Image forming apparatus and toner consumption amount acquisition method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving acquisition accuracy of a toner consumption amount, and to provide a toner consumption amount acquisition method.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 includes a second acquisition processing unit 55 that acquires relational data indicating a relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner density of the toner image based on the density of the pixel data, the light amount of the light emitted from the light source 39, the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and the charge amount of the toner by using a prediction model 71 that predicts the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data, and a third acquisition processing unit 56 that acquires the consumption amount of the toner due to the execution of the image forming process based on the relational data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a toner consumption amount acquisition method. [Background technology]

[0002] The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning unit and a developing unit. The optical scanning unit has a light source that emits light and scans the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier. The developing unit supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a developing bias voltage, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image.

[0003] In addition, a related technology is known in which an image forming device estimates the amount of toner consumed by forming an image based on image data based on the accumulated density values ​​of each pixel data contained in the image data to be formed in the process of determining the amount of toner to replenish (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-174230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the relationship between the density value of the pixel data and the amount of toner consumed in forming the toner image corresponding to the pixel data is not strictly linear, so the image forming apparatus according to the related art described above cannot accurately obtain the amount of toner consumed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a toner consumption amount acquisition method that can improve the accuracy of acquiring the toner consumption amount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning unit, a developing unit, a detection processing unit, a first acquisition processing unit, a second acquisition processing unit, and a third acquisition processing unit. The optical scanning unit has a light source that emits light and scans the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including pixel data on an image carrier. The developing unit supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a development bias voltage, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. The detection processing unit detects the toner density of a first toner image corresponding to first pixel data having a predetermined first density, formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit. The first acquisition processing unit acquires the toner charge amount using a prediction model that predicts the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the density of the pixel data, the amount of light, the voltage value of the development bias voltage, and the toner charge amount, and the detection result by the detection processing unit. The second acquisition processing unit acquires relationship data indicating a relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data, using the prediction model and the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit. The third acquisition processing unit acquires, based on the relationship data, the amount of toner consumed by executing an image forming process that forms an image based on the image data using the optical scanning unit and the developing unit.

[0008] A toner consumption acquisition method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by an image forming apparatus including an optical scanning unit that has a light source for emitting light and scans the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including pixel data on an image carrier, and a developing unit that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a developing bias voltage to form a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. The method includes a detecting step, a first obtaining step, a second obtaining step, and a third obtaining step. In the detecting step, the toner concentration of a first toner image corresponding to first pixel data having a predetermined first concentration, which is formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit, is detected. In the first obtaining step, the toner charge amount is acquired using a prediction model that predicts the toner concentration of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the density of the pixel data, the amount of light, the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and the toner charge amount, and the detection result from the detecting step. In the second acquisition step, the prediction model and the acquisition result in the first acquisition step are used to acquire relational data indicating the relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data. In the third acquisition step, the amount of toner consumed by execution of an image formation process that forms an image based on the image data using the optical scanning unit and the developing unit is acquired based on the relational data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of obtaining the amount of toner consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the intermediate transfer belt of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a prediction model used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing first relationship data indicating the relationship between the charge amount of toner and the toner density of a toner image obtained using a prediction model. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing second relationship data indicating the relationship between the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the toner density of the toner image, which is acquired using the prediction model. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing third relationship data indicating the relationship between the amount of light obtained using the prediction model and the toner density of a toner image. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing fourth relation data indicating the relationship between the density of pixel data acquired using the prediction model and the toner density of a toner image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a relational data acquisition process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 100] First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] For ease of explanation, the vertical direction in the installation state where image forming apparatus 100 is usable (the state shown in FIG. 1) is defined as the up-down direction D1. Also, the front-to-back direction D2 is defined with the left side of image forming apparatus 100 on the paper surface shown in FIG. 1 as the front (front face). Also, the left-to-right direction D3 is defined with the front face of image forming apparatus 100 in the installation state as the reference point.

[0014] Image forming apparatus 100 has a print function that forms an image based on image data on a sheet. Specifically, image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral that has multiple functions, such as the print function, scan function, fax function, and copy function. Note that the present invention may also be applied to image forming apparatuses such as printers, fax machines, and copy machines that are capable of forming images using an electrophotographic method.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, an operation display unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 7.

[0016] The image reading unit 2 realizes the scanning function of reading an image from a document, and includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

[0017] The ADF 1 transports a document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 2. The ADF 1 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, a document presser, and a paper discharge unit.

[0018] The image forming unit 3 realizes the printing function. Specifically, the image forming unit 3 forms a color or monochrome image on a sheet fed from the paper feed unit 4 according to an electrophotographic method.

[0019] The paper feed unit 4 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 3. The paper feed unit 4 includes a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, and a plurality of transport rollers.

[0020] The operation display unit 5 is a user interface of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation display unit 5 has a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 7. Specifically, the display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 7 in response to user operations. Specifically, the operation unit is an operation device including operation keys and a touch panel.

[0021] The storage unit 6 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a flash memory.

[0022] The control unit 7 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 7 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, and a RAM 13. The CPU 11 is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile storage device that stores in advance information such as control programs for causing the CPU 11 to execute various types of processing. The RAM 13 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device that is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU 11. The CPU 11 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100 by executing the various control programs that are stored in advance in the ROM 12.

[0023] The control unit 7 may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 7 may also be configured with an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0024] [Configuration of image forming unit 3] Next, the configuration of the image forming section 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Here, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of multiple image forming units 20, intermediate transfer belt 26, and secondary transfer roller 27. Also, Figure 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of photosensitive drum 31 of image forming unit 24, intermediate transfer belt 26, drive roller 40, and secondary transfer roller 27.

[0025] 1, the image forming section 3 includes four image forming units 20, two optical scanning devices 25, an intermediate transfer belt 26, a secondary transfer roller 27, a fixing device 28, and a paper discharge tray 29. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming section 3 includes a voltage application section 38, a light source 39, and a sensor 43.

[0026] Of the four image forming units 20, image forming unit 21 (see FIG. 3) forms a Y (yellow) toner image. Of the four image forming units 20, image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 3) forms a C (cyan) toner image. Of the four image forming units 20, image forming unit 23 (see FIG. 3) forms an M (magenta) toner image. Of the four image forming units 20, image forming unit 24 (see FIG. 3) forms a K (black) toner image. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the four image forming units 20 are arranged side by side in the order of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black from the front side of image forming apparatus 100 along the front-rear direction D2.

[0027] 3, each image forming unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging roller 32, a developing device 33, a primary transfer roller 34, and a drum cleaning unit 35. Each image forming unit 20 also includes a toner container 36 shown in FIG.

[0028] An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 31. Photoreceptor drum 31 receives a rotational driving force supplied from a motor (not shown) and rotates in a drum rotation direction D4 shown in FIG. 3. As a result, photoreceptor drum 31 transports the electrostatic latent image formed on its surface. Photoreceptor drum 31 is an example of an image carrier of the present invention.

[0029] A preset charging bias voltage is applied to the charging roller 32, which charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. For example, the charging roller 32 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 to a positive polarity. The surface of the photosensitive drum 31 charged by the charging roller 32 is irradiated with light based on image data emitted from the optical scanning device 25. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31.

[0030] The developing device 33 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. The developing device 33 includes a developing housing 33A (see FIG. 3), a pair of stirring members, a magnet roller, and a developing roller 37 (see FIG. 3). The developing housing 33A houses the pair of stirring members, the magnet roller, and the developing roller 37. The developing housing 33A houses a developer containing toner and a carrier. The pair of stirring members stir the developer housed in the developing housing 33A. For example, the toner contained in the developer is positively charged due to friction with the carrier contained in the developer. The magnet roller picks up the developer stirred by the pair of stirring members and supplies the toner contained in the developer to the developing roller 37. The developing roller 37 transports the toner supplied from the magnet roller to a position facing the photosensitive drum 31. The developing roller 37 receives a preset development bias voltage and supplies the toner transported to the facing position to the photosensitive drum 31. As a result, toner is selectively supplied to the exposure area of ​​the photosensitive drum 31 irradiated with light emitted from the optical scanning device 25, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. In other words, the developing roller 37 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 in response to the application of the developing bias voltage, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 37 is an example of a developing unit of the present invention.

[0031] The primary transfer roller 34 receives a supply of a preset primary transfer current and transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 onto the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26. As shown in Fig. 3, the primary transfer roller 34 is disposed opposite the photosensitive drum 31 with the intermediate transfer belt 26 sandwiched therebetween.

[0032] The drum cleaning unit 35 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 after the toner image has been transferred by the primary transfer roller 34 .

[0033] The toner container 36 is detachably provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The toner container 36 contains toner to be supplied to a developing housing 33A that contains a developing roller 37.

[0034] The voltage application section 38 is a power source capable of applying the development bias voltage to the development roller 37. The voltage application section 38 is provided corresponding to each of the image forming units 20.

[0035] The light source 39 emits light. A light source 39 is provided for each printing color.

[0036] The light source 39 corresponding to Y (yellow) controls whether or not to emit light based on the image data of Y (yellow). The image data of Y (yellow) is image data configured from pixel data indicating the density of Y (yellow).

[0037] The light source 39 corresponding to C (cyan) controls whether or not to emit light based on the image data of C (cyan). The image data of C (cyan) is image data made up of pixel data indicating the density of C (cyan).

[0038] The light source 39 corresponding to M (magenta) is controlled to emit or not emit light based on the image data of M (magenta). The image data of M (magenta) is image data configured from pixel data indicating the density of M (magenta).

[0039] The light source 39 corresponding to K (black) controls whether or not to emit light based on the image data of K (black). The image data of K (black) is image data configured from pixel data indicating the density of K (black).

[0040] The two optical scanning devices 25 emit light based on image data toward the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 31 of the image forming units 20. The two optical scanning devices 25 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction D2.

[0041] Of the two optical scanning devices 25, the optical scanning device 25 located on the front side emits light from a Y (yellow) light source 39 toward the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 21. The optical scanning device 25 located on the front side also emits light from a C (cyan) light source 39 toward the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 22. Specifically, the optical scanning device 25 located on the front side includes a light source 39 corresponding to Y (yellow), a light source 39 corresponding to C (cyan), a first polygon mirror common to Y (yellow) and C (cyan), a first optical path corresponding to Y (yellow), and a second optical path corresponding to C (cyan). The light emitted from the light source 39 corresponding to Y (yellow) is scanned in the main scanning direction along the left-right direction D3 by the first polygon mirror and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 21 via a lens and a mirror located on the first optical path. Light emitted from the light source 39 corresponding to C (cyan) is scanned in the main scanning direction by the first polygon mirror and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 22 via a lens and a mirror arranged in the second optical path.

[0042] Of the two optical scanning devices 25, the optical scanning device 25 located on the rear side emits light from an M (magenta) light source 39 toward the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 23. The optical scanning device 25 located on the rear side emits light from a K (black) light source 39 toward the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 24. Specifically, the optical scanning device 25 located on the rear side includes a light source 39 corresponding to M (magenta), a light source 39 corresponding to K (black), a second polygon mirror common to M (magenta) and K (black), a third optical path corresponding to M (magenta), and a fourth optical path corresponding to K (black). The light emitted from the light source 39 corresponding to M (magenta) is scanned in the main scanning direction by the second polygon mirror and irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 23 via a lens and a mirror located on the third optical path. Light emitted from a light source 39 corresponding to K (black) is scanned in the main scanning direction by the second polygon mirror and irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 24 via a lens and a mirror arranged in the fourth optical path. The optical scanning device 25 scans the light emitted from the light source 39 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including pixel data on the photosensitive drum 31. The optical scanning device 25 is an example of an optical scanning section of the present invention.

[0043] The intermediate transfer belt 26 is an endless belt member onto which the toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 31 of each image forming unit 20 are transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 26 is stretched with a predetermined tension by a drive roller 40 (see FIG. 3) and a tension roller 41 (see FIG. 3). The intermediate transfer belt 26 rotates in a belt rotation direction D5 shown in FIG. 3 when the drive roller 40 rotates due to a rotational driving force supplied from a motor (not shown). As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 26 transports the toner images transferred from each photosensitive drum 31 to a transfer position onto a sheet by a secondary transfer roller 27. After the toner images are transferred by the secondary transfer roller 27, the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26 is cleaned by a belt cleaning unit 42 (see FIG. 3).

[0044] The secondary transfer roller 27 receives a preset secondary transfer current and transfers the toner image transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26 onto a sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the secondary transfer roller 27 is disposed opposite the drive roller 40 with the intermediate transfer belt 26 sandwiched therebetween.

[0045] 4, the size of the secondary transfer roller 27 in the axial direction (left-right direction D3) is smaller than the width (size in the left-right direction D3) of the intermediate transfer belt 26. Therefore, a non-contact area A2 (see FIG. 4) that does not come into contact with the secondary transfer roller 27 is generated on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26. The non-contact area A2 is an area outside the contact area A1 (see FIG. 4) on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26 that comes into contact with the secondary transfer roller 27, and is an area that includes the ends of the intermediate transfer belt 26 in the width direction.

[0046] The fixing device 28 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet by the secondary transfer roller 27 onto the sheet.

[0047] The sheet on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 28 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 29.

[0048] The sensor 43 detects the density and position of the toner image transferred to the non-contact area A2 (see FIG. 4) on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26. For example, the sensor 43 is provided corresponding to each of the pair of non-contact areas A2. For example, the sensor 43 is a reflective optical sensor and includes a light-emitting unit that emits light toward the non-contact area A2 of the intermediate transfer belt 26 and a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the non-contact area A2 of the intermediate transfer belt 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 43 is disposed downstream in the belt rotation direction D5 of the position where the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 27 and upstream in the belt rotation direction D5 of the position where the belt cleaning unit 42 cleans the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 26. The sensor 43 inputs an electrical signal corresponding to the density and position of the toner image to be detected to the control unit 7. The sensor 43 may be a contact image sensor (CIS).

[0049] Incidentally, a related art image forming device is known that, in the process of determining the amount of toner to be replenished to the developing device 33, estimates the amount of toner to be consumed in forming an image based on the image data based on the accumulated density values ​​of each pixel data contained in the image data of the image to be formed.

[0050] However, the relationship between the density value of pixel data and the amount of toner consumed in forming a toner image corresponding to that pixel data is not strictly linear, so the image forming apparatus according to the related art described above cannot accurately obtain the amount of toner consumed.

[0051] In contrast to this, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of obtaining the amount of toner consumption, as will be described below.

[0052] [Configuration of control unit 7] Next, the configuration of the control unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 7 includes a detection processing unit 51, a first acquisition processing unit 52, a first adjustment processing unit 53, a second adjustment processing unit 54, a second acquisition processing unit 55, a third acquisition processing unit 56, a supply processing unit 57, an update processing unit 58, a notification processing unit 59, and a prediction processing unit 60.

[0054] Specifically, an operation control program for causing the CPU 11 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in advance in the ROM 12 of the control unit 7. The CPU 11 then functions as each of the above-mentioned processing units by executing the operation control program stored in the ROM 12. Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 7 may be configured with electronic circuits. The operation control program may also be a program for causing multiple processors to function as each of the processing units included in the control unit 7.

[0055] In the following, of the image forming units 21 to 24, the description will be given taking as an example the various parts included in the image forming unit 24 and the various parts provided corresponding to the image forming unit 24. The following description also applies to each of the image forming units 21 to 23.

[0056] The detection processing unit 51 detects the toner density of the first toner image formed by the optical scanning device 25 and the developing roller 37 and corresponding to first pixel data having a predetermined first density.

[0057] For example, in image forming apparatus 100, the density of K (black) pixel data is expressed as density values ​​ranging from the lightest "0" to the darkest "100." K (black) pixel data with a density value of "0" is converted into halftone dot data with an area ratio of 0 percent and used to control the light emission of light source 39. K (black) pixel data with a density value of "100" is converted into halftone dot data with an area ratio of 100 percent and used to control the light emission of light source 39.

[0058] For example, the first pixel data is pixel data of K (black) with a density value of 100. The density value of the first pixel data does not have to be limited to 100.

[0059] For example, the detection processing unit 51 uses the optical scanning device 25 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including a color region formed only by the first pixel data in an area on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 31 facing the non-contact area A2 of the intermediate transfer belt 26. The detection processing unit 51 also uses the developing roller 37 to form a toner image corresponding to the color region on the photosensitive drum 31. The detection processing unit 51 also uses the sensor 43 to detect the toner concentration of the toner image corresponding to the color region transferred to the non-contact area A2 of the intermediate transfer belt 26.

[0060] The first acquisition processing unit 52 acquires the charge amount of the toner using a prediction model 71 (see FIG. 2) and the detection result by the detection processing unit 51. As shown in FIG. 5, the prediction model 71 is a mathematical model that predicts the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the density of the pixel data, the amount of light emitted from the light source 39, the voltage value of the charging bias voltage, the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and the charge amount of the toner.

[0061] For example, the prediction model 71 is constructed by machine learning using training data that associates multiple input parameters (density of pixel data, amount of light, voltage value of the charging bias voltage, voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and charge amount of toner) with the toner density of the toner image.

[0062] For example, in the image forming apparatus 100, a prediction model 71 and the training data are stored in advance in the storage unit 6. The prediction model 71 is a program that outputs the toner concentration of a toner image in response to input of a plurality of the input parameters. For example, the prediction model 71 is a neural network having an input layer to which the plurality of input parameters are input and an output layer to which the toner concentration of the toner image is output. The training data is data used to construct the prediction model 71. The storage unit 6 stores a plurality of pieces of training data that each have a different combination of the plurality of input parameters and the toner concentration of the toner image.

[0063] Here, constructing the prediction model 71 means adjusting internal parameters included in the prediction model 71, such as weighting between neurons included in a neural network. Specifically, it means adjusting the internal parameters so that the prediction model 71 can output the toner concentration of the toner image included in the training data in response to input of the plurality of input parameters included in the training data. For example, the control unit 7 constructs the prediction model 71 by machine learning using the plurality of training data. Note that a pre-constructed prediction model 71 may be stored in the storage unit 6 in advance. Furthermore, the prediction model 71 does not have to be constructed by machine learning.

[0064] For example, the first acquisition processing unit 52 uses the prediction model 71 to acquire first relationship data DA11 (see FIG. 6 ) indicating the relationship between the charge amount of toner and the toner density of a toner image corresponding to pixel data. Specifically, the first acquisition processing unit 52 sets the density of the pixel data input to the prediction model 71 to the first density (density value “100”). The first acquisition processing unit 52 also sets the amount of light, the voltage value of the charging bias voltage, and the voltage value of the developing bias voltage input to the prediction model 71 to the set values ​​used when forming the first toner image. The first acquisition processing unit 52 then acquires the first relationship data DA11 by varying the charge amount of toner input to the prediction model 71 to various values ​​and acquiring the toner density of the toner image corresponding to each value. The first relationship data DA11 may be a collection of data indicating the charge amount of toner and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the charge amount, or may be a relational equation indicating the relationship between the charge amount of toner and the toner density of the toner image.

[0065] Then, the first acquisition processing unit 52 acquires the charge amount of the toner based on the acquired first relationship data DA11 and the detection result by the detection processing unit 51. Specifically, the first acquisition processing unit 52 acquires, as the charge amount of the toner, a value X1 (see FIG. 6) that is specified based on the first relationship data DA11 and corresponds to the detection value (see FIG. 6) acquired by the detection processing unit 51.

[0066] The prediction model 71 and the training data may be stored in a storage unit of an external information processing device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the first acquisition processing unit 52 may cause the external information processing device to generate first relationship data DA11 and acquire the first relationship data DA11 from the external information processing device.

[0067] The first adjustment processing unit 53 uses the prediction model 71 and the results obtained by the first acquisition processing unit 52 to adjust the voltage value of the development bias voltage so that the toner concentration of the first toner image becomes a first target value corresponding to the first concentration.

[0068] For example, the first adjustment processing unit 53 uses the prediction model 71 to acquire second relationship data DA12 (see FIG. 7) indicating the relationship between the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data. Specifically, the first adjustment processing unit 53 sets the density of the pixel data input to the prediction model 71 to the first density (density value "100"). The first adjustment processing unit 53 also sets the amount of light input to the prediction model 71 and the voltage value of the charging bias voltage to the setting values ​​used when the first toner image was formed. The first adjustment processing unit 53 also sets the amount of charge of the toner input to the prediction model 71 to the value X1 (see FIG. 6) acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 52. The first adjustment processing unit 53 then acquires the second relationship data DA12 by varying the voltage value of the developing bias voltage input to the prediction model 71 and acquiring the toner density of the toner image corresponding to each value. The second relational data DA12 may be a collection of data indicating the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the toner concentration of the toner image corresponding to that voltage value, or may be a relational equation indicating the relationship between the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the toner concentration of the toner image.

[0069] Then, based on the acquired second relationship data DA12, the first adjustment processing unit 53 identifies a value X2 (see Figure 7) at which the toner concentration of the first toner image becomes the first target value, and sets the identified value X2 as the voltage value of the development bias voltage.

[0070] The second adjustment processing unit 54 uses the prediction model 71, the acquisition results by the first acquisition processing unit 52, and the adjustment results by the first adjustment processing unit 53 to adjust the amount of light emitted from the light source 39 so that the toner density of the second toner image corresponding to the second pixel data having a second density lower (thinner) than the first density formed by the optical scanning device 25 and the developing roller 37 becomes a second target value corresponding to the second density.

[0071] For example, the second pixel data is pixel data of K (black) with a density value of 50. The density value of the second pixel data does not have to be limited to 50.

[0072] For example, the second adjustment processing unit 54 uses the prediction model 71 to acquire third relationship data DA13 (see FIG. 8) indicating the relationship between the amount of light and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data. Specifically, the second adjustment processing unit 54 sets the density of the pixel data input to the prediction model 71 to the second density (density value "50"). The second adjustment processing unit 54 also sets the voltage value of the charging bias voltage input to the prediction model 71 to the set value used when the first toner image was formed. The second adjustment processing unit 54 also sets the voltage value of the developing bias voltage input to the prediction model 71 to the value X2 (see FIG. 7) adjusted by the first adjustment processing unit 53. The second adjustment processing unit 54 also sets the charge amount of the toner input to the prediction model 71 to the value X1 (see FIG. 6) acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 52. The second adjustment processing unit 54 then acquires the third relationship data DA13 by varying the amount of light input to the prediction model 71 to various values ​​and acquiring the toner density of the toner image corresponding to each value. The third relational data DA13 may be a collection of data indicating the amount of light and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to that amount of light, or may be a relational equation indicating the relationship between the amount of light and the toner density of the toner image.

[0073] Then, based on the acquired third relationship data DA13, the second adjustment processing unit 54 identifies a value X3 (see Figure 8) at which the toner concentration of the second toner image becomes the second target value, and sets the identified value X3 as the amount of light emitted from the light source 39.

[0074] When the density of the pixel data is high, close to a density value of "100," the toner density of the toner image corresponding to that pixel data does not change even if the amount of light emitted from light source 39 changes slightly. Therefore, even if the amount of light emitted from light source 39 is adjusted after adjusting the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, the toner density of the first toner image does not change as long as the adjustment amount falls within a predetermined range.

[0075] The second acquisition processing unit 55 uses the prediction model 71, the acquisition results by the first acquisition processing unit 52, the adjustment results by the first adjustment processing unit 53, and the adjustment results by the second adjustment processing unit 54 to acquire fourth relationship data DA14 (see Figure 9) that indicates the relationship between the density of pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data.

[0076] Specifically, the second acquisition processing unit 55 sets the voltage value of the charging bias voltage input to the prediction model 71 to the setting value when the first toner image was formed. The second acquisition processing unit 55 also sets the voltage value of the developing bias voltage input to the prediction model 71 to the value X2 (see FIG. 7) adjusted by the first adjustment processing unit 53. The second acquisition processing unit 55 also sets the amount of light input to the prediction model 71 to the value X3 (see FIG. 8) adjusted by the second adjustment processing unit 54. The second acquisition processing unit 55 also sets the amount of toner charge input to the prediction model 71 to the value X1 (see FIG. 6) acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 52. The second acquisition processing unit 55 then varies the density of the pixel data input to the prediction model 71 to various values ​​and acquires the toner density of the toner image corresponding to each value, thereby acquiring fourth relationship data DA14. The fourth relational data DA14 may be a collection of data indicating the density of pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to that density, or may be a relational equation indicating the relationship between the density of pixel data and the toner density of the toner image.

[0077] The third acquisition processing unit 56 acquires, based on the fourth relation data DA14, the amount of toner consumed by the execution of the image forming process in which an image is formed based on image data including pixel data using the optical scanning device 25 and the developing roller 37.

[0078] Specifically, the third acquisition processing unit 56 acquires the toner density of the toner image corresponding to each pixel data included in the image data of the image formation target, using the fourth relationship data DA14. The third acquisition processing unit 56 also calculates the amount of toner consumed by forming an image based on the pixel data, based on the acquired toner density, for each pixel data included in the image data of the image formation target. The third acquisition processing unit 56 then accumulates the amount of toner consumed by executing the image formation process by accumulating the amount of toner consumed calculated for each pixel data included in the image data of the image formation target.

[0079] The supply processing unit 57 supplies the toner from the toner container 36 to the developing housing 33A in an amount corresponding to the toner consumption amount acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 56.

[0080] For example, when the amount of toner consumed is acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 56, the supply processing unit 57 drives the supply unit that supplies the toner contained in the toner container 36 to the developing device 33 for a period of time corresponding to the acquired amount of toner consumed.

[0081] The update processing unit 58 updates the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 based on the amount of toner consumption acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 56.

[0082] For example, in the image forming device 100, when a toner container 36 is attached to the image forming device 100, remaining amount data indicating the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is read from the IC tag attached to the toner container 36, and the read remaining amount data is stored in a predetermined first memory area in the memory unit 6.

[0083] For example, every time the third acquisition processing unit 56 acquires the amount of toner consumed, the update processing unit 58 updates the remaining amount data stored in the first storage area based on the acquired amount of toner consumed.

[0084] The notification processor 59 notifies the user when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0085] For example, the notification processing unit 59 determines whether the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value based on the remaining amount data stored in the first storage area.

[0086] For example, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold, the notification processor 59 causes the operation display unit 5 to display a message to that effect and to the effect that it is time to replace the toner container 36.

[0087] The prediction processing unit 60 predicts the timing of replacing the toner container 36 based on the recording result of the toner consumption amount acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 56.

[0088] For example, each time the third acquisition processing unit 56 acquires the amount of toner consumption, it stores consumption data including the acquired amount of toner consumption and information indicating the date and time when the amount of consumption was acquired in a predetermined second memory area in the memory unit 6.

[0089] For example, the prediction processing unit 60 calculates the toner consumption rate based on some or all of the consumption amount data stored in the second storage area. Furthermore, the prediction processing unit 60 calculates the time until the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 drops below the threshold based on the remaining amount data stored in the first storage area and the calculated toner consumption rate. The prediction processing unit 60 then displays on the operation display unit 5 the replacement timing for the toner container 36, which is determined based on the calculated time.

[0090] For example, the prediction processing unit 60 predicts the timing of replacement of the toner container 36 in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation and display unit 5, and causes the operation and display unit 5 to display the prediction result.

[0091] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of each process executed by the control unit 7 and the toner consumption amount acquisition method of the present invention will be described.

[0092] [Motion control processing] 10, an example of the procedure of the operation control process executed by the control unit 7 in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 7. The operation control process is executed when an instruction to execute a print process for printing one or more image data is input.

[0093] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 7 determines whether or not a predetermined acquisition timing has arrived.

[0094] For example, the control unit 7 determines that the acquisition timing has arrived when the process of step S11 is executed for the first time after the start of the operation control process. Also, the control unit 7 determines that the acquisition timing has arrived when the number of images formed since the start of the operation control process reaches an integral multiple of a predetermined number.

[0095] Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the acquisition timing has arrived (Yes in S11), it shifts the process to step S12. On the other hand, if the acquisition timing has not arrived (No in S11), it shifts the process to step S13.

[0096] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 7 executes a relationship data acquisition process, which will be described below.

[0097] [Relational data acquisition process] Here, an example of the procedure of the relational data acquisition process executed in step S12 of the operation control process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0098] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 7 uses the optical scanning device 25 and the developing roller 37 to form the first toner image corresponding to the first pixel data.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit 7 uses the optical scanning device 25 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data including the color region constituted only by the first pixel data in an area on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 31 facing the non-contact area A2 of the intermediate transfer belt 26. The control unit 7 also uses the developing roller 37 to form a toner image corresponding to the color region on the photosensitive drum 31.

[0100] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 7 detects the toner density of the first toner image formed by the process of step S21. The processes of steps S21 and S22 are examples of the detection step of the present invention, and are executed by the detection processing unit 51 of the control unit 7.

[0101] Specifically, the control unit 7 uses the sensor 43 to detect the toner density of the toner image that corresponds to the color area transferred onto the non-contact area A2 of the intermediate transfer belt 26.

[0102] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 7 acquires the charge amount of the toner using the prediction model 71 (see FIG. 2) and the detection result obtained by the processing in step S22. The processing in step S23 is an example of a first acquisition step of the present invention, and is executed by the first acquisition processing unit 52 of the control unit 7.

[0103] Specifically, the control unit 7 acquires first relationship data DA11 (see FIG. 6) using the prediction model 71. Then, the control unit 7 acquires, as the charge amount of the toner, a value X1 (see FIG. 6) that is identified based on the acquired first relationship data DA11 and corresponds to the detected value (see FIG. 6) obtained by the processing of step S22.

[0104] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 7 adjusts the voltage value of the developing bias voltage using the prediction model 71 and the result obtained by the process of step S23 so that the toner density of the first toner image becomes the first target value. The process of step S24 is executed by the first adjustment processing unit 53 of the control unit 7.

[0105] Specifically, the control unit 7 acquires second relationship data DA12 (see FIG. 7) using the prediction model 71. Then, the control unit 7 sets the value X2 (see FIG. 7), which is specified based on the acquired second relationship data DA12 and at which the toner concentration of the first toner image becomes the first target value, as the voltage value of the developing bias voltage.

[0106] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 7 uses the prediction model 71, the result obtained by the processing in step S23, and the adjustment result by the processing in step S24 to adjust the amount of light emitted from the light source 39 so that the toner density of the second toner image becomes the second target value. The processing in step S25 is executed by the second adjustment processing unit 54 of the control unit 7.

[0107] Specifically, the control unit 7 acquires third relationship data DA13 (see FIG. 8) using the prediction model 71. Then, the control unit 7 sets the amount of light emitted from the light source 39 to a value X3 (see FIG. 8), which is specified based on the acquired third relationship data DA13 and at which the toner density of the second toner image becomes the second target value.

[0108] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 7 acquires fourth relationship data DA14 (see FIG. 9) using the prediction model 71, the acquisition result obtained by the processing of step S23, the adjustment result obtained by the processing of step S24, and the adjustment result obtained by the processing of step S25. The processing of step S26 is an example of a second acquisition step of the present invention, and is executed by the second acquisition processing unit 55 of the control unit 7.

[0109] This concludes the description of the relationship data acquisition process, and the description of the operation control process will now be resumed.

[0110] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 7 executes the image forming process.

[0111] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 7 acquires the amount of toner consumed by the process of step S13 based on the last acquired fourth relationship data DA14. The process of step S14 is an example of a third acquisition step of the present invention, and is executed by the third acquisition processing unit 56 of the control unit 7.

[0112] Specifically, the control unit 7 uses the fourth relationship data DA14 to acquire the toner density of the toner image corresponding to each pixel data included in the image data of the image formation target. The control unit 7 also calculates the amount of toner consumed in forming an image based on the pixel data based on the acquired toner density for each pixel data included in the image data of the image formation target. The control unit 7 then accumulates the amount of toner consumed calculated for each pixel data included in the image data of the image formation target to acquire the amount of toner consumed in executing the image formation process.

[0113] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 7 updates the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 based on the amount of toner consumption acquired in the process of step S14. The process of step S15 is executed by the update processing unit 58 of the control unit 7.

[0114] Specifically, the control unit 7 updates the remaining amount data stored in the first storage area based on the amount of toner consumed acquired by the process of step S14.

[0115] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 7 supplies toner from the toner container 36 to the developing device 33 in an amount corresponding to the toner consumption amount acquired in the process of step S14. The process of step S16 is executed by the supply processing unit 57 of the control unit 7.

[0116] Specifically, the control unit 7 drives the supply unit that supplies the toner contained in the toner container 36 to the developing device 33 for a period of time according to the amount of toner consumed acquired by the process of step S14.

[0117] <Step S17> In step S17, the control unit 7 determines whether the printing process has ended.

[0118] Here, when the control unit 7 determines that the printing process has ended (Yes in S17), it shifts the process to step S18. On the other hand, when the printing process has not ended (No in S17), the control unit 7 shifts the process to step S11. In this case, in the next step S13, the image forming process is executed for image data for which an image has not yet been formed.

[0119] <Step S18> In step S18, the control unit 7 determines whether the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value.

[0120] Specifically, the control unit 7 determines whether the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value based on the remaining amount data stored in the first storage area.

[0121] Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value (Yes in S18), it proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is not less than the threshold value (No in S18), the control unit 7 ends the operation control process.

[0122] <Step S19> In step S19, the control unit 7 executes a notification process to notify the user that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value. The process of step S19 is executed by the notification process unit 59 of the control unit 7.

[0123] Specifically, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value, the control unit 7 causes the operation display unit 5 to display a message indicating that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 36 is less than the threshold value and that it is time to replace the toner container 36.

[0124] In this way, in image forming apparatus 100, prediction model 71 is used to acquire fourth relationship data DA14 (see FIG. 9 ), which indicates the relationship between the density of pixel data and the toner density of a toner image corresponding to the pixel data. Then, the amount of toner consumed by execution of the image formation process is acquired based on the acquired fourth relationship data DA14. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of acquiring the amount of toner consumption, compared to a configuration in which the amount of toner consumed by forming an image based on image data of an image formation target is estimated based on the result of accumulating the density values ​​of each pixel data included in the image data.

[0125] Furthermore, in image forming apparatus 100, after the charge amount of toner is acquired, fourth relationship data DA14 that reflects the acquired charge amount of toner is acquired, which makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of acquiring the toner consumption amount.

[0126] Furthermore, in image forming apparatus 100, prediction model 71 is used to adjust the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the amount of light emitted from light source 39, and then fourth relationship data DA14 is acquired. This simplifies the control of image forming apparatus 100 compared to a configuration in which adjustment of the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the amount of light emitted from light source 39 and acquisition of fourth relationship data DA14 are performed separately.

[0127] In the image forming apparatus 100, the adjustment of the voltage value of the developing bias voltage and the amount of light emitted from the light source 39 and the acquisition of the fourth relationship data DA14 may be performed separately. In this case, the second acquisition processing unit 55 may acquire the fourth relationship data DA14 (see FIG. 9) using the prediction model 71 and the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit 52.

[0128] [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0129] <Appendix 1> an optical scanning unit that has a light source that emits light and scans the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier corresponding to image data including pixel data; a developing unit that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a developing bias voltage to form a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image; a detection processing unit that detects a toner density of a first toner image corresponding to first pixel data having a predetermined first density, which is formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit; a first acquisition processing unit that acquires the charge amount of the toner using a prediction model that predicts the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the density of the pixel data, the amount of light, the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and the detection result by the detection processing unit; a second acquisition processing unit that acquires relationship data indicating the relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data, using the prediction model and the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit; and a third acquisition processing unit that acquires the amount of toner consumed by execution of an image formation process that forms an image based on the image data using the optical scanning unit and the developing unit, based on the relationship data.

[0130] <Appendix 2> an adjustment processing unit that adjusts the voltage value of the developing bias voltage using the prediction model and the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit so that the toner concentration of the first toner image becomes a first target value corresponding to the first concentration; and an adjustment processing unit that adjusts the amount of light using the prediction model, the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit, and the adjustment result by the first adjustment processing unit so that the toner concentration of a second toner image corresponding to second pixel data having a second density lower than the first density, formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit, becomes a second target value corresponding to the second density, wherein the second acquisition processing unit acquires the relationship data using the prediction model, the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit, the adjustment result by the first adjustment processing unit, and the adjustment result by the second adjustment processing unit.

[0131] <Appendix 3> The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1 or 2 includes a storage unit that is detachably provided on the image forming apparatus and stores the toner to be supplied to a developing housing that houses the developing unit, and a supply processing unit that supplies the toner from the storage unit to the developing housing in an amount corresponding to the toner consumption amount acquired by the third acquisition processing unit.

[0132] <Appendix 4> An image forming apparatus as described in Appendix 3, comprising: an update processing unit that updates the remaining amount of toner in the storage unit based on the amount of toner consumed acquired by the third acquisition processing unit; and a notification processing unit that notifies the user when the remaining amount of toner in the storage unit is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0133] <Appendix 5> 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a prediction processing unit that predicts a replacement timing of the container unit based on the recording result of the toner consumption amount acquired by the third acquisition processing unit.

[0134] <Appendix 6> a light scanning unit that has a light source that emits light, and scans the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including pixel data on an image carrier; and a developing unit that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a developing bias voltage to form a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image, the toner consumption acquisition method being executed in an image forming apparatus that includes: a detecting step of detecting a toner density of a first toner image that corresponds to first pixel data having a predetermined first density and is formed by the light scanning unit and the developing unit; a first acquisition step of acquiring the charge amount of the toner using a prediction model that predicts the toner concentration of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the charge amount of the toner and the detection result of the detection step; a second acquisition step of acquiring relationship data that indicates the relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner concentration of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data using the prediction model and the acquisition result of the first acquisition step; and a third acquisition step of acquiring the amount of toner consumed by executing an image formation process that forms an image based on the image data using the optical scanning unit and the developing unit based on the relationship data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 ADF 2 Image reading unit 3 Image forming unit 4 Paper feed section 5 Operation display section 6 Memory section 7 Control Unit 24 Image forming unit 25 Optical scanning device 26 Intermediate transfer belt 27 Secondary transfer roller 28 Fixing device 31 Photosensitive drum 32 Charging roller 33 Developing device 33A Developer housing 34 Primary transfer roller 35 Drum Cleaning Department 36 Toner container 37 Developing roller 38 Voltage application section 39 Light source 43 Sensors 51 Detection processing section 52 First acquisition processing unit 53 First adjustment processing section 54 Second adjustment processing section 55 Second acquisition processing unit 56 Third acquisition processing unit 57 Supply Processing Section 58 Update processing section 59 Notification processing section 60 Prediction processing unit 71 Predictive Models 100 Image forming device

Claims

1. an optical scanning unit having a light source that emits light, and scanning the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including pixel data on an image carrier; a developing unit that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a developing bias voltage, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image; a detection processing unit that detects a toner density of a first toner image that corresponds to first pixel data having a predetermined first density and is formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit; a first acquisition processing unit that acquires the charge amount of the toner using a prediction model that predicts the toner concentration of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the density of the pixel data, the amount of light, the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and the charge amount of the toner, and the detection result by the detection processing unit; a second acquisition processing unit that acquires relationship data indicating a relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data, using the prediction model and the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit; a third acquisition processing unit that acquires, based on the relationship data, the amount of toner consumed during execution of an image forming process that forms an image based on the image data using the optical scanning unit and the developing unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a first adjustment processing unit that adjusts a voltage value of the developing bias voltage using the prediction model and the result obtained by the first acquisition processing unit so that the toner density of the first toner image becomes a first target value corresponding to the first density; a second adjustment processing unit that adjusts the amount of light using the prediction model, the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit, and the adjustment result by the first adjustment processing unit so that the toner density of a second toner image corresponding to second pixel data having a second density lower than the first density, formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit, becomes a second target value corresponding to the second density, the second acquisition processing unit acquires the relationship data using the prediction model, the acquisition result by the first acquisition processing unit, the adjustment result by the first adjustment processing unit, and the adjustment result by the second adjustment processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. a container that is detachably provided on the image forming apparatus and that contains the toner to be supplied to a developing housing that contains the developing unit; a supply processing unit that supplies the toner from the container to the developing casing in an amount corresponding to the toner consumption amount acquired by the third acquisition processing unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. an updating processing unit that updates the remaining amount of toner in the container based on the amount of toner consumed acquired by the third acquisition processing unit; a notification processing unit that notifies the user when the remaining amount of the toner in the container is less than a predetermined threshold; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. a prediction processing unit that predicts a replacement timing of the container unit based on a recording result of the toner consumption amount acquired by the third acquisition processing unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. A toner consumption acquisition method executed in an image forming apparatus including: an optical scanning unit that has a light source that emits light, and that scans the light emitted from the light source to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data including pixel data on an image carrier; and a developing unit that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier in response to application of a developing bias voltage, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image, a detecting step of detecting a toner density of a first toner image corresponding to first pixel data having a predetermined first density formed by the optical scanning unit and the developing unit; a first obtaining step of obtaining the charge amount of the toner using a prediction model that predicts the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data based on the density of the pixel data, the amount of light, the voltage value of the developing bias voltage, and the charge amount of the toner, and the detection result from the detecting step; a second obtaining step of obtaining relational data indicating a relationship between the density of the pixel data and the toner density of the toner image corresponding to the pixel data, using the prediction model and the result obtained by the first obtaining step; a third acquisition step of acquiring, based on the relationship data, the amount of toner consumed by execution of an image forming process in which an image is formed based on the image data using the optical scanning unit and the developing unit; A method for acquiring toner consumption amount.

Images