1. A replacement toner cartridge management apparatus being characterized by having:
a receiver to receive toner cartridge replacement information indicating that a toner cartridge has been replaced with a new one, from an image forming apparatus which can be accessed by the replacement toner cartridge management apparatus via a line of communication;
an information obtainer to obtain remaining toner information of the toner cartridge having been replaced, when the toner cartridge replacement information is received by the receiver;
a time determiner to: adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner obtained by the information obtainer is less than a predetermined value; and adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to another point of time than that of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value; and
a transmitter to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge in accordance with the determination of the time determiner.
2. The replacement toner cartridge management apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge, on the basis of the amount of toner consumed by the image forming apparatus, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value.
3. The replacement toner cartridge management apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein:
the amount of toner consumed is a print volume; and
the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the print volume is a first predetermined value or greater;
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to a point of time later than receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the print volume is less than the first predetermined value while being a second predetermined value or greater, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of detecting a toner-near-empty event in the new toner cartridge having been loaded, if the print volume is less than the second predetermined value.
4. The replacement toner cartridge management apparatus as recited in claim 2,
wherein:
the amount of toner consumed is an average value of the ratio of White to Black; and
the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is a first predetermined value or greater; adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to a point of time later than receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is less than the first predetermined value while being a second predetermined value or greater, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of detecting a toner-near-empty event in the new toner cartridge having been loaded, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is less than the second predetermined value.
5. The replacement toner cartridge management apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the transmitter outputs the delivery instruction to an order receiving server which can be accessed by the replacement toner cartridge management apparatus via the line of communication.
6. An image forming apparatus being characterized by having:
a receiver to receive toner cartridge replacement information indicating that a toner cartridge loaded on the image forming apparatus itself or a different image forming apparatus which can be accessed by the image forming apparatus via a line of communication, has been replaced with a new one;
an information obtainer to obtain remaining toner information of the toner cartridge having been replaced, when the toner cartridge replacement information is received by the receiver;
a time determiner to: adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner obtained by the information obtainer is less than a predetermined value; and adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to another point of time than that of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value; and
a transmitter to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge in accordance with the determination of the time determiner.
7. The image forming apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge, on the basis of the amount of toner consumed by the image forming apparatus itself or the different image forming apparatus, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value.
8. The image forming apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein:
the amount of toner consumed is a print volume; and
the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the print volume is a first predetermined value or greater;
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to a point of time later than receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the print volume is less than the first predetermined value while being a second predetermined value or greater, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of detecting a toner-near-empty event in the new toner cartridge having been loaded, if the print volume is less than the second predetermined value.
9. The image forming apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein:
the amount of toner consumed is an average value of the ratio of White to Black; and
the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is a first predetermined value or greater;
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to a point of time later than receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is less than the first predetermined value while being a second predetermined value or greater, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of detecting a toner-near-empty event in the new toner cartridge having been loaded, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is less than the second predetermined value.
10. The image forming apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the transmitter outputs the delivery instruction to an order receiving server which can be accessed by the image forming apparatus itself via the line of communication.
11. A replacement toner cartridge management system being characterized by having an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus which can be accessed by each other via a line of communication, the image forming apparatus comprising:
one or more toner cartridges; and
a transmitter to transmit toner cartridge replacement information indicating that any one of the one or more toner cartridges has been replaced with a new one, the management apparatus comprising:
a receiver to receive the toner cartridge replacement information;
an information obtainer to obtain remaining toner information of the toner cartridge having been replaced, when the toner cartridge replacement information is received by the receiver;
a time determiner to: adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner obtained by the information obtainer is less than a predetermined value; and
adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to another point of time than that of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value; and
a transmitter to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge in accordance with the determination of the time determiner.
12. The replacement toner cartridge management system as recited in claim 11, wherein the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge, on the basis of the amount of toner consumed by the image forming apparatus, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value.
13. The replacement toner cartridge management system as recited in claim 12, wherein:
the amount of toner consumed is a print volume; and
the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the print volume is a first predetermined value or greater;
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to a point of time later than receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the print volume is less than the first predetermined value while being a second predetermined value or greater, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and
adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of detecting a toner-near-empty event in the new toner cartridge having been loaded, if the print volume is less than the second predetermined value.
14. The replacement toner cartridge management system as recited in claim 12,
wherein:
the amount of toner consumed is an average value of the ratio of White to Black; and
the time determiner adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is a first predetermined value or greater; adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to a point of time later than receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is less than the first predetermined value while being a second predetermined value or greater, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and adjusts the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of detecting a toner-near-empty event in the new toner cartridge having been loaded, if the average value of the ratio of White to Black is less than the second predetermined value.
15. The replacement toner cartridge management system as recited in claim 11, wherein the transmitter outputs the delivery instruction to an order receiving server which can be accessed by the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus via the line of communication.
16. A replacement toner cartridge management method to be implemented by a system comprising an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus which can be accessed by each other via a line of communication, the image forming apparatus comprising one or more toner cartridges, the replacement toner cartridge management method being characterized by having: the following step of the image forming apparatus:
transmitting toner cartridge replacement information indicating any one of the one or more toner cartridges has been replaced with a new one, and
the following steps of the management apparatus:
receiving the toner cartridge replacement information;
obtaining remaining toner information of the toner cartridge having been replaced, when the toner cartridge replacement information is received;
adjusting the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner obtained is less than a predetermined value; and
adjusting the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to another point of time than that of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value; and
outputting an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge in accordance with the determination.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a replacement toner cartridge management program to make a computer execute the following steps:
receiving toner cartridge replacement information indicating that a toner cartridge loaded on the image forming apparatus or a different image forming apparatus which can be accessed by the image forming apparatus via a line of communication, has been replaced with a new one;
obtaining remaining toner information of the toner cartridge having been replaced, when the toner cartridge replacement information is received;
adjusting the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner obtained is less than a predetermined value; and adjusting the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to another point of time than that of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value; and
outputting an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge in accordance with the determination.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a replacement toner cartridge management program to make a computer of an image forming apparatus execute the following steps:
receiving toner cartridge replacement information indicating that a toner cartridge loaded on the image forming apparatus or a different image forming apparatus which can be accessed by the image forming apparatus via a line of communication, has been replaced with a new one;
obtaining remaining toner information of the toner cartridge having been replaced, when the toner cartridge replacement information is received;
adjusting the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to the point of time of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner obtained is less than a predetermined value; and adjust the time to output an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge to another point of time than that of receiving the toner cartridge replacement information, if the amount of remaining toner is greater than the predetermined value; and
outputting an instruction to deliver a replacement toner cartridge in accordance with the determination.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A controller for a boost converter in which the boost converter includes an inductor, a power switch, a diode and an output capacitor coupled together to convert a rectified AC input voltage to an output DC voltage, the controller comprising:
a first node for receiving an output sense signal indicative of the output DC voltage;
a sense amplifier including an input receiving a first sense signal indicative of the rectified AC input voltage and including an output providing a second sense signal indicative thereof;
a sampler which samples said second sense signal based on said pulse control signal and which provides a boost current sense signal indicative thereof, wherein said sampler samples during a freewheeling interval of the boost converter and provides said boost current sense signal as an average of sampled values;
a first combiner which provides an error signal based on a difference between said output sense signal and a reference signal;
an integrator which integrates said error signal and which provides a compensation signal indicative thereof; and
a pulse controller which provides a pulse control signal for controlling the power switch to operate the boost converter in discontinuous conduction mode, wherein said pulse controller develops said pulse control signal based on comparing said compensation signal with a ramp signal and further adjusts said pulse control signal over a cycle of the rectified AC input voltage based on said boost current sense signal.
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein said pulse controller comprises:
a second combiner which provides an adjusted compensation signal based on a difference between said compensation signal and said boost current sense signal;
a ramp generator which generates said ramp signal; and
a comparator which compares said ramp signal with said adjusted compensation signal and which provides said pulse control signal indicative thereof.
3. The controller of claim 1, further comprising:
a sample switch interposed between said first combiner and said integrator and controlled by a pulse signal; and
a sample device for providing a pulse on said pulse signal for each zero crossing of an AC input voltage.
4. An electronic device, comprising:
a rectifier which rectifies an input AC voltage to provide a rectified voltage;
a boost stage operative to convert said rectified voltage to an output DC voltage; and
a controller, comprising:
a first input receiving an output sense signal indicative of said output DC voltage;
a sense resistor coupled to said rectifier providing a sense voltage;
a sense amplifier including an input receiving said sense voltage and including an output providing an amplified sense voltage indicative thereof;
a sampler which samples said amplified sense voltage based on said pulse control signal and which provides a boost current sense signal indicative thereof, wherein said sampler samples during a freewheeling interval of said boost stage and holds an average sampled value during a power interval of said boost stage;
a first combiner which provides an error signal based on a difference between said output sense signal and a reference signal;
an integrator which integrates said error signal and which provides a compensation signal indicative thereof; and
a pulse controller which provides a pulse control signal for controlling said power switch to operate said boost stage in discontinuous conduction mode, wherein said pulse controller develops said pulse control signal based on comparing said compensation signal with a ramp signal and further adjusts said pulse control signal over a cycle of said input AC voltage based on said boost current sense signal.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein said boost stage comprises:
an inductor including a first end receiving said rectified voltage and including a second end;
a power switch including current terminals coupled between said second end of said inductor and a common node and including a control terminal receiving a control signal based on said pulse control signal;
a diode having its anode coupled to said second end of said inductor and having a cathode coupled to an output node developing said output DC voltage; and
a capacitor coupled between said output node and said common node.
6. The electronic device of claim 4, further comprising:
a second stage converter which converts said output DC voltage to a regulated DC voltage; and
a DC load receiving said regulated DC voltage.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein said DC load comprises at least one light emitting diode.
8. The electronic device of claim 6, further comprising a line dimmer which converts said input AC voltage to an AC conductive angle modulated voltage provided to said rectifier.
9. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein said pulse controller comprises:
a second combiner which provides an adjusted compensation signal based on a difference between said compensation signal and said boost current sense signal;
a ramp generator which generates said ramp signal; and
a comparator which compares said ramp signal with said adjusted compensation signal and which provides said pulse control signal indicative thereof.
10. The electronic device of claim 7, further comprising:
a sample device which provides a pulse on a pulse signal for each zero crossing of said input AC voltage; and
a sample switch interposed between said first combiner and said integrator which is controlled by said pulse signal.
11. A method of controlling a boost converter which converts a rectified AC input voltage to an output DC voltage, the method comprising:
providing an error signal based on a difference between the output DC voltage relative to a voltage reference level;
integrating said error signal and providing a compensation signal indicative thereof;
generating a ramp control signal;
providing a pulse control signal based on comparing the ramp control signal with the compensation signal for operating the boost converter in discontinuous conduction mode; and
adjusting the pulse control signal over a cycle of the rectified AC input voltage based on a boost current sense signal indicative of current through an output inductor of the boost converter, wherein said adjusting the pulse control signal comprises subtracting the boost current sense signal from the compensation signal and providing an adjusted compensation signal which is compared with the ramp signal.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
sensing the current through the output inductor and providing a current sense signal;
amplifying said current sense signal and providing an amplified sense signal; and
sampling the amplified sense signal during a freewheeling interval of the boost converter for providing the boost current sense signal as an average of sampled values.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising switching the error signal based on a frequency of the AC input voltage.
14. A controller for a boost converter in which the boost converter includes an inductor, a power switch, a diode and an output capacitor coupled together to convert a rectified AC input voltage to an output DC voltage, the controller comprising:
a first node for receiving an output sense signal indicative of the output DC voltage;
a second node for receiving a boost current sense signal indicative of current through the inductor;
a first combiner which provides an error signal based on a difference between said output sense signal and a reference signal;
an integrator which integrates said error signal and which provides a compensation signal indicative thereof; and
a pulse controller which provides a pulse control signal for controlling the power switch to operate the boost converter in discontinuous conduction mode, wherein said pulse controller develops said pulse control signal based on comparing said compensation signal with a ramp signal and further adjusts said pulse control signal over a cycle of the rectified AC input voltage based on said boost current sense signal, wherein said pulse controller comprises:
a ramp generator that generates said ramp signal and that includes a slope adjust input receiving said boost current sense signal for adjusting a slope of said ramp signal; and
a comparator that compares said ramp signal with said compensation signal and that provides said pulse control signal indicative thereof.
15. The controller of claim 14, further comprising a current sensor for sensing said inductor current and providing said boost current sense signal indicative thereof.
16. An electronic device, comprising:
a rectifier that rectifies an input AC voltage to provide a rectified voltage;
a boost stage operative to convert said rectified voltage to an output DC voltage; and
a controller, comprising:
a first input receiving an output sense signal indicative of said output DC voltage;
a second input receiving a boost current sense signal indicative of current through said boost stage;
a first combiner that provides an error signal based on a difference between said output sense signal and a reference signal;
an integrator that integrates said error signal and that provides a compensation signal indicative thereof; and
a pulse controller that provides a pulse control signal for controlling said power switch to operate said boost stage in discontinuous conduction mode, wherein said pulse controller develops said pulse control signal based on comparing said compensation signal with a ramp signal and further adjusts said pulse control signal over a cycle of said input AC voltage based on said boost current sense signal, wherein said pulse controller comprises:
a ramp generator that generates said ramp signal and that includes a slope adjust input receiving said boost current sense signal for adjusting a slope of said ramp signal; and
a comparator that compares said ramp signal with said compensation signal and that provides said pulse control signal indicative thereof.
17. A method of controlling a boost converter which converts a rectified AC input voltage to an output DC voltage, the method comprising:
providing an error signal based on a difference between the output DC voltage relative to a voltage reference level;
integrating said error signal and providing a compensation signal indicative thereof;
generating a ramp control signal;
providing a pulse control signal based on comparing the ramp control signal with the compensation signal for operating the boost converter in discontinuous conduction mode; and
adjusting the pulse control signal over a cycle of the rectified AC input voltage based on a boost current sense signal indicative of current through an output inductor of the boost converter, wherein said adjusting the pulse control signal comprises adjusting the slope of the ramp signal using the boost current sense signal.