Patent ID: 8027605
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image density control method for controlling image density in an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof; a developing device configured to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member using a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier to form a toner image; a toner supply device configured to supply the toner to the developing device; and a toner concentration controller configured to maintain a toner concentration in the developing device at a certain density; and a transfer device configured to transfer the toner image on the image bearing member, the image density control method comprising: adjusting a toner concentration control reference value in accordance with an amount of the toner replaced in the developing device so as to adjust the image density to maintain a consistent developability; and changing image forming intervals, by changing a timing of inserting a developer agitation mode after an image forming interval, in accordance with an amount of the toner replaced in the developing device during continuous printing operation.