Method and apparatus for predicting and displaying toner usage of a printer

摘要: An improved printer is provided that predicts how many pages can be printed before the toner or ink cartridge becomes empty, and also much time remains this empty. This prediction based upon previous printing history of while using particular cartridge. After measuring quantity left in cartridge, present invention will display approximate remaining on a screen host computer connected to printer, either directly through network. The monitor predicted number remaining, printer's usage as described above. device provides "level change" output signal when passes predetermined gradation threshold, depending size date at which level change was detected, actual amount are more accurately updated reaching one these thresholds. As each transition occurs, calculates new value for "pages per gradation" variable, have been since latest installed last change, sheets between two changes. used page print media create Toner Tally page, judge job compare second job. uses combination hardware/software counter count "active" pels