Image forming device and method for controlling image forming device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an image forming device and a control method of the image forming device. If a cartridge is a predetermined cartridge, a change of a toner low threshold is allowed. On the other hand, if the cartridge is not a predetermined cartridge, a change of a toner low threshold is prohibited.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application filed on April 21, 2015, with application number 201510190571.0 and invention name “IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING DEVICE”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming device and a control method of the image forming device. Background Art

[0003] The image forming apparatus performs image formation on a sheet using a recording material such as a toner. Generally, the recording material is contained in a container such as a box. Some image forming apparatuses detect the remaining amount of the recording material in the container and display its value on a display unit such as a user interface (UI).

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-343621 discusses a conventional technique for calculating an estimated value of a remaining toner amount based on a dot count value of raster data at the time of image formation and then displaying the value as a current value of the remaining toner amount.

[0005] On the other hand, in a toner low (LOW) state where the remaining amount of toner is low, information indicating the toner low state or information for prompting the user to prepare a cartridge may be displayed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-318508 discusses a technique in which a user can arbitrarily change a threshold value for determining a toner low state, i.e., a toner low threshold value.

[0006] However, if the toner low threshold value could be changed at any time, a problem would arise particularly in the following cases.

[0007] When the remaining toner amount is estimated based on dot count, the toner consumption is calculated by multiplying the dot count value by a toner consumption coefficient indicating the toner consumption per dot. An appropriate value is preset as the toner consumption coefficient, assuming the case where printing is performed using a predetermined cartridge containing predetermined toner.

[0008] However, if printing is performed using a cartridge different from the cartridge thus assumed, toner is consumed at a rate different from the preset toner consumption coefficient, often resulting in low accuracy of toner estimation.

[0009] In such a case, there is not much point in making the toner low threshold modifiable. In many cases, the user changes the toner low threshold because the user desires to improve the accuracy of toner low detection. If the accuracy of toner low detection is low in the first place in the above case, changing the toner low threshold will not effectively improve the accuracy of toner low detection. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to appropriately control whether to change the toner low threshold.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device, comprising: an image forming unit configured to perform image formation using a recording material; a notification unit configured to notify a user when a remaining amount of the recording material reaches a threshold value; a changing unit configured to change the threshold value according to an instruction from the user; and a control unit configured to allow the changing unit to change the threshold value if a container accommodating the recording material is a predetermined container, and to restrict the changing unit from changing the threshold value if the container accommodating the recording material is not the predetermined container.

[0012] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention can appropriately control whether to change the toner low threshold.

[0013] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a controller.

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print engine.

[0017] Figure 4 2 is a flowchart (first part) illustrating control for detecting the remaining amount of toner.

[0018] Figure 5 2 is a flowchart (latter part) illustrating control for detecting the remaining amount of toner.

[0019] Figure 6 : is a flowchart illustrating control for generating a remaining toner amount warning.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating control for determining whether to change the toner low threshold value.

[0021] Figure 8 is an example of a setting screen for changing the toner low threshold value.

[0022] Fig. 9 : is a graph illustrating conversion of the current value of the remaining toner amount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0024] The data processing apparatus 101 (for example, a personal computer (PC)) generates image data and transmits the generated image data to the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0025] The image forming apparatus 102 (e.g., a laser printer) receives image data from the data processing apparatus 101 and performs image formation on a sheet based on the received image data. In addition, the image forming apparatus 102 receives fax data from a fax apparatus (not shown) and performs image formation on a sheet based on the received fax data. The image forming apparatus 102 may be a multifunction peripheral having a scanner function.

[0026] The user interface (UI) 301 includes a display unit for providing various information to the user, and an operation unit for receiving various operations from the user. The display unit displays the current value of the remaining amount of toner (described below). The current value of the remaining amount of toner can be sent to an external device such as the data processing device 101 via an external interface (I / F), and then displayed on a display unit of the external device such as the data processing device 101.

[0027] The controller 302 generates bitmap data based on the page description language (PDL) data and sends the generated bitmap data to the print engine 303. Figure 2 The controller 302 is described in detail.

[0028] The print engine 303 performs image formation on a sheet using toner by an electrophotographic process based on the bitmap data received from the controller 302. The image forming process is not limited to the electrophotographic process, and may be, for example, an inkjet process. The electrophotographic process uses toner as a recording material, while the inkjet process uses ink as a recording material.

[0029] A fax (FAX) 304 performs fax reception of compressed image data via a telephone line, and transmits the compressed image data to the controller 302. The fax 304 also receives compressed image data transmitted from the controller 302, and performs fax transmission of the compressed image data via a telephone line. In some models, the fax function is not provided in hardware, or the fax function is provided but is invalid or inoperable.

[0030] Although the controller 302, the print engine 303, and the FAX 304 are independent units, they may be integrally configured as one unit.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller 302 .

[0032] A central processing unit (CPU) 401 loads a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 402 into a random access memory (RAM) 403, and executes the program to control the image forming apparatus 102. As described below, the CPU 401 calculates the remaining amount of toner based on an estimated value of the amount of toner consumption obtained by converting the dot count counted by the dot counting unit 409 and a sensor value of the remaining amount of toner provided by the print engine 303. Then, the CPU 401 displays the calculated remaining amount of toner on the UI 301 via the panel I / F 405, and notifies the data processing apparatus 101 via the external I / F 404. In addition, as described below, the CPU 401 also selects whether to provide a function of changing a toner low condition.

[0033] The ROM 402 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 401 .

[0034] The RAM 403 stores the program loaded from the ROM 402. The RAM 403 also stores PDL data, intermediate data generated by translating the PDL data, bitmap data generated by rendering the intermediate data, FAX data, and temporary data required for processing such as processing status and log information.

[0035] The external I / F 404 interconnects the data processing device 101 and the controller 302 , and relays data communication, ie, data transmission and reception, therebetween.

[0036] The panel I / F 405 interconnects the UI 301 and the controller 302 , and relays data communication, ie, data transmission and reception, therebetween.

[0037] The engine I / F 405 interconnects the print engine 303 and the controller 302, and relays data communication, ie, data transmission and reception, therebetween.

[0038] A direct memory access controller (DMAC) 407 receives a command from the CPU 401 , and performs data access to the RAM 403 , that is, writes and reads data to / from the RAM 403 .

[0039] The rendering unit 408 rasterizes the intermediate data into bitmap data.

[0040] The dot counting unit 409 counts the number of dots contained in the bitmap data that consume toner during image formation. More specifically, the number of non-white dots is counted. For example, in the case of monochrome printing, the number of dots corresponding to black (K) is counted. In the case of color printing, the number of dots corresponding to any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) is counted. As an option, the CPU 401 or the drawing unit 408 can count the number of dots. Some models are not equipped with a dot counting function, so the remaining amount of toner cannot be estimated. Other models estimate the remaining amount of toner based on page counting rather than dot counting.

[0041] An electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM) 410 stores, for example, setting information of the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0042] The bus 411 interconnects the various components in the controller 302 .

[0043] A fax I / F 412 interconnects the FAX 304 and the controller 302 and relays data communication, ie, data transmission and reception, therebetween.

[0044] Figure 3 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print engine 303 .

[0045] The CPU 501 loads the program stored in the ROM 502 to the RAM 503 , and executes the program to control the print engine 303 .

[0046] The ROM 502 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 501 .

[0047] The RAM 503 stores the programs loaded from the ROM 502 .

[0048] The remaining amount of toner sensor 504 measures the remaining amount of toner contained in the box 509. Methods for the sensor to detect the remaining amount of toner include a magnetic permeability detection method, a magnetic measurement method, a piezoelectric vibration method, and a transmitted light method. For example, when the remaining amount of toner has reached a predetermined value, such as 20% and 0%, the remaining amount of toner sensor 504 detects these values ​​as sensor values. More specifically, if the remaining amount of toner is from 100% to 21%, the sensor value is 100%, if the remaining amount of toner is from 20% to 1%, the sensor value is 20%, and if the remaining amount of toner is 0%, the sensor value is 0%. The sensor can also be provided in the box 509.

[0049] The drive control unit 505 drives various motors required when the image forming unit 508 performs image formation.

[0050] The state change detection unit 506 detects a state change, such as a paper jam and a cover opening, in the image forming apparatus 102. The state change detection unit 506 also detects replacement of the cartridge 509. Alternatively, the CPU 501 may detect the state change.

[0051] The controller I / F 507 interconnects the controller 302 and the print engine 303, and relays data communication, ie, data transmission and reception, therebetween.

[0052] Based on the bitmap data received from the controller 302 , the image forming unit 508 performs image formation on a sheet using toner by an electrophotographic process.

[0053] The box 509 plays the role of a container for accommodating toner. The box 509 is a so-called processing box that can be installed in the image forming device 102. The box 509 contains toner to be used by the image forming unit 508 to perform image formation. The box 509 includes a non-volatile storage medium for storing box information. The box information includes information indicating whether the box 509 is new, color information indicating the color of the box 509, toner remaining amount information indicating the current toner remaining amount in the box 509, and box manufacturer information. Although the box 509 is connected to the bus 510, it can also be connected to the CPU 501 via a dedicated line.

[0054] The bus 510 interconnects the components in the print engine 303 .

[0055] Figure 4 and Figure 5 : is a flowchart illustrating control for detecting the remaining amount of toner.

[0056] When the CPU 401 loads the control program stored in the ROM 402 into the RAM 403 and then executes the program, the control illustrated in the left flowchart is implemented in the controller 302. When the CPU 501 loads the control program stored in the ROM 502 into the RAM 503 and then executes the program, the control illustrated in the right flowchart is implemented in the print engine 303.

[0057] In step S201, CPU 501 determines whether box 509 has been replaced. CPU 501 makes this determination by detecting whether a new box 509 has been installed in image forming apparatus 102. When state change detection unit 506 detects the installation of a new box 509 and notifies CPU 501 of the installation of box 509, CPU 501 recognizes that box 509 is installed. The installation of box 509 can be detected when a cover provided to replace box 509 is opened or closed, or by a button or switch that changes the on / off state of hardware each time box 509 is installed or removed. If it is determined that box 509 has been replaced ("Yes" in step S201), the processing proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if it is determined that box 509 has not been replaced ("No" in step S201), the processing waits until box 509 is replaced.

[0058] In step S202 , the CPU 501 transmits a cartridge replacement notification indicating that the cartridge 509 has been replaced to the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507 .

[0059] In step S101, the CPU 401 determines whether a cartridge replacement notification is received from the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406. If it is determined that the notification is received ("Yes" in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification is not received ("No" in step S101), the process waits until the notification is received.

[0060] In step S102 , the CPU 401 sends a box information request for requesting box information of the box 509 to the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406 .

[0061] In step S203, the CPU 501 determines whether a box information request is received from the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507. If it is determined that the request is received ("Yes" in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is not received ("No" in step S203), the process waits until a request is received.

[0062] In step S204 , the CPU 501 transmits the cartridge information of the cartridge 509 to the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507 .

[0063] In step S103, the CPU 401 determines whether the cartridge information is received from the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406. If it is determined that the cartridge information is received ("YES" in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cartridge information is not received ("NO" in step S103), the process waits until the cartridge information is received.

[0064] In step S104, the CPU 401 initializes the current value of the remaining amount of toner based on the box information. The current value of the remaining amount of toner refers to the value that is recognized by the controller 302 as the remaining amount of toner in the box 509 and displayed to the user via the UI 301. More specifically, in initializing the current value of the remaining amount of toner, the CPU 401 refers to the box information, and if it is determined that the box 509 is new, the CPU 401 sets the current value of the remaining amount of toner to 100%. If it cannot be determined that the box 509 is new, the CPU 401 sets the current value of the remaining amount of toner to a value corresponding to the remaining amount of toner information included in the above-mentioned box information. The current value of the remaining amount of toner is stored in the RAM 403.

[0065] In step S116, the CPU 401 stores the box manufacturer information based on the box information. The box manufacturer information is used to ensure that the toner remaining amount information can be correctly acquired. The information may or may not include a character string or character string information indicating that the box 509 is a predetermined box. The box manufacturer information is stored in the RAM 403.

[0066] In step S105, the CPU 401 determines whether a job that needs to perform image formation is input from the data processing device 101 via the external I / F 404. Here, the job is, for example, a PDL print job, a copy job, and a fax reception and print job. If it is determined that a job is input ("Yes" in step S105), the process advances to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that a job is not input ("No" in step S105), the process advances to step S111.

[0067] In step S106, based on the job, the CPU 401 performs image processing required for image formation. The image processing includes a process in which the CPU 401 controls the drawing unit 408 to draw print data to generate raster data.

[0068] In step S107 , the CPU 401 sends the raster data generated by the image processing to the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406 .

[0069] In step S108, the CPU 401 acquires the dot count value measured when generating raster data from the dot count unit 409. The dot count value may be acquired in page units or in job units.

[0070] In step S109, the CPU 401 calculates the estimated value of the remaining amount of toner based on the dot count value acquired in step S108. More specifically, the CPU 401 first performs the following calculation: (dot count value [dots] for executing this job or page printing) × (amount of toner consumed per dot [g / dot]) = (amount of toner to be consumed for executing this job). The amount of toner consumed per dot may be pre-stored in the ROM 402 or ROM 502, or may be included in the cartridge information received in step S103. Then, the CPU 401 performs the following calculation: (current remaining amount of toner [g]) - (amount of toner to be consumed for executing this job [g]) = (updated remaining amount of toner [g]). Then, the CPU performs the following calculation: (updated remaining amount of toner [g]) / (amount of toner remaining in unused cartridges [g]) = (estimated value of updated remaining amount of toner [%]). The remaining amount of toner in the unused cartridge 509 may be pre-stored in the ROM 402 or the ROM 405 , or may be included in the cartridge information received in step S103 .

[0071] In step S110, the CPU 401 performs update processing of the current value of the remaining toner amount based on the estimated value calculated in step S109. If the estimated value calculated in step S109 is equal to or less than the sensor value to be provided next, the CPU 401 stops updating processing of the current value of the remaining toner amount based on the estimated value until the sensor value is provided.

[0072] On the other hand, in step S205, the CPU 501 determines whether raster data is received from the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507. If it is determined that raster data is received ("Yes" in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if it is determined that raster data is not received ("No" in step S205), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0073] In step S206 , the CPU 501 controls the image forming unit 508 to perform image formation based on the raster data.

[0074] In step S207, the CPU 501 acquires a sensor value of the remaining toner amount from the remaining toner amount sensor 504. The sensor value may be acquired when image formation in page units is completed or when image formation in job units is completed. The sensor value may also be acquired every time a predetermined period of time has passed.

[0075] In step S208, the CPU 501 determines whether the sensor value acquired this time has changed from the sensor value acquired last time. If it is determined that the sensor value acquired this time has changed ("Yes" in step S208), the processing proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sensor value acquired this time has not changed ("No" in step S208), the processing returns to step S205.

[0076] In step S209 , the CPU 501 transmits a sensor value change notification indicating that the sensor value has changed to the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507 .

[0077] In step S111, the CPU 401 determines whether a sensor value change notification is received from the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406. If it is determined that the notification is received ("Yes" in step S111), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification is not received ("No" in step S111), the process returns to step S105.

[0078] In step S112 , the CPU 401 sends a sensor value request for requesting a sensor value to the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406 .

[0079] In step S210, the CPU 501 determines whether a sensor value request is received from the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507. If it is determined that a request is received ("Yes" in step S210), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if it is determined that a request is not received ("No" in step S210), the process waits until a request is received.

[0080] In step S211 , the CPU 501 transmits the sensor value to the controller 302 via the controller I / F 507 .

[0081] In step S113, the CPU 401 determines whether a sensor value is received from the print engine 303 via the engine I / F 406. If it is determined that the sensor value is received ("Yes" in step S113), the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sensor value is not received ("No" in step S113), the process waits until the sensor value is received.

[0082] In step S114, the CPU 401 updates the current value of the remaining toner amount based on the sensor value received in step S113. At this time, the CPU 401 stores the sensor value acquired this time in the RAM 403. If the sensor value acquired last time is stored, the CPU 401 updates it with the value acquired this time.

[0083] In step S115, the CPU 401 determines whether the remaining toner amount has reached 0 by referring to the current value of the remaining toner amount. If it is determined that the remaining toner amount has reached 0 ("Yes" in step S115), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining toner amount has not reached 0 ("No" in step S115), the process returns to step S105.

[0084] On the other hand, in step S212, the CPU 501 determines whether the remaining toner amount has reached 0 by referring to the sensor value of the remaining toner amount. If it is determined that the remaining toner amount has reached 0 ("Yes" in step S212), the processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining toner amount has not reached 0 ("No" in step S212), the processing returns to step S205.

[0085] Figure 6 : is a flowchart illustrating control for generating a remaining toner amount warning.

[0086] The control illustrated in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 401 loading a control program stored in the ROM 402 into the RAM 403 and executing the program.

[0087] In addition, the control illustrated in this flowchart is independent of and parallel to the control described above with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The control illustrated in the flowchart may be mainly executed each time a predetermined time period has passed, each time a predetermined number of jobs have been executed, or each time printing on a predetermined number of pages has been executed. The control may also be executed at different timings.

[0088] In step S301, the CPU 401 determines whether the current value stored in the RAM 403 satisfies the toner out (OUT) condition. When the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than a value deemed to be unable to continue the printing operation, such as 0%, the toner out condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the current value satisfies the toner out condition ("Yes" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current value does not satisfy the toner out condition ("No" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0089] In step S302, the CPU 401 determines whether the sensor value stored in the RAM 403 satisfies the toner end condition. If it is determined that the sensor value satisfies the toner end condition ("YES" in step S302), the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sensor value does not satisfy the toner end condition ("NO" in step S302), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0090] In step S303, CPU 401 determines whether the current value stored in RAM 403 satisfies the toner low condition. The toner low condition is satisfied when the remaining toner amount is equal to or less than a threshold value that is deemed to be unable to continue the printing operation, such as 40% or less. As described below, the user can change the toner low threshold value when a predetermined condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the current value satisfies the toner low condition ("Yes" in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current value does not satisfy the toner low condition ("No" in step S303), the process ends.

[0091] In step S304, the CPU 401 performs a toner low warning process. The toner low warning process refers to displaying information indicating that the remaining amount of toner is low or information for prompting the user to prepare a cartridge on the UI 301, and then sending these information to the data processing device 101 without suspending the image forming operation. When the toner low warning process is performed, a new cartridge can be automatically ordered.

[0092] In step S305 , the CPU 401 executes toner end warning processing. The toner end warning processing is to suspend the image forming operation, display information indicating that the remaining toner amount has reached 0 or information for prompting the user to replace the cartridge on the UI 301 , and then transmit these information to the data processing apparatus 101 .

[0093] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating control for determining whether to change the toner low threshold value.

[0094] The control illustrated in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 401 loading a control program stored in the ROM 402 into the RAM 403 and executing the program.

[0095] In addition, the control illustrated in this flowchart is independent of and parallel to the control described above with reference to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing illustrated in the flowchart can be performed mainly at startup and when returning from the power saving mode. The control can also be performed at different timings.

[0096] In step S401, CPU 401 determines whether the remaining amount of colorant can be estimated. Some models are not equipped with a dot counting function and therefore cannot estimate the remaining amount of colorant. Other models estimate the remaining amount of colorant based on page counts rather than dot counts. Such models prohibit changes in the toner low threshold. If it is determined that the remaining amount of colorant can be estimated ("Yes" in step S401), the processing proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining amount of colorant cannot be estimated ("No" in step S401), the processing proceeds to step S405.

[0097] In step S402, CPU 401 determines whether the fax function is valid. In some models, the fax function is not provided in hardware, or the fax function is provided but it is invalid or inoperable. Such a model prohibits the change of the toner low threshold. If it is determined that the fax function is valid ("Yes" in step S402), the processing advances to step S405. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fax function is invalid ("No" in step S402), the processing advances to step S403.

[0098] In step S403, the CPU 401 determines whether the toner cartridge is of a predetermined type. More specifically, the CPU 401 acquires cartridge information (information indicating the type and manufacturer of the toner cartridge) via the engine I / F 406, and determines whether the acquired information includes a specific symbol or string. If the acquired information includes a specific symbol or string ("Yes" in step S403), the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired information does not include a specific symbol or string ("No" in step S403), the process proceeds to step S405.

[0099] If it is determined that the acquired information includes a specific symbol or character string (YES in step S403), then in step S404, the CPU 401 allows the change of the toner low threshold value. More specifically, the CPU 401 displays Figure 8 The setting screen shown can thus receive a change in the toner low threshold from the user via the setting screen. Figure 6 In step S303 shown in FIG. Figure 8 The setting screen shown accepts a value as a threshold to determine whether the current value satisfies the toner low condition.

[0100] On the other hand, if the estimation of the remaining amount of toner cannot be performed ("No" in step S401), if the fax function is enabled ("Yes" in step S402) or if the cartridge is not of the predetermined type ("No" in step S403), then in step S405, the CPU 401 prohibits or restricts the change of the toner low threshold value. More specifically, the CPU 401 does not display Figure 8The setting screen shown in FIG. 1 is displayed, or the setting screen is displayed but a change of the toner low threshold value cannot be received from the user via the setting screen. Figure 6 In step S303 shown, the CPU 401 determines whether the current value satisfies the toner low condition using the default value as a threshold.

[0101] Figure 8 An example of a setting screen for changing the toner low threshold value is illustrated.

[0102] This setting screen is displayed on the UI 301 under the control of the CPU 401 .

[0103] The setting screen displays a toner low threshold 801. This value can be changed using a keyboard or up and down keys on the UI 301. Although the default toner low threshold 801 is set to 20% in this example, this value may be set to a different value.

[0104] The setting screen also displays a setting range 802 of the toner low threshold 801. Although the toner low threshold 801 can be set in the setting range 802 of 1% to 99% by default, the administrator can arbitrarily set the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

[0105] exist Figure 6 In step S303 shown, the CPU 401 determines whether the current value satisfies the toner low condition using the value received from the user via the above-mentioned setting screen as a threshold.

[0106] Fig. 9 : is a graph illustrating conversion of the current value of the remaining toner amount.

[0107] Line 501 indicates a value that can be acquired as a sensor value. In the present exemplary embodiment, values ​​of 100%, 20%, and 0% can be acquired as sensor values.

[0108] Line 502 indicates changes in the actual remaining toner amount. The actual remaining toner amount refers to an accurate value of the amount of toner actually remaining in the cartridge 509. For example, unless the sensor has very high accuracy over the entire range, it is very difficult to directly obtain an accurate value.

[0109] Line 503 represents the change in the current value.

[0110] Line 504 represents the default toner low threshold. This value is one of the sensor values.

[0111] Line 505 indicates the settable upper limit of the toner low threshold. This value may be determined as a default or arbitrarily set by an administrator.

[0112] Line 506 represents the settable lower limit of the toner low threshold. This value may also be determined as a default or arbitrarily set by an administrator.

[0113] Line 506 represents the toner low threshold as the toner low condition changes.

[0114] In the case where the toner low threshold change is permitted, the CPU 401 generates a toner low warning when the remaining toner amount reaches a threshold set within the range between line 505 and line 506. In the case where the toner low threshold change is prohibited, the CPU 401 generates a toner low warning when the remaining toner amount reaches a default toner low threshold (line 504).

[0115] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 401 permits the change of the toner low threshold value if the cartridge is of the predetermined type, and prohibits the change of the toner low threshold value if the cartridge is not of the predetermined type.

[0116] In this way, in the present exemplary embodiment, whether to change the toner low threshold value can be appropriately controlled.

[0117] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are also achieved by executing the following processes.

[0118] Software (program) for realizing the above-described exemplary embodiments is provided to a system or apparatus via a network or various types of storage media, and a computer (or a CPU or a microprocessing unit (MPU)) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program.

[0119] Other embodiments

[0120] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0121] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: an image forming unit configured to perform image formation using a recording material accommodated in a container attached to the image forming apparatus; an acquisition unit configured to acquire a remaining amount contained in the attached container; a notification unit configured to notify a user of information based on the amount of acquisition reaching a threshold value, a changing unit configured to change the threshold value according to an instruction from a user, and A control unit is configured to allow the changing unit to change the threshold value when the attached container is a predetermined container, and to prohibit the changing unit from changing the threshold value when the attached container is not the predetermined container, and to use a default value as the threshold value.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A determination unit is configured to determine whether the attached container is a predetermined container based on information obtained from a memory included in the attached container.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined container is a container of a predetermined type.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The information is information indicating that a new cartridge needs to be prepared.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In the case of enabling the facsimile function, the notification unit uses a default value as the threshold value even if the container is not a predetermined container.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The receiving unit is used to receive a user instruction to set a value used as a threshold.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The value of the setting is a ratio.

8. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit configured to perform image formation using a recording material contained in a container attached to the image forming apparatus, the method comprising: obtaining the remaining amount contained in the attached container; as well as Notify the user based on the amount of information obtained reaching the threshold, changing the threshold value according to instructions from the user, and Wherein, in the case where the attached container is a predetermined container, the threshold value is allowed to be changed, Wherein, in the case where the attached container is not a predetermined container, changing the threshold is prohibited, and a default value is used as the threshold.

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