A processor selects a target sheet from a plurality of predetermined sheet candidates in accordance with selection information that is input via an input device. Furthermore, the processor derives feature information regarding a noise point from a target image that is obtained through an image reading process performed on an output sheet output from an image forming device, the noise point being a dot-like noise image included in the target image. Furthermore, the processor determines whether or not the noise point is a dot-like sheet noise by applying the feature information to a determination algorithm that corresponds to the target sheet, the sheet noise being included in a sheet of the output sheet itself, the determination algorithm being one of a plurality of determination algorithms that respectively correspond to the plurality of sheet candidates.

A method of maintaining a time measurement stored on an imaging device. The method comprises: receiving, by the imaging device, a supply item manufacturing time stamp from a supply item connected to the imaging device, comparing the supply item manufacturing time stamp with the time measurement of the imaging device, and updating, by the imaging device, the time measurement of the imaging device, based on the supply item manufacturing time stamp. An imaging device comprising a memory, the memory storing a time measurement, wherein the imaging device is configured to maintain the time measurement by: receiving a supply item manufacturing time stamp from a supply item connected to the imaging device, and updating the time measurement of the imaging device, based on the supply item manufacturing time stamp. An imaging device supply item, the supply item comprising a memory, the memory storing a supply item manufacturing time stamp, and the supply item being configured to send the supply item manufacturing time stamp to an imaging device.

A diagnostic system may comprise an image forming apparatus that forms a diagnostic image on a sheet and an image capturing apparatus that captures an image of the sheet on which the diagnostic image is formed and which has been discharged from the image forming apparatus, and outputs the image captured as a sheet image. The image capturing apparatus may make a diagnosis for a component of the image forming apparatus based on a position of an image deficiency in the sheet image, and output a diagnosis result for the component of the image forming apparatus.

An image reading device includes a sensor and circuitry. The sensor reads an image on a recording medium. The circuitry inspects the image and outputs an inspection result. The circuitry excludes an area of the recording medium as a first area from an area to be inspected, based on a type of the recording medium or a position of the recording medium with respect to a reading position at which the sensor reads the image, to determine a second area to be inspected. The circuitry outputs the inspection result based on the second area.

An information processing apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to acquire read image data of an image formed on a recording medium. The circuitry is configured to acquire output target image data according to which the image is formed. The circuitry is configured to generate, based on the output target image data, inspection image data for inspection of the read image data. The circuitry is configured to compare the read image data corrected based on an amount of deviation caused by conveyance of the recording medium with the inspection image data generated, to detect an image abnormality. The circuitry is configured to highlight and output a position of a portion of the image abnormality in the read image data before correction, based on the amount of deviation caused by conveyance of the recording medium, in response to the image abnormality being detected.

Disclosed here is a system enabling users/customers to receive an objective assessment of the performance of a printer. This is accomplished by comparing a quality score of an earlier-in-time image with a quality score of a later-in-time image. A processor analyzes each image based on several criteria and uses various image-analysis methods, to flag errors within an image. A numeric quality score, based on the number of errors, is provided to the user to objectively evaluate whether the printer has degraded or not. Thus, the user can objectively present an argument to a salesperson or manufacturer that the user is due a remedy.

An information processing device includes: a storage unit configured to store scan data read from a plurality of documents; and a processing unit configured to acquire, based on the scan data, identification information corresponding to an identification code present in the document, and generate, based on the scan data, extraction data obtained by collecting electronic data of the documents associated with the identification information among the plurality of documents. The processing unit analyzes the extraction data and performs processing corresponding to an analysis result.

Provided is support server 1 that is an image forming device installation support server. Location information acquiring part 100 inputs location information 200 from terminal 2. Place information acquiring part 110 obtains place information 210 including a nearby building and street in an address corresponding to location information 200 obtained by location information acquiring part 100. Image forming device information acquiring part 120 obtains image forming device information 220 including the installed location and printing number of sheets of a nearby image forming device in the address corresponding to location information 200 obtained by location information acquiring part 100. Scoring part 130 calculates suitability score 250 as a new print shop's installation location from place information 210 and image forming device information 220. Suitability score outputting part 140 outputs suitability score 250.

Provided is a data transmission system for detecting and predicting the occurrence of problems in image processing of a printing job before starting printing. A gateway registers a printing job that is received from a user terminal in memory, then transmits the printing job to a MFP. The MFP transmits printing data information to the gateway indicating the data amount in time when an image processing unit performs image processing on the printing job. The user terminal transmits printing data information to the gateway indicating the data amount in time when a simulated image processing unit perform a simulation process on the printing job. The gateway compares the printing data information, and when there is a difference in data amounts, registers problem information in memory indicating that there is a problem in image processing by the simulated image processing unit or the image processing unit.

The present disclosure is directed to a method for generating a visual display of metrics for one or more peripheral devices. The method involves receiving a plurality of data values indicative of a particular metric. The method also involves determining an average value of the plurality of data values and a ratio between the average value and a particular data value. The method further involves generating a bar graph with at least a first bar representative of the average value and a second bar representative of the particular data value. Additionally, the method involves modifying a longer bar of the first bar and the second bar based on a quotient between the average value and the particular data value based on the ratio being greater than or equal to a threshold ratio. The method also involves causing a display device to display the bar graph.