Abnormal usage detection
First Claim
1. A method for detecting abnormal usage of consumables in a machine, comprising:
- determining a moving average of usage of a consumable for a time frame;
determining a moving average of expected usage of the consumable for the time frame based on a pixel count;
comparing the moving average of usage to the moving average of expected usage to determine an excess usage; and
communicating an abnormal usage alert requesting service when the excess usage deviates from an expected usage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system compare actual consumable usage (e.g., toner usage) with expected consumable usage in a xerographic machine, such as a printer or copier. Expected toner usage may be predicted from pixel count (area coverage) and actual usage is obtained from monitoring of consumable usage, such as from toner dispense data or toner bottle replacements. If the actual toner usage differs significantly from the expected toner usage (e.g., ±40%), the system may take some action, such as scheduling of a service call. Early detection of abnormal consumable usage in a xerographic machine may allow early correction before any noticeable image defects occur, such as images that are too light or too dark.
23 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for detecting abnormal usage of consumables in a machine, comprising:
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determining a moving average of usage of a consumable for a time frame; determining a moving average of expected usage of the consumable for the time frame based on a pixel count; comparing the moving average of usage to the moving average of expected usage to determine an excess usage; and communicating an abnormal usage alert requesting service when the excess usage deviates from an expected usage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18)
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12. A system for detecting abnormal usage of consumables in a xerographic machine, comprising:
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a xerographic module for creating images; a xerographic monitor including a processor and a storage device, the processor being configured to determine a moving average of usage of a consumable for a time frame, determine a moving average of expected usage of the consumable for the time frame based on a pixel count, and compare the moving average of usage to the moving average of expected usage; and an abnormal usage alerting mechanism configured to request service and is activated when the excess usage deviates from the expected usage, wherein the abnormal usage alerting mechanism is connected to the xerographic monitor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification