JP2000267520A - Image forming device, consumables replenishment instructing method of the device and storage medium recording program of the method and being computer readable - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the occurrence of failure caused by out of consumables of a composite machine as much as possible. SOLUTION: In the composite machine, which has a copying function and a facsimile function, an instruction of replenishment of papers is given to an operator by displaying an empty (a paper replenishment instruction display) or a near empty (a paper replenishment warning display) with a residual amount (50 to 100 sheets) that is more than a normal residual amount (0 to 20 sheets) during non-bushiness hours (8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.) (S204).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in instruction timing of supply of consumables in an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus, a function as a copying machine (copy function) and a function as a facsimile apparatus (F)
AX functions), a multifunction peripheral having at least two functions of a function as a printer and a function as a scanner. In a conventional multifunction peripheral, when replenishing consumables such as paper and toner, the remaining amount of the consumables is detected by a sensor, and when the remaining amount is exhausted, an empty message (supply instruction) is displayed on the operation panel display. ) Or a near-empty message (supply warning) when the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, and instructing the operator to supply.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional consumables supply instruction timing, since the empty or near empty is detected only by the remaining amount of the consumables, for example, even at night or on holidays. In a multifunction machine that operates a facsimile machine and a copier that is used only when people are in the office, if paper or toner is used just before the empty detection by the copy function immediately before the end of working hours, Fax reception on holidays may not be performed sufficiently due to out-of-paper or out-of-toner, which may cause inconvenience.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art. In particular, the instruction timing of replenishment of consumables such as paper and toner in a multifunction peripheral is determined not only by the remaining amount of consumables but also by the instruction. Forming apparatus capable of minimizing the occurrence of inconvenience due to running out of consumables by changing the usage conditions and functions of the multifunction peripheral in consideration of the usage conditions and functions, a method for instructing consumables replenishment of the apparatus, and a program therefor It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded.

[0005]

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, wherein a detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of consumables, and a remaining amount of consumables detected by the detecting means are provided. Comparing means for comparing the amount with a predetermined value, notifying means for notifying that the remaining amount of the consumable is less than the predetermined value by the comparing means, and timing means for measuring the current time; Changing means for changing the predetermined value according to the current time measured by the time measuring means.

(2) The image forming apparatus further comprises a setting means for setting a change time of the predetermined value.

(3) The change time is a start time and an end time of the place where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the changing means sets the predetermined value to be larger outside the working hours than during the working hours. Change to

(4) A method for instructing the supply of consumables of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a method of instructing supply of consumables for an image forming apparatus, wherein a current time is measured and a remaining amount of consumables is detected. A step of changing a predetermined value to be compared with the remaining amount of consumables according to the current time; a step of comparing the detected remaining amount of consumables with the changed predetermined value; And notifying the user when the value is smaller than the predetermined value.

(5) The computer readable recording medium according to the present invention has a procedure for measuring the current time, a procedure for detecting the remaining amount of consumables, and a method for detecting the remaining amount of consumables according to the current time. A procedure for changing a predetermined value to be compared, a procedure for comparing the remaining amount of the detected consumable with the changed predetermined value, and a procedure for notifying when the remaining amount of the consumable is smaller than the predetermined value. In a computer.

(6) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: a detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of consumables; and a remaining amount of consumables detected by the detecting means. Comparing means for comparing the amount with a predetermined value, notifying means for notifying that the remaining amount of the consumable is smaller than the predetermined value by the comparing means, and timing means for timing the current date; And changing means for changing the predetermined value in accordance with the current date measured by the time measuring means.

(7) The image forming apparatus further includes calendar means having holiday information, and determination means for determining whether or not the current date is a day before the holiday, and the changing means sets the predetermined value to Change to be smaller on days other than the day before the holiday than on the day before the holiday.

(8) A method for instructing the supply of consumables of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is the method of instructing supply of consumables for an image forming apparatus. A step of changing a predetermined value to be compared with the remaining amount of consumables according to the current date; a step of comparing the remaining amount of the detected consumables with the changed predetermined value; And notifying the user when the value is smaller than the predetermined value.

(9) The computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention has a procedure for measuring the current date, a procedure for detecting the remaining amount of consumables, and a procedure for detecting the remaining amount of consumables according to the current date. A procedure for changing a predetermined value to be compared, a procedure for comparing the remaining amount of the detected consumable with the changed predetermined value, and a procedure for notifying when the remaining amount of the consumable is smaller than the predetermined value. In a computer.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

This image forming apparatus has a function as a copying machine (copy function) and a function as a facsimile machine (FA).
X function), which is roughly divided into an image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20, an operation panel unit 30, a controller unit 40, and a FAX transmitting / receiving unit 50. Note that a copier or a facsimile apparatus usually includes a scanner and a printer, and thus it can be considered that this multifunction peripheral has both a function as a printer and a function as a scanner.

The image reading section 10 has a function of reading an original placed on an original glass surface (not shown) by a CCD sensor (not shown), converting the read image into digital image data, and outputting the digital image data to the controller 40.

The image forming unit 20 converts the image data output from the controller unit 40 into a built-in paper cassette unit 21.
It has a function to print on the paper fed from. Consumables that need to be replenished include, for example, toner and fixing oil, a photosensitive drum and a transfer belt unit that have a predetermined life and need to be replaced, in addition to the paper stored in the paper supply cassette unit 21. These consumables are arranged at predetermined locations in the image forming unit 20.

Although not shown, the operation panel section 30 has a display section for displaying the state of the multifunction peripheral, and an input section for the operator to make various settings for the multifunction peripheral. The content displayed on the operation panel unit 30 is instructed from the controller unit 40, and information input to the operation panel unit 30 is transmitted to the controller unit 40.

The facsimile transmitting / receiving section 50 has a function of communicating with another facsimile apparatus via a public line.

The controller unit 40 includes the above-mentioned units 10 and 2
The copy function and F
This is a control unit for implementing the AX function. Inside the controller unit 40, a CPU 41 for performing actual control, a ROM 42 for storing programs, and an R for storing image data
An AM 43, a scanner interface (I / F) 44 as an interface circuit with the image reading unit 10, a printer interface (I / F) 45 as an interface circuit with the image forming unit 20, and an interface circuit with the operation panel unit 30. Panel interface (I / F) 4
6, and a FAX interface (I / F) 47 which is an interface circuit with the FAX transmitting / receiving unit 50. Further, the controller unit 40 has a clock / calendar IC 48 therein, and stores the current date and time (date and time).
You can get to know.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sheet remaining amount detecting mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus (specifically, the image forming section 20).

The sheets 60 are stacked on a sheet table 61.
The paper table 61 can be moved up and down by a stepping motor 62. The lower limit is detected by a lower limit sensor 63 and the upper limit is detected by an upper limit sensor 64.

The method for detecting the remaining amount of paper is as follows.
First, when the power is turned on or when the paper is supplied, the paper table 61 is lowered to the detection position (ON position) of the lower limit sensor 63, and the detected position is used as a reference. The platform 61 is raised. At this time, the distance from the lower sensor ON position to the upper sensor ON position is measured by counting the number of rotations (the number of steps) of the stepping motor 62, and the remaining amount of paper is determined based on the measured distance.

Here, for example, with the above-described mechanism, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of sheets up to the maximum stacking amount of 1000 sheets with an accuracy of ± 10 sheets.

The paper 60 is fed by a paper feed roller 65.
This is performed at a predetermined timing from the sheet cassette 21 to the main body of the image forming unit 20. When the paper 60 is consumed and the paper upper surface 60a is lowered, the stepping motor 62
The upper surface 60a of the paper table 61
To the position where is turned ON.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operation panel section 30.

In the figure, for example, reference numeral 31 denotes an LCD unit of the display unit for displaying various information as specific messages, and reference numeral 32 denotes a start button of the input unit for starting a copy operation. is there. Information on the remaining amount of paper in the image forming apparatus detected by the remaining paper amount detection mechanism is transmitted to the controller unit 40,
After a predetermined process described later, it is displayed on the LCD unit 31.

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart showing the overall operation of the image forming apparatus.

When the power is turned on by the operator, various initial settings necessary for starting the system are performed by the CPU 41 in the controller unit 40 (S101), and the state of various sensors and the like in the apparatus is acquired. (S10
2) Operation panel 3 for key input by the operator
The state of 0 is acquired (S103). Thereafter, a series of various controls relating to copy operations such as reading of a document, feeding of paper, formation of an image on paper, and discharge of paper are performed (S10).
4), display control for detecting the remaining amount of paper, which will be described later (S10)
5). After that, various setting values determined by the copy control in step 104 and the remaining amount detection display control in step 105 are registered and set (S106), and the operation panel unit 3
A setting such as an actual display is performed for 0 (S107).
The acquisition and setting of various states for the device as described above are executed at predetermined time intervals by the loop counter of step 108.

According to the present invention, the timing of instructing the operator to replenish consumables such as paper and toner is changed not only by the remaining amount of consumables but also by the use conditions and functions of the multifunction peripheral. As described above, in the case of a multifunction device having a copy function and a facsimile function, immediately before the end of working hours or before a holiday, near empty is displayed with a larger remaining amount than usual, and the operator can replenish consumables (paper). I have to instruct.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of display control for detecting the remaining amount of paper in step 105 in FIG.

First, in step 201, the current time information is updated based on the information from the clock / calendar IC 48, and in step 202, based on the information detected by the paper remaining amount detecting mechanism, the sheet cassette unit 21 is updated. Update the information on the remaining amount of paper obtained from.

Next, in step 203, it is determined whether or not a copy operation is currently being performed.
03: YES) The process proceeds to step 204, and if the copying operation is not being performed (S203: NO), the process proceeds to step 207.

In step 204, the current time obtained in step 201 is, for example, PM 8:00 to AM 9: 0.
0 (before 8:00 PM and before 9:00 AM), and determines whether the current time is between 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM.
(S204: YES), the process proceeds to step 205, otherwise (S204: NO), step 207.
Proceed to. Here, PM 8:00 is the closing time, AM
9:00 corresponds to the start time. That is, PM
The time between 8:00 and 9:00 corresponds to outside working hours.

In step 205, it is determined whether the remaining amount of paper obtained in step 202 is, for example, 100 sheets or less, and if the remaining amount of paper is 100 sheets or less (S20).
5: YES) The process proceeds to step 206, and if the number exceeds 100 (S205: NO), the process returns immediately because there is little risk of running out of paper even if night fax reception is considered.

In step 206, step 2
02 is determined to be, for example, 50 sheets or less, and if the sheet remaining quantity is 50 sheets or less (S2).
06: YES) The process proceeds to step 209. If the number of sheets exceeds 50, that is, if the remaining amount of paper is 100 sheets or less and more than 50 sheets (S206: NO), the process proceeds to step 210.

That is, the copy operation is currently being performed (S20).
3: YES), the current time is from 8:00 to 9:00 AM
(S204: YES) and the remaining amount of paper is 5
If the number is equal to or less than zero (S206: YES), a new printing (printing) operation is immediately prohibited because there is a possibility of running out of paper in consideration of FAX reception at night.
An indication that paper is to be supplied is displayed on the operation panel section 30 (S209).

On the other hand, the copy operation is currently being performed (S20).
3: YES), the current time is from 8:00 to 9:00 AM
(S204: YES), and the remaining amount of paper is also 1
If the number of sheets is less than or equal to 00 (S205: YES), but the remaining amount of paper exceeds 50 (S206: NO), there is a possibility that the paper may run out in consideration of FAX reception at night, but it is so large. Therefore, the printing operation is continued without immediately prohibiting a new printing operation (printing operation), but a warning is displayed on the operation panel unit 30 to prompt the user to supply paper (S210).

In Step 207, Step 20
It is determined whether the remaining amount of paper obtained in step 2 is, for example, 20 or less, and if the remaining amount of paper is 20 or less (S20).
7: YES) Proceed to step 208, and if the number exceeds 20 (S207: NO), the normal F
Since there is no need to consider AX reception and there is no risk of running out of paper, the routine immediately returns.

In step 208, step 2
It is determined whether the remaining amount of paper obtained in step S02 is empty, that is, whether there is no remaining paper. If the remaining amount of paper is empty (S208: YES), the process proceeds to step 209. If the remaining amount of paper is 1 or more and 20 or less (S208: NO), step 21 is executed.
Go to 0.

That is, when the copy operation is not currently being performed (S2
03: NO) or the copy operation is currently being performed (S:
203: YES) The current time is from PM 8:00 to AM 9: 0
If it is not between 0 (S204: YES) and the remaining amount of paper is empty (S208: YES), there is no need to consider nightly FAX reception, but the paper is actually out of paper. Therefore, a new printing operation is immediately prohibited, and a message indicating that paper is to be supplied is displayed on the operation panel unit 30 (S209).

On the other hand, if the copy operation is not currently in progress (S
203: NO), or the current copy operation is being performed (S203: YES), and the current time is from PM 8:00 to AM
If it is not 9:00 (S204: YES) and the remaining amount of paper is 20 sheets or less (S207: YE)
S) If it is not empty (S208: NO),
It is not necessary to consider FAX reception at night, but since the remaining amount of paper is small and there is a possibility of running out of paper, the printing operation is continued, but a warning display is displayed on the operation panel unit 30 to prompt the user to supply paper. (S210).

As described above, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the use time of the copy function is determined in step 204, and PM 8:00 is determined.
The display and operation are switched depending on whether the time is from 9:00 to 9:00 or not. However, as another embodiment, in consideration of holiday FAX reception, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The display and operation may be switched depending on whether the determination is made in 304 or before the holiday. FIG.
5 is different from the embodiment of FIG. 5 only in that it is based on date information or time information. Specifically, step 301 (corresponding to step 201 in FIG. 5) and step 30
4 (corresponding to step 204 in FIG. 5),
The processing in each of the other steps is exactly the same, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the reference time for switching between display and operation is set to a fixed time (PM8: 0).
0 to 9:00), but is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily set by the user.

Also, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the threshold value for determining the remaining amount of paper for outside working hours or the day before a holiday is a fixed value (100 sheets and 50 sheets). It is also possible to set automatically.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views for explaining a method for automatically setting the threshold value for determining the remaining amount of paper to an appropriate number of sheets. In particular, FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the remaining amount detection display control of the sheet corresponding to FIG. 5 in the case where the threshold value is provided, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the threshold value determination process of step 401 in FIG. As described above, the embodiment of FIG. 7 corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 5, and differs only in that the threshold value for determining the remaining amount of paper is not fixed but is automatically set. The processing to be performed will be described only briefly.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, first, in step 401, a threshold value determination process, which will be described later with reference to FIG.
Determine and set Y. Here, the threshold value X is a threshold remaining amount for prohibiting printing, and the threshold value Y is a threshold remaining amount for a sheet replenishment warning display (X <Y).

Next, in step 402, the information on the current time is updated, and in step 403, information on the remaining amount of sheets obtained from the sheet cassette 21 is updated.

Thereafter, in step 404, it is determined whether or not a copy operation is currently being performed.
404: YES) The process proceeds to step 405, and if the copying operation is not being performed (S404: NO), the process proceeds to step 408.

In step 405, it is determined whether or not the current time obtained in step 402 is between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, and if the current time is between 8:00 and AM9:
If it is between 00 (S405: YES), step 406
Otherwise (S405: NO) Step 4
Proceed to 08.

In step 406, the remaining amount of paper obtained in step 403 is set to Y determined and set in step 401.
It is determined whether or not the number is equal to or less than the number of sheets. If the remaining amount of paper is equal to or less than Y (S406: YES), the process proceeds to step 407, and if it exceeds Y (S406: NO), the process immediately returns.

In Step 407, Step 4
In step S407, it is determined whether the remaining amount of paper obtained in step S03 is equal to or smaller than X sheets determined and set in step 401. If the remaining amount of paper is equal to or smaller than X sheets (S407: YES), the process proceeds to step 410. A new printing (printing) operation is prohibited and a message indicating that paper is to be supplied is displayed on the operation panel unit 30. If the number of sheets exceeds X, that is, if the remaining amount of paper is Y or less, the number of sheets is smaller than X. If there are too many (S407: NO), step 411
Then, the printing operation is continued, but a warning display is displayed on the operation panel unit 30 to prompt the user to supply paper.

In step 408, step 40
It is determined whether the remaining amount of paper obtained in step 3 is not more than 20 sheets, and if the remaining amount of paper is not more than 20 sheets (S408: YE
S) The process proceeds to step 409, and if the number exceeds 20 (S)
408: NO) Return immediately.

In step 409, step 4
It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of paper obtained in step S03 is empty, that is, whether there is no remaining paper. If the remaining amount of paper is empty (S409: YES), the process proceeds to step 410, where new printing (printing) is performed. Operation panel 30
A message indicating that paper is to be replenished is displayed on the top, but if the paper is not empty, that is, if the remaining amount of paper is 1 or more and 20 or less (S409: NO), the process proceeds to step 411, where the printing operation is performed. A warning is displayed on the operation panel 30 to prompt the user to replenish the paper.

The threshold value determination processing in step 401 in FIG. 7 is specifically executed according to, for example, the procedure shown in FIG. Here, the number of received faxes on the previous night is reflected in the next threshold value.

First, in step 501, the current time is set to PM
It is determined whether the time is between 8:00 and 9:00 and if the current time is between 8:00 and 9:00 PM (S
(501: YES), proceed to step 502; otherwise (S501: NO), proceed immediately to step 504.

In step 502, it is determined whether or not printing (printing) is performed by FAX reception. If printing is performed by FAX reception (S502: YES), the process proceeds to step 503, otherwise (S502: NO). Proceed to step 504.

In step 503, the number of prints by FAX reception is counted. That is, the number of prints by FAX reception is counted up (P = P + 1), and F
After setting the number of sheets printed by AX reception in the parameter P, the process proceeds to step 504.

At step 504, the current time is AM9:
It is determined whether the current time is 00 or not. If the current time is 9:00 AM (S504: YES), the process proceeds to step 505; otherwise (S504: NO), the process immediately returns.

In step 505, it is determined whether or not the value of the parameter P, which is the number of sheets printed by FAX reception at night counted in step 503, is, for example, 50 or more. S505: YES) The process proceeds to step 506, and if the number is less than 50 (S505: N)
O) Go to step 507.

In step 506, threshold values X and Y are determined. That is, the threshold value X for printing prohibition and the threshold value Y for paper replenishment warning display are obtained by predetermined numerical calculations. Specifically, for example, the number of FAX receptions (P) of the previous night plus 10 is assumed to be X (X = P + 1
0), and the number obtained by adding 50 sheets to the X value is Y (Y = X + 50). Then, the value of the parameter P is reset to 0 (P = 0).

In step 507, the threshold values X and Y are also determined. Here, it is assumed that X = 50 and Y = 100. That is, when the number of received faxes on the previous night is less than 50, a numerical value prepared in advance is set.

With the above processing, the number of received faxes on the previous night can be reflected in the next threshold value.

In addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, for example, a method of determining the threshold values X and Y based on the average value over several days is also possible.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific display example on the operation panel section 30 regarding a sheet supply instruction. FIG. 6A shows a display when the remaining amount of paper is sufficient, and FIG. 5B shows a warning display of paper supply in a printable state (see S210, S310, and S411). FIG. 7C shows a sheet replenishment instruction display in the print prohibited state (see S209, S309, and S410). The start button 32 emits green light and can be operated (pressed) in the case of FIGS. 6A and 6B because the print button is in a printable state. In the case of, because the print is prohibited, it emits red light and the operation (press)
It is impossible.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, in a multifunction machine having a copy function and a facsimile function, the timing for instructing the operator to replenish sheets is usually set to be outside of working hours or the day before a holiday (for example, 0 sheets and 20 days). With the remaining amount (for example, 50 (X) sheets and 100 (Y) sheets) larger than the number of sheets (sheets), an empty display (paper replenishment instruction display) and a near empty display (paper replenishment warning display) are performed to notify the operator of paper supply. Since replenishment is instructed, a necessary and sufficient amount of paper is secured even at night (outside of working hours) or on holidays, and FAX reception is not sufficiently performed at night or outside of working hours. Inconvenience can be eliminated as much as possible.

In the above embodiment, the remaining amount of paper has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be easily applied to other consumables in a multifunction peripheral. For example, the present invention can be applied to a toner, a fixing oil, a photosensitive drum or a transfer belt unit having a predetermined life and requiring replacement.

When using a computer,
A program describing the processing procedures of the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 8 is recorded on a recording medium (for example, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or the like) which can be read by a computer, and an image forming apparatus is formed based on the recording medium. Can also be operated.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Change the timing of instructing the operator to supply the consumables according to the time or date, for example, because outside working hours or the day before holidays was determined by a threshold greater than the working hours or the day before holidays, There is no danger of running out of consumables even at night (outside working hours) or on holidays, and the occurrence of inconvenience due to running out of consumables at night or outside working hours can be reduced as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a remaining paper amount detection mechanism provided in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of an external appearance of an operation panel unit.

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart showing the overall operation of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of display control for detecting the remaining amount of paper in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the remaining paper amount detection display control in FIG. 4;

7 is a flowchart showing still another example of the display control for detecting the remaining amount of paper in FIG. 4;

8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a threshold value determination process in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific display example on the operation panel unit regarding a sheet supply instruction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image reading part, 20 ... Image formation part, 30 ... Operation panel part, 40 ... Controller part, 41 ... CPU, 42 ... ROM, 43 ... RAM, 48 ... Clock / calendar IC, 50 ... FAX transmission / reception part, 60 ... Paper.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables; and comparing means for comparing the remaining amount of consumables detected by the detecting means with a predetermined value. Notification means for notifying that the remaining amount of consumables is smaller than a predetermined value by the comparing means, time-measuring means for measuring a current time, and current time measured by the time-measuring means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: changing means for changing the predetermined value according to time. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit configured to set a change time of the predetermined value. 3. The change time is a start time and an end time of a place where the image forming apparatus is installed, and the changing unit sets the predetermined value outside the working hours to be larger than during the working hours. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein:
The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 4. A method for instructing a supply of consumables for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a step of measuring a current time; a step of detecting a remaining amount of consumables; and comparing the remaining time of the consumables according to the current time. A step of changing the predetermined value; a step of comparing the detected remaining amount of the consumable with the changed predetermined value; and a step of notifying that the remaining amount of the consumable is less than the predetermined value. A consumables replenishment instruction method for an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: 5. A procedure for measuring the current time, a procedure for detecting the remaining amount of consumables, a procedure for changing a predetermined value to be compared with the remaining amount of consumables according to the current time, A computer-readable program recording a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for comparing the remaining amount of consumables with the changed predetermined value, and a procedure for notifying the user when the remaining amount of consumables is smaller than the predetermined value. Recording medium. 6. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables; and comparing means for comparing the remaining amount of consumables detected by the detecting means with a predetermined value. Notification means for notifying that the remaining amount of consumables is smaller than a predetermined value by the comparing means, time-measuring means for measuring a current date, and current time measured by the time-measuring means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: changing means for changing the predetermined value according to a date. 7. Calendar means having holiday information, and determining means for determining whether a current date is a day before a holiday,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the changing unit changes the predetermined value to be smaller on days other than the day before the holiday than on the day before the holiday. 8. A method for instructing supply of consumables of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a step of measuring a current date; a step of detecting a remaining amount of consumables; and comparing the remaining amount of consumables according to the current date. A step of changing the predetermined value; a step of comparing the detected remaining amount of the consumable with the changed predetermined value; and a step of notifying that the remaining amount of the consumable is less than the predetermined value. A consumables replenishment instruction method for an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: 9. A procedure for timing a current date, a procedure for detecting the remaining amount of consumables, a procedure for changing a predetermined value to be compared with the remaining amount of consumables according to the current date, A computer-readable program recording a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for comparing the remaining amount of consumables with the changed predetermined value, and a procedure for notifying the user when the remaining amount of consumables is smaller than the predetermined value. Recording medium.