| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which the near-end timing of a replaceable consumables can be changed according to the condition of the use of the apparatus by constantly monitoring factors affecting the life of the consumables. <P>SOLUTION: When near-end timing of the image forming apparatus is changed according to a printing condition, the printing condition is obtained (S31) whenever image formation is carried out (S30) and the value of a judging reference is determined according to the printing condition (Y in S32, and S33) as shown in FIG. 5. The printing condition means the ratio of the number of consecutively produced prints to the total number of prints. When ten prints are consecutively produced after the pattern in which the apparatus is left after producing one print is repeated ten times, the percentage results in 50%. For example, when the near-end timing is delayed by 500 sheets when this percentage is 70% or more, the value of the judging reference is reset earlier when the percentage is 80%. Thus, near-end is set 500 sheets later than the standard. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
