Patent ID: 6891604
Filing Date: 2005-05-10
Classification: B65H,G03G

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an image using an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: storing sheets of paper for use in copying in a paper storage part; detecting a weight of sheets of paper stored in said paper storage part; counting sheets of paper fed for copying from said paper storage part setting a number of sheets for checking as a predetermined number of sheets of paper used to check a predetermined parameter concerning sheets of paper; comparing weights of sheets of paper detected in said detecting step before and after counting a number of sheets of paper fed equal to said predetermined number of sheets to detect a decrease in weight of the sheets of paper; calculating a weight per sheet of paper or per unit number of sheets of paper on a basis of the decrease in weight and said predetermined number of sheets; designating a number of copies to be made; calculating a number of remaining sheets of paper in said paper storage part on a basis of the weight per sheet of paper or per unit number of sheets of paper calculated in said weight calculating step and the weight of sheets of paper detected in said weight detecting step; judging whether or not the number of remaining sheets of paper calculated in said calculating step is adequate for said number of copies to be made designated in said designating step on a basis of said number of remaining sheets of paper and said number of copies to be made; storing a weight of standard paper, which is a weight per sheet of standard paper or per unit number of sheets of standard paper; and calculating a number of remaining sheets of paper stored in said paper storage part from said weight of sheets of paper detected in said weight detecting step and said weight of standard paper when a number of copies to be made is designated in said designating step at a time of starting.