Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Masao Moriya

Hajime Oyama

Shin Hasegawa

Eiichi Katoh

Shunsuke Watanabe

Yasunari Hashimoto

Yoshimine Horiuchi

In an image forming apparatus, picture display control means causes display means to selectively display a simple picture which allows a limited number of basic functions to be selected, or a standard picture which allows all the functions, inclusive of the functions available with the simple picture, to be selected. The simple picture and standard picture are switched over by software. The operation of the apparatus may be permitted only when a user code matching any one of user codes registered beforehand is input; either the simple picture or the standard picture may be set for each user code and displayed as the initial picture. The apparatus allows the operator to set up functions matching the contents of image formation and operator's skill without resorting to an openable cover for concealing a part of function setting keys.

Image forming apparatus promoting easy function setting

An image density control method for an image forming apparatus determines the density of a toner image formed on a photoconductive element by a reflection type photosensor and, if the density is low, supplies a toner to a developing unit. A latent image representative of a reference pattern is electrostatically formed on the photoconductive element and then developed by a toner supplied from the developing unit. The supply of a toner to the developing unit is controlled on the basis of the outputs of the sensor associated with the area of the photoconductive element where the pattern image exists and a non-image area. A particular bias voltage is applied to the developing unit for each of the image area and non-image area.

Image density control method for an image forming apparatus for reducing

A toner end detecting method for an electrophotographic copier which allows the copier to operate even when a toner end condition is detected by accident or when a developing device included in the copier and being used is replaced with another storing a toner of the same color while a toner end condition is not reached. When the power source of the copier is turned off and then on or when the developing device is set on the copier, the method executes a recovery procedure.

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Yokohama, Japan

Masao Moriya