| 摘要 |
PURPOSE: To make a user prepare for the replacement of a toner cartridge and to achieve its replacement in right time by detecting an amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge and outputting it, while taking the replacement of the toner cartridge into account. CONSTITUTION: A device 13 for outputting an amount of remaining toner comprises a first counter means 15, a second counter means 16, a counter control means 17, a calculating means 18, and an output means 19. The first counter means 15 measures an amount of toner used by a toner use mechanism 12. The second counter means 16 sets a measurement value to a measurement start value when an output representing that toner is running out is given from the toner cartridge 11, and, at the same time, measures an amount of toner which the toner use mechanism 12 uses from that point in time. Therefore, because the output is given after the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge 11 is detected, the user can make ready for the replacement of the toner cartridge 11 and replace it in right time. |
