Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Fumihiro Kitahara

Shigekazu Enoki

Yoshiaki Tanaka

Kazuhiro Ando

Takeshi Motohashi

Yukio Noguchi

Shigefumi Soga

Kazuhiko Nakaya

Koichi Ichihara

Youji Mouri

Koyo Hariyama

Hisatsugu Niki

An image forming apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains from outside multilevel image data in color mode for forming a color print, and obtains binary image data in monochrome mode for forming a black-and-white print. The image forming apparatus also includes a volatile memory that stores therein the binary image data.

Image forming apparatus storing binary monochrome image data on internal memory and multi-level image data on external memory, image forming method, and computer program product

An image reading apparatus includes a line sensor for reading an image of an original, a scanning optical system that has a light source and scans the original, a reference reflection member provided in such a position as to reflect a light emitted from the light source, a buffer memory for storing data of the image, an intermittent reading part interrupting and restarting scanning performed by the scanning optical system based on a residual storage capacity of the buffer memory, and a light amount variation correction part correcting a variation in an amount of light of the light source during an interruption of the scanning based on an amount of reflected light from the reference reflection member.

Image reading apparatus and copier

A developing device which is particularly advantageous from the standpoint of avoiding leakage or scattering of toner. The developing device is additionally advantageous in allowing for a compact design while reliably supplying toner to the complete area of a photosensitive member upon which a latent image is formed. The developing device includes a toner container having an opening in a lower part thereof, through which toner falls. A magnet bar is provided below the opening, with a developing grid covering a portion of the magnet bar. The magnet bar forms a magnetic toner brush which penetrates through holes in the developing grid, with the magnetic toner brush and grid cooperating to prevent excessive toner from falling through the opening and thus preventing excessive toner from scattering outside the developing device.

Developing device for an image forming apparatus

Growing community of inventors

Kanagawa, Japan

Fumihiro Kitahara