Methods and apparatus for determining toner level in electro-photographic print engines
US7554687B2 · kind B2 · utility
5Cited by
128References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0888
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The toner in the toner cartridge is determined by taking each of the rasterized images output by the RIP and evaluating the pixel levels over the surface thereof. The average value is determined as a percentage of the maximum toner that can be applied to the page. This is then subtracted from a toner value and a remaining toner level determined. Further, all pages of the rasterized document can be evaluated to predetermine the toner level after printing. If this falls below a predetermined minimum, printing is inhibited for that document.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.