In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a storage section configured to store a setting indicating one of a first condition for permitting start of an application both in a login state and in a logout state and a second condition for permitting start of the application only in the login state; a receiving section configured to receive an instruction to start the application; and a control section configured to start the application if the first condition is set for the application or start the application on condition that the image forming apparatus is in the login state if the second condition is set for the application in response to a start instruction in a logout state.

An image forming apparatus includes a reading unit that reads data stored in an activity amount meter, at least one of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium and an image reading unit that reads the image, a display unit that displays an option to be selected such that the display unit receives a use instruction of a function that is selected, and a sending unit that sends the data stored in the activity amount meter and read by the reading unit. The display unit receives the use instruction even when the sending unit is sending the data stored in the activity amount meter and read by the reading unit.

Control circuitry includes a converter and an arbitration unit. The converter is configured to convert a first signal based on a first communication standard to an internal second signal based on a second communication standard and output the internal second signal. The arbitration unit is configured to arbitrate between access of the internal second signal output from the converter and access of an external second signal, which is also based on the second communication standard, input from outside the control circuitry.

An image processing apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display an operation screen; an acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of a user performing operation using the operation screen, the biological information varying reflecting a state of the user; and a registration control unit configured to control operation of registering information on the operation screen and the biological information of the user in association with each other.

A multifunction peripheral includes a processor and a memory storing boundary data defining a boundary between allowable and prohibited document processing jobs. The processor receives a document processing job and analyzes it relative to boundary data stored in the memory. The processor selectively performs the document processing job in accordance with analysis of the received document processing job relative to the boundary data. The boundary data defines what is acceptable or unacceptable for a document processing operation. The boundary data is determined via machine learning applied to analysis of document content, document metadata, rules or policies.

In one example, a method is described, in which a geographic location of an electronic device may be determined. Further, a region code may be read from a device component installed in the electronic device. Furthermore, the geographic location of the electronic device may be compared with the region code of the device component. The electronic device may be enabled to function with the device component when the geographic location of the electronic device falls under a region defined by the region code.

Systems, methods, and devices are configured to release a secure print job between users. They include receiving a print job associated with an electronic document created by a primary user, the print job comprising instructions for secure print authentication by a secondary user. They also include providing access by the secondary user to a print list comprising a subset of secure print jobs comprising the print job created by the primary user and providing the secondary user with an alternate access mechanism for the secure print authentication for printing the electronic document as part of the print job created by the primary user based on a relationship between the primary user and the secondary user. They also include providing instructions to print the electronic document when the secondary user has completed the alternate access.

Output devices or systems, such as televisions, speakers, projectors, or output controllers, are herein disclosed and enabled for wirelessly receiving digital content from a digital content service or from an information apparatus. The disclosed output device includes wireless communication circuitry and an interface. To set up the output device for receiving and playing the digital content, the output device first receives, via the interface, security information, and then establishes a wireless local area network connection. Subsequent to having established the wireless local area network connection, the output device connects to a server over a network, using the wireless communication circuitry, for downloading and installing software applications or software components for upgrading or modifying the capabilities of the output device. Thereafter, the output device is setup for receiving the digital content from the information apparatus and from the service using the downloaded and installed software components.

Control circuitry includes a converter and an arbitration unit. The converter is configured to convert a first signal based on a first communication standard to an internal second signal based on a second communication standard and output the internal second signal. The arbitration unit is configured to arbitrate between access of the internal second signal output from the converter and access of an external second signal, which is also based on the second communication standard, input from outside the control circuitry.

There is provided with an information processing apparatus. A controlling unit, in a case where a condition related to at least any of a mode of communication with an image processing apparatus, a form of a connection with an image processing apparatus, and an authorization level of communication with an image processing apparatus is satisfied, enables an instruction for a push scan to the image processing apparatus. A sending unit transmits to the image processing apparatus a credential to be used in transmission processing in a push scan. The controlling unit, in a case where a condition related to at least any of the mode of communication, the connection form, and the authorization level is not satisfied, controls to not perform an instruction for a push scan to the image processing apparatus.