Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To suitably take over state information of a unit removed from a provision source apparatus to a provision destination apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises a unit, and an image forming apparatus body in which the unit is mounted, and the image forming apparatus comprises: a first acquisition section (control section 11b) that acquires first type information that is information on the type of the unit recorded in an external recording medium, and state information indicating the state of the unit; a second acquisition section (control section 11b) that acquires second type information that is information on the type of a unit replaced in the image forming apparatus body; and a storage control section (control section 11b) that stores the state information of the unit when the first type information acquired by the first acquisition section and the second type information acquired by the second acquisition section match each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an image forming apparatus is configured by attaching a plurality of units to the image forming apparatus main body, and each unit is a consumable item that needs to be replaced at appropriate times. In recent years, in order to realize a recycling-oriented society, it is desirable to eliminate wasteful waste. Therefore, a recycling process is carried out in which a reusable unit with remaining life is removed from the main body of an image forming apparatus to be discarded and then the unit is attached to the main body of another image forming apparatus as a recycled apparatus. In the remanufacturing of an image forming apparatus, when a used unit is attached to the remanufacturing apparatus, it is necessary to transfer the status information indicating the status of the used unit.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus in which a nonvolatile memory is provided in the housing of an optical sensor unit, and the nonvolatile memory stores information about the optical sensor unit, including status information about the optical sensor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-333834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, it is necessary to provide a storage device (non-volatile memory) in the unit, which raises the problem of increasing the cost of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, one method for transferring unit status information involves recording the status information of a unit to be removed from the source image forming apparatus on a sheet of paper and inputting the unit status information recorded on the sheet into the playback apparatus (the destination image forming apparatus). In this case, it is necessary to link and manage the removed unit with the corresponding sheet, for example by attaching a sheet of paper on which the unit status information is recorded to the unit removed from the source image forming apparatus. However, there is a possibility that the sheet of paper may be mistakenly attached to a unit other than the one from which it was removed. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the link may be broken during storage of the unit, and a sheet of paper on which the status information of another unit is recorded may be attached to the unlinked unit. In this case, a problem occurs when transferring unit status information in the playback apparatus, in that the status information of a unit other than the unit attached to the playback apparatus is input.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that can suitably transfer status information of a unit removed from a source apparatus to a destination apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 comprises: An image forming apparatus including a unit and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached, a first acquisition unit that acquires first type information, which is type information of a unit recorded on an external recording medium, and status information, which indicates a status of the unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second type information, which is type information of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body; a storage control unit that stores the state information when the first type information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second type information acquired by the second acquisition unit match; Equipped with.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The second acquisition unit acquires the second type information based on a detection result of a detection unit that detects that the unit has been replaced.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, a reception unit for receiving a selection of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body, The second acquisition unit acquires the second type information based on the unit whose selection has been accepted by the acceptance unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The device further includes a display control unit that, when the first type information and the second type information do not match, displays a message to that effect on a display unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, an output unit that outputs the unit type information to the external recording medium; The output unit outputs the type information in a format that can be recognized by a user.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, an estimation unit that estimates a remaining life of the unit mounted in the image forming apparatus body based on at least one of a manufacturing date, a running distance, a running time, a number of printed sheets, a number of read sheets, and a power-on time of the unit; The status information includes at least one of the manufacturing date of the unit, the mileage, the running time, the number of printed sheets, the number of read sheets, the power-on time, the remaining life, and the control parameters for controlling the unit.

[0013] The program according to claim 7 comprises: a computer of an image forming apparatus including a unit and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached, a first acquisition unit that acquires first type information, which is type information of the unit recorded on an external recording medium, and status information, which indicates the status of the unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second type information, which is type information of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body; a storage control unit that stores the state information when the first type information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second type information acquired by the second acquisition unit match; Function as. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the state information of a unit removed from a source device can be suitably handed over to a destination device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of type information and status information of a unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of disposal device processing. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sheet of paper on which unit type information and a QR code (registered trademark) are printed. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the playback device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by a playback device according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a unit replacement screen displayed on a display unit of a playback device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0017] <1. Configuration of image forming device> 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) that has a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to an image forming function. In the work of recycling the image forming device 1, a worker at the manufacturer removes a reusable used unit from the image forming device 1a (discarded device), the main body of which is to be discarded. Next, the worker installs the used unit removed from the image forming device 1a into the image forming device 1b. The manufacturer sells or rents the image forming device 1b with the used unit installed as a recycled device. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b have the same configuration, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0018] The image forming device 1 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a memory unit 15, a document reading unit 16, an image forming unit 17, a conveying unit 18, a waste toner collection unit 19, a detachment detection unit 20, and an I / F unit 21.

[0019] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU of control unit 11 reads out a program stored in storage unit 15, loads it into RAM, and controls each unit of image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the loaded program. For example, control unit 11 performs image processing on the image data of a job based on job settings input from the outside via communication unit 14. Next, control unit 11 causes paper feed unit 18 to feed a paper, and causes image forming unit 17 to form and fix an image on the paper.

[0020] The operation unit 12 includes operation keys 12A, a touch panel integrally formed with the display unit 13, and the like, and outputs operation signals to the control unit 11 in response to the operations of these keys.

[0021] The display unit 13 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 13A and the like, and displays display information such as an operation screen according to instructions from the control unit 11.

[0022] The communication unit 14 includes a network card and is connected to a communication network, and transmits and receives information to and from external devices on the communication network.

[0023] The storage unit 15 includes a storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 15 stores programs, files, etc. that can be read by the control unit 11. The storage unit 15 stores model information indicating the model of the image forming apparatus 1, unit names of units detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and unit status information (described later).

[0024] The document reading unit 16 includes an automatic document transport unit, a scanner unit 161, a tray 162 on which documents are placed, a platen glass 163, and the like. The automatic document transport unit includes a mechanism for transporting document paper, document transport rollers, and the like, and transports the document paper along a predetermined transport path under the control of the control unit 11. The scanner unit 161 includes a light source, an optical system such as a reflecting mirror, and an image pickup element, and reads an image of a document sheet conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path or a document sheet placed on the platen glass 163 .

[0025] The image forming unit 17 forms and fixes an image made up of four colors on a sheet according to the pixel values ​​of the four colors C, M, Y, and K of each pixel of the image data that has undergone image processing. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming section 17 includes four writing units 171, an intermediate transfer belt 172, a secondary transfer roller 173, and a fixing unit 174.

[0026] The four writing units 171 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 172, one for each of the four monochrome colors C, M, Y, and K, and form images of each of the C, M, Y, and K colors on the paper. The writing unit 171 includes an exposure unit 171a, a photosensitive drum unit 171b, a developing unit 171c, a charging unit 171d, a cleaning unit 171e, and a primary transfer roller 171f.

[0027] The photosensitive drum unit 171b includes a rotating conductive cylinder (photosensitive element). The charging unit 171d charges the photosensitive element. The exposure unit 171a includes a semiconductor laser light source, and under the control of the control unit 11, drives the semiconductor laser light source based on image data to scan and irradiate the photosensitive element charged by the charging unit 171d with laser light, thereby exposing it to light. Under the control of the control unit 11, the developing unit 171c supplies toner onto the photosensitive element using a charging developing roller, and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive element by exposure. The images formed on the photosensitive elements of the four writing units 171 are transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 172 in a sequentially overlapping manner by the respective primary transfer rollers 171f. A color toner image consisting of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 172. After the primary transfer, the cleaning unit 171e removes any toner remaining on the photosensitive element.

[0028] The intermediate transfer belt 172 is an endless belt stretched over a plurality of rollers, and is rotated in accordance with the rotation of each roller under the control of the control unit 11. Under the control of the control unit 11, the secondary transfer roller 173 transfers (secondary transfers) the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 172 onto a sheet of paper conveyed from the manual feed tray T1 or the paper feed tray T2.

[0029] The fixing unit 174 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing unit 174, under the control of the control unit 11, applies heat and pressure to the paper on which the image has been formed, thereby fixing the image to the paper.

[0030] Conveyance unit 18 includes a paper feed roller and the like, and conveys paper from manual tray T1 or paper feed tray T2 to image forming unit 17 using the paper feed roller in accordance with instructions from control unit 11. Conveyance unit 18 ejects paper onto paper output tray T3 after the image has been fixed by fixing unit 174. Conveyance unit 18 also includes a reversing unit that serves as a paper reversing path, and when performing double-sided printing, reverses the paper with the image fixed on the front side and conveys it to image forming unit 17 again.

[0031] The waste toner collection section 19 includes a waste toner transport unit, a waste toner collection container, and the like. The waste toner recovery section 19 transports the waste toner removed in the image forming section 17 by a waste toner transport unit, and collects the waste toner in a waste toner recovery container.

[0032] The attachment / detachment detection unit 20 detects, for each detachable unit, that the unit has been attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and that the unit has been detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The attachment / detachment detection unit 20 outputs the detection result to the control unit 11. The attachment / detachment detection unit 20 detects the removal of the unit, for example, when the power supply between the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and the unit is cut off. The attachment / detachment detection unit 20 detects the attachment of the unit, for example, when the power supply between the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and the unit is cut off.

[0033] The I / F unit 21 is an interface for connecting to an external device equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.

[0034] <2. Unit status information> Next, a description will be given of the unit status information stored in the storage unit 15. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of unit status information and unit type information corresponding to the status information. The units that can be detached from the main body of the image forming device 1 include the operation keys 12A, the LCD panel 13A, the document transport roller provided in the document reading unit 16, the photosensitive drum units 171b for each color, the transfer belt unit having the intermediate transfer belt 172, the transfer roller unit having the secondary transfer roller 173, the fixing unit 174, the paper feed roller provided in the transport unit 18, and the waste toner transport unit provided in the waste toner collection unit 19.

[0035] The unit type information includes the model information of the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal apparatus) from which the unit was removed, and the unit name of the unit.

[0036] The status information includes lifespan information and control parameters. The lifespan information is information relating to the lifespan of the unit, and includes at least one of the remaining lifespan (%), travel distance, travel time, number of printed (image formed) sheets, number of read sheets, power-on time, and manufacturing date. The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 estimates the remaining life of a unit based on at least one of the unit's travel distance, travel time, number of printed pages, number of read pages, power-on time, and manufacturing date. The control unit 11 functions as an estimation unit. The control unit 11 estimates the remaining life by estimating the deterioration of the unit over time based on, for example, the unit's manufacturing date. The control unit 11 estimates the wear and tear of the unit based on, for example, the unit's travel distance, travel time, number of printed pages, number of read pages, and power-on time.

[0037] The travel distance is the cumulative travel distance from when the unit is new until it is removed from the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal device). The travel distance is information corresponding to, for example, the fixing unit 174, the photosensitive drum unit 171b, etc. The running time is the cumulative running time from when the unit was new until it was removed from the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal device). The running time is information corresponding to, for example, the fixing unit 174, the photosensitive drum unit 171b, etc. The number of printed sheets is the cumulative number of sheets printed from when the unit was new until it was removed from the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal device). The number of printed sheets is information corresponding to, for example, the fixing unit 174, the photosensitive drum unit 171b, the paper feed roller, the transfer belt unit, the transfer roller unit, the waste toner transport unit, etc. The number of read sheets is the cumulative number of documents read from the time the unit is new until it is removed from the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal device). The number of read sheets is information corresponding to, for example, the document transport roller. The power-on time is the cumulative operating time from when the unit is new until it is removed from the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal device). The power-on time is information corresponding to, for example, the operation keys 12A, the LCD panel 13A, etc. The production date is the date the unit was manufactured.

[0038] The control parameters are the control parameters of the units that were set in the image forming apparatus 1a (disposal apparatus). The control parameter is, for example, the charging output value of photosensitive drum unit 171b. In image forming apparatus 1, as the photosensitive member is worn away by friction caused by the cleaning blade of cleaning unit 171e, the film thickness of the photosensitive member becomes thinner. Therefore, control unit 11 sets the charging output value of photosensitive drum unit 171b based on the film thickness of the photosensitive member. Control unit 11 detects the degree of wear of the photosensitive member film thickness from the resistance value of the current passed through the photosensitive member. Even with the same number of printed sheets, the degree of wear of the photosensitive member film thickness differs between continuous printing and discontinuous printing. During discontinuous printing, the photosensitive member rotates more frequently during print preparation, post-processing, etc. than during continuous printing, so the film thickness of the photosensitive member is more likely to be worn away.

[0039] <3. Operation of image forming device> Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the disposal device process executed by the image forming device 1a (disposal device) whose main body is to be disposed of.

[0040] (Disposal of waste equipment) In the recycling operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 11a of the disposal device accepts the designation of the unit to be reused by the worker via the operation unit 12a. When a unit is specified, the control unit 11a acquires the unit name of the specified unit and model information of the image forming device 1a from the storage unit 15a. Next, the control unit 11a generates unit type information including the unit name of the specified unit and the model information of the image forming device 1a (step A1). Next, the control unit 11a acquires the state information of the specified unit from the storage unit 15a (step A2).

[0041] Next, the control unit 11a outputs the unit type information generated in step A1 and the unit status information acquired in step A2 to an external recording medium (step A3). In step A3, control unit 11a causes image forming unit 17a to print character strings D1 and D2 indicating type information of the specified unit on sheets P1 and P2, respectively, as external recording media, as shown in Fig. 5. Control unit 11a causes image forming unit 17a to print QR (Quick Response) codes (registered trademark) Q1 and Q2 containing type information and status information of the specified unit on sheets P1 and P2, respectively. Alternatively, control unit 11a may print, on sheets P1 and P2, photographs or the like that allow the user to recognize the type information of the specified unit. That is, in step A3, the control unit 11a functions as an output unit. The control unit 11a outputs the unit type information in a format that allows the user to recognize the unit type information. Alternatively, in step A3, the control unit 11a may store a file including the type information and state information of the specified unit in a USB memory as an external recording medium.

[0042] Next, the control unit 11a determines whether or not the processes of steps A1 to A3 have been executed for all the specified units (step A4). If there is a specified unit for which the processing of steps A1 to A3 has not been executed (step A4; NO), the control section 11a moves to step A1 and executes the processing for the next unit.

[0043] On the other hand, if the processes of steps A1 to A3 have been executed for all the specified units (step A4; YES), the control section 11a ends the disposal device process. The worker then removes the unit to be reused from the main body of image forming apparatus 1a. Next, in step A3, the worker attaches the printed paper to the corresponding unit and stores it as an inventory of used units. Alternatively, the worker stores the USB memory in which the file containing the unit type information and status information is stored together with the corresponding unit as an inventory of used units.

[0044] Next, a playback device process (see FIG. 6) executed by the image forming device 1b (playback device) in the playback operation of the image forming device 1 will be described.

[0045] (Playback device processing) In the process of recycling the image forming device 1, the worker takes out from the storage location a used unit that has been stored as inventory and the paper attached to the unit. As described above, the paper has a QR code printed on it that contains the type information and status information of the unit. Alternatively, the worker takes out from the storage location a used unit that has been stored as inventory and a USB memory that has been stored with the unit. As described above, the USB memory stores a file that contains the type information and status information of the unit. The worker sets the regeneration device to a refurbishment mode and removes from the regeneration device any unit whose remaining life is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (for example, 10%). When the unit is removed, the control unit 11b of the playback device acquires a detection result indicating that the unit has been removed from the attachment / detachment detection unit 20b (step B1).

[0046] Next, the worker installs a used unit taken out from the storage location as a replacement unit in the main body of the playback device in place of the removed unit. When the replacement unit is attached, the control unit 11b of the playback device acquires a detection result indicating that the unit has been attached from the attachment / detachment detection unit 20 (step B2). Next, control unit 11b acquires the unit name of the installed replaceable unit from storage unit 15b based on the detection result acquired in step B2. Control unit 11b also acquires model information of image forming apparatus 1b from storage unit 15b. Next, control unit 11b generates type information of the replaceable unit including the unit name of the installed replaceable unit and model information of image forming apparatus 1b (step B3). That is, by executing step B3, control unit 11b acquires second type information, which is type information of the unit to be replaced in the main body of image forming apparatus 1b. Control unit 11b functions as a second acquisition unit. Control unit 11b as the second acquisition unit acquires the second type information based on the detection result of a detection unit (attachment / detachment detection unit 20b) that detects that a unit has been replaced.

[0047] Next, the control unit 11b acquires the type information and status information of the unit from the external recording medium (step B4). That is, the control unit 11b acquires the first type information, which is the type information of the unit, and the status information, which indicates the status of the unit, recorded on the external recording medium. The control unit 11b functions as a first acquisition unit. In step B4, the operator places the paper that was attached to the unit attached to the playback device on the loading tray 162 or platen glass 163 of the document reading unit 16b. The control unit 11b acquires a scanned image of the paper using the scanner unit 161. Next, the control unit 11b acquires unit type information and status information from the QR code included in the scanned image. Alternatively, in step B4, the operator connects the USB memory stored together with the unit attached to the playback device to the I / F unit 11b. The control unit 11b acquires a file including the unit type information and status information stored in the connected USB memory.

[0048] Next, the control unit 11b determines whether the type information (second type information) of the replacement unit generated in step B3 matches the type information (first type information) of the unit acquired from the external recording medium in step B4 (step B5). If the unit type information matches (step B5; YES), the control unit 11b stores the unit status information acquired in step B4 in the storage unit 15b (step B6), and ends the playback device processing. The control unit 11b functions as a storage control unit.

[0049] On the other hand, if the unit type information does not match (step B5; NO), the control unit 11b displays an error on the display unit 13b (step B7), and ends the playback device processing. In step B7, the control unit 11b displays on the display unit 13b that the type information of the replacement unit attached to the playback device does not match the type information of the unit acquired from the external recording medium. The control unit 11b functions as a display control unit.

[0050] <3. Modifications> Although the present embodiment has been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified within the scope of the gist of the invention. Modifications of the present embodiment will be described below. In the modifications, the same components as those in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. FIG. 7 shows a playback device process executed by an image forming device 1b (playback device) in a modified example.

[0051] (Modified playback device processing) The worker sets the regeneration device to a refurbishment mode and removes from the regeneration device any unit whose remaining life is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Next, the worker replaces the removed unit with a used unit brought out from the storage location and attaches it to the main body of the playback device.

[0052] The control unit 11b of the playback device displays the unit replacement screen 131 shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 13b based on an instruction from an operator via the operation unit 12b (step C1). The control unit 11b displays, on the unit replacement screen 131, unit buttons 131a on which the names of units that are detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed. Next, the control unit 11b accepts an operation of pressing any one of the unit buttons 131a by the operator, thereby accepting an operation of selecting a replacement unit that is a unit to be replaced in the playback device (step C2). Next, the control unit 11b acquires the unit name of the selected replaceable unit and the model information of the image forming apparatus 1b from the storage unit 15b, and then generates type information of the replaceable unit including the unit name of the selected replaceable unit and the model information of the image forming apparatus 1b (step C3).

[0053] Next, the control unit 11b executes steps C4 to C7, which are similar to steps B4 to B7 of the playback device processing in the above embodiment.

[0054] <4. Effects> As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an image forming apparatus that includes a unit and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached. The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a first acquisition unit (control unit 11b) that acquires first type information, which is type information of the unit, and status information, which indicates the status of the unit, recorded on an external recording medium. The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a second acquisition unit (control unit 11b) that acquires second type information, which is type information of a unit that is replaced in the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a memory control unit (control unit 11b) that stores unit status information when the first type information acquired by the first acquisition unit matches the second type information acquired by the second acquisition unit. This prevents the state information of a unit different from that of the unit attached to the playback device from being stored when the state information of the unit is handed over to the playback device, and therefore the state information of the unit removed from the disposal device (providing device) can be suitably handed over to the playback device (receiving device).

[0055] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the second acquisition unit (control unit 11b) acquires the second type information based on the detection result of the detection unit (detachment detection unit 20b) that detects that a unit has been replaced. This makes it possible to easily obtain type information of the unit removed from the disposal device.

[0056] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a reception unit (control unit 11b) that receives the selection of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the second acquisition unit (control unit 11b) acquires the second type information based on the unit whose selection is accepted by the acceptance unit. This makes it possible to easily obtain type information of the unit removed from the disposal device based on the user's selection operation.

[0057] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a display control unit (control unit 11b) that, when the first type information and the second type information do not match, displays a message to that effect on the display unit 13b. This allows the user to understand that the first type information and the second type information do not match, and therefore, when the playback device takes over the status information of the unit, the status information of a unit different from the unit attached to the playback device is not stored.

[0058] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an output unit (control unit 11a) that outputs unit type information to an external recording medium. The output unit outputs the unit type information in a format that can be recognized by the user. This allows the user to determine whether the unit and the external recording medium on which the unit type information and status information are recorded are correctly associated with each other.

[0059] The image forming device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an estimation unit (control unit 11) that estimates the remaining life of a unit based on at least one of the manufacturing date, mileage, running time, number of printed pages, number of read pages, and power supply time of the unit that was attached to the image forming device main body. The unit status information includes at least one of the unit's manufacturing date, mileage, running time, number of printed sheets, number of read sheets, power-on time, remaining life, and control parameters for controlling the unit. This allows the status information of the unit removed from the disposal device, such as the manufacturing date, mileage, running time, number of printed pages, number of read pages, power-on time, remaining life, and control parameters of the unit, to be suitably transferred to the recycling device.

[0060] The description of the above embodiment is an example of the image forming apparatus and program according to the present invention, and is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the image forming apparatus can also be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] For example, in the above embodiment, the program for executing each process in the image forming apparatus may be stored on a portable recording medium, or a carrier wave may be used as a medium for providing program data via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1,1a,1b Image forming device 11 Control section 11a Control section (output section) 11b control unit (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, storage control unit, reception unit, display control unit) 12,12a,12b Operation section 12A Operation Key 13,13a,13b Display section 13A LCD panel 14, 14a, 14b Communications Department 15,15a,15b Storage section 16, 16a, 16b Document reading section 17,17a,17b Image forming section 18, 18a, 18b Conveying section 19, 19a, 19b Waste toner collection section 20, 20a, 20b Detachment detection unit (detection unit) 21,21a,21b I / F section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including a unit and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached, a first acquisition unit that acquires first type information, which is type information of a unit recorded on an external recording medium, and status information, which indicates a status of the unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second type information, which is type information of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body; a storage control unit that stores the state information when the first type information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second type information acquired by the second acquisition unit match; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition section acquires the second type information based on a detection result of a detection section that detects that the unit has been replaced.

3. a reception unit for receiving a selection of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the second type information based on the unit selected by the acceptance unit.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that, when the first type information and the second type information do not match, displays a message to that effect on a display unit.

5. an output unit that outputs the unit type information to the external recording medium; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the type information in a format that can be recognized by a user.

6. an estimation unit that estimates a remaining life of the unit mounted in the image forming apparatus body based on at least one of a manufacturing date, a running distance, a running time, a number of printed sheets, a number of read sheets, and a power-on time of the unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the status information includes at least one of the manufacturing date of the unit, the mileage, the running time, the number of printed pages, the number of read pages, the power-on time, the remaining life, and the control parameters for controlling the unit.

7. a computer of an image forming apparatus including a unit and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached, a first acquisition unit that acquires first type information, which is type information of the unit recorded on an external recording medium, and status information, which indicates a status of the unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second type information, which is type information of a unit to be replaced in the image forming apparatus main body; a storage control unit that stores the state information when the first type information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second type information acquired by the second acquisition unit match; A program that functions as a

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