Toner Remaining Amount Calculation Using Dot Count and Predetermined Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately displaying the remaining toner amount due to sensors that lack precision until the toner level is low, leading to discrete detection and display, and are unable to calculate toner remaining amount values for print data passing through data paths incompatible with the dot count function.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a dot count unit and two toner remaining amount calculation units: one calculates the toner remaining amount based on dot counts for compatible print data, while the other sets a predetermined value for incompatible data paths, ensuring accurate toner level display and updating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect the remaining amount of recording material, then the remaining amount can be displayed on the display unit, but the detection accuracy is insufficient until the remaining amount reaches a certain low level, resulting in discrete display values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a predicted value calculation unit as an intermediary component that calculates the remaining amount based on dot count data from the image data, serving as a mediator between the discrete sensor readings and the continuous display requirement. This predicted value fills the gap between sensor detection thresholds, enabling continuous display without requiring high-precision sensors throughout the entire range.
2Measurement precision
If the dot count function is used to calculate toner remaining amount, then continuous toner remaining amount values can be obtained, but the function is not available for print data passing through data paths incompatible with the dot count function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different data paths differently based on their compatibility with the dot count function. For compatible data paths, the system uses dot count-based prediction for accurate continuous calculation. For incompatible data paths, the system uses alternative methods (such as fixed values or sensor-based estimation) appropriate to each specific path's capabilities, allowing the system to maintain accuracy where possible while adapting to limitations where necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed toner remaining amount value is calculated for each page without using the dot count function, then the apparatus can operate with incompatible data paths, but the toner remaining amount value exhibits transition that greatly deviates from the physical toner remaining amount value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the toner remaining amount calculation adaptive to the actual printing conditions and data path type. The system dynamically switches between dot count-based prediction for compatible paths and alternative calculation methods for incompatible paths. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain accuracy across different operating conditions rather than using a static fixed value approach that deviates from actual physical toner levels.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a dot count unit configured to count a number of dots of print data, a first toner remaining amount value calculation unit configured to, in a case where received print data satisfies a printing condition, calculate a toner remaining amount value for the print data based on the number of dots obtained by the dot count unit, and a second toner remaining amount value calculation unit configured to, in a case where the received print data does not satisfy the printing condition, set a predetermined toner remaining amount value as the toner remaining amount value for the print data.