| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology able to prevent wasteful consumption of consumable articles by solving such a problem that an image forming apparatus shifts to an operation mode in which toner cartridge replacement cannot be detected as in a sleep mode, leading to a toner check operation or the like performed returning from the operation mode. <P>SOLUTION: An amount of remaining toner stored in a developing unit is detected. Based on the detected amount of remaining toner, it is determined whether the amount of remaining toner in the developing unit is below a predetermined lower limit value or not that requires a replenishment operation. If the determination is made that the amount of remaining toner is below the predetermined lower limit value when the apparatus receives a request to change from a first operation mode in which at least power equal to or more consumption power in a standby state is consumed to a second operation mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the first operation mode and whether a toner cartridge replacement operation has been performed or not is detected, the operation mode is altered to a third operation mode in which consumption power is lower than that in the first operation mode and whether the toner cartridge replacement operation has been performed or not can be detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT |
