Patent US2983864A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US152013A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5347346A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Image forming apparatus with improved efficiency of maintenance control
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1990-12-21
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Granted: 1994-09-13
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Expires: 2010-12-21
Abstract
Abstract The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is connectable to an external device through a communication line, and includes an image forming device for forming an image on paper and a device for setting specified set conditions in the image forming device. The image forming apparatus performs image forming operation corresponding to the set conditions, and further includes a receiving device for receiving a control signal from the communication line and a transmission device for transmitting the set conditions through the communication line in response to reception of the control signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Tadafumi Shimizu
- 👤 Yoshiaki Takano
- 👤 Hiroyuki Ideyama
- 👤 Manabu Kamitamari
- 👤 Kadotaro Nishimori
- 👤 Yoshihiko Hatta
- 👤 Masazumi Ito
- 👤 Tsugihito Yoshiyama
- 👤 Yoshifumi Shibata
- 👤 Yoshiaki Hata
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 04:08
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/0703; G06F11/0706; G06F11/0733; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/50; G03G15/5075; G03G15/5079; G03G15/70; G06F11/0748; G03G15/55; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/00025; G03G2215/00109; G06F11/22; G06F11/2294
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external control unit through a communication line, said external control unit includes means for sending a control signal to the image forming apparatus through the communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper, said image forming means performing an image forming operation using a variable parameter; receiving means connected with the communication line for receiving the control signal from the external control unit through said communication line; detecting means for detecting a condition of said image forming means; adjusting means for varying said parameter based on a result of said detecting means; and control means for controlling said detecting means and said adjusting means such that said detecting means detects the condition of said image forming means and said adjusting means varies said parameter used in said image forming operation in response to reception of said control signal by said receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external control unit through a communication line, said external control unit includes means for sending a control signal to the image forming apparatus through the communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper, said image forming means performing an image forming operation using a variable parameter; receiving means connected with the communication line for receiving the control signal from the external control unit through said communication line; detecting means for detecting a condition of said image forming means; adjusting means for varying said parameter based on a result of said detecting means; and control means for controlling said detecting means and said adjusting means such that said detecting means detects the condition of said image forming means and said adjusting means varies said parameter used in said image forming operation in response to reception of said control signal by said receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming means further comprises transmission means for transmitting the detected result by said detecting means through said communication line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said detecting means detects density of an image formed by said image forming means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said detecting means detects abnormality of operation of said image forming means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said image forming means comprises a photoreceptor, a charger for a surface of said photoreceptor, exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light corresponding to an original image on said charged photoreceptor, developing means for developing said formed electrostatic latent image with toner, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed by said developing means on the paper.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said detecting means comprises measuring means for measuring a specified physical quantity in said image forming means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said physical quantity comprises a surface potential of said photoreceptor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said physical quantity comprises density of the toner image formed on said photoreceptor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
119 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, said external device includes means for sending a control signal to the image forming apparatus through the communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for performing an image forming operation using a predetermined value which affects image quality; receiving means connected with the communication line for receiving the control signal from the external device through said communication line; detecting means for detecting a current image forming ability of the image forming means in response to reception of said control signal; and altering means for altering said predetermined value used in said image forming operation in response to a result of said detection means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
119 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, said external device includes means for sending a control signal to the image forming apparatus through the communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for performing an image forming operation using a predetermined value which affects image quality; receiving means connected with the communication line for receiving the control signal from the external device through said communication line; detecting means for detecting a current image forming ability of the image forming means in response to reception of said control signal; and altering means for altering said predetermined value used in said image forming operation in response to a result of said detection means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
127 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, said external device includes means for sending a control signal to the image forming apparatus through the communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; receiving means connected with the communication line for receiving the control signal from the external device through said communication line; control means for detecting an operation condition of said image forming means in response to reception of said control signal and also adjusting image quality formed by said image forming means on the basis of said detected condition; and transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting through said communication line an amount of adjustment performed by said control means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
127 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, said external device includes means for sending a control signal to the image forming apparatus through the communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; receiving means connected with the communication line for receiving the control signal from the external device through said communication line; control means for detecting an operation condition of said image forming means in response to reception of said control signal and also adjusting image quality formed by said image forming means on the basis of said detected condition; and transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting through said communication line an amount of adjustment performed by said control means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transmission means transmits information indicating density of an image formed by said image forming apparatus together with said adjustment content.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
163 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; and a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for performing an image forming operation using a predetermined value which affects image quality; means for receiving a predetermined control signal transmitted from said control unit through said communication line; detecting means for detecting an operational condition of said image forming means in response to reception of said control signal; means for altering said predetermined value used in said image forming operation on the basis of the detected result by said detecting means; and means for transmitting information indicating the altered value to said control unit through said communication line; and said control unit includes: means for transmitting said control signal to said image forming apparatus; means for receiving the information transmitted from said image forming apparatus; and means for supplying as an output the information received by said receiving means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
163 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; and a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for performing an image forming operation using a predetermined value which affects image quality; means for receiving a predetermined control signal transmitted from said control unit through said communication line; detecting means for detecting an operational condition of said image forming means in response to reception of said control signal; means for altering said predetermined value used in said image forming operation on the basis of the detected result by said detecting means; and means for transmitting information indicating the altered value to said control unit through said communication line; and said control unit includes: means for transmitting said control signal to said image forming apparatus; means for receiving the information transmitted from said image forming apparatus; and means for supplying as an output the information received by said receiving means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
91 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; key means for receiving key input; detecting means, actuated in response to said key input, for detecting a condition of said image forming means; and transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting through said communication line a result detected by said detecting means to the external device together with a signal indicating that said key input is received by said key means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
91 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; key means for receiving key input; detecting means, actuated in response to said key input, for detecting a condition of said image forming means; and transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting through said communication line a result detected by said detecting means to the external device together with a signal indicating that said key input is received by said key means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said detecting means detects density of an image formed by said image forming means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
85 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said image forming means comprises a photoreceptor, a charger for charging a surface of said photoreceptor, exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light corresponding to an original image to said charged photoreceptor, developing means for developing said formed electrostatic latent image with toner, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed by said developing means on paper, and said detecting means comprises measuring means for measuring surface potential of said photoreceptor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
100 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external control unit through a communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for performing an image forming operation using a predetermined value for determining image quality; key means for receiving key input; means for altering said predetermined value used in said image forming operation in response to the key input of said key means; and transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting the altered value to said control unit through said communication line together with a signal indicating that said key input is received by said key means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
100 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external control unit through a communication line, said image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for performing an image forming operation using a predetermined value for determining image quality; key means for receiving key input; means for altering said predetermined value used in said image forming operation in response to the key input of said key means; and transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting the altered value to said control unit through said communication line together with a signal indicating that said key input is received by said key means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
72 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said image forming means comprises a photoreceptor, a charger for charging a surface of said photoreceptor, exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light corresponding to an original image to the charged said photoreceptor, developing means for developing said formed electrostatic latent image with toner, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed by said developing means on paper.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said developing means is provided with a developer including toners and carriers, and said predetermined value comprises toner concentration in said developer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said predetermined value comprises a voltage applied to said charger.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said predetermined value comprises an amount of light irradiated by said exposure means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
125 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting an operational condition of said image forming means; image adjusting means for adjusting an image quality formed by said image forming means on the basis of the operational condition detected by said detecting means; transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting an indication of the adjustment made by said image quality adjusting means to the external device through said communication line; key means for receiving key input; and control means for operating said detecting means, said image quality adjusting means, and said transmitting means in series in response to the key input of said key means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
125 words
An image forming apparatus connected to an external device through a communication line, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting an operational condition of said image forming means; image adjusting means for adjusting an image quality formed by said image forming means on the basis of the operational condition detected by said detecting means; transmission means connected with said communication line for transmitting an indication of the adjustment made by said image quality adjusting means to the external device through said communication line; key means for receiving key input; and control means for operating said detecting means, said image quality adjusting means, and said transmitting means in series in response to the key input of said key means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
151 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting operation condition of said image forming means; image quality adjusting means for adjusting quality of an image formed by said image forming means on the basis of the detected result of said detecting means; input means for inputting a signal commanding adjustment of image quality; first control means for sequentially operating said detecting means and said image quality adjusting means in response to input of the signal from said input means; paper jam detecting means for detecting occurrence of paper jam in said image forming means; and second control means for forbidding operation of said first control means when a paper jam is occurring, and when the paper jam is removed, releasing the forbidden operation of said first control means and also sequentially operating said detecting means and said image quality adjusting means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
151 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting operation condition of said image forming means; image quality adjusting means for adjusting quality of an image formed by said image forming means on the basis of the detected result of said detecting means; input means for inputting a signal commanding adjustment of image quality; first control means for sequentially operating said detecting means and said image quality adjusting means in response to input of the signal from said input means; paper jam detecting means for detecting occurrence of paper jam in said image forming means; and second control means for forbidding operation of said first control means when a paper jam is occurring, and when the paper jam is removed, releasing the forbidden operation of said first control means and also sequentially operating said detecting means and said image quality adjusting means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
182 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; a casing covering said image forming means and having an openable portion; condition detecting means for detecting operation condition of said image forming means; image adjusting means for adjusting quality of an image formed by said image forming means on the basis of the detected result of said condition detecting means; input means for inputting a signal commanding adjustment of quality of an image; first control means for sequentially operating said condition detecting means and said image quality adjusting means in response to input of the signal from said input means; open detecting means for detecting open condition of said casing; and second control means for forbidding operation of said first control means when said signal is supplied from said input means while the portion of said casing is open, and releasing the forbidden operation of said first control means and also sequentially operating said condition detecting means and said image quality adjusting means when said open detecting means detects that the portion of said casing is closed.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
182 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; a casing covering said image forming means and having an openable portion; condition detecting means for detecting operation condition of said image forming means; image adjusting means for adjusting quality of an image formed by said image forming means on the basis of the detected result of said condition detecting means; input means for inputting a signal commanding adjustment of quality of an image; first control means for sequentially operating said condition detecting means and said image quality adjusting means in response to input of the signal from said input means; open detecting means for detecting open condition of said casing; and second control means for forbidding operation of said first control means when said signal is supplied from said input means while the portion of said casing is open, and releasing the forbidden operation of said first control means and also sequentially operating said condition detecting means and said image quality adjusting means when said open detecting means detects that the portion of said casing is closed.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
114 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; and a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting operation condition of said image forming means; and means for transmitting a result detected by said detecting means to said control unit through said communication line; and said control unit includes: means for receiving the detected result transmitted from said image forming apparatus; and means for setting date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus on the basis of the detected result received by said receiving means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
114 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; and a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting operation condition of said image forming means; and means for transmitting a result detected by said detecting means to said control unit through said communication line; and said control unit includes: means for receiving the detected result transmitted from said image forming apparatus; and means for setting date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus on the basis of the detected result received by said receiving means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
55 words
The control system according to claim 24, wherein said control unit comprises means for transmitting the date of the service man visit to said image forming apparatus through said communication line, and said image forming apparatus comprises means for receiving the date transmitted from said control unit and display means for displaying said received date.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
87 words
A control system of an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus and a control unit connected to said image forming apparatus through a communication line, comprising: detecting means for detecting operational condition of said image forming apparatus; schedule setting means for setting date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus on the basis of the detected result by said detecting means; and display means provided in said image forming apparatus for displaying the date set by said schedule setting means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
87 words
A control system of an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus and a control unit connected to said image forming apparatus through a communication line, comprising: detecting means for detecting operational condition of said image forming apparatus; schedule setting means for setting date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus on the basis of the detected result by said detecting means; and display means provided in said image forming apparatus for displaying the date set by said schedule setting means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
124 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; and a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting operational condition of said image forming means; and means for transmitting a result detected by said detecting means to said control unit through said communication line; and said control unit includes means for transmitting a date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus through said communication line to said image forming apparatus, and said image forming apparatus further includes means for receiving the date transmitted from said control unit and display means for displaying said received date.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
124 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; and a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting operational condition of said image forming means; and means for transmitting a result detected by said detecting means to said control unit through said communication line; and said control unit includes means for transmitting a date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus through said communication line to said image forming apparatus, and said image forming apparatus further includes means for receiving the date transmitted from said control unit and display means for displaying said received date.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
64 words
An image forming apparatus connectable to an external control unit through a communication line, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; receiving means for receiving a signal indicating a date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus transmitted from said control unit; and display means for displaying said date on the basis of said received signal.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
64 words
An image forming apparatus connectable to an external control unit through a communication line, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; receiving means for receiving a signal indicating a date of a service man visit for maintenance of said image forming apparatus transmitted from said control unit; and display means for displaying said date on the basis of said received signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
45 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said image forming apparatus further comprises detecting means for detecting operational condition of said image forming means and means for transmitting the detected result by said detecting means through said communication line to said control unit.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
51 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting a condition of the apparatus; and date setting means for setting a date for a service visit for maintenance of the apparatus on the basis of the condition detected by said detecting means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
51 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting a condition of the apparatus; and date setting means for setting a date for a service visit for maintenance of the apparatus on the basis of the condition detected by said detecting means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
56 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said date setting means includes a classifying of the condition detected into one of a plurality of maintenance levels and data deciding means for deciding the date for a service visit for maintenance of the apparatus on the basis of the maintenance level of the condition detected.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The image forming apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising: display means for displaying the date set by said date setting means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
109 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting a condition of the apparatus; and means for transmitting data representing the condition detected by said detecting means to said control unit through said communication line; said control unit includes: means for receiving the data sent through the communication line; and date setting means for setting a date for a service visit for maintenance of the apparatus on the basis of the data received by said receiving means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
109 words
A control system comprising: a control unit; an image forming apparatus; a communication line connecting the image forming apparatus to said control unit; said image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image on paper; detecting means for detecting a condition of the apparatus; and means for transmitting data representing the condition detected by said detecting means to said control unit through said communication line; said control unit includes: means for receiving the data sent through the communication line; and date setting means for setting a date for a service visit for maintenance of the apparatus on the basis of the data received by said receiving means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
72 words
The control system according to claim 33, said control unit further comprising: date transmitting means for transmitting second data representing the date of a service visit for maintenance of the apparatus through the communication line to the image forming apparatus; and said image forming apparatus further comprising: data receiving means for receiving the second data sent through the communication line; and display means for displaying the date represented by said second data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-09-12 | 1998-03-14 | 1998-09-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-09-12 | 2002-03-14 | 2002-09-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-09-12 | 2006-03-14 | 2006-09-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |