KR20240057199A - Waste toner application according to mode input by user - Google Patents

Abstract

An interface unit that displays a plurality of mode steps and receives input of at least one of the plurality of mode steps as a step setting; and identifying the step setting, and based on the step setting, determining a waste developer use ratio, which is the waste developer supply amount compared to the developer supply amount, and determining a first environment mode having the waste developer use ratio, and determining the first environment mode. An image forming apparatus including a processor that develops by applying a mode is provided.

Description

Application of waste developer according to the mode entered by the user {WASTE TONER APPLICATION ACCORDING TO MODE INPUT BY USER }

The importance of the environment is increasing, and industries related to image forming devices are also investing in environmental protection. However, products such as developer cartridges are consumables and are discarded when the developer is consumed, which has a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, technologies for reusing waste developers are being researched.

The present disclosure may be readily understood by combination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, where reference numerals refer to structural elements.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process for reusing spent developer in an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first user interface for receiving a user command of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second user interface for receiving user commands of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third user interface for receiving user commands of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating a fourth user interface for receiving user commands of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the waste developer usage ratio for each of a plurality of modes, according to an example.
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an operation method of applying a mode of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the critical range and waste developer use ratio for each of a plurality of modes of the image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a critical range for each of a plurality of modes of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the number of pages available for an image forming apparatus, according to an example.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining commands stored in the memory of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.

In the case of waste developer in a developing unit, the storage amount of waste developer varies depending on the environment such as temperature and humidity, so an efficient use method is required. Furthermore, even when using a waste developer, a method and device for varying the usage ratio of the waste developer according to the user's selection is required.

As an example to solve the problem, an image forming apparatus includes an interface unit that displays a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer and receives a user command to select one of the plurality of modes; and a processor that controls developing the image by applying a usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit. The usage ratio of the waste developer may be the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied.

As an example, the image forming apparatus further includes a spent developer sensor corresponding to the spent developer, and the processor is configured to select the mode selected from the interface unit when the stored amount of spent developer obtained from the spent developer sensor exceeds a threshold. Image development can be controlled by applying the corresponding usage ratio of the spent developer.

The processor may display the plurality of modes on the interface unit in response to power application and control the display to receive a user command.

When the processor recognizes cartridge replacement, it can display the plurality of modes on the interface unit and control the display to receive a user command.

The processor may determine the rate of use of waste developer and control development according to the selected mode.

The processor may control information about the expected lifespan, number of available pages, or expected image quality for the selected mode or a plurality of modes to be displayed on the interface unit.

As an example to solve the problem, an image forming apparatus includes an interface unit that displays a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer and receives a user command to select one of the plurality of modes; an image density sensor that measures the image density; and applying the usage ratio, ratio range, and threshold range of waste developer corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit, receiving the image density value measured for the test pattern, and comparing the measured image density value with the threshold range. Thus, it may include a processor that determines the usage ratio of the spent developer and controls development. The usage ratio of the waste developer may be the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied.

The ratio range may vary the maximum or minimum value of the amount of spent developer or developer used depending on each of the plurality of modes.

The processor may determine to increase the usage ratio when the measured image density exceeds the upper limit of the threshold range and the usage ratio of spent developer compared to the applied developer supply amount is within the ratio range.

The processor may control to reduce the usage ratio when the measured image density is less than the lower limit of the critical range and the usage ratio of spent developer compared to the applied developer supply amount is within the ratio range.

As an example for solving the problem, a method of using an image forming apparatus includes displaying a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer; Receiving a user command to select one of the plurality of modes; And developing the image by applying a usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode, wherein the usage ratio of waste developer may be the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied.

Developing the image includes checking the amount of spent developer stored; And when the stored amount of spent developer exceeds a threshold, it may include developing an image by applying the usage ratio of the spent developer corresponding to the selected mode.

The displaying of the plurality of mode stages may include displaying the plurality of modes in response to power being applied.

The displaying of the plurality of mode steps may include displaying the plurality of modes when recognizing cartridge replacement.

As an example for solving a problem, a computer-readable storage medium stored with instructions executable by a processor includes instructions displaying a plurality of modes regarding the usage rate of waste developer; When a user command for selecting one of the plurality of modes is input, it includes commands for developing an image by applying a usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode, wherein the usage ratio of waste developer is determined by the amount of developer supply. It may be the amount of waste developer supplied.

If an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially at the same time, or may be performed in an order opposite to that in which they are described. At this time, the term '~unit' used in this embodiment means a software or hardware component, and the '~unit' performs certain roles. However, '~part' is not limited to software or hardware. The '~ part' may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium and may be configured to reproduce on one or more processors.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, steps, and/or regions, such elements, components, regions, layers, steps, etc. and/or regions should not be limited by these terms.

In the accompanying drawings below, in this disclosure, the expressions of more than or less than are used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is only a description to express an example. The following description is not excluded. Conditions written as ‘more than’ can be replaced with ‘more than’, conditions written as ‘less than’ can be replaced with ‘less than’, and conditions written as ‘more than and less than’ can be replaced with ‘greater than and less than’. With reference to the drawings, an example of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person skilled in the art can easily practice the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the example described herein.

“Image forming device” can be any type of device capable of performing image forming tasks, such as a printer, scanner, fax machine, multi-function printer (MFP), or display device. there is.

“Mode” may indicate a mode that reuses waste developer, such as “eco-mode” or “economode.” When applying the mode, the image forming device can save toner usage and cost per page, but print quality may deteriorate.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process of reusing waste developer of an image forming apparatus, according to an example, and schematically shows the configuration of a development unit 100 of the image forming apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, the development unit 100 of the image forming device for reusing waste developer includes a hopper 101, a developer supply unit 103, a waste developer collection unit 105, a waste developer supply unit 107, and a development chamber. It may include (109).

The waste developer generated in the development unit 100 may be moved to the waste developer storage unit by the waste developer collection unit 105. During the development process, the developer located in the hopper 101 can be moved to the developing chamber 109 by the developer supply unit 103, and the waste developer located in the waste developer storage unit for reuse of the waste developer can be moved to the waste developer collection unit 105. ), you can move to the development room (109). At this time, the total developer supplied to the developing chamber 109 can be divided into a developer supplied by the developer supply unit 103 and a waste developer supplied by the waste developer supply unit 107.

The image forming apparatus may drive the developer supply unit 103 and the waste developer supply unit 107 based on the mode to determine the developer supply amount and the waste developer supply amount.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an interface unit 210, a development unit 220, a spent developer sensor 230, a photoconductor 240, an image density sensor 250, a memory 260, and a processor. It may include (270). However, not all of the illustrated components are essential components. The image forming apparatus 200 may be implemented with more components than the components shown, and the image forming apparatus 200 may be implemented with fewer components than the illustrated components. Below, we will look at the above components.

The interface unit 210 may be a means for interfacing with a separate input/output device. For example, the input device may be provided in the form of a device such as an input button, keyboard, or mouse, and the output device may be provided in the form of a device such as a display unit for displaying images. As another example, the interface unit 210 may be a means for interfacing with a device that integrates input and output functions into one, such as a touch screen. Specifically, the processor 270 of the image forming apparatus 200 processes commands of the loaded program and displays a service screen or content constructed using data provided by the image forming apparatus 200 through the interface unit 210. can be displayed on the display. Additionally, the interface unit 210 provides a user interface (UI) screen through a display, etc., and can change the user interface screen according to a user command.

The interface unit 210 may display a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer. Additionally, the interface unit 210 may receive a user command to select at least one of a plurality of modes. For example, a plurality of modes may indicate that the degree corresponds to the level of the environmental mode and is expressed as an index. For example, in each of the plurality of modes, the ratio of use of waste developer, which is the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied, may be set. Additionally, the interface unit 210 can receive output types for applying a plurality of modes by a user command. For example, output types may include types such as graphic and text.

The developing unit 220 may correspond to the developing unit 100 in FIG. 1 . The developing unit 220 includes a developing chamber 109 that can store developer and waste developer, a developer supply unit 103 that supplies developer to the developing chamber 109, and a developing chamber 103 that supplies spent developer to the developing chamber 109. It may include a waste developer supply unit 107.

The spent developer sensor 230 is a sensor related to the storage amount of spent developer in the development unit 220. For example, the spent developer sensor 230 can measure the amount of spent developer stored in the spent developer storage unit. Alternatively, the spent developer sensor 230 is a TC (Toner concentration) sensor that can measure the mixing ratio (TC ratio) of the total developer located in the developing chamber 109, and the mixing ratio can be expressed by Equation 1 below. At this time, the total developer may be mixed with toner and carrier.

[Equation 1]

TC ratio = C/T _total Х100% = C/(T _normal +T _reuse )Х100%

In Equation 1, C(g) is the weight of the carrier, T _total (g) is the weight of total toner, T _normal (g) is the weight of toner, and T _reuse (g) is the weight of waste toner.

The processor 270 may obtain the storage amount of spent developer based on the measurement value measured from the spent developer sensor 230.

The photoreceptor 240 forms an electrostatic image on the surface, so that the toner included in the developer can be developed on the surface of the photoreceptor 240.

The image density sensor 250 can measure image density, which is the density of an image formed on the photoconductor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt. Specifically, the image density sensor 250 measures the test pattern formed on the photoconductor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt. The image density can be measured. This test pattern may indicate a pattern for measuring image density by transferring the developer to the photoreceptor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt. For example, the image density sensor 250 may be a CTD (Color Toner Density) sensor.

The memory 260 may store programs, data, or files related to the image forming apparatus 200. The processor 270 may execute a program stored in the memory 260, read data or files stored in the memory 260, or store a new file in the memory 260. The memory 260 can store program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. individually or in combination. Memory 260 may store instructions executable by processor 270. For example, the memory 260 includes commands displaying a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer; Commands that receive a user command to select one of the plurality of modes; Commands for developing images can be stored by applying the usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode.

The processor 270 may control the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 200. Additionally, the processor 270 may control the image forming apparatus 200 to perform the operations shown in the drawing.

The processor 270 may develop an image by identifying the mode selected by a user command and applying the usage rate of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode. The processor 270 acquires the storage amount of the spent developer based on the measurement value measured from the spent developer sensor 230, develops the image by applying a mode when the stored amount of the spent developer exceeds the threshold, and develops the image by applying the mode when the storage amount of the spent developer exceeds the threshold. If it is below this value, the image can be developed without applying the mode.

Additionally, the processor 270 may identify the mode selected by a user command and develop the image by applying the usage ratio, ratio range, and critical range of the spent developer corresponding to the selected mode. This ratio range refers to the maximum or minimum value of the amount of waste developer or developer usage according to each of the plurality of modes, and the threshold range may refer to the upper or lower limit of image density according to each of the plurality of modes. The ratio range and critical range are explained in detail by FIG. 10.

For example, the processor 270 may reduce the rate of use of waste developer when the measured image density is less than the lower limit of the critical range. The processor 270 may increase the rate of use of waste developer when the measured image density exceeds the upper limit of the threshold range.

The processor 270 may adaptively determine the use rate based on image density and rate range. For example, if the measured image density is less than the lower limit of the critical range and the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, the processor 270 may reduce the waste developer use ratio. The processor 270 may increase the waste developer use ratio when the measured image density exceeds the upper limit of the threshold range and is within the waste developer use ratio ratio range.

The processor 270 may display a plurality of modes on the interface unit 210 in response to power application and control the user commands to be input. Additionally, when the processor 270 recognizes cartridge replacement, it can display a plurality of modes on the interface unit 210 and control to receive a user command. The processor 270 may control the interface unit 210 to display at least one of information about life expectancy, number of available pages, and expected image quality corresponding to the selected mode.

Processor 270 may calculate the number of available pages. For example, the processor may calculate the second number of pages corresponding to the mode based on the number of first pages and the percentage of waste developer used. The first number of pages may indicate the number of pages available when the mode is not applied, and the second number of pages may indicate the number of pages available when the mode is applied. The operation of the processor 270 to calculate the first and second page numbers is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 12.

The processor 270 may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON) that processes digital signals. However, the processor 270 is not limited to this and may be implemented as a central processing unit ( central processing unit (CPU), micro controller unit (MCU), micro processing unit (MPU), controller, application processor (AP), or communication processor (CP), ARM processor In addition, the processor 270 may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) with a built-in processing algorithm, a large scale integration (LSI), or an FPGA (FPGA). It can also be implemented in the form of a Field Programmable gate array.

Figures 3 to 6C show various examples of user interfaces in the interface unit 210 for receiving user commands of the image forming apparatus. The interface unit 210 in FIGS. 3 to 6C may be divided into an input device and an output device, and a user interface may be implemented using the input device and the output device. A user interface screen (layer) is displayed by the output device, and a mode can be selected by receiving user commands from the input device. The interface unit 210 can display output types along with a plurality of modes. The interface unit 210 can select one of a plurality of modes or receive input of an output type.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first user interface for receiving a user command of the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the first user interface may be implemented through an input/output device provided in the image forming apparatus 200. The first user interface screen 310 displays a plurality of modes, and one of the plurality of modes can be input based on the first user interface input button 320. For example, when the user presses the Eco Mode On button of the first user interface input button 320, the first user interface screen 310 may display a plurality of modes. Additionally, when the user presses the 2 button of the first user interface input button 320, mode level 2 is selected, and the processor 270 controls to develop the image by applying the usage ratio of spent developer corresponding to mode level 2. can do.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second user interface for receiving user commands for the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example.

The second user interface may be implemented through an input/output device provided in the computer device. The second user interface screen may display a plurality of modes 410 and output types 420. The user selects a mode and output type through the input/output device of the computer device, and the computer device can transmit the mode and output type to the image forming device 200.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third user interface for receiving user commands for the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example.

The third user interface can be implemented using the dial button of the image forming apparatus 200 as an input device and the display as an output device.

The third user interface can configure menus through nested menus. The image forming apparatus 200 displays a menu in step 510 and receives a dial button input from the user, displays mode settings and receives a dial button input from the user in step 520, and displays a plurality of modes and receives a dial button input from the user in step 530. A button is input, and in step 540, the output type is displayed and a dial button can be input from the user.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating a fourth user interface for receiving user commands of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.

The fourth user interface can be implemented using a manipulation touch panel as an input/output device.

6A to 6C, the fourth user interface may display information on each of a plurality of modes on the first screen area 610 and display the output type on the second screen area 620. Additionally, setting information for each mode can be displayed. For example, the user interface may display the increase rate of the number of available pages in the third screen area 630, the number of available pages in the fourth screen area 640, and the expected image in the fifth screen area 650. Quality can be displayed with different contrast for each mode.

For example, referring to FIG. 6A, the fourth user interface displays mode level 1 information in the first screen area 610, no output type in the second screen area 620, and an available page in the third screen area 630. The number increase rate is 5%, the number of available pages is 15,800, and the expected image quality can be displayed in light and dark in the fourth screen area 640.

The image forming apparatus 200 in FIGS. 3 to 6C may display an alarm to the user in order to receive a user command. For example, when the printer is first installed and turned on, or when a toner cartridge has reached the end of its life and a new toner cartridge is installed, When the life of the toner cartridge reaches a certain range (alarm at 10% increments or alarm at 50% or less), when the number of output jobs is more than a certain number, when the number of graphic images is a certain number of daily routines (more than 100 sheets regardless of image type) In response to at least one case (or more than 10 graphic images), an alarm can be displayed, a plurality of modes can be displayed, and a user command can be received.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an image forming apparatus, according to an example, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a waste developer usage ratio for each of a plurality of modes, according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the image forming apparatus 200 may display a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer in step S701. For example, when the printer is first installed and turned on, or when a toner cartridge has reached the end of its life and a new toner cartridge is installed, When the life of the toner cartridge reaches a certain range (alarm at 10% increments or alarm at 50% or less), when the number of output jobs is more than a certain number, when the number of graphic images is a certain number of daily routines (more than 100 sheets regardless of image type) In response to at least one case (or more than 10 graphic images), an alarm can be displayed, a plurality of modes can be displayed, and a user command can be received.

The image forming apparatus 200 may receive a user command input in step S703. The image forming apparatus 200 may receive one of a plurality of displayed modes as a user command, or may receive an output type as a user command.

The image forming apparatus 200 may check the stored amount of spent developer in order to apply the mode selected by the user command in step S705. For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may obtain the storage amount of spent developer based on the value measured through the spent developer sensor 230. For example, when the spent developer sensor 230 measures the amount of used developer stored in the used developer storage unit, a measurement value of the stored amount of used developer can be obtained. Alternatively, when the spent developer sensor 230 measures the mixing ratio of the total developer located in the developing chamber 109, the storage amount of spent developer can be calculated based on the mixing ratio.

The image forming apparatus 200 may determine whether to apply the mode based on the amount of waste developer stored in step S707. The image forming apparatus 200 may check whether the stored amount of spent developer is less than or equal to a threshold value.

If the amount of waste developer stored is less than or equal to the threshold, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S709 and not apply the mode. If the amount of waste developer stored exceeds the threshold, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S711.

The image forming apparatus 200 may obtain the output type in step S711 and check whether the output type corresponds to the current output. If the output type does not correspond to the current output, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S709 and not apply the mode. Additionally, if the output type corresponds to the current output, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S713 and apply the mode.

The image forming apparatus 200 may apply the usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the mode selected in step S713.

For example, referring to Figure 8, the usage ratio of waste developer for each of a plurality of modes is shown. At this time, the plurality of modes can be divided into Off, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The percentage of waste developer use may be 0% in Off, 5% in Level 1, 10% in Level 2, and 15% in Level 3, and each of the plurality of modes has relative expected image quality and expected image according to the percentage of waste developer use. The level of concentration reduction may be set differently.

The image forming apparatus 200 may develop an image by applying or not applying a mode in step S715.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation method of applying a mode of the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example, and FIG. 10 is a critical range for each of a plurality of modes of the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example. This is a diagram to explain the rate of use of waste developer. The operation of the image forming apparatus 200 in FIG. 9 may be an operation independent of or connected to the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 in FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , steps S901 to S903 of the image forming apparatus 200 may correspond to steps S701 to S703 in FIG. 7 .

The image forming apparatus 200 may measure the image density of the test pattern formed on the photoconductor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt in step S905. This test pattern may indicate a pattern for measuring image density by transferring the developer to the photoreceptor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt.

The image forming apparatus 200 may apply the usage ratio, ratio range, and critical range of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode. This ratio range refers to the maximum or minimum value of the amount of waste developer or developer usage according to each of the plurality of modes, and the threshold range may refer to the upper or lower limit of image density according to each of the plurality of modes. For example, referring to FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 200 can apply the mode in mode level 1 with an initial spent developer use ratio of 10%, a spent developer ratio range of 0 to 15%, and a development density threshold range of 1.13 to 1.38. . When applying a mode, the image forming apparatus 200 may adaptively determine, such as increasing or decreasing the use rate of waste developer, based on the initial waste developer use ratio, ratio range, and critical range corresponding to the selected mode. there is.

The image forming apparatus 200 may determine whether the image density measured in step S907 is within the critical range provided in the mode. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 is divided into a case where the use rate of waste developer is increased, and a case where the image forming device 200 decreases the use rate of waste developer.

First, the case where the image forming apparatus 200 increases the use rate of waste developer is as follows.

If the measured image density exceeds the upper limit of the threshold range, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S909. If the rate of use of the waste developer in step S909 is within the ratio range, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S911 to increase the rate of use of the waste developer.

The image forming apparatus 200 reduces the usage rate of waste developer as follows.

If the image density is less than the lower limit of the critical range in step S915, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S917. If the rate of use of waste developer is within the ratio range in step S917, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S919 to reduce the rate of use of waste developer.

In addition, if the measured image density is below the upper limit of the critical range and the image density is above the lower limit of the critical range, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S913 and apply the mode without changing the rate of waste developer use.

Additionally, if the waste developer usage ratio is outside the ratio range in step S909, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to step S921 and handle an exception, and the image forming apparatus 200 may process an exception in step S917 if the waste developer usage ratio is outside the ratio range. In this case, you can handle the exception by proceeding to step S921.

The image forming apparatus 200 may not apply a mode or may apply a mode with different threshold ranges and ratio ranges in step S921.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a critical range for each of a plurality of modes of the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 200 may determine the initial waste developer use ratio, ratio range, and critical range depending on the mode. Additionally, the image forming apparatus 200 may adaptively determine, such as increasing or decreasing the usage rate of the waste developer, based on the initial waste developer usage ratio, ratio range, and critical range.

Referring to Figure 11, the critical range of image density according to mode is shown. For example, when the image forming apparatus 200 is in mode Level 1 and the image density is less than 1.13, it can check whether the waste developer usage ratio is within the ratio range and reduce the waste developer usage ratio.

Additionally, when the image forming apparatus 200 is in mode Level 1 and the image density exceeds 1.38, it can check whether the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range and increase the waste developer use ratio.

The above operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is due to the fact that image density increases as the use rate of waste developer decreases, and image density decreases as the use rate of waste developer increases.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the number of pages available for the image forming apparatus 200, according to an example.

There is a difference in the method of calculating the number of usable pages between the case where the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present disclosure does not use a waste developer by not applying the mode and when it uses a waste developer by applying the mode. Hereinafter, an operation of the image forming apparatus 200 to calculate the first page number when the mode is not applied and the second page number when the mode is applied will be described.

For example, when the mode is not applied, the image forming apparatus 200 calculates the toner remaining gauge by counting the motor slits of the developer supply unit. This can be expressed as Equation 2.

[Equation 2]

G is the remaining toner amount gauge, N _max is the maximum slit count number, and N _count is the slit count number.

At this time, the number of available pages can be expressed by Equation 3 below.

[Equation 3]

N _page is the number of available pages, G is the remaining toner amount gauge, and a is a predetermined constant. As shown in Equation 3, the number of available pages can be determined by the toner remaining gauge.

However, referring to FIG. 12, there is a difference in the rate of change of the toner gauge according to printing for each mode. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 200 uses waste developer using the environmental mode, it is necessary to use a different method for estimating the number of available pages.

The image forming apparatus 200 calculates a toner remaining gauge by counting the motor slits of the developer supply unit. The toner remaining gauge is a value based on the motor slit of the developer and is independent of whether waste developer is used. Therefore, it can be expressed by Equation 2 as before.

At this time, the number of available pages has a different gauge change rate value depending on the level setting of the environment mode. Specifically, it can be expressed as Equation 4 below.

[Equation 4]

N _page is the number of pages available, G is the remaining toner gauge, a is a predetermined constant, and b is the percentage of waste developer used. For example, assuming that the rate of waste developer use in mode Level 2 is 10%, the number of available pages is It can be.

The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure determines the rate of use of waste developer according to step settings and can vary the printing cost or the degree of environmental protection according to the user's selection.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining commands stored in the memory of an image forming apparatus, according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the image forming apparatus 200 may include a memory 260 and a processor 270. In this regard, the description of content that overlaps with the content previously described in FIG. 2 will be omitted below.

Memory 260 may store computer executable instructions. The processor 270 of the image forming apparatus 200 corresponds to an example of a computer capable of executing computer-executable instructions.

When a command 261 displaying a plurality of modes related to the usage ratio of waste developer or a user command for selecting one of the plurality of modes is input, the memory 260 uses the waste developer corresponding to the selected mode. Commands 263 for developing images by applying ratios can be stored.

Meanwhile, the method of operating the image forming apparatus 200 described above may be implemented in the form of a computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions or data executable by a computer or processor. It can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates such a program using a computer-readable storage medium. Such computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, and DVD-ROMs. , DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, magneto-optical data storage devices, An optical data storage device, hard disk, solid-state disk (SSD), and capable of storing instructions or software, associated data, data files, and data structures, and providing instructions or software to a processor or computer so that the processor or computer can execute the instructions. It can be any device capable of providing software, associated data, data files, and data structures.

Although the examples have been described with limited embodiments and drawings as described above, various modifications and variations can be made from the above description by those skilled in the art. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the example described, but should be determined by the claims and equivalents thereof as well as the claims described later.

Claims (15)

An interface unit that displays a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer and receives a user command to select one of the plurality of modes; and
It includes a processor that controls developing the image by applying a usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit,
The use ratio of the waste developer is the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied. According to claim 1,
It further includes a spent developer sensor corresponding to the spent developer,
The processor,
When the stored amount of spent developer obtained from the spent developer sensor exceeds the threshold,
An image forming apparatus that controls to develop an image by applying a usage ratio of the waste developer corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit. According to claim 1,
The processor displays the plurality of modes on the interface unit in response to power application and controls the image forming device to receive a user command. According to claim 1,
The processor, when recognizing cartridge replacement, displays the plurality of modes on the interface unit and controls the image forming device to receive a user command. According to claim 1,
The processor determines the ratio of waste developer used according to the selected mode and controls development. According to claim 1,
The processor,
An image forming apparatus that controls the interface unit to display information about the life expectancy, number of available pages, or expected image quality for a selected mode or a plurality of modes. An interface unit that displays a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer and receives a user command to select one of the plurality of modes;
An image density sensor that measures image density; and
Apply the usage ratio, ratio range, and critical range of image density corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit, receive the image density value measured for the test pattern, and set the measured image density value and the critical range. A processor that compares, determines the usage rate of spent developer, and controls development,
The use ratio of the waste developer is the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied. According to clause 7,
The ratio range is,
An image forming apparatus that varies the maximum or minimum value of the amount of waste developer or developer usage according to each of the plurality of modes. According to clause 7,
The processor,
If the measured image density exceeds the upper limit of the critical range and the ratio of use of waste developer to the amount of applied developer supplied is within the ratio range, the image forming apparatus determines to increase the use ratio. According to clause 7,
The processor,
If the measured image density is less than the lower limit of the critical range and the ratio of use of waste developer to the amount of applied developer supplied is within the ratio range, the image forming apparatus controls to reduce the use ratio. Displaying a plurality of modes regarding the usage ratio of waste developer;
Receiving a user command to select one of the plurality of modes; and
Developing the image by applying a usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode,
The method of determining the mode of an image forming apparatus, wherein the usage ratio of the waste developer is the amount of waste developer supplied compared to the amount of developer supplied. According to claim 11,
The step of developing the image is,
Checking the storage amount of spent developer; and
When the storage amount of spent developer exceeds a threshold, developing an image by applying the usage ratio of the spent developer corresponding to the selected mode. A method of determining a mode of an image forming apparatus, comprising: According to claim 11,
The step of displaying the plurality of mode steps includes:
A method of determining a mode of an image forming apparatus, including displaying the plurality of modes in response to application of power. According to claim 11,
The step of displaying the plurality of mode steps includes:
Method for determining a mode in an image forming apparatus, including displaying the plurality of modes when recognizing cartridge replacement. Commands displaying a plurality of modes regarding the usage rate of waste developer;
When a user command for selecting one of the plurality of modes is input, it includes commands for developing an image by applying a usage ratio of waste developer corresponding to the selected mode,
A computer-readable storage medium stored as instructions executable by a processor, wherein the usage ratio of the waste developer is the amount of waste developer supplied relative to the amount of developer supplied.

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