Fluid drops provided in print mode and maintenance mode in normal consumption state and low consumption state

摘要

An image forming apparatus includes a normal consumption state, a low consumption state, and a fluid applicator unit. The fluid applicator unit may selectively provide a first set of drops of fluid to perform a printing routine in a print mode. The fluid applicator unit may also selectively provide a second set of drops of fluid to perform a service routine in a maintenance mode. An amount of the first set of drops of fluid to perform the printing routine and an amount of the second set of drops of fluid to perform the service routine may be less in the low consumption state than in the normal consumption state.

主权项

1. An image forming apparatus having a normal consumption state and a low consumption state, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a fluid applicator unit to selectively provide a first set of drops of fluid to perform a printing routine in a print mode and a second set of drops of fluid to perform a service routine in a maintenance mode; a fluid supply to provide fluid to the fluid applicator unit; a fluid detection module to detect an amount of fluid in the fluid supply; and a low fluid identification unit to identify a low fluid condition based on the amount of fluid detected in the fluid supply and a complete print job parameter; wherein the low consumption state is selected in response to the low fluid condition, and wherein an amount of the first set of drops of fluid to perform the printing routine is less in the low consumption state than in the normal consumption state, and an amount of the second set of drops of fluid to perform the service routine is less in the low consumption state than in the normal consumption state.