| 摘要 |
Pixel counting and a single level toner sensor are used to identify the toner capacity of a toner cartridge. Pixel counting is used to estimate the remaining toner in a toner cartridge based on an assumed initial capacity. A toner sensor provides a signal indicating when the toner reaches a known level, e.g., 30 percent. The estimated remaining toner is compared to the known level of toner to determine if the assumed initial capacity was correct. The comparison may occur when the toner sensor signal is provided or if the estimated remaining toner falls below the predicted toner low signal level and a toner sensor signal is not provided. If the assumed initial capacity is incorrect, the difference between the estimated toner level and the known level is used to indicate the actual toner capacity of the toner cartridge. A look-up table can then be used to recalibrate the pixel counting so that an accurate estimate of the remaining toner may be performed for the remainder of the toner cartridge life. The present invention may also be used to determine the capacity of other printing mediums, such as ink in an ink cartridge.
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