US5262872A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image forming apparatus with means for error detection
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1991-10-09
•
Granted: 1993-11-16
•
Expires: 2011-10-09
Abstract
Abstract An image recording system includes a host computer and a recording apparatus. The host computer generates image data to be recorded as an image. The recording apparatus includes a recording head, an image data generator, an error detector, and a selector. The error detector checks the condition of the recording apparatus to detect any errors. The selector switches between an on-line mode and an off-line mode of the recording system. In the on-line mode, the recording head is capable of recording the image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the host computer. In the off-line mode, the recording means is capable of recording the predetermined image on the recording medium in response to the predetermined image data supplied from the predetermined image data generator. The selector switches to the on-line mode when the error detector does not detect an error and switches to the off-line mode when the error detector does detect an error.
Inventors
- 👤 Shigeru Yoshimura
- 👤 Tetsuo Suzuki
- 👤 Makoto Takemura
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:40
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J29/00; B41J29/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 75
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
An image recording system comprising: a host computer for generating image data to be recorded as an image; and a recording apparatus having recording means for recording images on a recording medium in response to image data supplied from said host computer, said recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, predetermined image data generating means for generating predetermined image data to be recorded as a predetermined image, error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting any errors, and selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode of said system in which said recording means records the image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from said host computer and an off-line mode in which said recording means records the predetermined image on the recording medium in response to the predetermined image data supplied from said predetermined image data generating means, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
An image recording system comprising: a host computer for generating image data to be recorded as an image; and a recording apparatus having recording means for recording images on a recording medium in response to image data supplied from said host computer, said recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, predetermined image data generating means for generating predetermined image data to be recorded as a predetermined image, error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting any errors, and selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode of said system in which said recording means records the image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from said host computer and an off-line mode in which said recording means records the predetermined image on the recording medium in response to the predetermined image data supplied from said predetermined image data generating means, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said selecting means selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error when the image is recorded in the on-line mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said selecting means includes a switching section for switching between the on-line and off-line modes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said recording means includes an ink jet recording head for recording images by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data and the predetermined image data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 4, wherein said recording head has a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
An image recording system according to claim 4, wherein said error detecting means can detect an error caused by shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording head.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 6, wherein said recording head has a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
An image recording system according to claim 4, wherein the ink comprises colored ink.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said recording means includes a plurality of ink jet recording heads for recording an image by discharging ink in response to the image data and the predetermined image data and color image recording is performed by discharging ink of different colors from said plurality of recording heads.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 9, wherein said recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
An image recording system according to claim 10, wherein said error detecting means can detect an error caused by shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording heads.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
An image recording system according to claim 9, wherein said image data generating means generates the predetermined image data from data stored in a ROM.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein said image data generating means generates the predetermined image data from data stored in a ROM.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image comprises a test pattern for checking a recording condition of said recording means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, further comprising conveying means for conveying the recording medium relative to said recording means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for indicating a kind of the error detected by said error detecting means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for indicating the mode selected by said selecting means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
An image recording system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for indicating a kind of the error detected by said error detecting means and the mode selected by said selecting means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
208 words
An image recording apparatus for recording an image, said recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said apparatus comprising: connecting means capable of connecting said recording apparatus through a communication path with a computer system for supplying image data for image recording; image data generating means for generating predetermined image data; recording means for recording images on a recording medium in response to the supplied image data and the predetermined image data; error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting any errors; and selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode of said apparatus in which said recording means records an image on said recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the computer system and an off-line mode in which said recording means records a predetermined image on said recording medium in response to the predetermined image data supplied from said image data generating means, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects said off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
208 words
An image recording apparatus for recording an image, said recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said apparatus comprising: connecting means capable of connecting said recording apparatus through a communication path with a computer system for supplying image data for image recording; image data generating means for generating predetermined image data; recording means for recording images on a recording medium in response to the supplied image data and the predetermined image data; error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting any errors; and selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode of said apparatus in which said recording means records an image on said recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the computer system and an off-line mode in which said recording means records a predetermined image on said recording medium in response to the predetermined image data supplied from said image data generating means, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects said off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
An image recording system according to claim 19, wherein said selecting means selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error when an image is recorded in the on-line mode.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image recording system according to claim 19, wherein said selecting means includes a switching section for switching between the on-line and off-line modes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
An image recording system according to claim 19, wherein said recording means comprises an ink jet recording head for recording images by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data and the predetermined image data.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 22, wherein said recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
An image recording system according to claim 22, wherein said error detecting means can detect an error caused by shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording head.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
174 words
An ink jet recording apparatus for recording with a recording head by discharging ink from a nozzle, said recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said apparatus comprising: image data generating means for generating predetermined image data; error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting an error; connecting means capable of connecting said recording apparatus through a communication path with a computer system for generating image data for image recording; and selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode in which the recording head records images on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the computer system and an off-line mode in which the recording head is incapable of recording, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
174 words
An ink jet recording apparatus for recording with a recording head by discharging ink from a nozzle, said recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said apparatus comprising: image data generating means for generating predetermined image data; error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting an error; connecting means capable of connecting said recording apparatus through a communication path with a computer system for generating image data for image recording; and selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode in which the recording head records images on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the computer system and an off-line mode in which the recording head is incapable of recording, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
An image recording system according to claim 25, wherein said error detecting means can detect an error caused by shortage of ink to be supplied to the recording head.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
An image recording system according to claim 25, wherein said selecting means selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error when the image is recorded in the on-line mode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image recording system according to claim 25, wherein said selecting means includes a switching section for switching between the on-line and off-line modes.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 25, wherein the recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of the recording head.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
170 words
An image recording apparatus characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said apparatus comprising: connecting means capable of connecting said recording apparatus through a communication path with a computer system for generating and supplying image data for image recording; and recording means for recording images on a recording medium in response to supplied image data; error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting an error; selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode of said recording apparatus in which said recording means records an image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the computer system and an off-line mode in which said recording means is incapable of recording, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
170 words
An image recording apparatus characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said apparatus comprising: connecting means capable of connecting said recording apparatus through a communication path with a computer system for generating and supplying image data for image recording; and recording means for recording images on a recording medium in response to supplied image data; error detecting means for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting an error; selecting means, responsive to said error detecting means, for selecting an on-line mode of said recording apparatus in which said recording means records an image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from the computer system and an off-line mode in which said recording means is incapable of recording, wherein said selecting means selects the on-line mode when said error detecting means does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error and said selecting means makes a selection when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
An image recording system according to claim 30, wherein said selecting means selects the off-line mode when said error detecting means detects an error when the image is recorded in the on-line mode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image recording system according to claim 30, wherein said selecting means includes a switching section for switching between the on-line and off-line modes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
An image recording system according to claim 30, wherein said recording means comprises an ink jet recording head of recording an image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 33, wherein said recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
An image recording system according to claim 33, wherein said error detecting means can detect an error caused by a shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording head.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
126 words
A control method for controlling a recording apparatus selectively having an on-line mode in which a recording means records an image on a recording medium in response to image data supplied from a computer system connected through a communication path to connecting means of the recording apparatus, and an off-line mode in which the recording means is incapable of recording, the recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said method comprising the steps of: checking the condition of the recording apparatus to detect any errors when the recording apparatus is turned on; and selecting the on-line mode when an error is not detected in said checking step and selecting the off-line mode when an error is detected in said checking step.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
126 words
A control method for controlling a recording apparatus selectively having an on-line mode in which a recording means records an image on a recording medium in response to image data supplied from a computer system connected through a communication path to connecting means of the recording apparatus, and an off-line mode in which the recording means is incapable of recording, the recording apparatus being characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, said method comprising the steps of: checking the condition of the recording apparatus to detect any errors when the recording apparatus is turned on; and selecting the on-line mode when an error is not detected in said checking step and selecting the off-line mode when an error is detected in said checking step.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
46 words
A control method according to claim 36, further comprising the steps of: rechecking a condition of the recording apparatus to detect any errors when an image is recorded in the on-line mode; and selecting the off-line mode when an error is detected in said rechecking step.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A control method according to claim 36, further comprising the steps of: switching between the on-line mode and the off-line mode in accordance with a manual operation.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
A control method according to claim 36, wherein in the off-line mode, the recording means is capable of recording a predetermined image on the recording medium in response to predetermined image data supplied from an image data generating means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 39, wherein the image data generating means generates the predetermined image data from data stored in a ROM.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 39, wherein the predetermined image comprises a test pattern for determining a recording condition of the recording means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 42, wherein the recording means comprises an ink jet recording head for recording an image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 42, wherein the recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of the recording head.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 42, wherein in said checking and rechecking steps, an error detecting means can detect an error caused by shortage of ink to be supplied to the recording head.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
174 words
An image recording system comprising: a host computer for generating and supplying image data for recording an image; and a recording apparatus characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, and having a recording section for recording an image on a recording medium in response to the supplied image data, and a control section having a central processing unit including an error detecting function for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting an error, and a selecting function for selecting an on-line mode of said system in which said recording means records the image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from said host computer and an off-line mode in which said recording means is incapable of recording, wherein said central processing unit selects the on-line mode when said central processing unit does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said central processing unit detects an error and said central processing unit operates in the selecting function when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
174 words
An image recording system comprising: a host computer for generating and supplying image data for recording an image; and a recording apparatus characterized by a condition including a susceptibility to errors, and having a recording section for recording an image on a recording medium in response to the supplied image data, and a control section having a central processing unit including an error detecting function for checking the condition of said recording apparatus and detecting an error, and a selecting function for selecting an on-line mode of said system in which said recording means records the image on the recording medium in response to the image data supplied from said host computer and an off-line mode in which said recording means is incapable of recording, wherein said central processing unit selects the on-line mode when said central processing unit does not detect an error and selects the off-line mode when said central processing unit detects an error and said central processing unit operates in the selecting function when said recording apparatus is turned on.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
An image recording system according to claim 45, wherein said central processing unit selects the off-line mode when said central processing unit detects an error while the image is recorded in the on-line mode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
34 words
An image recording system according to claim 45, wherein said recording section comprises an ink jet recording head for recording the image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 47, wherein said recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
An image recording system according to claim 47, wherein said central processing unit can detect an error caused by a shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording head.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
215 words
An image recording system comprising: a host computer for generating a data signal including image data for recording an image and for transmitting the data signal through a communication path; and a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium in response to the data signal supplied from said host computer, said recording apparatus having a communication control section having a first central processing unit, said communication control section for receiving the data signal transmitted from said host computer through said communication path and for storing image data from the received data signal in an image memory, a recording section having a recording head, said recording section moving said recording head relative to the recording medium to record the image on the recording medium in response to the image data stored in said image memory, wherein said recording head records the image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data, and a mechanism control section having a second central processing unit for controlling movement of said recording head relative to the recording medium by said recording section, wherein said mechanism control section includes a third central processing unit for controlling an ink jet mechanism and said third central processing unit controls a recovery mechanism of said ink jet mechanism.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
215 words
An image recording system comprising: a host computer for generating a data signal including image data for recording an image and for transmitting the data signal through a communication path; and a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium in response to the data signal supplied from said host computer, said recording apparatus having a communication control section having a first central processing unit, said communication control section for receiving the data signal transmitted from said host computer through said communication path and for storing image data from the received data signal in an image memory, a recording section having a recording head, said recording section moving said recording head relative to the recording medium to record the image on the recording medium in response to the image data stored in said image memory, wherein said recording head records the image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data, and a mechanism control section having a second central processing unit for controlling movement of said recording head relative to the recording medium by said recording section, wherein said mechanism control section includes a third central processing unit for controlling an ink jet mechanism and said third central processing unit controls a recovery mechanism of said ink jet mechanism.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
An image recording system according to claim 50, wherein said first central processing unit checks a condition of said recording apparatus and detects any errors.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
38 words
An image recording system according to claim 50, wherein said first central processing unit selects an on-line mode of said recording apparatus and when an error is not detected and an off-line mode when an error is detected.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 50, wherein said recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
An image recording system according to claim 50, wherein said first central processing unit. can detect an error caused by a shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording head.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
An image recording system according to claim 30, wherein said third central processing unit controls ink supply to said recording head.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
An image recording system according to claim 50, wherein said recording section comprises a motor for moving said recording head relative to the recording medium.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
An image recording system according to claim 56, wherein said second central processing unit controls rotation of said motor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image recording system according to claim 58, wherein said recording section begins recording when a predetermined amount of image data is stored in said image memory.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
192 words
An image recording apparatus comprising: a connecting section connectable with a computer system through a communication path, the computer system for generating a data signal including image data for recording an image; p1 a communication control section having a first central processing unit, said communication control section for receiving the data signal transmitted from the computer system through the communication path and for storing the image data from the received data signal in an image memory; a recording section having a recording head, said recording section moving said recording head relative to the recording medium to record the image on the recording medium in response to the image data stored in said image memory, wherein said recording head records the image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data; and a mechanism control section having a second central processing unit for controlling movement of said recording head relative to the recording medium by said recording section, wherein said mechanism control section includes a third central processing unit for controlling an ink jet mechanism and said third central processing unit controls a recovery mechanism of said ink jet mechanism.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
192 words
An image recording apparatus comprising: a connecting section connectable with a computer system through a communication path, the computer system for generating a data signal including image data for recording an image; p1 a communication control section having a first central processing unit, said communication control section for receiving the data signal transmitted from the computer system through the communication path and for storing the image data from the received data signal in an image memory; a recording section having a recording head, said recording section moving said recording head relative to the recording medium to record the image on the recording medium in response to the image data stored in said image memory, wherein said recording head records the image by discharging ink from a nozzle in response to the image data; and a mechanism control section having a second central processing unit for controlling movement of said recording head relative to the recording medium by said recording section, wherein said mechanism control section includes a third central processing unit for controlling an ink jet mechanism and said third central processing unit controls a recovery mechanism of said ink jet mechanism.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said first central processing unit checks a condition of said recording apparatus and detects any errors.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said first central processing unit selects an on-line mode of said recording apparatus when an error is not detected and an off-line mode when an error is detected.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said recording head includes a plurality of nozzles provided along substantially an entire width of said recording head.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said first central processing unit can detect an error caused by a shortage of ink to be supplied to said recording head.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said third central processing unit controls ink supply to said recording head.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said recording section comprises a motor for moving said recording head relative to the recording medium.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said second central processing unit controls rotation of said motor.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said recording section begins recording when a predetermined amount of image data is stored in said image memory.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3710342A
Cited
US3830962A
Cited
US3848720A
Cited
US4053900A
Cited
US4188668A
Cited
US4227819A
Cited
US4243330A
Cited
US4364067A
Cited
JPS56161761A
Cited
US4823192A
Cited
US4451169A
Cited
US4447832A
Cited
US4476486A
Cited
US4477823A
Cited
US4499478A
Cited
US4448559A
Cited
US4463361A
Cited
US4559543A
Cited
US4503443A
Cited
US4462702A
Cited
US4514740A
Cited
US4604632A
Cited
US4447817A
Cited
US4664545A
Cited
US4575729A
Cited
US4680641A
Cited
US4623139A
Cited
US4649501A
Cited
US4707704A
Cited
US4979132A
Cited
US5055861A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-11-15 | 1997-05-17 | 1997-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-15 | 2001-05-17 | 2001-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-15 | 2005-05-17 | 2005-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |