Image forming apparatus for printing an image onto a medium using colorants, and a system, program, and method for managing the colorants consumed by the image forming apparatus.

Abstract

To improve prediction accuracy of charging timing of a color material consumed in image formation.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes a first color material storage unit that stores a first color material. On the basis of specific space information that can identify a position of the image formation apparatus and each action range of at least one user in a specific space where the image formation apparatus is arranged, a control unit of the image formation apparatus identifies a first set of active users using the image formation apparatus of the at least one user (S120, S130). The control unit calculates a first average color material consumption amount of the first color material consumed by the image formation apparatus per first unit time on the basis of printing history information of each user included in the first set (S110, S140). On the basis of a remaining amount of the first color material in the first color material storage unit and the first average color material consumption amount, the control unit outputs information about a remaining time in which printing using the first color material in the first color material storage unit can be performed (S150).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that consumes a coloring material to print an image on a medium, and a system, program, and method for managing the coloring material consumed by the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that consumes a coloring material to print an image on a medium has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-139019 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that obtains an average daily toner consumption amount based on information (performance information) of a print job. The image forming apparatus obtains the number of printable days by dividing the remaining toner amount by the average consumption amount. The performance information includes the executor of the print job, the execution date and time, the number of printed sheets, and the average pixel value of the image data used for printing. According to the image forming apparatus, the ordering timing of the toner container can be made clear.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the reference consumption amount used to obtain the number of printable days from the remaining toner amount can vary depending on the user (active user) who routinely uses the image forming apparatus. If changes in active users are not considered in a configuration for predicting the toner filling timing from the remaining toner amount and the reference consumption amount, a large error can occur between the predicted filling timing and the actual filling timing. As a result, toner shortage or unnecessary toner ordering can occur. However, in Patent Document 1, changes in active users of the image forming apparatus are not considered.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and its purpose is to improve the accuracy of predicting the timing of filling the colorants consumed in image formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Section 1) The image forming apparatus according to this disclosure is located in a specific space and prints an image onto a medium by consuming a first colorant. The image forming apparatus comprises a first colorant storage unit and a control unit. The first colorant storage unit stores the first colorant. The control unit controls the image forming apparatus. Based on specific space information that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus and the range of activity of each of at least one user in the specific space, the control unit identifies a first set of active users who use the image forming apparatus from among at least one user. Based on the print history information of each user included in the first set, the control unit calculates a first average amount of first colorant consumed by the image forming apparatus per first unit time. Based on the remaining amount of first colorant in the first colorant storage unit and the first average amount of first colorant consumed, the control unit outputs information regarding the remaining time during which printing using the first colorant in the first colorant storage unit is possible.

[0007] (Section 2) The image forming apparatus described in Section 1 may further include a second colorant storage section for storing a second colorant different from the first colorant. The control unit may selectively perform printing that consumes both the first and second colorants, or printing that consumes only the second colorant and not the first colorant, according to the user's selection. The control unit may calculate the second average amount of second colorant consumed by the image forming apparatus per first unit time based on the printing history information of each user included in the first set. The control unit may output information regarding the remaining time during which printing using the second colorant in the second colorant storage section is possible, based on the remaining amount of second colorant in the second colorant storage section and the second average amount of second colorant consumption.

[0008] (3) The image forming apparatus described in paragraph 1 or 2 may further include an identification information acquisition unit that acquires user identification information. The control unit may add the user to the first set if user authentication using the identification information is successful.

[0009] (Article 4) In the image forming apparatus described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the identification information acquisition unit may include at least one of a card reader, a camera, a microphone, and a biometric information sensor. The card reader acquires identification information from the user's ID card. The camera acquires the user's facial image as identification information. The microphone acquires the user's voice as identification information. The biometric information sensor acquires the user's biometric information as identification information.

[0010] (Article 5) In the image forming apparatus described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the control unit may exclude from the first set any users who have not used the image forming apparatus for a reference time period retrospectively from the current time.

[0011] (Clause 6) The image forming apparatus described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 5 may further include a storage unit and a communication unit. The storage unit stores print history information of users who have used the image forming apparatus. The communication unit is connected to a network. The control unit may obtain specific spatial information from a server connected to the network. The control unit may obtain print history information for each user included in the first set from the storage unit, the server, and at least one other image forming apparatus connected to the network.

[0012] (Clause 7) In the image forming apparatus described in paragraph 6, the control unit may calculate, for each of the multiple users included in the first set, the user's colorant consumption amount based on the user's print history information, by multiplying the average coverage, which is the average value of the first colorant consumed per unit of medium by the user, by the average number of units of medium printed per first unit time. The control unit may also calculate the sum of the user colorant consumption amounts of multiple users as the first average colorant consumption amount.

[0013] (Clause 8) In the image forming apparatus described in paragraph 7, if a specific user is added to the first set and the print history information of the specific user cannot be obtained, the control unit may use the average value of the user colorant consumption of all users from whom the print history information of the image forming apparatus can be obtained as the user colorant consumption of the specific user.

[0014] (Clause 9) In the image forming apparatus described in paragraph 7, if a specific user who was included in the second set of active users of other image forming apparatuses is added to the first set, and the print history information of the specific user cannot be obtained, the control unit may use the average value of the user colorant consumption of all users from whom the print history information of other image forming apparatuses can be obtained as the user colorant consumption of the specific user.

[0015] (Paragraph 10) The number of media that the image forming apparatus described in Paragraph 7 can print on per second unit time may be the first number of media. The number of media that another image forming apparatus can print on per second unit time may be the second number of media. If a specific user that was included in the second set of active users of another image forming apparatus is added to the first set and the print history information of the specific user is obtainable, the control unit may adjust the average number of units derived from the print history information of the specific user to correspond to the greater-than-less-than relationship between the first number of media and the second number of media.

[0016] (Clause 11) The maximum size of the media that can be printed by the image forming apparatus described in paragraph 7 may be the first size. The maximum size of the media that can be printed by other image forming apparatuses may be a second size different from the first size. If a specific user who was included in the second set of active users of other image forming apparatuses is added to the first set and the print history information of that specific user is available, the control unit may adjust the average coverage derived from the print history information of that specific user to correspond to the size relationship between the first size and the second size.

[0017] (Paragraph 12) In the image forming apparatus described in any one of paragraphs 6 to 11, the server may manage first organizational information relating to multiple users using multiple image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and second organizational information relating to multiple image forming apparatuses. The specific spatial information may include the first organizational information and the second organizational information.

[0018] (Clause 13) In the image forming apparatus described in paragraph 12, the control unit may add to the set of active users any user whose range of activity includes at least a portion of the reference range which includes the position of the image forming apparatus.

[0019] (Paragraph 14) In the image forming apparatus described in paragraph 12 or 13, the first organizational information may include identifiers of multiple terminal devices used by multiple users. The second organizational information may include identifiers of multiple terminal devices and the IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of multiple terminal devices. The control unit may send an echo request message to the IP address of a terminal device used by at least one active user included in the first set, and if an echo response message cannot be received from the terminal device, the control unit may remove the active user from the first set.

[0020] (Paragraph 15) In the image forming apparatus described in any one of paragraphs 12 to 14, the specific spatial information may include images acquired by at least one network camera connected to the network. The control unit may, based on the specific spatial information, identify a specific network camera from among the at least one network camera that photographs the area around the image forming apparatus. The control unit may acquire images of the area around the image forming apparatus from the specific network camera. The control unit may add users included in the first organizational information who appear in the surrounding images to the first set.

[0021] (Paragraph 16) The system relating to this disclosure comprises an image forming apparatus as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, and a server that receives information on remaining time from the image forming apparatus. The server outputs a delivery request for a replacement so that a replacement for the first colorant arrives at a designated location in the image forming apparatus at the filling timing of the first colorant, which is derived from the information on remaining time.

[0022] (Paragraph 17) The program relating to this disclosure is located in a specific space and manages colorants consumed by an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a colorant storage unit for storing colorants. The program is executed on at least one processor to identify a set of active users of the image forming apparatus from among at least one user, based on specific space information that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus and the range of activity of each of at least one user in the specific space; calculate the average amount of colorant consumed by the image forming apparatus per unit time based on the print history information of each user included in the set; and output information regarding the remaining time during which printing is possible using the colorants in the colorant storage unit, based on the remaining amount of colorants in the colorant storage unit and the average amount of colorant consumption.

[0023] (Paragraph 18) The method relating to the present disclosure manages colorants that are located in a specific space and consumed by an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a colorant storage section for storing colorants. The method includes the steps of identifying a set of active users who use the image forming apparatus from among at least one user, based on specific space information that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus and the range of activity of each of at least one user in the specific space; calculating the average amount of colorant consumed per unit time by the image forming apparatus based on the print history information of each user included in the set; and outputting information regarding the remaining time during which printing is possible using the colorants in the colorant storage section, based on the remaining amount of colorants in the colorant storage section and the average amount of colorant consumption. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus, system, program, and method according to the present disclosure, by identifying the set of active users who use the image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of the filling timing of the color materials consumed in image formation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic supply system of color materials consumed by the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a tandem color printer which is an example of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-section line in the x-axis direction of the process unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of each of the configuration of the authentication information acquisition unit of FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration of the MFP controller. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the relationship between the toner remaining amount (vertical axis) in the image forming apparatus and the elapsed time (horizontal axis) from the previous replacement timing of the toner bottle 17. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the print management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for predicting the printable time of the toner bottle performed by the MFP controller of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing for calculating the average toner consumption per day of each machine user of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing for updating the set of active users of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of processing for updating the set of active users of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of processing for updating the set of active users of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7. [Figure 12] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the process for updating the active user list of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating the average daily toner consumption of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for adjusting the average daily toner consumption of new active users. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the adjustment process for the average daily toner consumption of new active users. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic colorant delivery system 1000 consumed by an image forming apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. The colorant includes, for example, dye ink, pigment ink, and toner. The following describes the case where the colorant automatically delivered by the automatic delivery system 1000 is toner.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the automated delivery system 1000 comprises a print management server 100, multiple image forming machines 110, multiple network cameras Nc, an organization management server 120, and a toner bottle distribution center 190. These are connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW includes the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a cloud system. Note that the print management server 100 and the organization management server 120 may be configured as a single server.

[0029] Multiple image forming apparatuses 110 are used by multiple users Us. Each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 110 transmits information about the status of the image forming apparatus to the print management server 100. For example, each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 110 predicts the printable time of the toner bottle 17 of the image forming apparatus 110 and transmits this information to the print management server 100. The image forming apparatus 110 may also transmit the toner bottle replacement timing (refilling timing) as information about the printable time to the print management server 100.

[0030] Figure 1 shows image forming apparatuses 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D among multiple image forming apparatuses 110, and users Us1, Us2, Us3, and Us4 among multiple users Us. Users Us1 to Us4 each carry IC cards Cd1, Cd2, Cd3, and Cd4, on which their identification information is recorded. Network cameras Nc1, Nc2, Nc3, and Nc4 among multiple network cameras Nc are also shown.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 110A is located in Office Of1 (a specific space). User Us1 performs daily tasks in Office Of1 using terminal device Tm1 and uses the image forming apparatus 110A as needed. Terminal device Tm1 includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. Network camera Nc1 captures images of users using the image forming apparatus 110A and outputs these images to the image forming apparatus 110A and the print management server 100. Note that there may be users other than user Us1 who use the image forming apparatus 110A. Furthermore, there may be multiple image forming apparatuses 110, network camera Nc, and terminal devices Tm located in Office Of1, and they are connected to the network NW by wired or wireless connections.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 110B is located in Office Of2 (a specific space). User Us2 performs daily tasks in Office Of2 using terminal device Tm2 and uses the image forming apparatus 110B as needed. Terminal device Tm2 includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. Network camera Nc2 captures images of users using the image forming apparatus 110B and outputs these images to the image forming apparatus 110B and the print management server 100. Note that there may be users other than user Us2 who use the image forming apparatus 110B. Furthermore, there may be multiple image forming apparatuses 110, network camera Nc, and terminal devices Tm located in Office Of2, and they are connected to the network NW by wired or wireless connections.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 110C is located in Office Of3 (a specific space). User Us3 performs daily tasks in Office Of3 using terminal device Tm3 and uses the image forming apparatus 110C as needed. Terminal device Tm3 includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. Network camera Nc3 captures images of users using the image forming apparatus 110C and outputs these images to the image forming apparatus 110C and the print management server 100. Note that there may be users other than user Us3 who use the image forming apparatus 110C. Furthermore, there may be multiple image forming apparatuses 110, network camera Nc, and terminal devices Tm located in Office Of3, and they are connected to the network NW by wired or wireless connections.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 110D is located in Office Of4 (a specific space). User Us4 performs daily tasks in Office Of4 using a terminal device Tm4 and uses the image forming apparatus 110D. The terminal device Tm4 includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. The network camera Nc4 captures images of users using the image forming apparatus 110D and outputs these images to the image forming apparatus 110D and the print management server 100. Note that there may be users other than user Us4 who use the image forming apparatus 110D. Furthermore, there may be multiple image forming apparatuses 110, network cameras Nc, and terminal devices Tm located in Office Of4, and they are connected to the network NW by wired or wireless connections.

[0035] The organizational management server 120 manages personnel information Hr (first organizational information) concerning multiple users Us, and office equipment information Eq (second organizational information) which includes information about multiple image forming apparatuses 110. Personnel information Hr includes, for example, the identification information of each of the multiple users Us, the facial image of the user, the work group to which the user Us belongs, the seat location of the user Us, and the identifier of the terminal device Tm used by the user Us. Office equipment information Eq includes, for example, the identifier, model number, specifications, IP (Internet Protocol) address, and installation location of each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 110, as well as the identifier, model number, specifications, IP address, and installation location of each of the multiple terminal devices Tm used by each of the multiple users Us.

[0036] The print management server 100 monitors the status of multiple image forming machines 110 in real time. This status includes the remaining toner amount for each of the multiple image forming machines 110. Based on the printable time of the toner bottles received from each of the multiple image forming machines 110, the print management server 100 predicts the timing for replacing the toner bottles and sends a toner delivery request to the toner bottle distribution center 190 so that the toner bottles are delivered to the installation location of the corresponding image forming machine at the time of replacement. The toner bottle distribution center 190 delivers the toner bottles to the installation location in response to the toner delivery request from the print management server 100.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a tandem-type color printer, which is an example of the image forming apparatus 110 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the x, y, and z axes are orthogonal to each other. The same applies to Figure 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 110 forms full-color or monochrome images on recording sheets S (mediums) such as recording paper or OHP (Overhead Projector) sheets, using a well-known electrophotographic method, based on image data input from external terminal devices, etc., via a network NW.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 110 comprises an image forming main unit 1 and a paper feeding unit 2. The paper feeding unit 2 is located below the image forming main unit 1 (in the negative direction of the z-axis). The paper feeding unit 2 includes a paper feeding cassette 22 that holds the recording sheet S. The recording sheet S in the paper feeding cassette 22 is supplied to the image forming main unit 1. The image forming main unit 1 transfers and fixes the toner image formed by yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners onto the recording sheet S supplied from the paper feeding unit 2. Hereafter, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black will also be simply referred to as Y, M, C, and K, respectively.

[0040] An intermediate transfer belt 25 is positioned approximately in the center of the image forming apparatus 110 in the z-axis direction, along the x-axis direction. The intermediate transfer belt 25 is wrapped around a pair of belt-circumferential rollers 23 and 24 and is configured to move circumferentially by a motor (not shown).

[0041] Process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are detachably mounted below the intermediate transfer belt 25 from the image forming main unit 1. The process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged in this order along the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 25 that moves in the positive x-axis direction (direction of arrow A1). Each process unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K corresponds to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively, and includes multiple processing means for forming toner images of the corresponding colors.

[0042] Each of the process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is configured to be removed from the image forming main unit 1 by being pulled out toward the front (negative direction in the y-axis direction). Each of the process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is mounted to the image forming main unit 1 by being inserted toward the inward side (positive direction in the y-axis direction).

[0043] Above the process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (in the positive z-axis direction), the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K (colorant storage units) are positioned with an intermediate transfer belt 25 in between. The toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K contain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner, respectively. Between the intermediate transfer belt 25 and the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, the toner supply mechanisms (sub-hoppers) 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K are positioned. The toner contained in the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K is supplied to the process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K by the toner supply mechanisms 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K. Process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have almost identical configurations, except that the toner colors supplied from toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K are different from each other.

[0044] Each process unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K has a photoreceptor drum 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively. The photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are rotatably positioned below the intermediate transfer belt 25 and facing the intermediate transfer belt 25. A photosensitive layer is provided around the entire circumference of the surface of each of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. Each of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is configured to rotate clockwise (the rotation direction indicated by arrow A2) when viewed from a plane from the positive z-axis direction, about an axis of rotation along the y-axis direction.

[0045] Cleaning blades 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K are positioned on the side of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K that is away from the intermediate transfer belt 25 (downstream of the intermediate transfer belt 25) in the rotation direction A2. Further downstream in the same rotation direction from the cleaning blades 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K, chargers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are positioned, respectively. The cleaning blades 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K are configured to scrape off toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The chargers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are configured to uniformly charge the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K to a predetermined charging potential.

[0046] An exposure unit 28 is positioned below the process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. Laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK are irradiated from the exposure unit 28 onto the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively.

[0047] The exposure unit 28 includes four laser diodes corresponding to Y, M, C, and K, respectively. These four laser diodes emit laser light LY, LM, LC, and LK, respectively. The laser light LY, LM, LC, and LK are irradiated onto the photosensitive layers of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively, via polygon mirrors and scanning lenses. As a result, electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive layers of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, which are uniformly charged by the chargers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, respectively.

[0048] The process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K include the developers 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K. The developers 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K are positioned downstream in the rotational direction A2 from the exposure position (irradiation position) of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, which are irradiated with laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK, respectively. The developers 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive layers of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K using a two-component developer having toners Y, M, C, and K and a magnetic carrier. Thus, the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, the chargers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, and the developer units 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K each constitute a process means for forming a toner image.

[0049] Above the process units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K are positioned via an intermediate transfer belt 25, facing the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively. The primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K are attached to the image forming main unit 1. When a transfer bias voltage is applied to the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K, an electric field is formed between the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K and the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K facing them, respectively.

[0050] The toner images formed on the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are first transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 by the action of the electric fields formed between the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K and the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively.

[0051] When forming a full-color image, the image formation timing of each process unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is staggered so that the toner images formed on the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are multiple-transferred to the same area on the intermediate transfer belt 25. In contrast, when forming a monochrome image, only one selected process unit (for example, process unit 10K for K toner) forms the toner image on the photoreceptor drum of that process unit. Subsequently, the toner image is transferred to a predetermined area on the intermediate transfer belt 25 by a primary transfer roller positioned opposite the process unit. Furthermore, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, onto which the toner image has been transferred, is scraped off by cleaning blades 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K.

[0052] The intermediate transfer belt 25, through its circular movement, transports the transferred toner image to the end around which one of the belt circumferential rollers 23 is wrapped (the right end (positive x-axis direction) in Figure 1). The secondary transfer roller 26 is positioned opposite the belt circumferential roller 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 25 in the x-axis direction.

[0053] The secondary transfer roller 26 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 25. A transfer nip is formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25. A transfer bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 26. As a result, an electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25. The recording sheet S, fed from the paper feed cassette 22 of the paper feed unit 2 to the sheet transport path 21, is transported to the transfer nip. The toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 is secondary transferred to the recording sheet S transported in the sheet transport path 21 by the action of the electric field formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25. The recording sheet S that has passed through the transfer nip is transported to the fixing unit 3 located above the secondary transfer roller 26.

[0054] The fuser unit 3 includes a heating roller 31 and a pressure roller 32 pressed against each other in the x-axis direction. A fuser nip is formed between the heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32. A heater lamp 33 is positioned at the axial center of the heating roller 31. The heating roller 31 is heated by the heater lamp 33. In the fuser unit 3, the unfixed toner image on the recording sheet S is fixed onto the recording sheet S by heating by the heating roller 31 and pressurizing by the pressure roller 32 as it passes through the fuser nip. The recording sheet S with the fixed toner image is discharged by the output roller 34 onto the output tray 35 located above the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K.

[0055] The image forming main unit 1 includes an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) controller 4, an operation panel 5, and an authentication information acquisition unit 6. The operation panel 5 has a touch panel and buttons for operating the image forming apparatus 110. The user inputs the desired operation (for example, a print job) via the operation panel 5. The operation panel 5 displays various messages.

[0056] The authentication information acquisition unit 6 acquires the user's authentication information. This authentication information includes, for example, a password, information on an IC card (Cd), a facial image, voice, or biometric information (for example, a fingerprint pattern, vein pattern, or iris pattern).

[0057] The MFP controller 4 (control unit) uses the user's authentication information entered into the authentication information acquisition unit 6. If user authentication is successful, it comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 110 based on the operation commands entered into the operation panel 5. For example, the MFP controller 4 selectively performs full-color printing or monochrome printing according to the user's selection on the operation panel 5. The MFP controller 4 also processes image data and other data entered via the network NW.

[0058] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process unit 10Y in Figure 2 along the cross-sectional line in the x-axis direction. In addition, a portion of the cross-section of the process unit 10M, which is located adjacent to the process unit 10Y, is also shown in Figure 3.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the process unit 10Y includes a photoreceptor drum 11Y, which is a processing means, and a drum set 18Y. The drum set 18Y has a configuration in which a cleaning blade 16Y and a charger 12Y are integrated. The drum set 18Y is positioned separately from the developer 14Y, which is a processing means. The lower surface of the photoreceptor drum 11Y is exposed between the drum set 18Y and the developer 14Y. Laser light LY emitted from the exposure unit 28 is irradiated onto this surface.

[0060] The developing unit 14Y has a developing housing 140Y. The developing housing 140Y houses a two-component developer (carrier and toner) for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 11. Inside the developing housing 140Y, a developing roller 141Y is positioned opposite the photoreceptor drum 11Y.

[0061] The developing roller 141Y is positioned parallel to the photoreceptor drum 11Y, on the downstream side in the rotational direction A2 with respect to the irradiation position of the laser beam LY on the photoreceptor drum 11Y. The developing roller 141Y includes a magnetic roller 142Y and a developing sleeve 143Y.

[0062] In the magnetic roller 142Y, multiple magnetic poles are arranged along the circumferential direction. The developing sleeve 143Y is fitted to the outer circumference of the magnetic roller 142. The magnetic roller 142Y is fixed, and the developing sleeve 143Y rotates around the magnetic roller 142Y in a predetermined direction. A predetermined developing bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeve 143Y.

[0063] Inside the developing housing 140Y are a supply screw 144Y and an agitation screw 145Y. The supply screw 144Y is positioned below the developing roller 141Y and along the developing roller 141Y. The agitation screw 145Y is positioned below the supply screw 144Y and away from the photoreceptor drum 11Y, and along the supply screw 144Y.

[0064] The two-component developer inside the developing housing 140Y is agitated while being transported axially by the agitation screw 145Y. As a result, the toner becomes charged. The two-component developer containing the charged toner is supplied to the supply screw 144Y. The two-component developer supplied to the supply screw 144Y is then supplied to the developing roller 141Y while being transported axially by the supply screw 144Y.

[0065] In the developing roller 141Y, the developing sleeve 143Y rotates, causing the developer to be transported along its circumferential surface. A predetermined developing bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeve 143Y, causing the toner of the developer transported along its circumferential surface to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 11. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is toner-developed.

[0066] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing examples of the configuration of the authentication information acquisition unit 6 and the hardware configuration of the MFP controller 4 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the authentication information acquisition unit 6 includes a touch panel 60, a card reader 61, a camera 62, a microphone 63, and a biometric information sensor 64. The user enters a password on the touch panel 60. The card reader 61 acquires information from the user's IC card Cd. The password may also be enterable from the operation panel 5. The camera 62 acquires an image of the user's face. The microphone 63 acquires the user's voice. The biometric information sensor acquires the user's biometric information.

[0067] The MFP controller 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a communication unit 402, an image processing unit 403, an image memory 404, a laser diode drive unit 405, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 406, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 407, a storage unit 408, and a process unit controller 420.

[0068] The CPU 401 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 110. The CPU 401 receives operation commands input by the user from the operation panel 5 and also receives the user's biometric information from the authentication information acquisition unit 6. The CPU 401 reads the necessary programs from the ROM 406 and performs image data conversion processing in the image processing unit 403, writing / reading image data in the image memory 404, etc. It also comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming main unit 1, the paper feeding unit 2, and the fixing unit 30, etc., while coordinating the timing, to achieve smooth printing operation.

[0069] The CPU 401 detects whether the toner in toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K is near empty or empty, based on various information input from the process unit controller 420. Based on this information, the CPU 401 detects the remaining toner amount before replacement and the toner consumption status (print volume, black / white ratio, etc.) when a toner bottle is replaced. The CPU 401 displays predetermined messages on the operation panel 5 regarding the remaining amount of each toner bottle 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, the time interval during which printing is possible using the toner in the toner bottle 17 (printable time), and the timing for replacing the toner bottle 17.

[0070] The communication unit 402 includes an interface for connecting to a network NW, such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or LAN board. The communication unit 402 receives print job data from an external source via the network NW and transmits it to the image processing unit 403 and the CPU 401. The communication unit 402 receives toner empty information, warnings, troubles, and various print-related information from the CPU 401 via the network NW, as well as print trend information Ut stored in the storage unit 408 (described later), and transmits it to the print management server 100. The communication unit 402 receives data and commands from the print management server 100 via the network NW.

[0071] The image processing unit 403 converts the print job data from the communication unit 402 into image data of the reproduced colors Y, M, C, and K, and stores the image data in the image memory 404 for each reproduced color. The laser diode drive unit 405 reads the image data of each color from the image memory 404 and drives the laser diode of the exposure unit 28.

[0072] ROM 406 includes non-volatile memory. ROM 406 stores the control program Pg1. The control program Pg1 includes programs for controlling the image forming apparatus 110 (e.g., image forming control, toner replenishment control, and toner empty detection control). ROM 406 may also store various data (not shown), such as tables, necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus 110.

[0073] RAM407 includes volatile memory. RAM407 is used as the work area (main memory) of CPU402.

[0074] The process unit controller 420 includes a coverage counter 421 and a toner empty sensor (piezo sensor) 422. The coverage counter 421 counts the amount of toner consumed per page (coverage) in a print job and outputs the coverage to the CPU 401. The toner empty sensor 422 detects the remaining amount of toner in each of the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K and outputs the remaining amount to the CPU 401. In addition to signals from the coverage counter 421 and the toner empty sensor 422, the process unit controller 420 controls the print operation by receiving signals or status from a TCR (Toner Carrier Ratio) sensor (not shown), a toner cartridge set sensor, a TC door cover, a front cover, a cartridge motor, and a sub-hopper motor, etc.

[0075] The storage unit 408 includes non-volatile memory. The storage unit 408 stores print trend information Ut. The print trend information Ut includes user information Ut1, group information Ut2, print date and time Ut3, number of printed pages Ut4, coverage information Ut5, average coverage Ut6, average number of printed pages Ut7, and average toner consumption Ut8 (user colorant consumption) as information about the user's print trends. The storage unit 408 may also store various data, application programs, toner bottle replacement history, and toner consumption status. Furthermore, the storage unit 408 may store a control program Pg1.

[0076] User information Ut1 includes user identification information. Group information Ut2 includes information about the group to which the user belongs. Coverage information Ut5 includes coverage of print jobs entered into the image forming apparatus 110 by the user. Print trend information Ut1 to Ut5 correspond to the actual information (print history information) of the print job. Hereinafter, the user corresponding to user information Ut1 included in print trend information Ut will also be referred to as the machine user of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0077] Print trend information Ut6 and Ut7 are calculated from print trend information Ut1 to Ut5. Average coverage Ut6 is the average coverage of the machine user. Average number of printed pages Ut7 corresponds to the number of media printed by the machine user per unit time (e.g., one day, one week, one month, or the period required for toner delivery). Average toner consumption Ut8 is the average amount of toner consumed by the machine user per unit time (first unit time). Average toner consumption Ut8 is calculated as the product of average coverage Ut6 and average number of printed pages Ut7. Note that print trend information Ut6 to Ut8 can be calculated directly or indirectly from print history information and therefore do not need to be stored in the storage unit 408.

[0078] Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining toner amount (vertical axis) and the elapsed time since the last replacement of the toner bottle 17 (horizontal axis) in the image forming apparatus 110. The following explanation will focus on the case where the unit time is one day.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, assuming that the daily toner consumption Rd of the image forming apparatus 110 is constant, the number of days N1 required from the time the toner bottle 17 is replaced with a replacement (e.g., a new one) until the toner bottle is empty can be calculated by dividing the toner amount Tf of the replacement toner bottle 17 by the toner consumption Rd (N1 = Tf / Rd).

[0080] Assuming that the toner consumption Rd is constant, for example, the average daily toner consumption of the image forming apparatus 110 (average toner consumption), which can be calculated based on print history information, can be used as the toner consumption Rd. However, the average toner consumption may change depending on changes in the active users of the image forming apparatus 110. Changes in the active users of the image forming apparatus 110 include, for example, when a user's group affiliation changes and a new user is added to the active users of the image forming apparatus 110, when a user's group affiliation changes and a user is removed from the active users of the image forming apparatus 110, when a user retires and is removed from the active users of the image forming apparatus 110, when a user starts teleworking and does not come to the office where the image forming apparatus 110 is installed and is removed from the active users of the image forming apparatus 110, or when the installation location of the image forming apparatus 110 changes and the previous user is removed from the active users of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0081] If a new user is added to the active users of the image forming apparatus 110 at elapsed time N10 (>0), the number of active users will increase after elapsed time N10 compared to before elapsed time N10. Therefore, the average toner consumption will usually increase compared to before elapsed time N10. Consequently, the slope of the line representing the relationship between remaining toner and elapsed time after elapsed time N10 will be steeper downwards (the absolute value of the negative slope will be larger) than before elapsed time N10. As a result, the timing at which the toner bottle 17 becomes empty will be elapsed time N2, before elapsed time N1. However, if the increase in the number of active users is not considered in predicting the timing of toner bottle 17 replacement, the timing of toner bottle 17 replacement will be predicted to be elapsed time N1. If the toner bottle 17 is ordered to arrive at the office where the image forming apparatus 110 is located at elapsed time N1, there is a possibility that the toner bottle 17 will become empty around elapsed time N2, before the toner bottle 17 is delivered to the office. Such delays in the delivery of toner bottles 17 make it difficult for the image forming apparatus 110 to perform image formation, and therefore, delays in the delivery of toner bottles 17 can have a significant impact on the work of active users of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0082] Conversely, if a user is removed from the list of active users of the image forming apparatus 110 at elapsed time N10, the number of active users will decrease after elapsed time N10 compared to before elapsed time N10. Therefore, the average toner consumption will usually decrease compared to before elapsed time N10. As a result, the slope of the line representing the relationship between remaining toner and elapsed time after elapsed time N10 will be gentler downwards (the absolute value of the negative slope will be smaller) than before elapsed time N10. Consequently, the timing at which the toner bottle 17 becomes empty will be at elapsed time N3, which is after elapsed time N1. However, if the decrease in the number of active users is not considered in predicting the timing of toner bottle 17 replacement, the timing of toner bottle 17 replacement will be predicted to be at elapsed time N1. If toner bottle 17 is ordered to arrive at the office where the image forming apparatus 110 is located at elapsed time N1, there is a possibility that toner bottle 17 will be delivered and become surplus inventory even though there is sufficient toner remaining and the need to replace toner bottle 17 is low. Excess inventory that requires an excessive amount of time before actually being used can reduce the profitability of the operations of active users of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0083] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 110, when predicting the remaining time that can be used for printing with the toner in the toner bottle 17, information regarding the set of active users (for example, a list of active users or a group of active users) that are expected to use the image forming apparatus 110 after the prediction is updated. By predicting the remaining time that can be used for printing with the toner in the toner bottle 17 based on the latest set of active users (first set), the timing of replacing the toner bottle 17 can be predicted more faithfully to the actual operating conditions of the image forming apparatus 110. As a result, the accuracy of predicting the timing of replacing the toner bottle 17 consumed in image formation can be improved.

[0084] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the print management server 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6, the print management server 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an input device 104, a display device 105, a NIC 106, and a storage unit 108. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 107.

[0085] The CPU 101 comprehensively controls the entire print management server 100 by executing programs stored in the ROM 102. Specifically, the CPU 101 receives print trend information Ut from each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 110 via the NIC 106 and stores it in the storage unit 108. The CPU 101 manages this information and updates the print trend information Ut as needed.

[0086] ROM102 contains non-volatile memory and stores programs and other data for the CPU101 to execute.

[0087] RAM103 is volatile memory and provides a work area when the CPU101 operates according to the program.

[0088] The display device 105 includes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display device, and displays various messages, input screens for administrators, selection screens, etc.

[0089] The input device 104 receives input operations from an administrator user or the like. The input device 104 includes a keyboard or mouse.

[0090] NIC106 transmits and receives data to and from each of the multiple image forming machines 110 and the toner bottle distribution center 190 via the network NW.

[0091] The storage unit 108 includes non-volatile memory. The storage unit 108 stores various data, applications, and print trend information Ut from each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 110.

[0092] Figure 7 shows an example of the process flow for predicting the printable time of toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, performed by the MFP controller 4 in Figure 2. The process shown in Figure 7 is performed, for example, at regular time intervals, by a main routine (not shown) that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 110. Hereafter, steps will simply be referred to as S.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7, in S110, the MFP controller 4 calculates the average daily toner consumption for each machine user for each of the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, and proceeds to S120. In S120, the MFP controller 4 acquires office information (specific spatial information) that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus 110 and the range of activity of each of the multiple users Us in the office Of where the image forming apparatus 110 is located, and proceeds to S130. The office information includes, for example, personnel information Hr and office equipment information Eq obtainable from the organizational management server 120, images of the area around the image forming apparatus 110 obtainable from the network camera Nc, and at least one of the printing trend information stored in the storage unit 408 of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0094] In S130, the MFP controller 4 updates the set of active users of the image forming apparatus 110 (active user set) based on the office information from S120, and proceeds to S130. In S140, the MFP controller 4 calculates the average daily toner consumption of the image forming apparatus 110 for each toner bottle, and proceeds to S150. In S150, the MFP controller 4 outputs the printable time for each toner bottle 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K to the operation panel 5 and the print management server 100, respectively. The operation panel 5 displays the printable time for each toner bottle 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K. The operation panel 5 may also display a message indicating the timing for replacing the toner bottle 17 or prompting the replacement of the toner bottle 17.

[0095] In the print management server 100, when a predetermined condition (for example, the condition that the printable time is shorter than a threshold) is met, the corresponding toner bottle 17 is automatically ordered from the toner bottle distribution center 190.

[0096] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process (S110) for calculating the average daily toner consumption for each machine user, as shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, the MFP controller 4 obtains the remaining amount ratio for each toner bottle 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K and proceeds to S112. In S112, the MFP controller 4 calculates the average number of pages printed per day for each machine user for each toner bottle 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K and proceeds to S113. In S113, the MFP controller 4 calculates the average coverage for each machine user for each toner bottle 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K and proceeds to S114. In S114, the MFP controller 4 calculates the average daily toner consumption for each machine user by multiplying the average number of printed pages in S112 by the average coverage in S113 for each of the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, and returns the result to the main routine.

[0097] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process (S130) for the image forming apparatus 110 in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 9, in S131, the MFP controller 4 identifies the location where the image forming apparatus 110 is located based on the office equipment information Eq, and proceeds to S132. In S132, the MFP controller 4 adds users whose work location (range of activity) is included in the reference range that includes the location of the image forming apparatus 110, based on the personnel information Hr, to the active user set, and returns the process to the main routine. This reference range may include, for example, the floor where the image forming apparatus 110 is located, or an area within a predetermined distance from the image forming apparatus 110.

[0098] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the update process (S130) for the active user set of the image forming apparatus 110 shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 10, in S231, the MFP controller 4 identifies a network camera Nc (specific network camera) that photographs the area around the image forming apparatus 110 based on the office equipment information Eq, acquires images of the area around the image forming apparatus 110 from the network camera Nc from a reference time (e.g., one day, one week, or one month) prior to the current time, and proceeds to S232. In S232, the MFP controller 4 adds users included in the personnel information Hr who appear in the images of the area around the image forming apparatus 110 to the active user set and returns the processing to the main routine. These surrounding images include, for example, images of the entire floor where the image forming apparatus 110 is located, or images within a predetermined distance from the image forming apparatus 110.

[0099] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the update process (S130) for the active user set of the image forming apparatus 110 shown in Figure 7. The process shown in Figure 11 is performed for each machine user of the image forming apparatus 110. As shown in Figure 11, in S331, the MFP controller 4 calculates the print interval between the machine user's most recent print date and time and the current time, and proceeds to S332. In S332, the MFP controller 4 determines whether the print interval is shorter than a reference interval (for example, one month, three months, or six months). If the print interval is shorter than the reference interval (YES in S332), the MFP controller 4 adds the machine user to the active user set in S333 and returns the process to the main routine. If the print interval is equal to or greater than the reference interval (NO in S332), the MFP controller 4 removes the machine user from the active user set in S334 and returns the process to the main routine.

[0100] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the update process (S130) for the active user set of the image forming apparatus 110 shown in Figure 7. The process shown in Figure 12 is performed for each machine user of the image forming apparatus 110. As shown in Figure 12, in S431, the MFP controller 4 determines whether it is possible to reach the terminal device Tm used by the machine user. This reachability is confirmed, for example, by sending an echo request to the IP address of the terminal device Tm using a ping command and receiving an echo response from the terminal device Tm. If it is possible to reach the terminal device Tm (YES in S431), the MFP controller 4 adds the machine user to the active user set in S432 and returns the process to the main routine. If it is not possible to reach the terminal device Tm (NO in S431), the MFP controller 4 removes the machine user from the active user set in S433 and returns the process to the main routine.

[0101] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process (S140) for calculating the average daily toner consumption of the image forming apparatus 110 as shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 13, the MFP controller 4 determines in S141 whether or not there are machine users (inactive users) that are not included in the set of active users. If there are no inactive users (all machine users are active users) (NO in S141), the MFP controller 4 proceeds to S143. If there are inactive users (YES in S141), the MFP controller 4 deletes the printing tendency information of the inactive users from the storage unit 408 in S142 and proceeds to S143.

[0102] In S143, the MFP controller 4 determines whether or not there is a new active user (specific user) that is not a machine user. If there is no new active user that is not a machine user (all users included in the active user set are machine users) (NO in S143), the MFP controller 4 proceeds to S148. If there is a new active user that is not a machine user (YES in S143), the MFP controller 4 proceeds to S144.

[0103] In S144, the MFP controller 4 determines whether the print management server 100 or other image forming apparatus 110 has information on the new active user's printing tendencies. If the print management server 100 or other image forming apparatus 110 has information on the new active user's printing tendencies (YES in S144), the MFP controller 4 obtains the information from the print management server 100 or other image forming apparatus 110 in S145 and proceeds to S146. In S146, the MFP controller 4 adjusts the average daily toner consumption derived from the new active user's printing tendencies and proceeds to S148.

[0104] If the print management server 100 or other image forming apparatus 110 does not have print trend information for the new active user (NO in S144), the MFP controller 4 calculates a substitute value for the new active user's average toner consumption in S147 and proceeds to S148. As this substitute value, for example, the average user colorant consumption of all users for whom print history information of the image forming apparatus 110 can be obtained can be used. Alternatively, the average user colorant consumption of all users for whom print history information of other image forming apparatuses 110 previously used by the new active user can be obtained can be used.

[0105] In S148, the MFP controller 4 calculates the average daily toner consumption of the image forming apparatus for each of the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, based on the printing tendency information of each user included in the active user set, and returns the processing to the main routine. Specifically, the average daily toner consumption of the image forming apparatus for each of the toner bottles 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K is obtained as the sum of the average daily toner consumption of that toner bottle 17 for all active users.

[0106] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the adjustment process (S146) for the average daily toner consumption of new active users, as shown in Figure 13. This average toner consumption is calculated as the product of the average coverage and the average number of pages printed per day for new active users. Figure 14 describes the process of adjusting the average daily toner consumption of new active users by adjusting the average number of pages printed per day for new active users.

[0107] As shown in Figure 14, in S1461, the MFP controller 4 determines whether the number of pages that the image forming apparatus 110 used by the new active user can print per unit time (e.g., 1 minute) (printable pages) is greater than the printable pages of other image forming apparatuses 110 that the new active user used as an active user before being added to the current set of active users. The printable pages include, for example, PPM (Pages Per Minute). Hereinafter, the former printable pages will also be referred to as the "current printable pages," and the latter printable pages will also be referred to as the "previous printable pages."

[0108] The more printable pages the image forming apparatus 110 can print, the more pages an active user can print per day. Conversely, the fewer printable pages the image forming apparatus 110 can print, the fewer pages an active user can print per day. Therefore, the more printable pages the image forming apparatus 110 can print, the higher the average number of pages an active user can print per day. Conversely, the fewer printable pages the image forming apparatus 110 can print, the lower the average number of pages an active user can print per day. Accordingly, if the current number of printable pages is higher than the previous number of printable pages (YES in S1461), the MFP controller 4 increases the average number of pages printed per day derived from the new active user's printing trend information in S1463 and returns the process to the main routine. If the current number of printable pages is less than or equal to the previous number of printable pages (NO in S1461), the MFP controller 4 determines in S1462 whether the current number of printable pages is lower than the previous number of printable pages. If the current number of printable pages is less than the previous number of printable pages (YES in S1462), the MFP controller 4, in S1464, reduces the average number of printable pages per day derived from the new active user's printing trend information and returns the process to the main routine. If the current number of printable pages is equal to the previous number of printable pages (NO in S1462), the MFP controller 4 returns the process to the main routine.

[0109] Depending on the relationship between the current printable page count and the previous printable page count, in S1463 the average number of pages printed per day derived from the printing trend information of the new active user may be multiplied by a multiple greater than 1.0, and in S1464 the average number of pages printed may be multiplied by a multiple less than 1.0. For example, if the current printable page count is 60 PPM and the previous printable page count is 30 PPM, the multiple multiplied by the average number of pages printed per day derived from the printing trend information of the new active user is preferably around 1.5 times, which is the average of 1.0 times and 2.0 times, taking into consideration that the number of pages printed per day by the new active user is not always 2.0 (=60 / 30) times the previous number.

[0110] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process for adjusting the average daily toner consumption of new active users (S146) as shown in Figure 13. Figure 15 describes the process of adjusting the average daily toner consumption of new active users by adjusting the average coverage of new active users.

[0111] As shown in Figure 15, in S2461, the MFP controller 4 determines whether the maximum printable size (for example, A3 or A4) of the image forming apparatus 110 used by the new active user is greater than the maximum printable size of the other image forming apparatus 110 that the new active user used as an active user before being added to the current set of active users. Hereinafter, the former maximum printable size will also be referred to as the "current maximum printable size," and the latter maximum printable size will also be referred to as the "previous maximum printable size."

[0112] When printing the same content across an entire medium, the amount of colorant consumed increases with increasing maximum printable size, and decreases with decreasing maximum size. Therefore, the larger the maximum printable size of the image forming apparatus 110, the greater the average coverage of active users, and the smaller the maximum printable size of the image forming apparatus 110, the less the average coverage of active users. Accordingly, if the current maximum printable size of the image forming apparatus 110 is larger than the previous maximum printable size (YES in S2461), the MFP controller 4 increases the average coverage derived from the printing trend information of the new active user in S2463 and returns the process to the main routine. If the current maximum printable size is less than or equal to the previous maximum printable size (NO in S2461), the MFP controller 4 determines in S2462 whether the current maximum printable size is smaller than the previous maximum printable size. If the current maximum printable size is smaller than the previous maximum printable size (YES in S2462), the MFP controller 4 reduces the average coverage derived from the new active user's printing trend information in S2464 and returns the process to the main routine. If the current maximum printable size is equal to the previous maximum printable size (NO in S2462), the MFP controller 4 returns the process to the main routine.

[0113] Depending on the relationship between the current maximum printable size and the previous maximum printable size, in S2463, the average coverage derived from the printing trend information of new active users may be multiplied by a multiple greater than 1.0, and in S2464, the average coverage may be multiplied by a multiple less than 1.0. For example, if the current maximum printable size is A4 and the previous maximum printable size was A3, it is preferable that the multiple multiplied by the average coverage derived from the printing trend information of new active users be around 0.9.

[0114] As described above, the image forming apparatus, system, program, and method according to the embodiment can improve the accuracy of predicting the timing of filling the colorant consumed in image formation.

[0115] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1 Image forming main unit, 2 Paper feed unit, 3 Fixing unit, 4 MFP controller, 5 Operation panel, 6 Authentication information acquisition unit, 10C, 10K, 10M, 10Y Process unit, 11, 11C, 11K, 11M, 11Y Photoconductor drum, 12C, 12K, 12M, 12Y Charger, 14C, 14K, 14M, 14Y Developer, 16C, 16K, 16M, 16Y Cleaning blade, 17, 17C, 17K, 17M, 17Y Toner bottle, 18Y Drum set, 19C, 19K, 19M, 19Y Toner replenishment mechanism, 21 Sheet transport path, 22 Paper feed cassette, 23 Belt circulating roller, 25 Intermediate transfer belt, 26, 27C, 27K, 27M, 27Y Next transfer roller, 28 Exposure unit, 31 32 Heating roller, 33 Pressure roller, 34 Heater lamp, 34 Paper output roller, 35 Paper output tray, 60 Touch panel, 61 Card reader, 62 Camera, 63 Microphone, 64 Biometric information sensor, 100 Print management server, 110, 110A~110D Image forming apparatus, 102, 406 ROM, 103, 407 RAM, 104 Input device, 105 Display device, 107 System bus, 108, 408 Memory unit, 120 Tissue management server, 140Y Developing housing, 141Y Developing roller, 142 Magnetic roller, 142Y Magnetic roller, 143Y Developing sleeve, 144Y Supply screw, 145Y Agitation screw, 190 Toner bottle distribution center, 402 Communication unit, 403 Image processing unit, 404 Image memory, 405 Laser diode drive unit, 420 Process unit controller, 421 Coverage counter, 422 Toner empty sensor, 1000 Automatic delivery system, Cd, Cd1~Cd4 Card, Eq Office equipment information, Hr Personnel information, LC, LK, LM, LY Laser light, NW Network, Nc, Nc1~Nc4 Network camera, Of, Of1~Of4 Office, Pg1 Control program, Rd Toner consumption, S Record sheet, Tf Toner amount, Tm, Tm1~Tm4 Terminal device, Us,Us1-Us4: User, Ut: Printing trend information, Ut1: User information, Ut2: Group information, Ut3: Print date and time, Ut4: Number of pages printed, Ut5: Coverage information, Ut6: Average coverage, Ut7: Average number of pages printed, Ut8: Average toner consumption.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that is placed in a specific space and uses a first colorant to print an image onto a medium, A first colorant housing section for housing the first colorant, The system includes a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus, The control unit, Based on specific spatial information that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus and the range of movement of each of at least one user in the specific space, a first set of active users who use the image forming apparatus is identified from among the at least one user. Based on the print history information of each user included in the first set, the first average amount of the first colorant consumed by the image forming apparatus per first unit time is calculated. An image forming apparatus that outputs information regarding the remaining time during which printing is possible using the first colorant in the first colorant storage section, based on the remaining amount of the first colorant in the first colorant storage section and the first average amount of colorant consumed.

2. The device further comprises a second colorant housing section for housing a second colorant different from the first colorant, The control unit, Depending on the user's selection, the system selectively performs printing that consumes the first and second colorants, or printing that does not consume the first colorant but consumes the second colorant. Based on the print history information of each user included in the first set, the second average amount of the second colorant consumed by the image forming apparatus per first unit time is calculated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which outputs information regarding the remaining time during which printing is possible using the second colorant in the second colorant storage section, based on the remaining amount of the second colorant in the second colorant storage section and the second average amount of colorant consumed.

3. It further includes an identification information acquisition unit that acquires user identification information, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds the user to the first set when it succeeds in user authentication using the identification information.

4. The aforementioned identification information acquisition unit, A card reader that obtains the aforementioned identification information from the user's ID card. A camera that acquires the user's facial image as the identification information. A microphone that acquires the user's voice as the identification information, and The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, comprising at least one of biometric information sensors that acquires the user's biometric information as the identification information.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit excludes from the first set any users who have not used the image forming apparatus during a reference time period retrospectively from the current time.

6. A storage unit that stores the print history information of a user using the image forming apparatus, It further comprises a communication unit connected to a network, The control unit, The aforementioned specific spatial information is obtained from a server connected to the network, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print history information for each user included in the first set is obtained from the storage unit, the server, and at least one other image forming apparatus connected to the network.

7. The control unit, For each of the multiple users included in the first set, based on the user's printing history information, the product of the average coverage, which is the average amount of the first colorant consumed per unit of the medium by the user, and the average number of units of the medium printed per first unit time is calculated as the user's colorant consumption. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sum of the user colorant consumption amounts of the multiple users is calculated as the first average colorant consumption amount.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if a specific user is added to the first set and the print history information of the specific user cannot be obtained, the control unit uses the average value of the user colorant consumption of all users from whom the print history information of the image forming apparatus can be obtained as the user colorant consumption of the specific user.

9. If a specific user who was included in a second set of active users of the other image forming apparatus is added to the first set, and the print history information of the specific user cannot be obtained, the control unit uses the average value of the user colorant consumption of all users from whom the print history information of the other image forming apparatus can be obtained as the user colorant consumption of the specific user, according to claim 7.

10. The number of media that the image forming apparatus can print on per second unit time is the first number of media, The number of media that the other image forming apparatus can print on per second unit time is the second number of media, The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, if a specific user who was included in a second set of active users of the other image forming apparatus is added to the first set, and the print history information of the specific user can be obtained, the control unit adjusts the average number of units derived from the print history information of the specific user so as to correspond to the greater-than-less-than relationship between the number of first media and the number of second media.

11. The maximum size of the medium that the image forming apparatus can print on is the first size, The maximum size of the medium that the aforementioned other image forming apparatus can print on is the second size. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if a specific user who was included in a second set of active users of the other image forming apparatus is added to the first set, and print history information of the specific user can be obtained, the control unit adjusts the average coverage derived from the print history information of the specific user to correspond to the size relationship between the first size and the second size.

12. The server manages first organizational information relating to multiple users using multiple image forming apparatuses connected to the network, and second organizational information relating to the multiple image forming apparatuses. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specified spatial information includes the first tissue information and the second tissue information.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit adds to the set of active users at least a portion of the range of action that includes the position of the image forming apparatus the set of active users.

14. The first organizational information includes identifiers for multiple terminal devices used by each of the multiple users, The second organizational information includes identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices and the IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of the plurality of terminal devices. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit sends an echo request message to the IP address of a terminal device used by each of the at least one active users included in the first set, and if an echo response message cannot be received from the terminal device, the active user is removed from the first set.

15. The aforementioned specific spatial information includes images acquired by at least one network camera connected to the network, The control unit, Based on the aforementioned specific spatial information, a specific network camera among the at least one network camera that photographs the area around the image forming apparatus is identified. The surrounding image of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the specific network camera. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein users included in the first organizational information who appear in the surrounding image are added to the first set.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The system includes a server that receives information regarding the remaining time from the image forming apparatus, The server is a system that outputs a delivery request for the replacement material so that the replacement material for the first colorant arrives at the designated location of the image forming apparatus at the filling timing of the first colorant, which is derived from the information regarding the remaining time.

17. A program for managing colorants placed in a specific space and consumed by an image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes a colorant storage section for storing the colorant, The program is executed on at least one processor, Based on specific spatial information that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus and the range of movement of each of at least one user in the specific space, a set of active users who use the image forming apparatus is identified from among the at least one user. Based on the print history information of each user included in the set, the average amount of colorant consumed per unit time by the image forming apparatus is calculated. A program that outputs information regarding the remaining time during which printing is possible using the colorants in the colorant storage section, based on the remaining amount of colorants in the colorant storage section and the average amount of colorants consumed.

18. A method for managing colorants placed in a specific space and consumed by an image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes a colorant storage section for storing the colorant, The aforementioned method, The step involves identifying a set of active users who use the image forming apparatus from among the at least one user, based on specific spatial information that can identify the location of the image forming apparatus and the range of movement of each of at least one user in the specific space. A step of calculating the average amount of colorant consumed per unit time by the image forming apparatus based on the print history information of each user included in the set, A method comprising the step of outputting information regarding the remaining time during which printing is possible using the colorant in the colorant storage section, based on the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant storage section and the average amount of colorant consumed.

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