WO2024091287A1 - Application de toner usagé selon un mode entré par un utilisateur - Google Patents

Application de toner usagé selon un mode entré par un utilisateur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024091287A1
WO2024091287A1 PCT/US2023/018215 US2023018215W WO2024091287A1 WO 2024091287 A1 WO2024091287 A1 WO 2024091287A1 US 2023018215 W US2023018215 W US 2023018215W WO 2024091287 A1 WO2024091287 A1 WO 2024091287A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
waste developer
use ratio
forming apparatus
image forming
modes
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/018215
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sungchul AHN
ByeongNo JEONG
Shinhyup Kang
Original Assignee
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. filed Critical Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Publication of WO2024091287A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024091287A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5016—User-machine interface; Display panels; Control console
    • G03G15/502—User-machine interface; Display panels; Control console relating to the structure of the control menu, e.g. pop-up menus, help screens
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5016—User-machine interface; Display panels; Control console
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0856—Detection or control means for the developer level
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5033—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the photoconductor characteristics, e.g. temperature, or the characteristics of an image on the photoconductor
    • G03G15/5041—Detecting a toner image, e.g. density, toner coverage, using a test patch
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/55—Self-diagnostics; Malfunction or lifetime display
    • G03G15/553—Monitoring or warning means for exhaustion or lifetime end of consumables, e.g. indication of insufficient copy sheet quantity for a job
    • G03G15/556—Monitoring or warning means for exhaustion or lifetime end of consumables, e.g. indication of insufficient copy sheet quantity for a job for toner consumption, e.g. pixel counting, toner coverage detection or toner density measurement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/10—Collecting or recycling waste developer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5054—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the characteristics of an intermediate image carrying member or the characteristics of an image on an intermediate image carrying member, e.g. intermediate transfer belt or drum, conveyor belt
    • G03G15/5058—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the characteristics of an intermediate image carrying member or the characteristics of an image on an intermediate image carrying member, e.g. intermediate transfer belt or drum, conveyor belt using a test patch
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00025—Machine control, e.g. regulating different parts of the machine
    • G03G2215/00029—Image density detection
    • G03G2215/00033—Image density detection on recording member
    • G03G2215/00037—Toner image detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/08—Details of powder developing device not concerning the development directly
    • G03G2215/0888—Arrangements for detecting toner level or concentration in the developing device

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a developing unit of an image forming apparatus and a process of reusing waste developer of the image forming apparatus according to some examples.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to some examples.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface of an image forming apparatus to receive a user command.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface of an image forming apparatus to receive input of a user command.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface of an image forming apparatus 200 to receive input of a user command.
  • FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the user interface of an image forming apparatus to receive input of a user command.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of operating an image forming apparatus.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram describing a use ratio of waste developer for each of a plurality of modes according to some examples.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method of operating an image forming apparatus with a mode applied.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram describing a threshold range and waste developer use ratio of each of the plurality of modes according to some examples.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram describing a threshold range for each of a plurality of modes of an image forming apparatus, according to some examples.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram describing a number of available pages of an image forming apparatus according to some examples.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram describing instructions stored in a memory of an image forming apparatus according to some examples.
  • a storage amount of waste developer in a developing unit depends on environment, such as temperature and humidity, and thus, an efficient use should be planned. Furthermore, even for such waste developer, a method and apparatus for waste developer use ratio that can vary according to a user's selection have been demanded.
  • an image forming apparatus may include an interface unit to display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio and receive input of a user command to select one of the plurality of modes.
  • the image forming apparatus may include a processor to control an image to be developed using the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit.
  • the waste developer use ratio may be a ratio of a supply amount of waste developer to a supply amount of developer.
  • the image forming apparatus may include a waste developer sensor corresponding to the waste developer, wherein the processor is to, when a storage amount of the waste developer obtained from the waste developer sensor exceeds a threshold value, control an image to be developed by applying the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit.
  • the processor may be to control the interface unit to display the plurality of modes in response to receiving a power supply, and control receiving a user command.
  • the processor may be to, in response to recognizing a cartridge replacement, control the plurality of modes to be displayed on the interface unit so that the user command is received.
  • the processor may be to perform development by determining the waste developer use ratio according to the selected mode.
  • the processor may be to, control the interface unit to display information about an expected lifespan, a number of available pages, or an expected image quality, for the selected mode or the plurality of modes.
  • an image forming apparatus may include an interface unit to display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio and receive input of a user command to select one of the plurality of modes.
  • the image forming apparatus may include an image density sensor to measure an image density.
  • the image forming apparatus may include a processor to apply the waste developer use ratio, a ratio range, and a threshold range of the image density corresponding to the mode selected from the interface unit, receive an image density value measured for a test pattern, and perform development by comparing the measured image density value and the threshold range and determining the waste developer use ratio.
  • the waste developer use ratio may be a ratio of a supply amount of waste developer to a supply amount of developer.
  • the ratio range may vary in a maximum value or a minimum value of an amount of waste developer or an amount of developer in each of the plurality of modes.
  • the processor may be to, when the measured image density exceeds an upper limit of the threshold range, and the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, increase the use ratio. [00261 The processor may be to, when the measured image density is less than a lower limit of the threshold range and the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, decrease the use ratio.
  • a method of determining a mode of an image forming apparatus may include displaying a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio, receiving input of a user command to select one of the plurality of modes, and developing an image by applying the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode, wherein the developer use ratio is a ratio of a supply amount of waste developer to a supply amount of developer.
  • the developing the image may include identifying a storage amount of waste developer, and when the storage amount of the waste developer exceeds a threshold value, developing the image by applying the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode.
  • the displaying the plurality of modes may include displaying the plurality of modes in response to receiving a power supply.
  • the displaying the plurality of modes may include displaying the plurality of modes in response to recognizing a cartridge replacement.
  • a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor may include instructions to display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio, and instructions to, when a user command to select one of the plurality of modes is input, develop an image by applying the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode, wherein the waste developer use ratio is a ratio of a supply amount of waste developer to a supply amount of developer.
  • a specific order may be performed differently. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to a previously described order.
  • the term "-er/or” used in some examples may indicate a computer-readable component to perform certain roles. However, the term “-er/or” is not limited to such a computer-readable component.
  • the term “-er/or” may be in an addressable storage medium or may be to reproduce a processor.
  • first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, operations, and/or regions, such elements, components, areas, layers, operations, and/or regions should not be limited by these terms.
  • An "image forming apparatus” may be any type of device to form an image, such as a printer, a scanner, a fax machine, a multi -function printer (MFP), or a display device.
  • a printer such as a printer, a scanner, a fax machine, a multi -function printer (MFP), or a display device.
  • MFP multi -function printer
  • a “mode” may be a mode to reuse waste developer, such as "Eco-mode” or "EconoMode”. When such a mode is selected, the image forming apparatus may save toner usage and cost per page, while a print quality may degrade.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a developing unit 100 of an image forming apparatus and a process of reusing waste developer of the image forming apparatus, according to some examples.
  • the developing unit 100 of the image forming apparatus for reusing the waste developer may include a hopper 101, a developer supply unit 103, a waste developer collection unit 105, a waste developer supply unit 107, and a developing chamber 109.
  • the waste developer generated in the developing unit 100 may be moved to a waste developer storage unit by the waste developer collection unit 105.
  • the developer located in the hopper 101 may 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 may be moved to the developing chamber 109 by the waste developer collection unit 105.
  • a total developer supplied to the developing chamber 109 may be divided into developer supplied by the developer supply unit 103 and 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 a mode, to determine supply amounts of the developer and the waste developer.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to some examples.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may include an interface unit 210, a developing unit 220, a waste developer sensor 230, a photoconductor 240, an image density sensor 250, a memory 260, and a processor 270.
  • any of said elements may be omitted.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may be implemented with more elements than those illustrated, or the image forming apparatus 200 may be implemented with fewer elements. The elements are described in detail below.
  • the interface unit 210 may be an interface with a separate input/output device.
  • the input device may be a device, such as an input button, a keyboard, or a mouse
  • the output device may be provided in the form of a device, such as a display unit to display an image.
  • the interface unit 210 may be an interface with a device in which functions for input and output are integrated into one, such as a touch screen.
  • the processor 270 of the image forming apparatus 200 processes a command of a loaded program, a service screen or content based on data provided by the image forming apparatus 200 may be displayed through the interface unit 210.
  • the interface unit 210 may provide a user interface (UI) screen through the display or the like and change a screen of the UI in response to a user command.
  • UI user interface
  • the interface unit 210 may display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio.
  • the interface unit 210 may receive input of a user command to select at least one of the plurality of modes.
  • the plurality of modes may indicate a degree corresponding to a level of an eco-mode as an index.
  • a waste developer use ratio which is a ratio of a supply amount of waste developer to a supply amount of developer, may be set.
  • the interface unit 210 may receive input corresponding to an output type for the plurality of modes, by a user command.
  • the output type may include types, such as graphic and text.
  • the developing unit 220 may correspond to the developing unit 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the developing unit 220 may include the developing chamber 109 in which developer and waste developer may be stored, the developer supply unit 103 to supply the developer to the developing chamber 109, and the waste developer supply unit 107 to supply the waste developer to the developing chamber 109.
  • the waste developer sensor 230 may be a sensor related to a storage amount of the waste developer in the developing unit 220.
  • the waste developer sensor 230 may measure a storage amount of the waste developer in the waste developer storage unit.
  • the waste developer sensor 230 may be a toner concentration (TC) sensor and may measure a mixing ratio (TC ratio) of a total developer in the developing chamber 109, and the mixing ratio may be determined by [Mathematical Formula 1] shown below. In this case, toner and carrier may be mixed in the total developer.
  • C(g) is a weight of the carrier
  • Ttotai(g) is a weight of the total toner
  • Tnormai(g) is a weight of the toner
  • Treuse(g) is a weight of the waste toner.
  • the processor 270 may obtain the storage amount of the waste developer based on a value measured by the waste developer sensor 230.
  • the photoconductor 240 forms an electrostatic image on a surface thereof such that the toner included in the developer may be developed on the surface of the photoconductor 240.
  • the image density sensor 250 may measure a density of an image formed on the photoconductor 240 or an intermediate transfer belt. Specifically, the image density sensor 250 may measure the image density of a test pattern formed on the photoconductor 240 and the intermediate transfer belt. Such a test pattern may indicate a pattern to measure an image density by transferring developer to the photoconductor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt.
  • the image density sensor 250 may be a color toner density (CTD) sensor.
  • CCD color toner density
  • 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 a file stored in the memory 260, or store a new file in the memory 260.
  • the memory 260 may store program commands, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination.
  • the memory 260 may store instructions executable by the processor 270.
  • the memory 260 may store instructions to display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio, instructions to receive input of a user command to select one of the plurality of modes, and instructions to develop an image by applying the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode.
  • the processor 270 may control overall operations of the image forming apparatus 200. In addition, the processor 270 may control the image forming apparatus 200 to perform the operations shown in the drawings.
  • the processor 270 may identify the mode selected by the user command and apply the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode, so that an image is developed.
  • the processor 270 may obtain a storage amount of waste developer based on a value measured by the waste developer sensor 230, develop an image by applying a mode when the waste developer storage amount exceeds a threshold value, and develop the image without applying the mode when the waste developer storage amount is less than or equal to the threshold value.
  • the processor 270 may develop an image by identifying a mode selected by a user command and applying a use ratio of the waste developer, a ratio range, and a threshold range corresponding to the selected mode.
  • the ratio range may denote a maximum or minimum value of an amount of waste developer or developer used according to each of the plurality of modes
  • the threshold range may denote an upper limit or a lower limit value of image density according to each of the plurality of modes.
  • the processor 270 may decrease the waste developer use ratio.
  • the processor 270 may increase the waste developer use ratio.
  • the processor 270 may adaptively determine the use ratio based on an image density and a ratio range. For example, when a measured image density is less than a lower limit of a threshold range and the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, the processor 270 may decrease the waste developer use ratio. When a measured image density exceeds an upper limit of a threshold range and the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, the processor 270 may increase the waste developer use ratio.
  • the processor 270 may control a plurality of modes to be displayed on the interface unit 210 in response to receiving a power supply, and control a user command to be received. In addition, in response to recognizing a cartridge replacement, the processor 270 may control the plurality of modes to be displayed on the interface unit 210 and control a user command to be received. The processor 270 may control the interface unit 210 to display at least one of information indicating an expected lifespan, a number of available pages, and an expected image quality corresponding to the selected mode.
  • the processor 270 may calculate the number of available pages. For example, the processor may calculate a second page number corresponding to the selected mode based on a first page number and the waste developer use ratio.
  • the first page number may indicate the number of available pages when the mode is not applied, and the second page number may indicate the number of available pages when the mode is applied.
  • An operation of the processor 270 to calculate the first page number and the second page number is described in detail with reference to FIG. 12.
  • the processor 270 may be or include, but not limited to, a digital signal processor (DSP), which processes a digital signal, a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON).
  • the processor 270 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), or an Acorn RISC Machine (ARM) processor.
  • the processor 270 may be defined by terms corresponding to those described above.
  • the processor 270 may be or include a system on chip (SoC) having a built-in processing unit, and a large scale integration (LSI).
  • SoC system on chip
  • LSI large scale integration
  • the processor 270 may be or include a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
  • FIGS. 3 to 6C show various examples of a user interface of the interface unit 210 of an image forming apparatus to receive input of a user command.
  • the interface unit 210 in FIGS. 3 to 6C may be divided into an input device and an output device, and the user interface may be implemented with the input device and the output device.
  • a user interface screen (layer) may be displayed by the output device, and a mode may be selected by receiving a user command from the input device.
  • the interface unit 210 may display output types along with a plurality of modes.
  • the interface unit 210 may be to select one of the plurality of modes or to receive input corresponding to an output type.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface of the image forming apparatus 200 to receive a user command, according to some examples.
  • the user interface may be implemented through an input/output device included in the image forming apparatus 200.
  • a screen 310 of the user interface may display a plurality of modes or receive input corresponding to one of the plurality of modes based on an input button 320 of the user interface. For example, when a user presses the Eco Mode On button on the input button 320, the f screen 310 may display the plurality of modes.
  • the processor 270 may control an image to be developed by applying a waste developer use ratio corresponding to the Mode Level 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface of the image forming apparatus 200 to receive input of a user command, according to some examples.
  • the user interface may be implemented through an input/output device included in a computer device.
  • An example user interface screen may display a plurality of modes 410 and output types 420.
  • a user may select a mode and an output type through the input/output device of the computer device, and the computer device may transmit the mode and output type to the image forming apparatus 200.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface of the image forming apparatus 200 to receive input of a user command, according to some examples.
  • the user interface may be implemented by using a dial button of the image forming apparatus 200 as an input device and a display as an output device.
  • the user interface may include a menu through overlapping menus.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may display a menu and receive input of a dial button from a user, in operation 510, display a mode setting and receive input of the dial button from the user, in operation 520, display a plurality of modes and receive input of the dial button from the user, in operation 530, and display output types and receive input of the dial button from the user, in operation 540.
  • FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the user interface of an image forming apparatus to receive input of a user command, according to some examples.
  • the user interface may be implemented by using a control touch panel as an input/output device.
  • the user interface may display information indicating each of a plurality of modes on a first screen area 610 and display output types on a second screen area 620.
  • setting information for each mode may be displayed.
  • the user interface may display an increase rate of a number of available pages on a third screen area 630, display the number of available pages in a fourth screen area 640, and display an expected image quality on a fifth screen area 650 with a different contrast for each mode.
  • the user interface may display information on the Mode Level 1 in the first screen area 610, display no output type in the second screen area 620, display 5% increase in the number of available pages and 15800 sheets available, in the third screen area 630, and display the expected image quality in contrast in the fourth screen area 640.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 in FIGS. 3 to 6C may display an alarm to receive input of a user command.
  • an alarm and a plurality of modes may be displayed so that a user command is input, in response to at least one of when a printer is installed for the first time and a power is supplied, when a toner cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan and a new toner cartridge is installed, when the lifespan of the toner cartridge has reached a certain area (e.g., alarm by 10 % or alarm at 50 % or less), when a number of print jobs exceeds a certain number, when there are more than a certain number of graphic images (e.g., greater than or equal to 100 or greater than or equal to 10 graphic images regardless of an image type).
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of operating an image forming apparatus, according to some examples
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram describing a use ratio of waste developer for each of a plurality of modes, according to some examples.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio, in operation S701. For example, an alarm and the plurality of modes may be displayed so that a user command may be input, in response to at least one of when a printer is installed for the first time and a power is supplied, when a toner cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan and a new toner cartridge is installed, when the lifespan of the toner cartridge has reached a certain area (e.g., alarm by 10 % or alarm at 50 % or less), when a number of print jobs exceeds a certain number, when there are more than a certain number of graphic images (e.g., greater than or equal to 100 or greater than or equal to 10 graphic images regardless of an image type).
  • a certain area e.g., alarm by 10 % or alarm at 50 % or less
  • a number of print jobs exceeds a certain number
  • graphic images e.g., greater than or equal to 100 or greater than or equal to 10 graphic images regardless of an image type
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may receive input of a user command, in operation S703.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may receive input of one of the plurality of displayed modes as a user command or may receive input corresponding to an output type as a user command.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may identify a storage amount of waste developer to apply a mode selected by the user command, in operation S705. For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may obtain the storage amount of the waste developer based on a value measured by the waste developer sensor 230. For example, when the waste developer sensor 230 measures the storage amount of the waste developer in the waste developer storage unit, a measured value of the storage amount of the waste developer may be obtained. Alternatively, when the waste developer sensor 230 measures a mixing ratio of a total developer in the developing chamber 109, the storage amount of the waste developer may be calculated based on the mixing ratio. [00791 The image forming apparatus 200 may determine whether a mode is to be applied, based on the storage amount of the waste developer, in operation S707. The image forming apparatus 200 may identify whether the storage amount of the waste developer is less than or equal to a threshold value.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S709 and may not apply the mode.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S711.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may obtain an output type and identify whether the output type corresponds to a current output, in operation S711. When the output type does not correspond to the current output, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S709 and may not apply the mode. In addition, when the output type corresponds to the current output, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S713 and apply the mode.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may apply a waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode, in operation S713.
  • each of the plurality of modes represents a waste developer use ratio of each of the plurality of modes.
  • the plurality of modes may be divided into Off, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
  • the waste developer use ratio may be 0 % at Off, 5 % at Level 1, 10 % at Level 2, and 15 % at Level 3.
  • An expected image quality and expected image density degradation level according to the waste developer use ratio may be set differently in each of the plurality of modes.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may develop an image by applying or not applying the mode, in operation S715.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method of operating the image forming apparatus 200 with a mode applied, according to some examples
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram describing a threshold range and waste developer use ratio of each of the plurality of modes, according to some examples.
  • An operation of the image forming apparatus 200 in FIG. 9 may be independent of or linked to the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 in
  • operations S901 to S903 of the image forming apparatus 200 may correspond to operations S701 to S703 in FIG. 7.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may measure an image density of a test pattern formed on the photoconductor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt. Such a test pattern may indicate a pattern to measure an image density by transferring developer to the photoconductor 240 or the intermediate transfer belt.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may apply a waste developer use ratio, a ratio range, and a threshold range corresponding to the selected mode.
  • the ratio range may denote a maximum or minimum value of an amount of waste developer or developer used according to each of the plurality of modes
  • the threshold range may denote an upper limit or a lower limit value of the image density according to each of the plurality of modes.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may apply a mode by setting an initial waste developer use ratio to 10 %, a waste developer ratio range to 0 to 15 %, and a development density threshold range to 1.13 to 1.38.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may perform adaptive determination based on the initial waste developer use ratio, ratio range, and threshold range corresponding to the selected mode, such as increasing or decreasing a waste developer use ratio.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may determine whether the measured image density is within a threshold range included in the mode, in operation S907. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 is either to increase the waste developer use ratio or to decrease the waste developer use ratio.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S909.
  • the waste developer use ratio is within a ratio range in operation S909, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S911 and increase the waste developer use ratio.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S917.
  • the waste developer use ratio is within a ratio range in operation S917, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S919 and decrease the waste developer use ratio.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S913 and apply a mode without changing the waste developer use ratio.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation S921 and process as an exception, and when the waste developer use ratio is out of a ratio range in operation S917, the image forming apparatus 200 may proceed to operation 921 and process as an exception.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may not apply a mode or may apply a mode differing in the threshold range and the ratio range from the threshold range.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram describing a threshold range for each of a plurality of modes of the image forming apparatus 200, according to some examples.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may determine an initial waste developer use ratio, ratio range, and threshold range according to a mode. In addition, the image forming apparatus 200 may perform adaptive determination, such as increasing or decreasing a waste developer use ratio, based on the initial waste developer use ratio, ratio range, and threshold range.
  • a threshold range of an image density is shown for each mode. For example, when the mode is the Mode Level 1 and the image density is less than 1.13, the image forming apparatus 200 may identify whether the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, and decrease the waste developer use ratio.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may identify whether the waste developer use ratio is within the ratio range, and increase the waste developer use ratio.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram describing a number of available pages of the image forming apparatus 200 according to some examples.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 calculates the number of available pages, according to some examples, depending on whether a mode is not applied and the waste developer is not used, and whether the mode is applied and the waste developer is used.
  • operations include calculating a first page number when the image forming apparatus 200 does not apply a mode, and calculating a second page number when the image forming apparatus 200 applies a mode.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may calculate a toner remaining gauge by counting motor slits of a developer supply unit. This may be expressed by [Mathematical Formula 2],
  • G is a toner remaining gauge
  • Nmax is a maximum number of slit counts
  • Ncount is a number of slit counts.
  • the number of available pages may be expressed by [Mathematical Formula 3] shown below.
  • Npage — a X G
  • G is a toner remaining gauge
  • a is a predetermined constant. As shown in [Mathematical Formula 3], the number of available pages may be determined by the toner remaining gauge.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may calculate the toner remaining gauge by counting the motor slits of the developer supply unit.
  • the toner remaining gauge is a value based on the motor slits of the developer, regardless of whether the waste developer is used. Accordingly, the toner remaining gauge may be expressed by [Mathematical Formula 2] as before.
  • the number of available pages has a different gauge change rate for each level setting of an Eco mode. Specifically, the number of available pages may be expressed by [Mathematical Formula 4] shown below.
  • Npage is the number of available pages
  • G is a toner remaining gauge
  • a is a predetermined constant
  • b is a waste developer use ratio. For example, assuming that a waste developer use ratio in the Mode Level 2 is 10 %, the number of available pages may
  • the image forming apparatus may determine a waste developer use ratio according to level settings, so that output cost or degree of environmental protection may vary according to a user's selection.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram describing instructions stored in a memory of an image forming apparatus, according to some examples.
  • the image forming apparatus 200 may include the memory 260 and the processor 270. In this regard, descriptions overlapping those of FIG. 2 may be omitted below.
  • the memory 260 may store a computer executable instruction.
  • the processor 270 of the image forming apparatus 200 corresponds to some examples of a computer executing a computer executable instruction.
  • the memory 260 may store instructions 261 to display a plurality of modes regarding a waste developer use ratio, or instructions 263 to, in response to receiving a user command to select one of the plurality of modes, develop an image by applying the waste developer use ratio corresponding to the selected mode.
  • the operating method of 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.
  • the operating method may be written as a program that may be executed on a computer, and may be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates such a program by using a computer- readable storage medium.
  • Such a computer-readable storage medium may be read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, magnetic tape, floppy disks, magnet optical data storage devices, optical data storage devices, hard disks, solid-state disks (SSDs), and any device that is capable of storing instructions, related data, data files, and data structures, and providing instructions, related data, data files, and data structures to a processor or computer such that the processor or computer may execute the instructions.
  • ROM read-only memory
  • RAM random-access memory
  • flash memory CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil de formation d'image comprend une unité d'interface servant à afficher une pluralité de modes concernant un taux d'utilisation de révélateur usagé et à recevoir une entrée d'une commande utilisateur visant à sélectionner un mode parmi la pluralité de modes. L'appareil de formation d'image comprend un processeur servant à commander le développement d'une image sur la base du taux d'utilisation de révélateur usagé correspondant au mode sélectionné, le taux d'utilisation de révélateur usagé étant un rapport de la quantité d'alimentation en révélateur usagé sur la quantité d'alimentation en révélateur.
PCT/US2023/018215 2022-10-24 2023-04-11 Application de toner usagé selon un mode entré par un utilisateur WO2024091287A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020220137658A KR20240057199A (ko) 2022-10-24 2022-10-24 사용자에 의해 입력된 모드에 의한 폐현상제 적용
KR10-2022-0137658 2022-10-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024091287A1 true WO2024091287A1 (fr) 2024-05-02

Family

ID=86329160

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2023/018215 WO2024091287A1 (fr) 2022-10-24 2023-04-11 Application de toner usagé selon un mode entré par un utilisateur

Country Status (2)

Country Link
KR (1) KR20240057199A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024091287A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07181791A (ja) * 1993-12-24 1995-07-21 Canon Inc 現像剤供給装置及び画像形成装置
US20030031490A1 (en) * 2001-06-08 2003-02-13 Tomoko Takahashi Image formation method and image formation apparatus
JP2010264654A (ja) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-25 Riso Kagaku Corp インクジェット印刷装置
JP2011224842A (ja) * 2010-04-19 2011-11-10 Seiko Epson Corp 印刷制御装置および印刷装置
JP2012229378A (ja) * 2011-04-27 2012-11-22 Dic Corp インクジェット用顕色剤インク組成物、および該インク組成物を用いた感圧記録体
JP2013195639A (ja) * 2012-03-19 2013-09-30 Ricoh Co Ltd カラー画像形成装置
EP3171222A1 (fr) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-24 Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. Appareil de formation d'image

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07181791A (ja) * 1993-12-24 1995-07-21 Canon Inc 現像剤供給装置及び画像形成装置
US20030031490A1 (en) * 2001-06-08 2003-02-13 Tomoko Takahashi Image formation method and image formation apparatus
JP2010264654A (ja) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-25 Riso Kagaku Corp インクジェット印刷装置
JP2011224842A (ja) * 2010-04-19 2011-11-10 Seiko Epson Corp 印刷制御装置および印刷装置
JP2012229378A (ja) * 2011-04-27 2012-11-22 Dic Corp インクジェット用顕色剤インク組成物、および該インク組成物を用いた感圧記録体
JP2013195639A (ja) * 2012-03-19 2013-09-30 Ricoh Co Ltd カラー画像形成装置
EP3171222A1 (fr) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-24 Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. Appareil de formation d'image

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20240057199A (ko) 2024-05-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8718494B2 (en) Image forming apparatus and consumable supply management system
JP6965513B2 (ja) 画像形成装置、プログラム、および、画像形成システム
CN104423200B (zh) 图像形成装置及控制方法
US20130321865A1 (en) Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium
EP2667260B1 (fr) Appareil de formation d'images et procédé de commande de son unité de développement
JP5662250B2 (ja) 電子機器
CN104423204A (zh) 图像形成装置及控制方法
US20150153696A1 (en) Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and storage medium
US9400469B2 (en) Image forming apparatus and method of warning life of charging roller in image forming apparatus
US9360795B2 (en) Method of supplying developing unit with toner and image forming apparatus using the same
WO2024091287A1 (fr) Application de toner usagé selon un mode entré par un utilisateur
CN104427183B (zh) 图像形成装置及其控制方法
JP2013195788A (ja) 画像形成装置
US10409209B2 (en) Image forming apparatus, photoconductor film thickness estimation method, and estimation program
JP2007052297A (ja) 画像形成装置
JP7322383B2 (ja) 画像形成装置、キャリア劣化判断方法およびキャリア劣化判断プログラム
JP6873619B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
JP2009229825A (ja) 画像形成装置
US11586124B2 (en) Toner supply by changing driving speed of developing apparatus
JP2018063357A (ja) 画像形成装置および方法
JP7020213B2 (ja) 消耗品管理装置、消耗品管理方法、プログラム及び画像形成装置
JP6150764B2 (ja) トナー濃度検出装置、画像形成装置、トナー濃度検出方法
CN117707440A (zh) 打印机碳粉余量的确认方法、装置、系统及存储介质
CN109510910A (zh) 图像形成装置及控制方法
JP2017181702A (ja) 画像形成装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23722139

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1