Abstract:
A visualizing agent quantity display control system includes a first container, a second container, a detection unit, a display unit, a control unit. The second container, which is replaceable, contains the visualizing agent to be supplied to the first container. The detection unit detects a quantity of the visualizing agent contained in the second container. The control unit causes the detection unit to detect a remaining quantity of the visualizing agent in the second container except the visualizing agent which decreases when an operation of supplying the visualizing agent in the second container to the first container has first been executed. The control unit causes a display unit to display information indicating that the remaining quantity of the visualizing agent in the second container is full regardless of the quantity of the visualizing agent which decreases when the operation has first been executed.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a visualizing agent quantity display system, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system and a computer readable medium. 
     2. Related Art 
     Conventionally, as an example of an image forming device such as a laser printer and an ink-jet printer, an image forming device was known in which a visualizing agent such as a toner or an ink is contained in a container, that is detachably installed in the image forming device and the container is exchanged with a new container, when the visualizing agent contained in the presently installed container is used up. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a visualizing agent quantity display control system includes a first container, a second container, a detection unit, a display unit, a control unit. The first container contains a visualizing agent which decreases with an operation of forming a visible image on a recording medium. The second container contains the visualizing agent to be supplied to the first container. The visualizing agent contained in the second container decreases with an operation of supplying the visualizing agent from the second container to the first container. 
     The second container is detachably attached to a predetermined unit in which the first container is disposed. The detection unit detects a quantity of the visualizing agent contained in the second container. The display unit displays the quantity of the visualizing agent in the second container, which is detected by the detection unit. The control unit causes the detection unit to detect a remaining quantity of the visualizing agent in the second container except the visualizing agent which decreases when the operation of supplying the visualizing agent contained in the second container to the first container has first been executed. The control unit causes a display unit to display information indicating that the remaining quantity of the visualizing agent in the second container is full regardless of the quantity of the visualizing agent which decreases when the operation of supplying the visualizing agent contained in the second container to the first container has first been executed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the overall (entire) configuration of a full-color printer as an image forming device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge, a toner supply device, and a developing unit; 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a state where the toner cartridge is separated from the toner supply device; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a process sequence of a process of calculating a remaining toner quantity; 
         FIG. 5  is a graph illustrating the variation of a level meter of the remaining toner quantity; 
         FIG. 6  is a graph illustrating the variation of the remaining toner quantity; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system which controls a supply of the toner and the state of the toner cartridge; 
         FIG. 8  is an explanatory view illustrating a display example on a display panel; 
         FIG. 9  is an explanation view illustrating a display example of the variation state of the toner remaining quantity; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a process sequence of installation sequence process; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a process sequence of a sub-routine for an empty toner state recovery operation; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Herein, the same components in the attached drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Since the following descriptions are based on the best mode for carrying out the invention, the invention is not restricted to this. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a full-color printer as an image forming device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge, a toner supply device, and a developing unit.  FIG. 2B  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a state where the toner cartridge is separated from the toner supply device.  FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a process sequence of a process of calculating a remaining toner quantity.  FIG. 5  is a graph illustrating the variation of a level meter of the remaining toner quantity.  FIG. 6  is a graph illustrating the variation of the remaining toner quantity.  FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system which controls a supply of the toner and the state of the toner cartridge.  FIG. 8  is an explanatory view illustrating a display example on a display panel.  FIG. 9  is an explanation view illustrating a display example of the variation state of the toner remaining quantity.  FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a process sequence of installation sequence process.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a process sequence of a sub-routine for an empty toner state recovery operation. 
     First, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a schematic configuration of a full-color printer P, which is an example of the image forming device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, will be described. 
     In a chassis  1  of the full-color printer P, an image forming unit  10  which forms toner images of each color such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), or black (K), as an example of a visualizing agent; a paper feeding unit  30  which supplies a recording sheet  20  as a recording medium to the image forming unit  10 ; a fixing unit  40  which fixes the toner images transferred thereto when they pass through the image forming unit  10  onto the recording sheet  20  supplied from the paper feeding unit  30 ; and four toner supply units (an example of a second container and a developer supply unit)  50  (Y, M, C, and K) which supply toner of the respective colors to the developing units (an example of a first container) of the image forming unit  10  are arranged as a main unit of the printer. The units are supplied from a power supply unit  95  disposed in a lower side and controlled when such as a printer operating time by a control unit  90  constituted by a microcomputer. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit  90  serves as a remaining toner quantity displaying control unit. As the remaining quantity displaying control unit, one-chip microcomputer can be provided as a separate component independent from the control unit  90 . 
     In the image forming unit  10 , photosensitive drums  11 Y,  11 M,  11 C, and  11 K are arranged in the vertical direction at regular intervals so as to form toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black in an exclusive manner. In the vicinity of each photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K), a charging roller  12  (Y, M, C, and K) which charges the surface of the photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K) in a contact manner, and the image forming unit  10  having the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) which supplies a developer (toner) to a corresponding one of the photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K) are disposed in the vertical direction at regular intervals. 
     Here, the photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K) is a drum-shaped rotating member on which a photosensitive layer made of an organic photosensitive material or the like is formed. The photosensitive drum  11  rotates in a counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 1 . The charging roller  12  (Y, M, C, and K) is supplied with a predetermined charging voltage from the power supply unit  95 . 
     Although not particularly limited, the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) may be a two-component developing unit which performs magnetic brush contact type development using a two-component developer having a toner T and a carrier. The developing unit  14  includes a mixing and transporting member (not shown) which mixes and transports the two-component developer contained in the device, a developing roller  15  (Y, M, C, and K: see  FIG. 2  for reference) which retains the two-component developer transported by the mixed transport member and transports the developer to developing zones opposed to each of the photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K), and the like. 
     The developing roller  15  (Y, M, C, and K) includes a rotating cylindrical-shaped sleeve and a magnet roller disposed inside the sleeve. The sleeve is supplied with a predetermined developing bias from the power supply unit  95 . 
     In the image forming unit  10 , an exposure unit  13  is disposed between the charging roller  12  (Y, M, C, and K) and the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) of the photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K) so as to irradiate the surfaces of the photosensitive member  11  (Y, M, C, and K) with laser beam light LB from an optical system (not shown) so that electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed the surfaces in accordance with an image signal. The exposure device  13  is supplied with, as a formal image signal, image information from an external connection device such as a personal computer connected to the printer P, wherein the image information being processed by an image processing unit in the control device  90 . 
     In the image forming unit  10 , a transfer device  100  is disposed so as to transfer toner images formed by the photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K) to the recording sheet  20 . The transfer device  100  includes, as a main part, a first primary intermediate transfer drum  21  which comes in contact with two photosensitive drums  11 Y and  11 M among four photosensitive drums  11 , a second primary intermediate transfer drum  22  which comes in contact with two photosensitive drums  11 C and  11 K, a secondary intermediate transfer drum  23  which simultaneously comes in contact with the first primary intermediate transfer drum  21  and the second primary intermediate transfer drum  22 , and a final transfer drum  24  which comes in contact with the secondary intermediate drum  23 . 
     In the transfer device  100 , the primary intermediate transfer drums  21  and  22  have a structure in which an elastic rubber layer made of a conductive silicon rubber is formed on a surface of a roller core having a cylindrical shape. The primary intermediate transfer drums  21  and  22  rotate in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 1 . The secondary intermediate transfer drum  23  has a structure in which an elastic rubber layer made of a conductive silicon rubber and a release layer made of fluorine rubber are formed on the surface of a roller core having a cylindrical shape. The secondary intermediate transfer drum  23  rotates in a counterclockwise direction. The final transfer drum  24  has a structure in which a cover layer made of urethane rubber is formed in the roller core. The final transfer drum  24  rotates in a clockwise direction In  FIG. 1 . 
     The intermediate transfer drums  21 ,  22  and  23  are supplied with a predetermined primary transfer voltage or a secondary transfer voltage from the power supply unit  95 . The final transfer drum  24  is supplied with a predetermined third transfer voltage from the power supply unit  95 . In the intermediate transfer drums  21 ,  22 , and  23 , a cleaning member (not shown) is disposed at a position opposed to the surfaces of the intermediate transfer drums so as to remove unnecessary attached particles attached thereon such as toner. 
     The paper feeding unit  30  includes a sheet feed tray  31  containing a plural recording sheets  20  and mounted on the paper feeding unit so that the recording sheets are drawn toward a front side (in the right side in  FIG. 1 ) of the chassis  1  and a sheet discharge unit  32  which discharges the recording sheets  20  contained in the sheet feed tray  31  from the top portion thereof one by one. 
     The fixing unit  40  includes a heating roller  41  which is rotatably supported and in which a heating element such as a heating lamp or a halogen heater is disposed in a hollow of the roller  41 ; a pressing roller  42  which is rotatably supported while being pressed by the heating roller  41  in a pressing contact manner; and a paper discharge roller  43 . 
     A dash-dotted line in  FIG. 1  illustrates a sheet transport passage of the recording sheet  20 . The sheet transport passage  101  is formed by a plural paper transport rollers  35  and  37 , resist rollers  36 , and paper transport guides (not shown). In the upper portion of the chassis  1 , a delivery portion  1   a  which is configured as a curved slope surface formed to receive a stack of the fixed recording sheets  20  discharged out of the chassis  1 . 
     A display panel  200  which serves as an operating unit is disposed on a front side (the right side in  FIG. 1 ) of the upper portion of the chassis  1 . Although not particularly limited, the display panel  200  may be a liquid display device, for example. The operating unit may be operated using a pressure-sensitive liquid crystal panel (that is a touch panel). However, the operating unit can be operated using a press button type liquid crystal panel. 
     Although detail descriptions thereof are given with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the remaining toner quantity is displayed as a level meter  200   k  of a bar graph on the display panel  200 , the level meter capable of representing a state in which toner is gradually consumed from a full quantity state, for example. Although not particularly limited, other representation formats such as a level meter of a pie graph can be used, as long as they can inform visually users of the remaining toner quantity. 
     A power switch S which switches on/off a main power is disposed in a lower portion on the front side of the chassis  1 . 
     Here, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , each of the four toner supply units  50  (Y, M, C, and K) includes holders  51 Y,  51 M,  51 C, and  51 K (see  FIG. 2A ) which detachably holds the cylindrical-shaped toner cartridge (developer container)  60 Y,  60 M,  60 C, and  60 K containing the toner of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black and which temporarily retains the toner in a corresponding one of the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K); toner transport pipes  52 Y,  52 M,  52 C, and  52 K which are connected between the holder  51  (Y, M, C, and K) and the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K); a spiral coil  53  (Y, M, C, and K) serving as the developer transport passage filling unit which conveys the toner retained in the holders  51  (Y, M, C, and K) to a corresponding one of the toner transport pipes  52  (developer transport passage); and spiral-shaped transport members  54 Y,  54 M,  54 C, and  54 K (see  FIG. 2A ) which transport the toner conveyed in the toner transport pipes  52  (Y, M, C, and K) toward a corresponding one of the developing units  14  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , an opening  14   a  is provided in each of the developing units  14  (Y, M, C, and K). A part of each developing roller  15  (Y, M, C, and K) is exposed to the outside via the opening  14   a.    
     The toner cartridges  60 Y,  60 M,  60 C, and  60 K are usually of detachable type in which the cartridges are freely detachable from the holder  51  of the main body of the full-color printer P. However, the invention is not particularly limited to the above-mentioned type. The developer contained in the toner cartridge is usually toner of the two-component developer including the toner and the carrier. However, the developer may be a mixture of the toner and the carrier. Finally, the developer can be selected in accordance with requirement conditions to be provided to the developing unit as a destination of the developer. 
     In the toner supply unit  50 , as long as the toner transport pipe  52  is disposed between the toner cartridges  60 Y,  60 M,  60 C, and  60 K and the developing units  14  (Y, M, C, and K), the invention is not particularly limited to the above-mentioned type. 
     As the toner transport pipe  52 , one may be used which includes a retention section that temporarily retains the developer held in the toner cartridge and which is disposed between the retention section and the developing units  14  (Y, M, C, and K). The toner supply unit  50  is usually constructed such that a developer transport member (e.g., a spiral coil, a spiral-shaped small diameter screw, or the like) is disposed in the passage of the toner transport pipe  52 , and the developer transport member is rotated by a rotatory driving device such as an electric motor. When the developer transport member is provided with the retention section, the developer transport member is disposed in both the retention section and the developer transport passage. However, as long as the developer can be transported along the developer transport passage independent from the developer transport member, the developer transport member may be disposed only in the retention section. 
     As long as the display panel  200  described later can display visually the remaining toner quantity to the user, the form thereof are not particularly limited. For example, it is desirable to display the remaining toner quantity by a level meter such as bar graph or a pie graph in consideration of visibility of the users. 
     Each holder  51  (Y, M, C, and K) in the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) includes a holder body  51   a  having a half-cylindrical shape and holding a lower half of each of the cylindrical-shaped toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K), and a toner retention section  51   b  formed to protrude from the bottom side of the holder body  51   a . In one end of each holder body  51   a , a toner cartridge mounting detection sensor  55  (Y, M, C, and K) detecting that the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is mounted is attached, respectively. In addition, in the toner retention section  51   b , a toner detection sensor  56  (Y, M, C, and K) detecting that a toner retained and discharged from the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) exists is attached, respectively (see  FIG. 2B  for reference). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the spiral coil  53  is wound in a rotation axis in a state where a toner conveyance blade is wound in a spiral, and can be rotatably attached in a bottom space of the toner retention section  51   b . In addition, the spiral coil  53 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , rotates by a rotational force of a dispenser motor  57  (Y, M, C, and K) transferred through a predetermined reduced gear line  58  (Y, M, C, and K). A step motor is usually used as the dispenser motor  57 . However, other types such as a DC motor or an AC motor can be used, when it is necessary. 
     The toner transport pipe  52  is formed of a resin pipe having flexibility. One end of the toner transport pipe  52  is connected to a toner delivery port  51   c  of the retention section  51   b  of the holders  51  (Y, M, C, and K). The other end of the toner transport pipe  52  is connected to a toner receiving port  14   b  of the developing units  14  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     A spiral transport member  54  is a member (that is a coil having a spiral shape) formed of a linear metallic member wound in a spiral shape with a predetermined pitch, which is smaller than an inner diameter of the toner transport pipe  52 , so that the spiral transport member  54  rotates while being inserted into the inside of the toner transport pipe  52 . One end of the spiral transport member  54  is connected to a front end of the spiral coil  53 . The other end of the spiral transport member  54  is connected to a free end. The spiral transport member  54  rotates in accordance with the rotation of the spiral coil  53 . 
     The toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K), as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , is of a detachable type that can be freely detached from a corresponding one of the holders  51  (Y, M, C, and K) of the toner supply units  50  (Y, M, C, and K). Specifically, the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) includes a cylindrical-shaped bottle body  61  which forms a toner discharge port  62  in a lower surface of one end, a covers  63  and  64  which covers both ends of the bottle body  61 , an agitator  65  which is rotatably connected to the covers  63  and  64 , and which is rotated so that the toner T is conveyed in the inside of the bottle body  61  toward the discharge port  62  (in the exemplary embodiment, attaching a film  65   b  contacted in an inner surface to the front end of a rotatory supporting body  65   a , see  FIG. 2B  for reference). 
     The agitator  65  rotates after a gear  67  attached to one end of the agitator  65  is engaged with a part of the reduced gear line  58  and a rotational driving force of the dispenser motor  57  is applied. The toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is formed so as to be mounted in a state where a cover (not shown) detachably mounted on the delivery portion  1   a  of the chassis  1  is demounted, and the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is placed in the holder  51  (Y, M, C, and K) of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) exposed to the bottom of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     In the full-color printer P according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as a storing unit so as to perform a situation management of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K), in the nonvolatile memory  80  (Y, M, C, and K), a warning threshold value (referred to as a toner life threshold value) W (Y, M, C, and K) configured individually are stored at toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K), respectively. 
     Here, the storing unit is a thing which is suitable for storing rewritably an amount of operations so that the amount of operations are accumulated and are rewritten at the time of supplying the warning threshold value and the toner by the toner supply unit  50 . Although types or forms are not particularly limited to the above-mentioned types or forms, it is preferable that a nonvolatile memory element (e.g., a flash memory and the like) is used from the viewpoint of storing the memory. 
     The storing unit can be installed to a main body of the full-color printer P. However, it is desirable that a storing unit (state storing unit) attaching to a toner cartridge  60  side is used together in substitution for the storing unit of the main body side. In the full-color printer P using a plural kinds as a toner cartridge  60 , for example, each storing unit corresponds to the toner cartridge  60  side so that characteristic information at the toner cartridges is stored, respectively and the stored information is used as indicated information to the toner cartridges  60  side. With such a configuration, it is desirable that the function of the storing unit of the toner cartridge  60  side is used. 
     In the respective memory  80  (Y, M, C, and K), an amount of operation (a first amount of operation) m 1  (Y, M, C, and K) of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) is cumulatively written as a predetermined count value. An amount of operation (a second quantity of operations) m 2  (Y, M, C, and K) of the charging operation can be cumulatively written. 
     Here, the warning threshold value W shows an amount of operation of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K), when the toner is empty. The first amount of operation m 1  shows a cumulative value of the toner supplying the operation amount of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K). The second amount of operation m 2  shows an amount of operation of the discharging operation by the spiral coil  53  (Y, M, C, and K) which perform the charging operation filling the toner transport pipe  52  (Y, M, C, and K) with the toner conveyed from the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) in a predetermined time (e.g., when the initial power-up is performed the first power-up is performed). 
     Here, the first power-up includes the time when the body of the full-color printer P is a new product before operating the product, and the time when the toner transport pipe  52  is exchanged after maintenance or the toner transport pipe  52  is removed after cleaning the toner transport pipe so as to perform the first power-up. 
     A memory readable and writable device  81  (Y, M, C, and K) are installed in a predetermined portion such as the toner supply unit  50 , which read out the information stored in the in the nonvolatile memories  80  (Y, M, C, and K) or write the information to the memories  80  (Y, M, C, and K) (information alteration). 
     The memory readable and writable device  81  (Y, M, C, and K) includes a readable and writable head portion  81   a . In the holder  51  (Y, M, C, and K) of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K), an opening  51   e  is formed in a portion opposed to the head portion  81   a.    
     The memory  80  and the memory readable and the writable device  81  (Y, M, C, and K) are connected to the control device  90  as shown in  FIG. 7 . With such a configuration, the read-out information stored in the nonvolatile memory  80  (Y, M, C, and K) can be inputted to the control device  90 , or the necessary information contained from the control device  90  can be written to the memory  80  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, as the memory readable and writable device  81 , a non-contact type is used by the wireless type (specifically RFID, electromagnetic coupling type) between the nonvolatile memories  80 . However, as the memory readable and writable device  81 , a contact type can be used. 
     Here, a method of calculating the remaining toner ratio will be described. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, Expression 1 showing the remaining toner on the basis of the warning threshold value W, the first amount of operation (operation time) m 1 , and the second amount of operation (operation time) m 2 
 
A remaining toner ratio (%)=(( W−m 1)/( W−m 2))×100  Expression 1
 
     The remaining toner ratio is calculated by Expression 1. As the amount of the operation of the toner supply unit  50 , the operation time and the operation state (e.g., rotation number, and the like) are used. 
     Here, when the full-color printer P is a new product, the toner T does not exist in the toner transport pipe  52  from the toner cartridge  60  to the developing unit  14 . Accordingly, it is required that the toner discharging operation which discharging the toner T in the toner transport pipe  52  (referred to as an installation sequence or a recovery operation process) at the time of operating the device. At that time, the operation time of the toner supply unit  50  (charging operation time) is referred to as a second operation time m 2 . In addition, an operating time of the toner supply unit  50  so as to supply the toner T consumed by the printer operation is referred to as a first operation time m 1 . 
     Next, an order of calculating the remaining toner ratio will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     Firstly, when the remaining toner ratio calculating process is performed, the information from the nonvolatile memory  80  (Y, M, C, and K) of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is read out in S 10 . More specifically, the warning threshold value W (Y, M, C, and K) stored in the respective nonvolatile memory  80  (Y, M, C, and K), the operation time corresponding to the amount of the operation (the first amount operation) m 1  of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K), and the operation time corresponding to the amount of the operation (the second amount of the operation) m 2  of the discharging operation is read out, respectively, in accordance with the memory readable and writable device  81  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     Next, in Step S 11 , the respective information is substituted into Expression 1 so that the remaining toner ratio (%) is calculated, and then the process of Step S 12  is performed. 
     In Step S 12 , it is determined whether the calculated remaining toner ratio is more than 100%. When the remaining toner ratio is more than 100%, the process of Step S 13  is performed. Accordingly, “The remaining toner ratio is 100%” is displayed on a bar-graphed level meter  200 K of the display panel  200 . Then, the process ends. On the other hand, when the remaining toner ratio is not more than 100%, the process of Step S 14  is performed. Then, it is determined whether the calculated remaining toner ratio is less than 0%. 
     When the remaining toner ratio is less than 0%, the process of Step S 15  is performed. Accordingly, “The remaining toner ratio is 0%” is displayed on the bar-graphed level meter  200   k  of the display panel  200 . Then, the process of Step S 16  is performed. Accordingly, by lighting a toner supplying display  200   e  on the display panel  200  (see  FIG. 8  for reference), informing the user that the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) should be charged. The process ends. 
     On the other hand, when the remaining toner ratio is not less than 0% in Step S 14 , the process Step S 17  is performed. The indication of the remaining toner ratio (e.g., “remaining toner ratio 80%,” “remaining toner ratio 10%,” see  FIG. 9  for reference) is displayed on the display panel  200  by the bar-graphed level meter  200   k  in accordance with the calculated remaining toner ratio. Then, the process ends. 
       FIG. 5  is a graph of a variation of a level meter illustrating the calculated result.  FIG. 6  is a graph of illustrating an example of the variation of the remaining toner. 
     In  FIG. 5 , a normal case remaining quantity ratio is usually obtained based on the detected result of the toner sensor not using the corrected toner remaining quantity ratio as shown in Expression. 1 according to the present invention. A first consumption case is a case that discharges the toner to at least one of the toner transport pipe  52  or the developing unit  14  as a transport passage of the developer. That is, the first consumption case is a case consuming the toner, which discharges the toner to the transport pipe  52 , even when the developing unit  14 , the toner cartridge  60 , and the toner transport pipe  52  are connected. When the developing unit  14  and the toner cartridge  60  are connected not through the toner transport pipe  52 , the first consumption case is a case so as to discharge the toner to the developing unit  14 . Accordingly, the first consumption case remaining quantity ratio is a value which is close to an actual toner remaining ratio of the toner cartridge  60 . The remaining ratio after the correction process is a toner remaining ratio calculated by Expression 1. The normal case remaining quantity ratio and the first consumption case remaining quantity ratio correspond to the case when the second amount of operation does not exist in Expression 1 (remaining toner quantity (%)=((warning threshold value−cumulative operation time of the toner supplying device)×100). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the variation of the remaining quantity, when a toner capacity of the toner cartridge  60  is 45 grams. Accordingly, when the toner capacity of the toner cartridge  60  differs, the variation of the remaining quantity will be varied. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the remaining toner ratio is 100% in a state where the printer does not print any page. In the display of the remaining toner quantity  200   k  on the display panel  200 , “the remaining toner ratio 100% is displayed” as a following display unit for remaining quantity (see  FIG. 9  for reference). 
     Here, as mentioned-later, after a new product of the e toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) make the toner discharge port  62  opened, the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is attached to the main body holder  51   a  of the holder  51  of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K). The toner discharging operation is performed so that the toner T in the toner cartridges  60  is substantially discharged in the toner transport pipe  52  through the retention section  51   b . With such a configuration, the toner T is taken out from the toner cartridge  60  by the toner discharging operation. Actually, the remaining toner quantity of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is not 100% (full quantity). 
     However, when the remaining toner quantity is displayed by “80%” or “60%,” a user feels unpleasant or distrust, “although though new cartridge is installed, why the new toner cartridge does not display 100%?,” in a state where the printer does not print one page yet. Accordingly, in the invention, when the discharging operation is performed, the remaining quantity “100%” of the remaining toner display  200   k  is displayed on the display panel  200  by a compulsory control of the control device  90  regardless of the remaining toner quantity. With such a configuration, it is possible to remove effectively the unpleasant of the user. 
     The toner discharging operation is performed, when the full-color printer P is a new product or the new toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is mounted. After the toner transport pipes  52  (Y, M, C, and K) are changed after maintenance, or the toner transport pipes  52  (Y, M, C, and, K) are separated so as to clean the toner, the toner discharging operation (installation sequence or a recovery operation process) is performed. If the printer P is still used, when the remaining toner ratio is displayed by “0%” or an exchange warning of the toner cartridge  60  is displayed. After an excessive operation of the printer P is performed such that the toner is used up in the toner transport pipe  52 , the toner discharging operation is performed. At this time, in a following situation management of the toner cartridge, when the toner discharging operation is performed and the toner cartridge  60  is a new product by detecting whether the mounted toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is a new product or not, the remaining toner quantity 100% is display to the remaining toner display  200   k  regardless of the remaining toner quantity. However, when it is decided that the toner cartridge  60  is not a new product (at the time of using the toner cartridge  60 ), the remaining toner quantity is displayed in accordance with the calculated remaining toner ratio by Expression 1. 
     In addition, in a state where the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is mounted, when the toner T is gradually consumed corresponding to the number of the printed sheets, the remaining toner quantity is displayed in accordance with the calculated remaining toner ratio (corrected residual ratio as shown in  FIG. 5  by Expression 1) 
     However, as shown the graph of  FIG. 5  illustrating the variation of the level meter, when the number of the printed sheet is “0” in an initial state, the general case residual ratio and the corrected residual ratio start from “100%.” When the remaining toner ratio reaches “0%,” a the general case residual ratio is about 2400 sheet. Actually, when the remaining toner ratio is about “0%,” which is about 2100 sheet, a misalignment having 300 sheets is generated. On the contrary, when the corrected residual ratio calculated on the basis of Expression 1 is about “0%,” the corrected residual ratio can be adjusted about 2100 sheets. When the remaining toner ratio is set to “0%,” the corrected residual ratio of the toner is set to the actual remaining toner ratio. With such a configuration, it is possible to maintain the detection accuracy of the empty toner. 
     The discharging operation is not particularly limited. However, for example, the timing to perform the discharging operation can be performed, when the full-color printer P is a new product and an initial power is supplied (an initial turn-on operation of the power supply switch S). In addition, the discharging operation can be performed at the time of supplying the initial power, after the toner transport pipe  52  (Y, M, C, and K) is exchanged by the maintenance, or the toner transport pipe  52  (Y, M, C, and K) are removed and cleaned. 
     In addition, the full consumption of the toner in the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is detected by that a toner detection sensor (detection sensor in an empty state)  56  (Y, M, C, and K) detects “Toner is empty.” 
     Although not particularly limited, as the toner detection sensor  56 , a permeability sensor can be used. When the permeability sensor is used, for example, a concentration is determined by the permeability sensor provided in the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) or in the vicinity of the developing unit. When it is determined that the concentration of the toner is less than a predetermined concentration, the permeability sensor determines that “Toner is empty” in the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     Here, in accordance with the above-mentioned permeability sensor, when it is detected that the toner cartridge  60  is empty and the toner cartridge  60  is a non-used product (new product) by the developer container confirming unit that includes the nonvolatile memory  80  on the toner cartridge  60  side and the memory readable and writable device  81 , the toner discharging operation is performed and the remaining toner quantity “100%” can be forcibly displayed to the remaining toner display  200   k  on the display panel  200 . 
     Next, a control system which supplies the toner and manages the toner cartridge state will be described with reference to a block diagram of  FIG. 7 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the control system which supplies the toner and manages the toner cartridge state is attached as a part of the control device  90  controlling the respective part. Although not particularly limited, for example, in the control system which supplies the toner and manages the toner cartridge state, which can be constituted by one-chip microcomputer and can be independently constituted from the control device  90 . 
     Here, the control device  90  constituted by the microcomputer includes a memory unit  91  which has ROM storing the control program or RAM capable of storing rewritably the control information or various information. 
     In addition, in the control device  90 , the toner cartridge mounting detection sensor  55  (Y, M, C, and K), the toner detection sensors  56  (Y, M, C, and K), a concentration sensor  29  are connected, respectively, other than a power supply switch S manipulating the main power supply with on-off operation or an interlock open-close detection sensor  18 . 
     With such a configuration, the operation information of the power supply switch S or the respective detection information is inputted from the toner cartridge mounting detection sensor  55  (Y, M, C, and K), the toner detection sensor  56  (Y, M, C, and K). An evaluation value is inputted from the concentration sensor  29 . 
     The concentration sensor  29  can be constituted by a reflective concentration sensor provided opposed to the photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K). When it is determined that a standard patch provided on the photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K) is thin for a plural times, the concentration sensor  29  determines that the toner T is empty. 
     When it is determined that the toner T is empty on the basis of the detected information from the concentration sensor  29  and the toner cartridge  60  is a non-used product (new product) in accordance with the nonvolatile memory  80  on the toner cartridge  60  side constituting the developer container confirming unit and the memory readable and writable device  81 , the toner discharging operation is performed and the remaining toner quantity “100%” can be forcibly displayed to the remaining toner quantity display  200   k  on the display panel  200 . 
     That is, when the exchange operation for the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is performed by the user, a recovery process (recovery operation process: see a flowchart in  FIG. 11  for reference), in which a toner concentration (TC %) is recovered to a normal range in the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K), is required. Accordingly, the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) is operated so that the toner T is supplied to the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) through the toner transport pipe  52  (Y, M, C, and K) from the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K). In addition, until the concentration is in a predetermined standard, the concentration sensor  29  repeats that the concentration of the standard patch is read in a plural times. With such a configuration, a print operation is normally performed. During the above-mentioned operation, the operation time (discharging operation time) of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) is defined as the second operation time m 2 , and the operation time of the toner supply unit  50  for supplying the toner T consumed by the followed print operation is defined as the first operation time m 1 . In addition, until the print operation is performed again, the remaining toner ratio is forcibly displayed by 100%, and the first operation time m 1  and the second operation time m 2  are substituted into Expression 1 so that the remaining toner ratio is calculated. Accordingly, the remaining toner display  200   k  is displayed after operating the print as shown in  FIG. 10  on the basis of the remaining toner ratio. With such a configuration, it is possible to remove effectively the unpleasant feeling of the user, so that the display of the remaining toner and the detection of the empty toner state can be enhanced. 
     On the other hand, in the control device  90 , a dispenser motor driving controller  75  (Y, M, C, and K) which controls the driving of a dispenser motor  57  (Y, M, C, and K) and a memory readable and writable device  81  (Y, M, C, and K) are connected to each other, so that a predetermined control signal can be transmitted. 
     The display panel  200  as display unit is connected in the control device  90 , so that a display signal can be transmitted in a predetermined timing. As a general display unit, as above-mentioned display panel  200  is used, which is provided in a predetermined portion of the chassis  1 . Although not particularly limited, for example, a display unit (representation display) of an external connection device (calculator such as personal computer) connected to the full-color printer P can be used. 
     The control device  90  can provide all the function to the full-color printer P or to the external connection device. On the other hand, a part of the function of the control device  90  is provided in the full-color printer P and the remaining function of the control device  90  can be provided in the external connection device. 
     Here, an example of a configuration and a display for the display panel  200  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , a display of magnification  200   a  which displays orderly the magnification from the left of the display panel  200 , a display of the paper selection of the copying paper  200   b  which displays a kind of trays, a display of paper size  200   c  which displays the paper size, a display of paper direction  200   d , a display of a toner replenishing  200   e  which turns the light on, when the toner is used up, a display of paper jam  200   f  which informs an occurred position of the paper jam, a display of copy  200   g  which displays an state capable of being copied with a character by a duplicator after the power supply switch S is turned “on,” a display of wait  200   h  which displays a prior state which is a state before displaying the display of copy  200   g  using characters, a display of countering the copying number  200   i  which display the copying number, a display of concentration  200   j  which displays a level of the concentration, and a display of remaining toner quantity  200   k  which displays the remaining toner quantity in the toner cartridge to a bar-graphed level meter are disposed. 
     A pressing type switch is provided in a predetermined display unit (e.g., the display of magnification  200   a , the display of paper selection  200   b , and the display of paper size  200   c ) on the display panel  200 . With such a configuration, the user can touch the switch using a finger so as to select a necessary configuration. In addition, an additional configuration button is provided in the vicinity of the display panel  200 , so that a necessary configuration is selected in accordance with the operation of the configuration button. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , one remaining toner display  200   k  is provided. For example, the user performs a predetermined button operation so that the remaining toner information of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) to know the remaining toner quantity can be selected. In addition, the remaining toner display  200   k  can be displayed by installing four graph corresponding to respective colors of the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K). With such a configuration, the user can know the remaining toner quantity of the respective colors. Accordingly, convenience can be increased. 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 9 , a display example of displaying the variation of the remaining toner to the remaining toner display  200   k  will be described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a bar-graphed level meter is orderly displayed from the left side, a full quantity (remaining toner quantity 100%)→(remaining toner quantity 90%)→(remaining toner quantity 80%)→(remaining toner quantity 10%)→(remaining toner quantity 5%)→the toner empty state (remaining toner quantity 0%), in accordance with the remaining toner ratio calculated by Expression 1. Accordingly, it is possible that the user can know visually the reduced state which indicates the remaining toner quantity. 
     The display frequency of the remaining toner quantity (detailed degree of the level) can be optionally displayed. The display level can be described in detail (e.g., displayed by one percent) or can be roughly described (e.g., 100%→50%→20%→0%). 
     The display type of the remaining toner display  200   k  is not particularly limited to the bar-graph type. Various display types such as a level meter having pie graph type can be used, which can visually notify the user of the remaining toner quantity. 
     A printer having a full color image according to the exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned full-color printer P will be performed hereinafter. 
     Firstly, in the image forming unit  10 , after four photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K) is uniformly charged by the charging rollers  12  (Y, M, C, and K), the laser beam light are irradiated, respectively, corresponding to the yellow (Y), the magenta (M), the cyan (C), and the black (K) from the exposure unit  13  to the surface of the photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K). With such a configuration, an electrostatic latent image is formed in accordance with the inputted information to the printer P. Next, the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K) are developed in accordance with the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) so as to be visualized as the toner image of the respective color of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. 
     Continuously, the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums  11  (Y, M, C, and K) are electrostatically primary-transferred transferred on the first primary intermediate transfer drum  21  and the second primary intermediate drum  22 . That is, the toner images of the yellow color and magenta color formed in the photosensitive drums  11 Y and  11 M are transferred on the first primary intermediate transfer drum  21 . The toner images of the cyan color and the black color formed in the photosensitive drums  11 C and  11 K are transferred on the second primary intermediate transfer drum  22 . With such a configuration, the toner image of the magenta color and the toner image of the yellow color are formed on the first primary intermediate transfer drum  21 . The toner image of the cyan color and the toner image of the black color are formed on the second primary intermediate transfer drum  22 . 
     Continuously, the toner images formed on the first primary intermediate transfer drum  21  and the second primary intermediate transfer drum  22  are electrostatically secondary-transferred on the secondary intermediate transfer drum  23 . With such a configuration, the toner image (yellow, magenta) on the primary intermediate transfer drum  21  and the toner image (cyan, black) on the secondary intermediate transfer drum  22  are transferred on the secondary intermediate transfer drum  23 , respectively, so that a toner image of four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are formed. Next, the toner image of the four colors are transferred toward a final transfer portion which is pressure-contact portion between the secondary intermediate transfer drum  23  and the final transfer drum  24  in accordance with the rotation of the secondary intermediate transfer drum  23 . 
     When the toner image is formed in a predetermined timing in the image forming unit  10 , the recording sheet  20  is supplied toward the final transfer portion from the paper feeding unit  30 . That is, after the recording sheet  20  contained in the sheet feed tray  31  is delivered to the sheet transport passage  101  by the sheet discharge unit  32  and is paused in the resist roller  36 , the recording sheet  20  is transferred to the final transfer unit by the resist roller  36  in a predetermined timing. With such a configuration, the toner image of the four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) on the secondary intermediate drum  23  is electrostatically third-transferred in a state where the toner image is pressed into the recording sheet  20  transported to the final transfer unit which is a pressure-contact portion between the secondary intermediate transfer drum  23  and the final transfer drum  24 . 
     Next, the recording sheet  20  transferring the toner image of the four colors is transported to the fixing unit  40 , passes through the heating roller  41  and the pressing roller, so that the recording sheet  20  is discharged to the delivery portion  1   a  after the fixing is performed by the heat and the press. The above-mentioned image forming process is performed, so that the full color image is formed on the recording sheet  20 . 
     Next, a configuration and an operation of the toner supplying will be described. 
     In the full-color printer P, by repeating the above-mentioned image forming processes, the toner in the developing units  14  (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is reduced. With such a configuration, the toner supplying of the respective colors (e.g., toner supplying corresponding to the consumed toner quantity) is performed by the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) in a predetermined timing. 
     The toner supplying in the full-color printer P is basically constituted so that image signal quantity (video signal) transmitted from the image processing device in the control device  90  to the exposure unit  13  is counted, the consumed toner quantity is estimated on the basis of the counted value. Accordingly, the toner supplying is performed by the control operation of the control device  90  on the basis of the estimated information. That is, the count value in the toner supply unit (Y, M, C, and K)  50  is calculated into a converted value for an additional amount of operation (rotation number or rotation time) of the dispenser motor  57 . Next, at the time of performing the print operation (work), the toner supplying is performed by operating the dispenser motor  57  (Y, M, C, and K) for a predetermined time on the basis of the additional amount of operation. 
     After standard toner images (patch) for controlling the concentration are formed, respectively, and are transferred to the intermediate transfer drum (e.g., final transfer drum  24 ), the toner supplying is performed so that an image concentration is calculated using an optical concentration detection sensor (not shown) on the transfer drum, and the toner supply quantity is properly adjusted in accordance with the control operation of the control device  90  on the basis of the information result. That is, comparing the estimated value of the patch concentration and the standard value is performed. Then, when the measurement value is under the standard value (having low concentration), the toner replenishing quantity (an amount of operation for replenishment of the dispenser motor  57 ) is properly increased to some extent at the time of performing the next print operation. Then, the toner is actually replenished. On the contrary, when the measurement value is higher the standard value (high concentration), the toner replenishment quantity is decreased to some extent at the time of performing the next print operation. Then, the toner is actually replenished. The patch formation and the concentration measurement are performed, when the number of cumulative print sheet reach a predetermined number. 
     With such a configuration, when there is a need of the toner supplying (need of driving in dispenser motor  57 ), the dispenser motor  57  rotates by a predetermined amount of operation in the toner supply unit  50 . 
     With such a configuration, the toner T of the respective color contained in the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) are dropped so as to be retained from the toner discharge port  62  of the bottle body  61  to the toner retention section  51   b  of the holder  51  of the toner supply unit  50  corresponding to a rotation of the agitator  65 . With such a configuration, the toners T retained in the retention section  51   b  of the holders  51  are transferred to the toner transport pipe  52  in accordance with the spiral coil  53  rotated by the rotation driving of the dispenser motor  57 . Then, the toner T of the respective colors is transferred by the spiral transport member  54  in the toner transport pipes  52  (e.g., spiral-shaped coil which is formed by winding the line member in the form of a spiral shape). As a result, the toner T of the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is replenished to the developing unit  14  through the toner transport pipes  52  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     By replenishing repeatedly the toner, when the toner T is removed in the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K), the used-up toner cartridge  60  are demounted from the holder  51  so that a new toner cartridge  60  is mounted on the holder  51 . 
     Next, a toner charging operation and a management of the toner cartridge state will be described. 
     In the full-color printer P, before using the printer P, a following toner charging operation (hereinafter, simply referred to as “charging operation” or “installation sequence”) will be automatically performed. 
     Firstly, the installation sequence is an operation (charging operation) that charges properly the toner T in the toner cartridges  60  (after the toner discharge port  62  is opened) into the toner transport pipes  52  through the retention section  51   b  of the holders  51  after the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) are mounted on the main body  51   a  of the holders  51  of the toner supply units  50  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     Here, after the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) of a new product make the toner discharge port  62  opened, the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) are mounted on the main body  51   a  of the holder  51 , a toner charging operation is performed so as to charge properly the toner T in the respective toner cartridge  60  into the toner transport pipes  52  through the retention section  51   b  of the holder  51 . With such a configuration, since the toner T is taken out from the toner cartridge  60  by the toner charging operation, the remaining toner quantity of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is not actually 100% (full quantity). However, although the printer does not print one page, the user may feel unpleasant at the time of watching that the remaining toner display is “80%” or “60%.” Accordingly, when the toner charging operation is performed, the remaining toner quantity is displayed “100%” to the toner remaining display  200   k  on the display panel  200  by the forcibly control of the control device  90  regardless of the actual toner remaining quantity. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively reduce the unpleasant feeling of the user. 
     The installation sequence (toner charging operation or recovery operation process) is only performed, when the full-color printer P is a new product or the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) of a new product is installed. Additionally, for example, after the operation in which the toner transport pipe  52  (Y, M, C, and K) is exchanged after the maintenance or the toner transport pipe (Y, M, C, and K) is demounted so that the cleaning is performed, the toner charging operation is performed. 
     The installation sequence is performed such as a different condition (an amount of operation) by considering that the full-color printer P includes a plural toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K), and a path length of the toner transport pipes  52  (Y, M, C, and K) of the toner supply device is different, and the like. 
     For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the respective path length L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4  of the toner transport pipes  52 Y,  52 M,  52 C, and  52 K have a length relationship like “L 1 &lt;L 2 &lt;L 3 &lt;L 4 .” With such a configuration, the amount of operation of the installation sequence in the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) is performed a lot, as the toner transport pipe  52  has a long shape. That, the amount of operation is basically configured so that the spiral coil  53  or the transport member  54  is rotated so as to convey surely the toner to the toner transport pipe  52  in accordance with an driving of the dispenser motor  57 . 
     In addition, in the printer, the management of the toner cartridge state is performed, which watches a used state (remaining state) of the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) and warns an exchange timing of the toner cartridges  60 . 
     The management of the toner cartridge state is performed by storing that the amount of operation of the toner supply units  50  (Y, M, C, and K) to the nonvolatile memory  80  (Y, M, C and K), and judging the quantity of the stored operation reaches a predetermined warning threshold value W. For example, the toner cartridge management is performed, which warns the exchange of the toner cartridge  60 . 
     When the user performs the exchange operation for the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K), it is necessary that the toner concentration (TC %) in the developing unit  14  returns a normal range. Accordingly, the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) is operated so that the toner T is supplied to the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K) from the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) through the toner transport pipe  52  (Y, M, C, and K). In addition, the concentration sensor  29  repeatedly reads the concentration of a standard patch until the concentration is in a predetermined standard, a print operation normally returns. Herein, a driving time (charging operation time) of the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) between the operation is defined as a second operation time m 2 . A driving time of the toner supply unit  50  so as to supply the consumed toner T with the latter print operation is defined as a first operation time m 2 . Until the print operation is performed, the remaining toner ratio is forcibly displayed “100%,” the first operation time m 1  and the second operation time m 2  are substituted into Expression 1 so that the remaining toner ratio is calculated. Accordingly, the remaining toner display  200   k  is performed after performing the print operation, as shown in  FIG. 9 , on the basis of the remaining toner ratio. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively remove the unpleasant feeling of the user, to effectively display the remaining toner quantity, and to effectively detect a state of the empty toner. 
     Here, with reference to the flowchart of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a process sequence of the installation sequence process will be described. 
     When the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is attached to the holder  51  (Y, M, C, and K), the sequence process is performed. Accordingly, in Step  20 , it is detected that an installation flag is “on.” When the detected result is “No,” the process of Step S 24  is performed. When the detected result is “Yes,” the process of Step S 21  is performed. 
     In Step S 21 , after the toner supply units  50  (Y, M, C, and K) for charging the transport passage are operated by T 1  time, the process of Step S 22  is performed. 
     In Step S 22 , by configuring that a cumulative supply time of the recovery=T 1 , a cumulative supply operation time=a cumulative supply operation time+T 1 , the configured value is stored in the nonvolatile memories  80  of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K). Then, process of Step S 23  is performed. The process of Step S 24  is performed after the installation flag is turned “off.” 
     In Step S 24 , it is detected whether an empty state detection flag of the toner cartridge is “on,” or not. When the detected result is “No,” that is, it is detected that the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is not empty, the process ends. 
     On the other hand, when the detected result is “Yes,” that is, it is detected that the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is empty, the process of Step S 25  is performed. Accordingly, a sub routine of the recovery operation process of the empty toner is performed. 
     Here, with reference to  FIG. 11 , the recovery operation process of the empty toner will be described. 
     When the process is performed, the number of the recovery increases by one in Step S 2501 , that is “recovery number=recovery number+1.” Then, the process of Step S 2502  is performed. 
     In Step S 2502 , it is detected that the number of recovery is less than a maximum number. When the detected result is “No,” the process of S 2508  is performed. The empty state detection flag of the toner cartridge is turned “On.” The process of the installation sequence of  FIG. 10  is performed. 
     On the other hand, in Step S 2502 , when the detected result is “Yes,” the process of S 2503  is performed. After the toner supply unit  50  (Y, M, C, and K) of the respective colors are operated for t 2  time, the process of Step S 2504  is performed. 
     In Step S 2504 , the process of Step S 2505  is performed using permeability sensor constituting the toner detection sensor  56  disposed in the developing unit  14  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     In Step S 2505 , it is detected that the concentration of the toner is a target concentration or more. When the concentration of the toner does not reach the target concentration, the process of Step S 2501  is performed so that the same process is repeatedly performed. When the concentration of the toner is the target concentration or more, the process of Step S 2506  is performed. 
     In Step S 2506 , the operation time of the toner supply unit in the recovery operation is defined as “t 2 =t 2 ×the number of the recovery.” Then, the process of Step S 2507  is performed. The empty state detection flag of the toner cartridge is turned “off.” Then, the process of the installation sequence of  FIG. 10  is performed. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 11 , using the permeability sensor as a toner detection sensor is explained. Although, not particularly limited, it is possible to perform the same process, even when using the concentration sensor  29 . At that time, a standard patch is made on the photosensitive drum  11  (Y, M, C, and K) on behalf of the process of Step S 2504 , the standard patch is sensed using the concentration sensor  29 . Accordingly, on behalf of Step S 2505 , a process is performed in which it is detected that the standard patch concentration is more than the target concentration. 
     Continuously, a following process after Step S 26  in  FIG. 10  will be described. 
     In the empty state of the toner, after performing the sub routine of the recovery operation process, the process of Step S 26  is performed. It is detected whether or not the empty state detection flag is “off.” When the detected result is “No,” the process ends. When the detected result is “Yes,” the process of Step S 27  is performed. 
     In Step S 27 , it is detected that the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K) is a new product. When the toner cartridge is not a new product, the process of Step S 29  is performed. It is defined that “the cumulative supply operation time=cumulative supply operation time+T 2 .” The above-mentioned value is stored in the nonvolatile memory  80  of the toner cartridges  60  (Y, M, C, and K) so that the process ends. 
     On the other hand, in Step S 27 , when it is detected that the toner cartridge is a new product, the process of Step S 28  is performed. By defining that “cumulative recovery time=T 2 ,” the value is stored in the nonvolatile memory  80  of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K). Then, the process of Step S 29  is performed. By defining “cumulative supply operation time=cumulative supply operation time+T 2 ,” the value is stored in the nonvolatile memory  80  of the toner cartridge  60  (Y, M, C, and K). Then, the process ends. 
     On the basis of the detection information of the permeability sensor or the concentration sensor  29 , when it is detected that the toner T is an empty state and the toner cartridge  60  is a new product using the nonvolatile memory  80  and the memory readable and writable device  81 , the process of charging operation of the toner is performed and the process of displaying the full quantity “100%” on the toner remaining display  200   k  of the display panel  200 . With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively remove the unpleasant feeling of the user and to effectively display the remaining toner quantity and the empty state detection of the toner. 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. That is, the exemplary embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention. 
     For example, an image formed by the image forming apparatus is transmitted to a recording sheet through a direct-transfer medium an intermediate transfer medium so that a necessary image is formed. Although not particularly limited to the types, and the like. Specifically, the image forming apparatus may independently have a plural associations of the developer container and the developer supply unit, when forming a color image using a toner having a plural different colors. 
     Accordingly, it is possible that a whole or part of a function may be performed using an external device (e.g., a personal computer connected to the image processing device, and the like). 
     When using a program, it is possible that the program is provided through a network or is stored to a recording medium such as CD-ROM. 
     The image forming apparatus according to the invention can be applicable to a developing image forming apparatus, a transfer image forming apparatus, a charging image forming apparatus, and the like. In addition, the image forming apparatus can be applicable to a laser printer, a full-color printer, a duplicator, and the like. The image forming apparatus can also be applicable to an ink-jet printer using the visualizing agent, that is, an ink-jet printer in which an ink head injecting an ink and an ink tank charging the ink are connected, the ink is supplied from the ink tank to the ink head corresponding to a reduced ink.