Image forming apparatus, replacement component, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can easily take over life information of a replacement component to another image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is provided with: a main body unit; a replacement component that is removably attached to the main body unit; a reading unit that can read an image; a specification unit that specifies an information image from the read image; an interpretation unit that interprets, from the information image, life information with which the timing to replace the replacement component can be grasped; and a storage unit that is provided in the main body unit and stores the interpreted life information. In the above configuration, the image forming apparatus is provided with: a lock unit that can control the replacement component in a lock state where it is difficult to be removed and a released state where it can be easily removed; a printing unit that can print the information image according to the life information stored in the storage unit; and a control unit that, when the information image is printed, controls the lock unit from the lock state to the released state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a replacement part, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming apparatuses equipped with detachable (replaceable) replacement parts (e.g., toner cartridges) have been known for some time. Image forming apparatuses have also conventionally employed configurations for storing lifespan information (e.g., information about the remaining amount of toner) for determining when to replace replacement parts. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which lifespan information stored in an image forming apparatus can be transmitted to another image forming apparatus via a communication cable. With this configuration, even when a replacement part for an image forming apparatus is installed in another image forming apparatus, accurate lifespan information can be stored in the other image forming apparatus. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 can cause the inconvenience of difficulty in transmitting lifespan information when the image forming apparatus is far from another image forming apparatus. In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily transfer lifespan information of replacement parts to another image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a main body unit, a replacement part that can be attached and detached to the main body unit, a reading unit that can read an image, an identification unit that identifies an information image from the read image, a decoding unit that decodes life information from the information image to determine when to replace the replacement part, and a memory unit provided in the main body unit that stores the decoded life information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, the life information of replacement parts can be easily transferred to another image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an MFP, which is an example of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams of specific examples of images displayed on a display unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation when a replacement part is removed. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of each process executed by the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Product Printer) 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the MFP 100 includes a replaceable part 101, a scanner unit 102, a memory 103, and an operation panel 104.

[0008] The MFP 100 is equipped with a plurality of replaceable parts 101 (a to d). For example, the MFP 100 is equipped with a plurality of replaceable parts 101 including a toner cartridge 101a, a transfer belt 101b, an image fixing unit 101c, and a photosensitive drum 101d. In FIG. 1, for ease of explanation, only one replaceable part 101 is shown.

[0009] The above-mentioned replacement parts 101 are configured to be detachable from the main body of the MFP 100, and are replaced with new replacement parts 101 as needed. For example, toner cartridge 101a stores toner used when forming an image. The toner stored in the above-mentioned toner cartridge 101a decreases each time an image is formed. Therefore, when the remaining amount of toner stored in toner cartridge 101a becomes low, it is replaced with a new toner cartridge 101a.

[0010] Similarly, the other replacement parts 101 (b to d) are replaced with new replacement parts 101 when, for example, they deteriorate due to use. As will be described in detail later, this embodiment is configured to be able to display lifespan information Ds for determining when to replace the replacement part 101. The above configuration has the advantage that it is possible to easily determine when to replace the replacement part 101.

[0011] The operation panel 104 is capable of displaying current setting values, selection screens, etc., and is equipped with a touch panel or the like for receiving input from an operator. The scanner unit 102 is capable of reading various images. Specifically, when the operation panel 104 is operated, the scanner unit 102 reads an image of a printing paper or the like set in the MFP 100.

[0012] The MFP 100 is capable of printing various images. Specifically, when an image to be printed is specified, the image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101d using toner. The image formed on the photosensitive drum 101d is transferred (primary transfer) to the transfer belt 101b. The image transferred to the transfer belt 101b is then transferred (secondary transfer) to a printing sheet. The printing sheet onto which the image has been transferred is transported to the image fixing unit 101c.

[0013] The image fixing unit 101c fixes the image formed on the printing paper to the printing paper. Specifically, the image fixing unit 101c is equipped with a fixing heater that generates heat using supplied power. The printing paper on which the image has been formed is heated by the fixing heater. The image formed on the printing paper can be fixed to the printing paper by being heated by the fixing heater.

[0014] Memory 103 is provided in the main body of MFP 100 and stores lifespan information Ds (a to d) for each of replaceable parts 101 (a to d). Specifically, memory 103 stores lifespan information Dsa for toner cartridge 101a, lifespan information Dsb for transfer belt 101b, lifespan information Dsc for image fixing unit 101c, and lifespan information Dsd for photosensitive drum 101d.

[0015] For example, the lifespan information Dsa indicates the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge 101a. Specifically, the toner cartridges 101a include a toner cartridge that stores cyan toner, a toner cartridge that stores magenta toner, a toner cartridge that stores yellow toner, and a toner cartridge that stores black toner. Each of these toner cartridges is separately detachable from the MFP 100. The memory 103 stores the lifespan information Dsa (remaining amount of toner) for each toner cartridge (cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0016] The lifespan information Dsb of the transfer belt 101b is, for example, information indicating the number of times an image has been formed on the transfer belt 101b. However, information indicating the number of rotations of the transfer belt 101b may also be used as the lifespan information Dsb. Furthermore, both of the above pieces of information may also be used as the lifespan information Dsb.

[0017] The lifespan information Dsc of the image fixing unit 101c is, for example, information indicating the number of times an image has been fixed by the image fixing unit 101c. However, information indicating the number of rotations of the pressure roller of the image fixing unit 101c may also be used as the lifespan information Dsc. Furthermore, both of the above pieces of information may also be used as the lifespan information Dsc.

[0018] Photoconductor drums 101d include a photoconductor drum on which a cyan image is formed, a photoconductor drum on which a magenta image is formed, a photoconductor drum on which a yellow image is formed, and a photoconductor drum on which a black image is formed. Memory 103 stores lifespan information Dsd for each photoconductor drum (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). For example, information indicating the number of times an image has been formed on photoconductor drum 101d and / or information indicating the number of rotations of photoconductor drum 101d may be used as lifespan information Dsd.

[0019] However, the lifespan information Ds(a to d) of each replacement part 101(a to d) is not limited to the above example as long as it is possible to determine the replacement time of the replacement part 101.

[0020] Each of the above lifespan information Ds is updated as appropriate. For example, the lifespan information Dsa of a toner cartridge is updated according to the amount of toner used in that toner cartridge. The operation panel 104 is also configured to be able to display the current value of each piece of lifespan information Ds. Based on the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 101 displayed on the operation panel 104, the user can determine whether or not to replace the replacement part 101 with a new replacement part 101.

[0021] Incidentally, there are cases where a replacement part 101 that has been used in another MFP (removal source) is attached to the MFP 100 (attachment destination). In the above case, if the life information Ds of the newly attached replacement part 101 is not stored in the MFP 100 (attachment destination) (hereinafter referred to as "comparison example"), a problem may arise in which it becomes impossible to determine the replacement time of the newly attached replacement part 101.

[0022] For example, assume that toner cartridge 101a, one of replacement parts 101, is newly attached to MFP 100. In the above case, in the comparative example described above, lifespan information Dsa of toner cartridge 101a newly attached to MFP 100 is not stored in MFP 100. In other words, the remaining amount of toner contained in newly attached toner cartridge 101a is not stored in MFP 100. Therefore, a problem may arise in that it is not possible to appropriately determine when to replace newly attached toner cartridge 101a.

[0023] Taking the above circumstances into consideration, this embodiment is configured so that the life information Ds of the newly installed replacement part 101 can be stored in the MFP 100 (the installation destination). The above configuration will be described below.

[0024] 1 illustrates a specific example immediately before a new replacement part 101 is attached to the MFP 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the replacement part 101 is provided with a storage pocket 101x. A recording medium P (e.g., printing paper) is stored in the storage pocket 101x. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, an information image Gs and a tint block image Gm are printed on the recording medium P.

[0025] The information image Gs indicates the lifespan information Ds of the newly installed replacement part 101. The information image Gs is printed on the recording medium P by the MFP (the MFP from which the newly installed replacement part 101 is to be removed) on which the newly installed replacement part 101 was originally installed. The above configuration will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 5(a) and 5(b). The tint block image Gm is printed to prevent unauthorized duplication of the recording medium P on which the information image Gs is printed.

[0026] In the above-described embodiment, when a new replacement part 101 is attached to the MFP 100, the recording medium P is removed from the storage pocket 101x of the replacement part 101 (Sa1 in FIG. 1), and the replacement part 101 is attached to the MFP 100 (Sa2 in FIG. 1). Furthermore, when the information image Gs of the recording medium P is read by the MFP 100 (Sa3 in FIG. 1), the life information Ds of the newly attached replacement part 101 is decoded from the information image Gs, and the decoding result is stored in the MFP 100 (memory 103) (Sa4 in FIG. 1).

[0027] According to the present embodiment described above, the life information Ds of the replacement part 101 newly attached to the MFP 100 is stored in the memory 103. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately determine the replacement time of the replacement part 101 newly attached to the MFP 100. In the above specific example, the information image Gs is read after the replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10. However, the replacement part 12 may be attached to the image forming apparatus 10 after the information image Gs is read.

[0028] 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the MFP 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller CTL, a replacement part 101, a short-range communication circuit 120, an engine control unit 130, an operation panel 104, a network I / F 150, a sensor 160, and a locking device 161.

[0029] The controller CTL has a CPU 105, which is the main part of the computer, a memory (MEM-P) 103, a north bridge (NB) 107, a south bridge (SB) 108, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 106, a local memory (MEM-C) 109, which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 110, and an HD 111, which is also a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 107 and the ASIC 106 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 121.

[0030] The CPU 105 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP 100. The NB 107 is a bridge that connects the CPU 105 with the memory 103, the SB 108, and the AGP bus 121, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the memory 103, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0031] The memory 103 comprises a ROM 103a which is a memory for storing programs and data that realize the functions of the controller CTL, and a RAM 103b which is used as a memory for expanding the programs and data, and for drawing during memory printing, etc. The programs stored in the RAM 103b may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0032] The SB 108 is a bridge for connecting the NB 107 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 106 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing purposes that has hardware elements for image processing, and serves as a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 121, PCI bus 122, HDD 110, and MEM-C 109.

[0033] The ASIC 106 comprises a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 106, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 109, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation and the like using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 102 and the printer unit 132 via the PCI bus 122. Note that a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 106.

[0034] The MEM-C 109 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. The HD 111 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HD 111 controls the reading and writing of data from and to the HD 111 under the control of the CPU 105. The AGP bus 121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing, and by directly accessing the memory 103 at high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster.

[0035] The short-distance communication circuit 120 includes a short-distance communication circuit 120a. The short-distance communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit such as NFC, Bluetooth, etc. Furthermore, the engine control unit 130 is made up of a scanner unit 102 and a printer unit 132.

[0036] The operation panel 104 includes a panel display unit 104a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc. and accepts inputs from the operator, and an operation panel 104b that includes a numeric keypad that accepts setting values for image formation conditions such as density setting conditions and a start key that accepts a copy start command. The controller CTL controls the entire MFP 100, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, and inputs from the operation panel 104. The scanner unit 102 or the printer unit 132 includes an image processing unit that performs error diffusion, gamma conversion, etc.

[0037] MFP 100 can sequentially switch among the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on operation panel 104. When the document box function is selected, the mode becomes document box mode, when the copy function is selected, the mode becomes copy mode, when the printer function is selected, the mode becomes printer mode, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the mode becomes facsimile mode.

[0038] The network I / F 150 is an interface for performing data communication using the network N. The short-range communication circuit 120 and the network I / F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 106 via a PCI bus 122.

[0039] The replacement parts 101 of this embodiment include a toner cartridge 101a, a transfer belt 101b, an image fixing unit 101c, and a photosensitive drum 101d. A sensor 160 is provided for each replacement part 101, and detects whether or not the replacement part 101 is attached to the MFP 100. As the above sensor 160, for example, an optical sensor that is turned on when the replacement part 101 is attached and turned off when the replacement part 101 is not attached can be used. However, the type of sensor 160 can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] Each replacement part 101 is provided with a locking device 161. The locking device 161 is configured to be controllable to either a locked state or an unlocked state. When the locking device 161 is in the locked state, the replacement part 101 provided with the locking device 161 is difficult (effectively impossible) to remove. On the other hand, when the locking device 161 is in the unlocked state, the replacement part 101 provided with the locking device 161 is removable.

[0041] 3 is a functional block diagram of image forming apparatus 10. For example, CPU 105 in MFP 100 executes a program, causing MFP 100 to function as image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 10 includes main body unit 11, replacement part 12, reading unit 13, identification unit 14, decoding unit 15, storage unit 16, printing unit 17, control unit 18, display unit 19, lock unit 20, and detection unit 21. For example, scanner unit 102 described above functions as reading unit 13.

[0042] The replacement part 12 is configured to be detachable from the main body 11. For example, any one of the replacement parts 101 including the toner cartridge 101a, transfer belt 101b, image fixing unit 101c, and photosensitive drum 101d described above can be used as the replacement part 12. Note that the configuration may include one replacement part 12, or two or more replacement parts 12.

[0043] Furthermore, the replacement part 12 includes a recording medium P that displays an information image Gs. Specifically, the replacement part 12 includes a storage section 12x. The storage section 12x is configured so that the reading section 13 can read the information image Gs when the recording medium P is stored therein. For example, the storage section 12x is a pocket with a transparent portion, and stores the recording medium P so that the information image Gs can be seen from the outside through the transparent portion. The storage section 12x has the advantage that there is no need to remove the recording medium P from the storage section 12x when reading the information image Gs.

[0044] However, the storage section 12x is not limited to the above specific examples. For example, the storage section 12x may be configured so that the information image Gs printed on the recording medium P cannot be seen from the outside when the recording medium P is stored in the storage section 12x. Alternatively, the storage section 12x itself may not be provided. As an example of the above configuration, a sticker on which the information image Gs is printed may be attached to the replacement part 12.

[0045] The identification unit 14 identifies an information image Gs from the read image. Furthermore, the decoding unit 15 decodes the lifespan information Ds from the information image Gs. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) may be adopted as the information image Gs. In the above configuration, when the recording medium P is read, the information image Gs on the recording medium P is identified using the finder pattern in the QR code (registered trademark). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 decodes the read QR code (registered trademark). However, the information image Gs is not limited to the above example. For example, an image of a character string (number string) representing the lifespan information Ds may be adopted as the information image Gs.

[0046] The storage unit 16 is provided in the main body 11 and stores the decoded lifespan information Ds. Specifically, when a plurality of replacement parts 12 are provided, the storage unit 16 stores a plurality of pieces of lifespan information Ds for the plurality of replacement parts 12.

[0047] Now, let us consider a configuration (hereinafter referred to as "comparative example") in which a memory unit 16 is directly provided in each replacement part 12. In the above comparative example, a configuration in which multiple replacement parts 12 are provided requires multiple memory units 16. In this embodiment, the memory unit 16 that collectively stores multiple pieces of lifespan information Ds is provided on the main body 11 side, which has the advantage of being able to reduce the number of memory units that store lifespan information Ds compared to the above comparative example.

[0048] The lifespan information Ds in the storage unit 16 is updated as appropriate. For example, if the replacement part 12 includes a part (e.g., a toner cartridge) that stores a developer used when forming an image, the lifespan information Ds includes information indicating the remaining amount of developer in the replacement part 12. The lifespan information Ds is updated every time the developer is used.

[0049] The printing unit 17 prints various images. Specifically, the printing unit 17 can print an information image Gs corresponding to the current value of the lifespan information Ds stored in the storage unit 16. As will be described in detail later, when a replacement part 12 is removed, the image forming apparatus 10 generates an information image Gs indicating the current value of the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 (see Sb2 in FIG. 5(a) described later). The generated information image Gs is printed on a recording medium P. Printing paper can be used as the recording medium P.

[0050] The information image Gs printed when the replacement part 12 is removed is read in the image forming device 10 to which the replacement part 12 is to be newly installed (see Sa3 in FIG. 1 above). With the above configuration, the image forming device 10 to which the replacement part 12 is to be newly installed can store the life information Ds of the replacement part 12. Furthermore, the printing unit 17 can print a background pattern image on the recording medium P to prevent copying of the information image Gs to be printed on the recording medium P. With the above configuration, the act of illegally copying the information image Gs and installing an unauthorized replacement part in the image forming device 10 is prevented.

[0051] The locking unit 20 can be controlled to a locked state in which it is difficult (including cases in which it is substantially impossible) to remove the replacement part 12, and an unlocked state in which it is easy to remove. For example, the above-mentioned locking device 161 functions as the locking unit 20. In a configuration in which a plurality of replacement parts 12 are provided, the above-mentioned locking unit 20 is provided for each replacement part 12. The control unit 18 controls the locking unit 20 to be in the locked state or the unlocked state. The detection unit 21 detects whether or not a replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the above-mentioned sensor 160 functions as the detection unit 21. However, a specific example of the detection unit 21 is not limited to the sensor 160.

[0052] As will be described in detail later, the image forming apparatus 10 can accept a removal setting operation. When the above removal setting operation is accepted, an information image Gs is printed. Furthermore, when the information image Gs is printed, the locking unit 20 is controlled to change from a locked state to an unlocked state, and the replacement part 12 can be removed from the image forming apparatus 10. With the above configuration, the information image Gs corresponding to the life information Ds of the replacement part 12 is not printed, and the inconvenience of the replacement part 12 being removed (attached to another image forming apparatus 10) is suppressed.

[0053] The display unit 19 displays various images. For example, the above-mentioned operation panel 104 functions as the display unit 19. Although details will be described later, the display unit 19 displays various images (see FIGS. 4(a) to (d)) that enable the above-mentioned removal setting operation to be accepted. Furthermore, when a new replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10, a message that the information image Gs should be read is displayed on the display unit 19. Of the components (12 to 21) shown in FIG. 3, the components (13 to 21) other than the replacement part 12 are provided on the main body 11 side.

[0054] 4(a) to 4(d) are schematic diagrams showing specific examples of screens that can accept the removal setting operation. Each of the above screens is displayed on the display unit 19.

[0055] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram of a menu screen. For example, when the operation panel 104 is operated appropriately, the menu screen is displayed. Each button image is displayed on the menu screen. Each of the button images includes a button image that displays the character string "Remove replacement part." When the user wants to remove the replacement part 12, the user touches the button image.

[0056] FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram of a replacement part selection screen. The replacement part selection screen is displayed when a button image displaying the character string "Remove Replacement Part" on the menu screen described above is touched. The replacement part selection screen displays button images corresponding to the replacement parts 12. The user touches the button image corresponding to the replacement part 12 to be removed.

[0057] FIG. 4(c) is a schematic diagram of the print screen. The print screen is displayed when a button image on the replacement part selection screen described above is touched. On the print screen, life information Ds (information image Gs) of the replacement part 12 selected on the replacement part selection screen is printed, and a notification is given that the replacement part 12 can be removed. Specifically, a button image displaying the character string "Print" is displayed on the print screen. When the button image described above is touched, the information image Gs is printed, and the replacement part 12 can be removed.

[0058] 4(d) is a schematic diagram of the completion screen. The completion screen is displayed when printing of the information image Gs is completed. The completion screen also displays the replacement part 12 on which the life information Ds (information image Gs) is printed. The completion screen also displays a message indicating that the recording medium P on which the information image Gs is printed should be stored together with the replacement part 12.

[0059] 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams for explaining a specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when removing the replacement part 12. FIG. 5(a) shows a specific example of a state in which the replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the specific example of FIG. 5(a) assumes the state immediately before the above-mentioned removal setting operation is accepted. In the above case, the locking unit 20 is controlled to a locked state in which it is difficult to remove the replacement part 12.

[0060] When the removal setting operation is accepted (Sb1 in FIG. 5(a)), the image forming apparatus 10 generates image data of an information image Gs indicating the current value of the life information Ds stored in the memory unit 16, and inputs the image data to the printing unit 17 (Sb2 in the same figure). When the image data of the information image Gs is input, the printing unit 17 prints the information image Gs on the recording medium P (Sb3 in the same figure).

[0061] 5(b) is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 after the information image Gs has been printed. As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the information image Gs has been printed, the image forming apparatus 10 controls the locking unit 20 to change from the locked state to the unlocked state (Sb4 in FIG. 5(b)). As described above, when the locking unit 20 is in the unlocked state, the replacement part 12 can be removed from the main body 11.

[0062] Furthermore, once the information image Gs is printed, the image forming apparatus 10 erases the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 to be removed (the lifespan information Ds indicated by the printed information image Gs) from the storage unit 16 (Sb5 in the figure). However, the lifespan information Ds may not be erased when the replacement part 12 is removed, but may be overwritten when a new replacement part 12 is installed. Specifically, in step Sa4 described above with reference to FIG. 1, the lifespan information Ds of the removed replacement part 12 may be overwritten with the lifespan information Ds of the newly installed replacement part 12.

[0063] After the information image Gs is printed, the user removes the replacement part 12 from the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 (Sb6 in FIG. 5(b)). Note that in FIG. 5(b), the replacement part 12 before being removed from the main body 11 is shown by a dashed line. Thereafter, the user stores the recording medium P on which the information image Gs is printed in the storage section 12x (Sb7 in the same figure).

[0064] 6(a) and 6(b) are flowcharts of the processes executed by the image forming apparatus 10. FIG. 6(a) shows the processes executed during a period when no replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether a new replacement part 12 has been attached during the period when no replacement part 12 has been attached (S101). If it is determined that a new replacement part 12 has not been attached (S101: No), the image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes step S101.

[0065] If it is determined that a new replacement part 12 has been installed (S101: Yes), the image forming device 10 displays a message on the display unit 19 indicating that the recording medium P should be scanned (S102). For example, if a toner cartridge among the replacement parts 12 has been installed, a message saying "A toner cartridge has been installed. Please scan the paper on which the remaining toner amount information is printed" is displayed. Thereafter, the image forming device 10 executes a reading process (S103) in response to a user operation. In the reading process, the reading unit 13 reads an image.

[0066] After executing the reading process, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the identification process (S104). In the identification process, an information image Gs is identified from the image read in the reading process. If the information image Gs cannot be identified in the identification process, a message is displayed to the effect that the recording medium P should be scanned again, and the reading process is executed again. After executing the identification process, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the decoding process (S105). In the decoding process, the life information Ds is decoded from the information image Gs identified in the immediately preceding identification process.

[0067] After executing the decryption process, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a storage process (S106). In the storage process, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the decryption result of the immediately preceding decryption process in the storage unit 16 as life information Ds of the newly installed replacement part 12. After executing the storage process, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a locking process (S107). In the locking process, the locking unit 20 is controlled to change from an unlocked state to a locked state.

[0068] 6(b) shows processing that is executed while replacement part 12 is attached to main body 11 of image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 6(b), while replacement part 12 is attached to main body 11, image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the above-mentioned removal setting operation (see above-mentioned FIGS. 4(a) to (d)) has been received (S201). Image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes step S201 until the removal setting operation is received (S201: No).

[0069] When it is determined that the removal setting operation has been accepted (S201: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 executes an information image generation process (S202). In the information image generation process, an information image Gs is generated based on the current value of the life information Ds stored in the storage unit 16. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an information image printing process (S203). In the information image printing process, the information image Gs generated in the immediately preceding information image generation process is printed on the recording medium P. After executing the information image printing process, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an unlocking process (S204). In the unlocking process, the locking unit 20 is controlled from the locked state to the unlocked state, and the replacement part 12 becomes removable.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the recording medium P on which the information image Gs is printed is stored in the storage section 12x of the removed replacement part 12. Furthermore, the information image Gs on the recording medium P is read by another image forming apparatus 10 to which the replacement part 12 is to be newly installed. Therefore, the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 can be obtained in the other image forming apparatus 10 to which the replacement part 12 is to be newly installed.

[0071] Each function executed in the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a CPU implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the above-described functions.

[0072] <Summary of the functions and effects of the exemplary embodiment> <First aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) of this embodiment includes a main body (11), a replacement part (12) detachably attached to the main body, a reading unit (13) capable of reading an image, an identifying unit (14) that identifies an information image (Gs) from the read image, a decoding unit (15) that decodes life information (Ds) from the information image to determine when to replace the replacement part, and a memory unit (16) provided in the main body that stores the decoded life information. According to this embodiment, the life information of the replacement part can be easily transferred to another image forming apparatus.

[0073] <Second mode> The image forming apparatus (10) of this aspect includes a locking unit (20) that can be controlled to a locked state that makes it difficult to remove a replacement part and an unlocked state that makes it easy to remove, a printing unit (17) that can print an information image according to lifespan information stored in a memory unit, and a control unit (18) that controls the locking unit from the locked state to the unlocked state when the information image is printed. According to this aspect, the inconvenience of removing a replacement part without printing the information image is suppressed.

[0074] <Third aspect> In the image forming apparatus (10) of this aspect, the replaceable part is a part (toner cartridge) that stores developer (e.g., toner) used when forming an image, and the lifespan information is information that indicates the remaining amount of developer in the replaceable part. According to this aspect, the remaining toner amount information (lifespan information) in the toner cartridge can be easily transferred to another image forming apparatus.

[0075] <Fourth aspect> In the image forming apparatus (10) of this aspect, the printing unit can print a tint block image on the recording medium to prevent the information image from being copied. According to this aspect, the information image is prevented from being copied illegally.

[0076] <Fifth aspect> The replacement part (12) of this aspect is a replacement part that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, and includes a recording medium (P) that displays an information image. This aspect also achieves the same effects as the first aspect.

[0077] <Sixth and Seventh Aspects> The replacement part (12) of this aspect includes a storage section (12x) configured to store a recording medium displaying an information image so that the reading section can read the information image. According to this aspect, there is no need to remove the recording medium from the storage section when having the image forming device read the information image. This improves the convenience for the worker. Note that in the above aspect, the storage section may be configured so that the stored recording medium can be replaced.

[0078] <Eighth aspect> The replacement part (12) in this embodiment is a part that stores developer used when forming an image, and the life information is information that indicates the remaining amount of the stored developer. According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be achieved.

[0079] <Ninth aspect> The information processing method of this aspect is an information processing method in an image forming apparatus having a main body unit with a storage unit and a replacement part detachably attached to the main body unit, and includes the steps of: reading an image (S103 in FIG. 6(a)); identifying an information image from the read image (S104 in FIG. 6(a)); deciphering life information from the information image for determining when to replace the replacement part (S105 in FIG. 6(a)); and storing the deciphered life information in the storage unit (S106 in FIG. 6(a)). According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0080] <Tenth aspect> The program of this aspect causes a computer to execute the steps of aspect 9. According to this aspect, the same effects as those of aspect 1 can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10...image forming device, 11...main body, 12...replacement part, 12x...storage section, 13...reading section, 14...identification section, 15...decoding section, 16...memory section, 17...printing section, 18...control section, 19...display section, 20...lock section, 21...detection section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0082] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-153579

Claims

1. a main body; A replacement part that is detachable from the main body; a reading unit capable of reading an image; an identifying unit that identifies an information image from the read image; a decoding unit that decodes life information from the information image to determine when to replace the replacement part; a storage unit provided in the main body unit and storing the decoded lifespan information; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a locking unit that can be controlled to a locked state that makes it difficult to remove the replacement part and an unlocked state that makes it easy to remove the replacement part; a printing unit capable of printing the information image according to the lifespan information stored in the storage unit; a control unit that controls the lock unit from the locked state to the released state when the information image is printed; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

3. the replacement part is a part that stores a developer used when forming an image, The life information is information indicating the remaining amount of developer in the replacement part.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The printing unit is capable of printing a tint block image on the recording medium to prevent duplication of the information image printed on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

5. A replacement part detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, A recording medium for displaying the information image is provided. Replacement parts.

6. The information image display device further includes a storage unit configured to store a recording medium that displays the information image, and the storage unit is configured to read the information image with the reading unit. The replacement part according to claim 5.

7. The storage unit is configured so that the storage medium can be replaced. The replacement part according to claim 6.

8. This is a part that contains the developer used when forming an image. The life information is information indicating the remaining amount of developer stored. A replacement part according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. a main body having a storage unit; A replacement part that is detachable from the main body; An information processing method in an image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus includes: reading an image; Identifying an information image from the read image; a step of decoding life information from the information image for determining when to replace the replacement part; storing the decrypted lifespan information in the storage unit; An information processing method comprising:

10. A program that causes a computer to execute the steps set forth in claim 9.

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