Method and apparatus for predicting and displaying toner usage of a printer
US5802420A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/553
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved printer is provided that predicts how many pages can be printed before the toner or ink cartridge becomes empty, and also predicts how much time remains before this toner or ink cartridge becomes empty. This prediction is based upon the previous printing history of the printer while using this particular toner cartridge. After measuring the quantity of toner left in the toner cartridge, the printer of the present invention will display the approximate quantity of toner remaining in the cartridge on a screen of a host computer that is connected to the printer, either directly or through a network. The monitor screen of the host computer can also display the predicted number of pages remaining, based on the printer's previous usage history as described above. The toner measuring device provides a "level change" output signal when the remaining toner passes through a predetermined gradation threshold, and depending upon the size of the toner cartridge and upon the time and date at which the level change was detected, the predicted number of pages remaining and the actual amount of toner remaining are more accurately updated upon reaching one of these predetermined gradatio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.