Patent ID: 7009719
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a memory that stores a queue of jobs to be performed using the image forming apparatus; at least one element having a useful life consumed by the image forming apparatus or containing material consumed by the image forming apparatus in performing the jobs within the queue of jobs; at least one sensor that determines for the at least one element of the image forming apparatus, a remaining amount of a consumable associated with that element; a controller that determines, for each of at least one job that is in the job queue or is to be added to the job queue, and for at least one consumable within the image forming apparatus, if that job can be performed based on an unallocated amount of a remaining amount of that consumable; a notification device that conveys an alert notification generated by the controller to a user if that job cannot be completed in view of the unallocated amount of that consumable; a job queue adjustment mechanism that enables reprioritizing of jobs in the job queue by promoting or demoting of a selected job, the job queue adjustment mechanism including: