Server and program

Abstract

To provide a server that predicts a replacement day of a toner cartridge with high precision.SOLUTION: A server comprises a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives, from an image formation device, first information associated with a first number of days obtained by predicting the number of days before the toner remaining amount of a toner cartridge reaches a reference value or less on the basis of the driving time of a toner supply motor and the amount of toner used for printing, and second information associated with the amount of toner used for control over picture quality stabilization. The processor calculates, based upon the first information and the second information, a second number of days obtained by predicting the number of days before the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge reaches the reference value or less, and outputs third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a server and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus placed in a workplace and a management program for the image forming apparatus are provided with, for example, a function for predicting the replacement date of a toner cartridge. The replacement date prediction function estimates the remaining toner amount, for example, from the operation time of a motor that supplies toner from the toner cartridge to a developing unit or a sub hopper. However, the prediction of the replacement date based only on the operation time of the motor may have a large detection error.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides a server and a program for accurately predicting the replacement date of a toner cartridge.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The server according to the embodiment includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives, from the image forming apparatus, a first number of days predicted until the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge becomes less than or equal to a reference value based on the driving time of the toner replenishing motor, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for controlling image quality stabilization. The processor calculates a second number of days predicted until the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge becomes less than or equal to the reference value based on the first information and the second information, and outputs either third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days to the terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, the embodiments shown below illustrate the technical idea. The embodiments do not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. Various changes can be made to the embodiments.

[0008] <Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to an embodiment. The printing system 1 is a system that executes printing and notifies when the replacement time of the toner cartridge is approaching. The printing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, a server 3, and a terminal 4. The network 5 to which the image forming apparatus 2, the server 3, and the terminal 4 are respectively connected is not included in the printing system 1.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 2 is an apparatus equipped with a printing function, such as an MFP (multifunction peripheral), a copier, or a printer. In the present embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 2 is an MFP will be described as an example. The image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the network 5 and communicates with the server 3 via the network 5. The image forming apparatus 2 transmits information about its own state to the server 3. The details of the information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 2 are not described.

[0010] The server 3 is connected to the network 5 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal 4 via the network 5. The server 3 stores the information received from the image forming apparatus. The server 3 performs calculations using the stored information and transmits commands to the terminal 4 based on the calculation results.

[0011] The terminal 4 is connected to the network 5 and communicates with the server 3 via the network 5. The terminal 4 notifies the user of the terminal 4 of information based on the command received from the server 3. The user of the terminal 4 is, for example, a service technician for the image forming apparatus 2.

[0012] The network 5 is, for example, a communication path configured by a single or a combination of communication means including wired or wireless, LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a telephone communication network, or other proprietary communication networks.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a processor 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 24, a communication interface 25, a toner cartridge 26, a toner supply unit 27, an image forming unit 28, and a system bus 29. The system bus 29 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 29 interconnects the processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the storage 24, the communication interface 25, the toner cartridge 26, the toner supply unit 27, and the image forming unit 28. The connection of the processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the storage 24 via the system bus 29 constitutes a computer of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0014] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 21 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the image forming apparatus 2 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0015] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 22 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, and the like.

[0016] The RAM 23 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 23 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. The RAM 23 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0017] Storage 24 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. Storage 24 stores data used by the processor 21 for performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 21, and the like. Storage 24 may also store the above application programs. Storage 24 is, for example, EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

[0018] The communication interface 25 communicates with the outside of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0019] The toner cartridge 26 houses toner. The toner cartridge 26 includes an IC chip 261. The IC chip 261 is, for example, a semiconductor storage device. The IC chip 261 stores information regarding the toner cartridge 26. The information stored by the IC chip 261 is, for example, the type of toner it contains, the amount of toner it contained at the time of shipment, information regarding the usage status of the toner cartridge 26, and the like.

[0020] The toner supply unit 27 conveys the toner housed in the toner cartridge 26 to the image forming unit 28. The toner supply unit 27 includes a toner supply motor 271. The toner supply motor 271 is driven when the toner supply unit 27 conveys toner from the toner cartridge 26 to the image forming unit 28.

[0021] The image forming unit 28 forms an image on a sheet using toner.

[0022] The data stored in the storage 24 includes various parameters indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 2. An example of these various parameters will be described.

[0023] The printing rate is a ratio indicating how much image has been formed on the printing surface. The cumulative average printing rate is the average printing rate of all the prints made by the image forming apparatus 2 so far. In other words, the cumulative average printing rate is a value obtained by calculating the average of the printing rates using the operating period of the image forming apparatus 2. The cartridge average printing rate is the average printing rate in the prints made since the current toner cartridge 26 was installed. In other words, the cartridge average printing rate is a value obtained by calculating the average of the printing rates using the usage period of the current toner cartridge 26. The average number of prints per day is the average number of prints per day calculated from all the prints made by the image forming apparatus 2 so far. The average number of control operations per day is the average number of control operations per day calculated from all the image quality stabilization controls performed by the image forming apparatus 2 so far. The driving time of the toner supply motor is the integrated value of the time during which the toner supply motor 271 has been driven since the current toner cartridge 26 was installed. The first number of days is the remaining usable days of the toner cartridge 26 estimated from the driving time of the toner supply motor. That is, it is estimated from the driving time of the toner supply motor that when the first number of days has elapsed from now, the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge 26 will be near empty. Note that the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge 26 being near empty means that the toner remaining amount has become below the reference value, which is different from the completely empty state. The continuous usage status is information indicating whether the current toner cartridge 26 has been continuously used without being removed since it was installed in the unused state. The cartridge type is information indicating the type of the currently installed toner cartridge 26. Specifically, for example, long, short, etc.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server according to an embodiment. Server 3 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage 34, a communication interface 35, and a system bus 36. The system bus 36 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 36 interconnects the processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the storage 34, and the communication interface 35 respectively. By connecting the processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the storage 34 via the system bus 36, a computer of the server 3 is configured.

[0025] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the server 3 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0026] The ROM 32 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 32 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, and the like.

[0027] The RAM 33 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 33 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. Also, the RAM 33 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data.

[0028] The storage 34 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The storage 34 stores data used by the processor 31 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, and the like. The storage 34 may store the above application program. The storage 34 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), an HDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0029] The application program stored in ROM 32 or storage 34 includes a processing program described for the information processing executed on server 3. The method of installing the processing program in ROM 32 or storage 34 is not particularly limited. The processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via communication over a network and installed in ROM 32 or storage 34. The form of the recording medium is not limited as long as it can record a program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, memory card, etc.

[0030] The communication interface 35 communicates with the outside of server 3.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal according to an embodiment. The terminal 4 includes a processor 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a storage 44, a communication interface 45, a user interface 46, and a system bus 47. The system bus 47 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system bus 47 mutually connects the processor 41, the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the storage 44, the communication interface 45, and the user interface 46. The connection of the processor 41, the ROM 42, the RAM 43, and the storage 44 by the system bus 47 constitutes the computer of the terminal 4.

[0032] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 41 controls each part to realize various functions as the terminal 4 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0033] The ROM 42 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 42 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, etc.

[0034] The RAM 43 is a volatile memory device. The RAM 43 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 41. Also, the RAM 43 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0035] The storage 44 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. The storage 44 stores data used by the processor 41 for performing various processes, data created by the processing in the processor 41, etc. The storage 44 may store the above application program. The storage 44 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, SSD, etc.

[0036] The communication interface 45 communicates with the outside of the terminal 4.

[0037] The user interface 46 is, for example, a touch panel. The user interface 46 notifies the user of various information and receives inputs from the user.

[0038] <Operation> The operations of each part of the printing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operations of the printing system according to the embodiment. When the image forming apparatus 2 performs operations such as printing and control, it updates various parameters stored in the storage 24 (ACT1). At this time, the calculation and update of the first number of days are also performed. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 periodically transmits the updated various parameters to the server 3 (ACT2).

[0039] The server 3 executes replacement date prediction processing (ACT3). Specifically, the server 3 predicts the replacement date of the toner cartridge using the received various parameters and outputs the result to the terminal 4. The frequency at which the server 3 performs replacement date prediction is lower than the frequency at which the image forming apparatus 2 calculates the first number of days.

[0040] The terminal 4 notifies the user (ACT4). Specifically, the terminal 4 notifies the user of the result of the replacement date prediction process output by the server 3 via the user interface 46.

[0041] Details of the replacement date prediction process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the server according to the embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the replacement date prediction process of the toner cartridge of the server 3 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0042] When various parameters are transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 (start), the server 3 receives the various parameters (ACT10). The processor 31 of the server 3 stores the received various parameters in, for example, the storage 34.

[0043] The processor 31 determines whether the driving time of the toner supply motor exceeds a first threshold value (ACT11). This first threshold value corresponds to, for example, the time for detecting near empty based on the driving time of the toner supply motor. If the driving time does not exceed the first threshold value (ACT11, No), it is expected that there is still enough toner, so the series of processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ends (end).

[0044] If the driving time exceeds the first threshold value (ACT11, Yes), the processor 31 determines whether there is error data (ACT12). If the error data is included in the various parameters received from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in the storage 34, the prediction of the replacement date may also be in error. Therefore, the processor 31 switches the process according to the presence or absence of an error. If there is error data (ACT12, Yes), the processor 31 executes the process of ACT24 described later.

[0045] When there is no error data (ACT12, No), the processor 31 determines whether the toner cartridge is being continuously used (ACT13). Many of the various parameters received from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in the storage 34 are utilized on the premise that they have been continuously used in the same image forming apparatus 2 since the toner cartridge was installed in an unused state until now. Therefore, the processor 31 switches the processing depending on whether the toner cartridge is being continuously used. When the toner cartridge is not being continuously used (ACT13, No), the processor 31 executes the process of ACT24 described later.

[0046] When the toner cartridge is being continuously used (ACT13, Yes), the processor 31 determines whether the difference between the cumulative average printing rate and the cartridge average printing rate is equal to or less than a second threshold value (ACT14). When the difference is equal to or less than the second threshold value (ACT14, Yes), the processor 31 adopts the cumulative average printing rate for subsequent calculations (ACT15). When the difference is greater than the second threshold value (ACT14, No), the processor 31 adopts the cartridge average printing rate for subsequent calculations (ACT16).

[0047] When the processing of ACT15 or ACT16 is completed, the processor 31 calculates the daily toner usage amount (ACT17). Specifically, the processor 31 calculates the daily toner usage amount by obtaining and adding together the toner usage amount due to printing per day and the toner usage amount due to control per day. The toner usage amount due to printing per day can be calculated by multiplying the cumulative average printing rate or the cartridge average printing rate by the average number of printed sheets per day. The toner usage amount due to control per day can be calculated by multiplying the toner usage amount used in each control, which is a known constant, by the average number of control times per day.

[0048] When calculating the toner usage per day, the processor 31 checks the type of the toner cartridge (ACT18). Specifically, the processor 31 checks the cartridge type, which is one of the various parameters received from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in the storage 34, and checks the amount of toner (initial amount) included in the new toner cartridge 26.

[0049] When the type of the toner cartridge is checked, the processor 31 calculates the second number of days (ACT19). The second number of days is the remaining available days of the toner cartridge 26 estimated from the toner usage per day. Specifically, the processor 31 subtracts the product of the toner usage per day and the number of days since the toner cartridge 26 was installed from the initial amount of toner included in the toner cartridge 26 to calculate the current toner remaining amount. Then, the processor 31 calculates the second number of days by dividing the current toner remaining amount by the toner usage per day.

[0050] When the second number of days is calculated, the processor 31 determines whether the second number of days is less than the third threshold (ACT20). If the second number of days is not less than the third threshold (ACT20, No), since there are still days expected until the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge 26 becomes empty, the series of processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ends (end).

[0051] If the second number of days is less than the third threshold (ACT20, Yes), the processor 31 determines whether the difference between the first number of days and the second number of days is greater than the fourth threshold (ACT21). If the difference is greater than the fourth threshold (ACT21, Yes), the processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output the second number of days to the terminal (ACT22).

[0052] If the difference is not greater than the fourth threshold (ACT21, No), if there was error data in ACT12 (ACT12, No), and if the toner cartridge has not been continuously used in ACT13 (ACT13, No), the processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output near empty to the terminal (ACT23).

[0053] When the processing of ACT22 or ACT23 is completed, the series of processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ends (ends).

[0054] <Effect> As described above, according to the embodiment, information regarding the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 in the printing system 1 is transmitted to the server 3. When the toner remaining amount in the image forming apparatus 2 decreases, the server 3 calculates the remaining days until the toner runs out based on the information. Based on the calculation result, the server 3 outputs the status of the image forming apparatus 2 to the user's terminal 4. Therefore, the user can arrange for a replacement toner cartridge at an appropriate timing before the toner in the image forming apparatus 2 runs out.

[0055] Also, according to the embodiment, the server 3 calculates a second number of days, which is the remaining days until the toner runs out, based on information regarding the operation of the image forming apparatus 2, specifically, the printing rate, the number of printed sheets, and the number of times of image quality stabilization control. The server 3 can calculate the toner consumption amount with high accuracy by calculating for each of printing and image quality stabilization control, which are operations that consume the toner in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0056] Also, according to the embodiment, when the calculated second number of days is smaller than a third threshold value, the server 3 outputs information to the terminal 4. Thereby, it is possible to suppress notification about a toner cartridge 26 that takes a long time to become empty and for which the user has little need to recognize yet.

[0057] Also, according to the embodiment, when the toner cartridge has not been continuously used, the server 3 outputs near empty to the terminal 4 instead of the second number of days. Thereby, the server 3 can suppress calculating an inaccurate number of days for a toner that has not been continuously used.

[0058] Further, according to the embodiment, when the difference between the cumulative average printing rate and the cartridge average printing rate is greater than the second threshold value, the server 3 uses the cartridge average printing rate for calculating the second number of days. Thereby, even when the tendency of the printing rate changes during the period of using the current toner cartridge, the server 3 can calculate the toner consumption amount with high accuracy.

[0059] Further, according to the embodiment, when the driving time of the toner replenishment motor does not exceed the first threshold value, the server 3 does not calculate the second number of days. Thereby, the calculation of the second number of days is suppressed while it is assumed that there is sufficient toner, and the load on the server 3 can be suppressed.

[0060] Further, according to the embodiment, when there is error data, the server 3 outputs Near Empty to the terminal 4 instead of the second number of days. Thereby, the server 3 can suppress calculating an inaccurate number of days based on the error data.

[0061] <Other Modifications, etc.> In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 2 stores the cumulative average printing rate, the cartridge average printing rate, the average number of printed sheets per day, and the average number of control times per day in the storage 24 has been described as an example. These average values may be calculated by the server 3. Specifically, information such as the printing rate, the number of printed sheets, and the number of control times may be transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the server 3, and the server 3 may obtain the average values by aggregating this information.

[0062] Further, in the above embodiment, in the calculation of the second number of days, the case where the cumulative average printing rate or the cartridge average printing rate is multiplied by the average number of printed sheets per day when calculating the toner usage amount due to printing per day has been described as an example. When calculating the toner usage amount due to printing per day, for example, correction according to the value of the printing rate may be performed.

[0063] Note that some or all of the embodiment and the modification examples may be described as follows in the following supplementary note, but are not limited thereto. [Supplementary Note 1] A communication interface that receives, from an image forming apparatus, a first number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge reaches a reference value or less based on the driving time of a toner supply motor, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for controlling image quality stabilization; A processor that calculates a second number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge reaches the reference value or less based on the first information and the second information, and outputs either third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days to a terminal; A server comprising the above. [Appendix 2] The first information includes a printing rate and the number of printed sheets. The second information includes the number of times of controlling image quality stabilization. The server according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] In calculating the second number of days, the server according to Appendix 2 calculates the second number of days based on either the average printing rate calculated using the operation period of the image forming apparatus or the average printing rate calculated using the usage period of the toner cartridge. [Appendix 4] When the toner cartridge has not been continuously used in the image forming apparatus, the server according to Appendix 1 outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal. [Appendix 5] When the second number of days is less than a first threshold value and the difference between the second number of days and the first number of days is greater than a second threshold value, the server according to Appendix 1 outputs the fourth information based on the second number of days to the terminal. [Appendix 6] When the second number of days is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, or the difference between the second number of days and the first number of days is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the server according to Appendix 1 outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal. [Appendix 7] The communication interface further receives the driving time of the toner supply motor. The server according to Supplementary Note 1, which outputs either the third information or the fourth information to the terminal when the driving time is longer than a third threshold value. [Supplementary Note 8] The third information includes that the toner cartridge is near empty. The fourth information includes the number of days when it is predicted that the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge will become equal to or less than the reference value. The server according to Supplementary Note 1. [Supplementary Note 9] The server according to Supplementary Note 1, which outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal when error data is included in either the first information or the second information received from the image forming apparatus. [Supplementary Note 10] To a processor Control a communication interface to receive from an image forming apparatus a first number of days predicted based on the driving time of a toner supply motor until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge becomes equal to or less than a reference value, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for controlling image quality stabilization. Based on the first information and the second information, calculate a second number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge becomes equal to or less than the reference value, and output either the third information based on the first number of days or the fourth information based on the second number of days to a terminal. A program. [Supplementary Note 11] To a processor Control a communication interface to receive from an image forming apparatus a first number of days predicted based on the driving time of a toner supply motor until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge becomes equal to or less than a reference value, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for controlling image quality stabilization. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that operates to calculate a second number of days obtained by predicting the number of days until the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge reaches or falls below the reference value based on the first information and the second information, and causes the terminal to output either third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days.

[0064] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1... Printing system, 2... Image forming apparatus, 3... Server, 4... Terminal, 5... Network, 21, 31, 41... Processor, 22, 32, 42... ROM, 23, 33, 43... RAM, 24, 34, 44... Storage, 25, 35, 45... Communication interface, 26... Toner cartridge, 261... IC chip, 27... Toner supply unit, 271... Toner supply motor, 28... Image forming unit, 29, 36, 47... System bus, 46... User interface.

Claims

1. A communication interface that receives from an image forming apparatus a first number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in a toner cartridge reaches or falls below a reference value based on the driving time of a toner supply motor, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control; A processor that calculates a second number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge reaches or falls below the reference value based on the first information and the second information, and outputs either third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days to a terminal; A server comprising the above.

2. The first information includes a printing rate and the number of printed sheets. The second information includes the number of times of image quality stabilization control. The server according to Claim 1.

3. In calculating the second number of days, the server according to Claim 2 calculates the second number of days based on either the average printing rate calculated using the operating period of the image forming apparatus or the average printing rate calculated using the usage period of the toner cartridge.

4. When the toner cartridge has not been continuously used in the image forming apparatus, the server according to Claim 1 outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal.

5. When the second number of days is less than a first threshold value and the difference between the second number of days and the first number of days is greater than a second threshold value, the server according to Claim 1 outputs the fourth information based on the second number of days to the terminal.

6. A program for causing a processor to: control a communication interface to receive from an image forming apparatus a first number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in a toner cartridge reaches or falls below a reference value based on the driving time of a toner supply motor, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control; calculate a second number of days predicted until the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge reaches or falls below the reference value based on the first information and the second information, and output either third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days to a terminal.

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