Patent ID: 6349183
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus, comprising:a latent image forming unit adapted to form an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier; a developing unit adapted to render the electrostatic latent image visible through use of a two-component developing agent containing at least a carrier and toner; a toner supply unit adapted to supply toner to the developing unit; an image coverage measuring unit adapted to measure an image coverage; an image density detector adapted to detect the density of an image; a toner supply controller adapted to determine the final amount of toner supply on the basis of the standard amount of toner supply corresponding to the image coverage measured by said image coverage measuring unit and a change in the amount of toner supply corresponding to the density of an image detected by said image density detector to control said toner supply unit; a toner supply history storing unit adapted to store a history concerning the amount of toner to be supplied by said toner supply unit; a toner consumption status determining unit adapted to determine whether or not an excessive amount of toner is consumed, on the basis of the toner supply history information supplied from said toner supply history storing unit; and a development property stabilizing unit adapted to interrupt formation of an image when said toner consumption status determining unit determines that an excessive amount of toner is consumed to cause said toner supply unit to supply toner and to cause the developing unit to agitate and blend a developing agent or to temporarily agitate and blend a developing agent.