Multiple print modes that consume declining amounts of toner

摘要

In one embodiment, a method for controlling consumption of toner in a printing device having a supply of toner involves providing secondary print modes for printing on a print medium. Each of the secondary print modes is configured to consume the toner at different rates. At least certain of the secondary print modes consume the toner at lower rates than the given rate associated with a primary print mode of the printing device. Operation of the printing device is switched into selected ones of the secondary print modes so as to reduce a current rate of consumption of the toner as the supply of the toner is used.