Patent ID: 6577842
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming method including at least the steps of forming an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member, forming a toner image by developing said latent image using toner on said image bearing member, transferring said toner image to a substrate, and recovering said toner remaining on said image bearing member following the transfer, comprising the step of:computing an acceptable number of count of copy sheets that can be utilized in image forming in a forthcoming series of copying steps until immediately before a threshold for the emergence of picture image anomalies caused by contaminants in said toner in said toner recycling unit, based on a prescribed number of count of copy sheets that is experimentally obtained in advance, under a variety of mutually independent conditions, as a number of count of copy sheets that can be utilized in image forming for a period of time from start of a recycled use of said toner until immediately before a threshold for the emergence of picture image anomalies caused by contaminants in said toner in said toner recycling unit, and on a cumulative sheet count which is accumulated, in a present series of copying steps under running conditions, as a number of count of copy sheets that is accumulated in said present series of copying steps after starting a recycled use of said toner; wherein, if said acceptable number of count of copy sheets is equal to, or greater than an anticipated number of count of copy sheets that can be utilized in image forming in a forthcoming series of copying steps, said forthcoming series of copying steps are carried out in said toner recycling mode, and wherein, if said acceptable number of count of copy sheets is less than an anticipated number of count of copy sheets that can be utilized in image forming in a forthcoming series of copying steps, said forthcoming series of copying steps are carried out in said toner non-recycling mode.