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.

Abstract: In a maintenance management system in which communications control devices of electronic photocopiers are connected through public telephone lines or the like with a host computer of a maintenance company that manages the photocopiers, preventive-maintenance-oriented, omission-free instructions for maintenance work are obtained by determining items of work to be performed based on how many times maintenance has been performed or based on a count of copies produced. For example, in the case where maintenance work to be performed on a first occasion includes items of work belonging to a work item setting area of a second order of precedence within a maintenance table, if items of work that need to be performed do not agree with those specified in the table, items of work of a first order of precedence are added.

Abstract: A method for monitoring prescribed use periods of replaceable parts within an image forming apparatus, contemplates the steps of: updating in a memory, current count values respectively corresponding to the replaceable parts in response to each printed sheet generated by the apparatus, each one of the current count values representing an amount of use sustained by a corresponding one of the replaceable parts; sequentially comparing the current count values with corresponding predetermined count values representative of the prescribed use periods to determine whether any one of the prescribed use periods has expired; and providing output of a printed document indicating that one of the prescribed use periods has expired when one of the current count values equals a corresponding one of the predetermined count values.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sequence memory to store a sequence of an initialization processing to be conducted only at an installation of the apparatus, an adjuster to adjust the apparatus in accordance with the initialization, an apparatus status indicator to indicate whether the apparatus is new or not. The apparatus further includes a controller so that the adjuster adjusts the apparatus on the basis of the status of the indicator. A judging device judges whether to continue or stop the initialization process on the basis of a predetermined state of the apparatus such as whether a process unit is new or old or whether a cover is attached to a photoreceptor or not.

Abstract: A device for displaying an exchange message for a process cartridge installed within a body of an image forming apparatus provides a user with an indication that the process cartridge should be exchanged for a new process cartridge. The device includes the process cartridge which combines a non-volatile memory for storing data values, a photosensitive drum, a toner sensor for detecting a remaining quantity of toner, a cleaning blade and a waste toner receptacle as a unitary structure capable of being installed within and removed from the body of the image forming apparatus. A toner cartridge stores the toner and is capable of being attached to and detached from the process cartridge. A display device displays predetermined messages regarding the states of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Abstract: A printer/copier apparatus is adapted to receive a replacement ink cartridge that is employed during the printing/copying operation. The apparatus includes a receptacle with a first connector that is coupled to a processor which controls operation of the apparatus. The cartridge includes a second connector which mates with the first connector and a serial access memory that is connected to the second connector. Data transfers are enabled both from and to the memory to enable access and modification of data stored therein that is indicative of cartridge usage, calibration, and to parameters for controlling operation of the apparatus. The invention is applicable to replaceable apparatus used with laser and ink jet printers, copiers, etc.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a latent image electrostatically formed on a photoconductive element is developed by a two-ingredient type developer consisting of toner and carrier. The photoconductive element has a life coincident with the life of the developer. When the photoconductive element and developer reach the end of their life, they are replaced at the same time.

Abstract: A processing part mounted in a carriage for effecting printing when translated in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which recording paper is transported includes a developing unit, the developing unit including a toner chamber and a toner cartridge detachably coupled to the toner chamber.

Abstract: An imaging device supervision system stores data indicating, for instance, the number of sheets of paper supplied from each paper supply cassette in a copying machine, and/or the number of times the toner has been replenished, and the amount of toner cartridges in stock are stored in a copying machine supervision data base which is constructed, stored and maintained in a storage device, such as a hard drive. The supervision system updates the stock amounts for each size of paper based on the data indicating the number of sheets of paper supplied, and formulates a consumable item delivery plan according to delivery conditions set in a delivery schedule setting screen 91, to reduce the downtime due to stocks of consumable items being exhausted in an imaging device. Further, the amount of toner cartridges in stock are updated by means of the number of times the toner has been replenished, and the stock data are displayed on a status information screen 66.