Method and system for estimating toner remaining in a cartridge

摘要

A method of estimating a quantity of toner remaining in a toner cartridge includes using an adaptive term, a value of which is adjusted based on actual printer toner usage. A printer configured to produce an estimate of an amount of toner remaining in a toner cartridge installed in that printer includes a toner remaining algorithm; and an adaptive term, a value of which is adjusted based on actual printer toner usage rate. The algorithm uses the adaptive term to produce the estimate of an amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge.

主权项

1. A method of estimating toner remaining in a toner cartridge installed in a printer, the method comprising:
estimating toner remaining in said toner cartridge installed in said printer using an adaptive term, said adaptive term being an expression comprising a value that is adjusted based on actual printer toner usage for a different toner cartridge previously installed in said printer; calculating a value for said adaptive term when an amount of toner remaining is known or said toner cartridge is fully depleted; and comparing said calculated value with a current value of said adaptive term; wherein, if said calculated value and said current value of said adaptive term are not within a predetermined range, said method further comprises adjusting said current value based on said calculated value of said adaptive term.