rotating speed of the roller member when the deformation determining unit determines the deformation of the roller member is slower than a ...

Driving device and image forming apparatus provided with same

A driving device includes a motor, a pulley, a metal belt, a first unit, a second unit, a biasing member and a detector. The motor includes a drive shaft. The pulley includes an output shaft extending in parallel to the drive shaft. The pulley is rotatably supported on the first unit with the output shaft as a rotary shaft and the circumferential surface is arranged at a distance from the drive shaft in a radial direction of the rotation. The second unit supports the motor and is slidable relative to the first unit. The biasing member biases the second unit in a direction to move the drive shaft away from the output shaft in a state where the metal belt is mounted between the drive shaft and the pulley. The detector detects a change in an inter-axial distance between the drive shaft and the output shaft.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD

An image forming apparatus capable of executing continuous image forming operation forming images on more than one page includes a temperature detector that detects internal or surrounding temperature of a developing device correspondingly changing to temperature of a developer bearer. A temperature information acquiring device acquires information of ambient temperature outside of the image forming apparatus. A controller switches a current operation mode to an intermittent image forming operation mode intermittently including a braking time period not to allow image formation and cancels the intermittent image forming operation mode in accordance with detection result of the temperature detector. The intermittent image forming operation mode allowed to continuously form images only on a prescribed limited number of sheets. The controller varies the braking time period in accordance with the ambient temperature detected by the temperature information acquiring device. 1. An image forming apparatus for executing continuous image formation on more than one page , the image forming apparatus comprising:a latent image forming device to form a latent image on an image bearer;a developer bearer to bear developer;a developing device to develop the latent image borne on the image bearer with developer borne on the developer bearer;a temperature detector to detect internal or surrounding temperature of the developing device, the temperature changing with a temperature of the developer bearer;a temperature information acquiring device to acquire information of ambient temperature outside of the image forming apparatus; anda controller to either switch a current operation mode to an intermittent image forming operation mode that supports intermittent image formation including a braking time period during which image formation is prohibited or cancel the intermittent image forming operation mode in accordance with a detection result of the temperature detector, the ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A representative configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the invention includes a photoreceptor drum, a primary charger, an exposure device, a development device, a detection unit that detects a density of the toner image, and forming a patch image with a plurality of different density levels, and being capable of performing a mode of correcting a tone density based on a density of the patch image, a controller that determines whether to perform the mode based on a first patch and a second patch, the first patch which is formed by charging, exposuring and performing development, the second patch which is formed by charging and performing development without substantially performing the exposure. 1. An image forming apparatus which forms a patch image with a plurality of different density levels , and is capable of performing a mode of correcting a tone density based on a density of the patch image , the image forming apparatus comprising:an image bearing member;a charging device that charges the image bearing member;an exposure device that exposes the image bearing member to form an electrostatic latent image;a development device that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image using a toner;a detection portion that detects a density of the toner image formed on the image bearing member; anda controller that determines whether to perform the mode based on a first patch and a second patch, the first patch which is formed by charging the image bearing member based on the development device, exposuring the image bearing member to form the electrostatic latent image based on the exposure device and developing the electrostatic latent image based on the development device, the second patch which is formed by charging the image bearing member based on the development device and performing development based on the development device without substantially performing the exposure based on the exposure device.2. The image forming apparatus ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

To accomplish this, an image forming apparatus of the present invention determines whether the temperature of an exposure unit is changing at a predetermined gradient or more, detects misregistration by forming patches and executes first registration adjustment amount calculation processing for detecting a registration adjustment amount, in a case where the temperature is not changing at the predetermined gradient or more, and executes second registration adjustment amount calculation processing for predicting the misregistration amount according to the temperature of the exposure unit measured by a first sensor, in a case where the temperature is changing at the predetermined gradient or more. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an exposure unit configured to expose a photosensitive member in accordance with an image signal and form an electrostatic latent image;a developing unit configured to develop the electrostatic latent image using a toner;a transfer unit configured to transfer a toner image developed by the developing unit to an image carrier;a first sensor configured to measure a temperature of the exposure unit;a determination unit configured to determine whether the temperature of the exposure unit measured by the first sensor is changing at a predetermined gradient or more;a calculation unit configured to calculate a registration adjustment condition; anda registration adjustment unit configured to perform registration adjustment processing based on the registration adjustment condition calculated by the calculation unit,wherein the calculation unit performs calculation processing for calculating the registration adjustment condition based on a result of detecting a position of a patch formed on the image carrier, in a case where the result of the determination by the determination unit indicates that the temperature is not changing at the predetermined gradient or more, and performs prediction processing for predicting the registration adjustment ...

DEVELOPING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A developing device includes a developer storage chamber configured to store developer to be supplied to the development chamber, a partition configured to separate a development chamber and the developer storage chamber and having an opening allowing communication between the developer storage chamber and the development chamber, and a protruding portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the developer storage chamber from the partition on a downstream side of the opening in the rotation direction of a rotating shaft, and within one turn of rotation of the rotating shaft, a receiving member moves while contacting the protruding portion according to the rotation of the rotating shaft. 1. A developing device used for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus , comprising:a developer bearing member configured to bear and convey developer used for developing an electrostatic image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member;a development chamber including the developer bearing member;a developer storage chamber configured to store developer to be supplied to the development chamber;a partition configured to separate the development chamber and the developer storage chamber and having an opening that allows communication between the developer storage chamber and the development chamber;a rotating shaft configured to be rotatable and provided inside the developer storage chamber;a conveyance member having an end portion on the inner side in a rotation radial direction of the rotating shaft attached to the rotating shaft, and according to rotation of the rotating shaft, configured to bear and convey the developer on a bearing surface, which is a surface on a downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating shaft, and supply the developer to the development chamber via the opening;a receiving member having an end portion on the inner side in the rotation radial direction of the rotating shaft attached to the rotating shaft, and having ...

WET-TYPE IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A wet-type image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a toner developer layer, and a toner amount detection unit. The toner amount detection unit includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The wavelength characteristics of a light emission intensity of the light-emitting unit and light reception sensitivity of the toner amount detection unit are set such that an intensity of detection sensitivity of the toner amount detection unit in accordance with a product of a light emission intensity of the light-emitting unit and light reception sensitivity of the light-receiving unit is greater in a wavelength region in which a characteristic value based on a product of a transmittance of the toner developer layer and a reflectivity of the image carrier as a reference for an emission light wavelength is included in a predetermined range, than in other wavelength regions. 1. A wet-type image forming apparatus comprising:an image carrier;a toner developer layer formed of toner and a carrier liquid carried on said image carrier; anda toner amount detection unit for detecting a toner amount of the toner developer layer carried on said image carrier,said toner amount detection unit including:a light-emitting unit for emitting light to the toner developer layer carried on said image carrier anda light-receiving unit for receiving reflected light when light is emitted from said light-emitting unit to the toner developer layer carried on said image carrier,wherein wavelength characteristics of a light emission intensity of said light-emitting unit and a light reception sensitivity of said light-receiving unit are set such that an intensity of detection sensitivity of said toner amount detection unit in accordance with a product of a light emission intensity of said light-emitting unit and a light reception sensitivity of said light-receiving unit is greater in a wavelength region in which a characteristic value based on a product of a transmittance of the ...

METHOD FOR DETERMINING ABNORMALITY OF TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME

A method for determining abnormality of a temperature sensor and the image forming apparatus, the method comprises: detecting an actual temperature of a fixing apparatus and an input voltage; calculating an actual temperature variation amount in a predetermined time period; comparing the detected input voltage and a predetermined voltage; comparing the calculated actual temperature variation amount and a first reference temperature variation amount if the input voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage; determining that the temperature sensor is abnormal if the actual temperature variation amount is less than the first reference temperature variation amount; comparing the calculated actual temperature variation amount and a smaller second reference temperature variation amount if the input voltage is equal to or less than the predetermined voltage; determining that the temperature sensor is abnormal if the actual temperature variation amount is less than the second reference temperature variation amount. 1. A method for determining abnormality of a temperature sensor used in an image forming apparatus , comprising the steps of:detecting an actual temperature of a fixing apparatus of the image forming apparatus and an input voltage which is input into the image forming apparatus;calculating an actual temperature variation amount of the actual temperature between a start time and an end time of a predetermined time period;comparing the detected input voltage and a predetermined voltage; comparing the calculated actual temperature variation amount and a predetermined first reference temperature variation amount if the input voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage; determining that the temperature sensor is normal if the actual temperature variation amount is equal to or greater than the first reference temperature variation amount; and determining that the temperature sensor is abnormal if the actual temperature variation amount is less than the first ...

Image recording apparatus and computer readable medium

A recording unit configured to record an image on a recording medium, medium storages storing same-sized recording media, a conveyance mechanism configured to selectively convey the recording media stored in the medium storages to the recording unit, and a maintenance mechanism are provided. When, at the start of a maintenance period in which the maintenance of the recording unit is performed by the maintenance mechanism, the number of recording media stored in the sender medium storage is smaller than the number of recording media required to record all remaining images onto recording media in accordance with image data and, among the medium storages, there is at least one predetermined remaining number medium storage which is a medium storage storing more recording media than the sender medium storage, one of the at least one of predetermined remaining number medium storage is selected as the sender medium storage, during the maintenance period.

NETWORK PRINTER SYSTEM

Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield. 1. A method for determining an accurate amount of consumable in a print cartridge , wherein the print cartridge has a cartridge identification associated therewith and the print cartridge has an expected print yield that is different than an expected print yield of a standard yield cartridge manufactured for use in the printing device , the method comprising:determining that a print cartridge installed in a printing device has an identifier associated therewith;determining an amount of consumable that is loaded in the print cartridge based on the identifier, wherein the amount of consumable loaded in the print cartridge is a predetermined percentage higher than a standard amount of consumable loaded in a standard yield cartridge; anddetermining an amount of consumable remaining in the print cartridge by increasing an amount of consumable that would be remaining in the print cartridge for a standard yield cartridge by the predetermined percentage.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifier is stored in a memory located on the print cartridge.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the identifier is stored in a specific location in the memory.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein a management information base (MIB) database is utilized to identify the specific location in the memory.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein a low consumable condition is triggered based on the determined amount of consumable remaining in the print cartridge.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein a standard low consumable condition that is triggered by the printing device is ignored.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Detection device and image forming apparatus

A detection device includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a medium with first irradiation light, a first optical system that has a first incident surface and changes the first irradiation light into second irradiation light, a second optical system that has a second incident surface and changes the first irradiation light into third irradiation light, and a light receiving unit that is provided in a traveling direction of reflection light of the second irradiation light and the third irradiation light, which are specularly reflected by the medium, and receives the reflection light of the second irradiation light and the third irradiation light, which are specularly reflected by the medium, so as to detect a positional deviation amount of an image formed on the medium and detect a density deviation amount of the image formed on the medium.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, NETWORK SYSTEM COMPRISING THE SAME AND METHOD OF MANAGING PART INFORMATION OF THE SAME

An image forming apparatus, a network system including the same and a management method of parts information of the same capable of matching specific information of an exchangeable part with specific information of the image forming apparatus when the specific information of the exchangeable part is not identical that of the image forming apparatus, is provided. It is determined whether the specific information of the image forming apparatus is identical to that of the exchangeable part. If the specific information of the image forming apparatus is not identical to that of the exchangeable part, at least one specific information of the image forming apparatus or the exchangeable part is changed such that the specific information is identical. 1. A method of managing part information of an image forming apparatus , the method comprising:determining whether first specific information of the image forming apparatus is identical to second specific information of an exchangeable part to be installed in the image forming apparatus;changing the first specific information of the image forming apparatus or the second specific information of the exchangeable part by change of the specific information permission from a web server such that the first specific information of the image forming apparatus matches with the second specific information of the exchangeable part, if the first specific information of the image forming apparatus is not identical to the second specific information of the exchangeable part,wherein the exchangeable part includes at least one of an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge, a developer unit, a photosensitive unit, a print medium feeding unit and a print medium discharge unit; andoutputting a change permission command from the web server to the image forming apparatus according to the request from the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus changes the first specific information of the image forming apparatus or the second specific ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING ON DISPLAY ERROR RELATING TO DRUM CARTRIDGE IN PREFERENCE TO ERROR RELATING TO TONER CARTRIDGE

An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing; a drum cartridge; a toner cartridge; a display; and a controller. The drum cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the main casing. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum memory. The toner cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge. The toner cartridge includes a toner memory. The controller is configured to: determine whether an error occurs in the drum cartridge through a communication with the drum memory; determine whether an error occurs in the toner cartridge through a communication with the toner memory; and when determining that an error occurs in the drum cartridge and determining that an error occurs in the toner cartridge, display on the display an error relating to the drum cartridge in preference to displaying on the display an error relating to the toner cartridge. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a main casing;a drum cartridge attachable to and detachable from the main casing, the drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum and a drum memory;a toner cartridge attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge, the toner cartridge including a toner memory;a display; anda controller, determine whether an error occurs in the drum cartridge through a communication with the drum memory;', 'determine whether an error occurs in the toner cartridge through a communication with the toner memory; and', 'when determining that an error occurs in the drum cartridge and determining that an error occurs in the toner cartridge, display on the display an error relating to the drum cartridge in preference to displaying on the display an error relating to the toner cartridge., 'wherein the controller is configured to2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the toner memory through the drum cartridge when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.3. The image forming apparatus ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Included is an image bearing member; an exposure unit configured to form electrostatic latent images by scanning light on the image bearing member and to change the amount of light along the scanning direction of the light; a forming unit configured to form a toner patch on the basis of the electrostatic latent image formed by a plurality of different light amounts, to adjust the light amount of the exposure unit; a detection unit configured to detect the toner patch; and a control unit configured to adjust the light amount of the exposure unit along the scanning direction of the light depending on the detection result by the detection unit. The control unit changes the light amount of the exposure unit along the scanning direction of the light over a portion of regions rather than all regions in the scanning direction when forming the toner patch. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an image bearing member;an exposure unit configured to form electrostatic latent images by scanning light on the image bearing member and to change the amount of light along the scanning direction of the light;a forming unit configured to form a toner patch on the basis of the electrostatic latent image formed by a plurality of different light amounts, to adjust the light amount of the exposure unit;a detection unit configured to detect the toner patch; anda control unit configured to adjust the light amount of the exposure unit along the scanning direction of the light depending on the detection result by the detection unit,wherein the control unit changes the light amount of the exposure unit along the scanning direction of the light over a portion of regions rather than all regions in the scanning direction when forming the toner patch.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the portion of regions, rather than all the regions, in the scanning direction, correspond to detection regions for the detection unit.3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT PERFORMS INSPECTION OF PRINTED MATTER, METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An image forming apparatus capable of inspecting printed matter as a recording sheet on which an image including a copy forgery-inhibited pattern has been printed. An image is printed on a sheet based on print image data. Scanned image data is acquired by reading the printed sheet. Reference data is created by excluding image data representative of image portions which cannot be read from the print image data. It is determined whether or not the printed sheet is free from defective printing by comparing the scanned image data and the reference data. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:a printing unit configured to perform printing on a sheet based on print image data;a reading unit configured to read the sheet on which printing has been performed by said printing unit to thereby acquire inspection product image data;a generation unit configured to generate reference image data formed by excluding data representative of image portions which cannot be read by said reading unit, from the print image data; anda determination unit configured to determine whether or not the sheet on which printing has been performed is free from defective printing by comparing the inspection product image data and the reference image data.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a sheet discharge unit configured to discharge claim 1 , when it is determined by said determination unit that the sheet on which printing has been performed is free from defective printing claim 1 , the sheet determined to be free from defective printing claim 1 , to a predetermined sheet discharge tray claim 1 , and discharge claim 1 , when it is determined by said determination unit that the sheet on which printing has been performed has defective printing claim 1 , the sheet determined to have defective printing claim 1 , to a sheet discharge tray which is different from the predetermined sheet discharge tray.3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein ...

PREDICTING REMAINING USEFUL LIFE FOR A CONSUMABLE USING A WEIGHTED LEAST SQUARE REGRESSION PREDICTION TECHNIQUE

An apparatus and method of predicting the end of life of a consumable. A basic weighted least squares algorithm has been extended and augmented to compensate for observed common consumable/printer behavior. The system uses consumable usage data (such as toner level) acquired from the device to predict the current and future consumable level and to predict the remaining life. The apparatus and method monitors the consumable's usage and updates the prediction so that when the predicted remaining life matches a preset threshold, it automatically triggers an order placement event to ship product to customer. 1. In a printing system , a method to predict remaining useful life of a replaceable cartridge comprising:utilizing a database of toner level changes actually experienced by the replaceable cartridge for a discrete time interval;performing a weighted least square regression modeling on the database of toner level changes to predict current toner level, future toner level, or remaining useful life of the replaceable cartridge, the weighted least squares regression estimation including weights determined from a weight function comprising multiple layers to account for different factors affecting accuracy of the prediction.2. The method in accordance to claim 1 , wherein a layer of the multiple layers represents toner usage over time.3. The method in accordance to claim 1 , wherein a layer of the multiple layers represents measurement resolution error.4. The method in accordance to claim 1 , wherein a layer of the multiple layers represents influence of multiple measurements over one measurement time unit.5. The method in accordance to claim 1 , wherein the weights are determined using the following function: w=ww. . . wf(x); where w claim 1 , w claim 1 , . . . ware weight component layers that account for multiple measurements and measurement resolution error claim 1 , and f(xi) account for toner usage over time.7. The method in accordance to claim 6 , further ...

ESTIMATING ACCURACY OF A REMAINING USEFUL LIFE PREDICTION MODEL FOR A CONSUMABLE USING STATISTICS BASED SEGMENTATION TECHNIQUE

An apparatus and method of predicting the end of life of a consumable. A basic weighted least squares algorithm has been extended and augmented to compensate for observed common consumable/printer behavior. The system uses consumable usage data (such as toner level) acquired from the device to predict the current and future consumable level and to predict the remaining life. The apparatus and method monitors the consumable's usage and updates the prediction so that when the predicted remaining life matches a preset threshold, it automatically triggers an order placement event to ship product to customer. 1. A method to rapidly detect anomalies in measurement and/or usage which would prevent accurate estimates of supply level and of remaining useful life of a consumable in an image reproduction device , the method comprising:selectively segmenting consumables into groups which show statistically different levels of prediction accuracy by the features of the prediction models when a prediction was given by a prediction model applied to a historic consumable usage dataset;applying statistical metrics to the groups which show statistically different levels of prediction accuracy so as to alert a user or a service/maintenance provider when it is probable that a remaining life prediction models will not yield accurate results for a given time window, so that a different prediction model or an alternative shipment triggering algorithm can be employed.2. The method in accordance to claim 1 , wherein segmenting the consumables into groups comprises determining a correlation coefficients (K) between a usage of the consumable and the output of the image reproduction device.3. The method in accordance to claim 2 , wherein segmenting the consumables into groups comprises determining a mean and standard deviation or variance (V) of a usage rate of the consumable.4. The method in accordance to claim 3 , wherein segmenting the consumables into groups comprises determining a first ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, DENSITY DETECTING APPARATUS, AND DENSITY DETECTING METHOD

Provided are a first detecting unit having a singular first light-receiving element disposed to face a direction of normal reflection of light, the light having been emitted from a first light-emitting element toward a first detection image formed on the rotary member and reflected thereat, and a second detecting unit having a singular second light-receiving element disposed to face a direction different from a direction of normal reflection of light, the light having been emitted from a second light-emitting element toward a second detection image formed on the rotary member and reflected thereat. A value relating to toner density is obtained based on a first detection result detected by the first detecting unit and a second detection result detected by the second detecting unit. 1. An image forming apparatus , comprising:a rotary member;an image forming unit configured to form a plurality of detection images, which are toner images, on the rotary member;a first detecting unit having a singular first light-receiving element disposed to face a direction of normal reflection of light, the light having been emitted from a first light-emitting element toward a first detection image formed on the rotary member and reflected thereat;a second detecting unit having a singular second light-receiving element disposed to face a direction different from a direction of normal reflection of light, the light having been emitted from a second light-emitting element toward a second detection image formed on the rotary member and reflected thereat; anda control unit configured to obtain a value relating to toner density based on a first detection result detected by the first detecting unit and a second detection result detected by the second detecting unit.2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the control unit obtains the value relating to the toner density, based on a correction result of having corrected the first detection result and the second detection ...

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL PROGRAM

An image forming apparatus includes a sample pattern outputting part holding a sample pattern and supplying the held sample pattern to the image forming part, a selection part allowing a user to select one of the color sample images that configure the sample pattern, an image formation density adjustment amount holding part determining and holding image formation density adjustment amounts for increasing or decreasing image formation densities of the plurality of the colors, an image formation density adjusting part adjusting image formation densities of the plurality of the colors according to the image formation density adjustment amounts, a presenting part presenting to the user the image formation density adjustment amounts; and an image formation density adjustment amount modifying part receiving from the user modifications with respect to the image formation density adjustment amounts and updating the image formation density adjustment amounts. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:an image forming part forming an image on a medium using developers of a plurality of colors;a sample pattern outputting part holding a sample pattern and supplying the held sample pattern to the image forming part to form an image on a medium to be output as a sample, a reference image and a plurality of color sample images being arranged in the sample pattern, the reference image being expressed by the plurality of the colors of predetermined densities, the plurality of the color sample images being formed by modifying a density of each of the plurality of the colors that are used to express the reference image by a predetermined amount;a selection part allowing a user to select one of the color sample images that configure the sample pattern;an image formation density adjustment amount holding part determining and holding image formation density adjustment amounts for increasing or decreasing image formation densities of the plurality of the colors that is used when the image ...

IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND CONTAMINATION INSPECTION METHOD

An imaging device includes: a housing having an opening in a surface thereof facing a subject; a light source that irradiates the subject with light; a two-dimensional image sensor that captures, from inside of the housing through the opening; an image of the subject illuminated by the light source; an optical member that is disposed between the two-dimensional image sensor and the opening and that transmits light reflected off the subject; and a contamination inspection member that is disposed between the opening and the optical member and that causes inspection light for inspecting contamination on the optical member to be incident upon the two-dimensional image sensor via the optical member. 1. An imaging device comprising:a housing having an opening in a surface thereof facing a subject;a light source that irradiates the subject with light;a two-dimensional image sensor that captures, from inside of the housing through the opening, an image of the subject illuminated by the light source;an optical member that is disposed between the two-dimensional image sensor and the opening and that transmits light reflected off the subject; anda contamination inspection member that is disposed between the opening and the optical member and that causes inspection light for inspecting contamination on the optical member to be incident upon the two-dimensional image sensor via the optical member.2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising:a determining unit that determines whether or not the optical member is contaminated using an inspection image obtained through imaging of the inspection light by the two-dimensional image sensor.3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the contamination inspection member is disposed at a position outside an optical path of the light that is reflected off the subject and is incident upon the two-dimensional image sensor.4. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the contamination inspection member is ...