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] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily store information about the lifespan of replacement parts in an 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 is detachable from the main body unit, a receiving unit that receives lifespan information from an external device when the replacement part is attached to the main body unit to determine when to replace the replacement part, an updating unit that updates the lifespan information of the replacement part while the replacement part is attached to the main body unit, and a transmitting unit that transmits the lifespan information updated by the updating unit to the external device when the replacement part is removed from the main body unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily store information about the lifespan of replacement parts in an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating each configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the information processing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another specific example of the operation of the information processing system. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of each process executed by the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the components of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Product Printer) 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and a server device 200 (an example of an "external device" according to the present invention). The above components can communicate with each other via a network N.

[0008] As shown in Fig. 1, MFP 100 is configured to include a replaceable part 101, a scanner unit 102, a memory 103, and an operation panel 104. MFP 100 also includes a plurality of replaceable parts 101 (a to d). For example, MFP 100 includes 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. 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 easy to determine when to replace the replacement part 101.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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).

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Incidentally, there are cases where a replacement part 101 that has been used in another MFP 300 (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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 in detail later.

[0023] 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 includes an MFP 100 and a server device 200. These components can communicate with each other via a network N. 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, and a sensor 160.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The network I / F 150 is an interface for performing data communication with an external device using the network N. The MFP 100 communicates with, for example, a server device 200 via the network I / F 150. The short-range communication circuit 120 and the network I / F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 106 via a PCI bus 122.

[0034] 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.

[0035] A known computer may be employed as server device 200. Specifically, server device 200 includes a network I / F used for communication with MFP 100, a CPU, and various storage devices (ROM, RAM). The storage devices store various types of information including programs executed by the CPU.

[0036] 3 is a functional block diagram of information processing system 1. As shown in FIG. 3, information processing system 1 is configured to include image forming apparatus 10 and server apparatus 20. The above components can communicate with each other via network N. For example, CPU 105 in MFP 100 executes a program, causing MFP 100 to function as image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, CPU of server apparatus 200 executes a program, causing server apparatus 200 to function as server apparatus 20.

[0037] 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body 11, a replacement part 12, a detection part 13, an input part 14, a receiving part 15, a storage part 16, an update part 17, a notification part 18, and a transmission part 19. For example, the above-mentioned replacement part 101 functions as the replacement part 12. The detection part 13 can detect that the replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11. For example, the above-mentioned sensor 160 functions as the detection part 13.

[0038] When a replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11, the receiving unit 15 receives from an external device (server device 20) lifespan information Ds for determining when to replace the replacement part 12. Specifically, identification information Di for distinguishing the replacement part 101 from other replacement parts 101 is displayed (written) on the replacement part 101. The input unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 is capable of inputting the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 attached to the main body 11 (see FIG. 5(b) described later). For example, the above-mentioned operation panel 104 functions as the input unit 14. The identification information Di input by the input unit 14 is transmitted to the management device 20.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 10 can receive the life information Ds of the replacement part 12 by transmitting the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 to the management device 20. The above configuration will be described in detail later (see FIG. 5(a)).

[0040] The update unit 17 updates the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 while the replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11. For example, assume that the above-mentioned toner cartridge 101 is used as the replacement part 12. The image forming apparatus 10 (update unit 17) updates the lifespan information Ds (remaining toner amount information) of the toner cartridge 101 according to the amount of toner used to print an image.

[0041] When the replacement part 12 is removed from the main body 11, the transmission unit 19 transmits the lifespan information Ds updated by the update unit 17 to an external device (server device 20). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 (transmission unit 19) can transmit a combination of the identification information Di and the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 to be removed from the main body 11 to the external device.

[0042] The notification unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 removed from the main body 11. The image forming apparatus 10 can also accept a confirmation operation of the notified identification information Di (see FIG. 4(c) described later). When the confirmation operation of the identification information Di is accepted, a combination of the identification information Di and the lifespan information Ds is transmitted to the server device 20.

[0043] The server device 20 is an example of an external device of the present invention, and includes a storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 stores a plurality of combinations of identification information Di and lifespan information Ds transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 (transmission unit 19) when the replacement part 12 is removed. Furthermore, as described above, when the replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10 (main body unit 11), the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 is transmitted to the server device 20. Upon receiving the identification information Di, the server device 20 searches the storage unit 21 for the identification information Di.

[0044] If the identification information Di received from the image forming apparatus 10 is not found, the server device 20 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of this fact. A case in which the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 is not found on the server device 20 side is assumed to be when the replacement part 12 has not been used in another image forming apparatus 400 (when the replacement part 12 is new). In the above case, the image forming apparatus 10 stores an initial value (lifespan information when the replacement part 12 is new) as the lifespan information Ds of the newly installed replacement part 12. For example, when a new toner cartridge 101a is installed, lifespan information Ds indicating that the remaining amount of toner is full is stored.

[0045] On the other hand, if the identification information Di received from the image forming apparatus 10 is found, the server device 20 returns the lifespan information Ds corresponding to the identification information Di to the image forming apparatus 10. In this embodiment, when a replacement part 12 is removed from the image forming apparatus 10, the identification information Di and the lifespan information Ds (updated) of the replacement part 12 are transmitted to the server device 20. Therefore, when a used replacement part 12 removed from the image forming apparatus 10 is attached to another image forming apparatus 400, the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 is found on the server device 20 side.

[0046] In the above configuration, the lifespan information Ds returned from the server device 20 is the information updated in the other image forming device 400. Therefore, for example, the remaining toner amount indicated by the remaining amount information Ds stored in the server device 20 substantially matches the actual remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 101a. According to the lifespan information Ds provided by the server device 20, it is possible to appropriately determine when to replace the replacement part 12.

[0047] In this embodiment, the server device 20 is used as the "external device" that provides the lifespan information Ds to the image forming device 10. However, the "external device" of the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, another "image forming device 400" may be used as the "external device." In other words, the lifespan information Ds provided to the image forming device 10 may be stored in another image forming device 400. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a local area network is used as the network N. However, the Internet may also be used as the network N.

[0048] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams for explaining specific examples of the operation of the information processing system 1. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show excerpts of some of the components of the information processing system 1. The same applies to Figures 5(a) and 5(c) described below.

[0049] The specific example of FIG. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of operation during the period when the replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10 (main body 11) (the period when the image forming apparatus 10 is operating). As described above, the storage unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 stores the lifespan information Ds and identification information Di of the replacement part 12. When the replacement part 12 is used (Sa1 in FIG. 4(a)), the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 is updated (Sa2 in FIG. 4(a)). For example, when an image is printed on printing paper, the lifespan information Ds indicating the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 101a (an example of the replacement part 12) is decremented.

[0050] The specific example of Fig. 4(b) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation when the replacement part 12 is removed from the image forming apparatus 10. As described above, when the replacement part 12 is removed from the image forming apparatus 10, a combination of the life information Ds and the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 is transmitted to the server device 20. Specifically, when the replacement part 12 is removed from the image forming apparatus 10 (Sb1 in Fig. 4(b)), a confirmation screen Ma is displayed (Sb4 in Fig. 4(b)).

[0051] Fig. 4(c) is a schematic diagram of a specific example of confirmation screen Ma. Confirmation screen Ma is automatically displayed on operation panel 104 when replacement part 12 is removed from image forming apparatus 10. The confirmation screen Ma displays the type of replacement part 12 that has been removed from image forming apparatus 10. The specific example of Fig. 4(c) assumes that toner cartridge 101a (replacement part 12) has been removed.

[0052] The confirmation screen Ma also displays the identification information Di ("xxxx" in the specific example of FIG. 4(c)) of the replacement part 12 removed from the image forming apparatus 10. While the confirmation screen Ma is displayed, the image forming apparatus 10 accepts a confirmation operation. Specifically, the user compares the identification information Di displayed on the confirmation screen Ma with the identification information Di of the actual replacement part 12 removed from the image forming apparatus 10, and if there is no mistake, touches the confirmation button on the confirmation screen Ma (confirmation operation).

[0053] Returning to FIG. 4(b), when a confirmation operation is received via the confirmation screen Ma (Sa5 in FIG. 4(b)), the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a combination of the lifespan information Ds and the identification information Di of the removed replacement part 12 (the combination of the updated lifespan information Ds and the identification information Di stored in the storage unit 16) to the server apparatus 20 (Sa6 in FIG. 4(b)). Upon receiving the combination of the lifespan information Ds and the identification information Di, the server apparatus 20 stores the lifespan information Ds and the identification information Di in the storage unit 21 in association with each other (see FIG. 5(a) described below). As will be described in detail later, the lifespan information Ds transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the server apparatus 20 in step Sa6 is passed on to other image forming apparatuses 400.

[0054] In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a user's confirmation operation is required when a combination of the lifespan information Ds and the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 removed from the image forming apparatus 10 is transmitted to the server device 20. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which, when the replacement part 12 is removed, the combination of the lifespan information Ds and the identification information Di is automatically transmitted to the server device 20 (without requiring a confirmation operation).

[0055] 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams for explaining another specific example of the operation of the information processing system 1. The specific example of FIG. 5(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation when a replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the replacement part 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10 (Sb1 in FIG. 5(a)), an input screen Mb is displayed (Sb2 in FIG. 5(a)). The above input screen Mb is displayed on the operation panel 104, for example.

[0056] 5(b) is a schematic diagram of a specific example of the input screen Mb. The image forming apparatus 10 accepts an input operation of identification information Di while the input screen Mb is displayed. Specifically, as described above, the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 is written on the replacement part 12. A user can input the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 attached to the image forming apparatus 10 via the input screen Mb, for example, by appropriately operating the operation panel 104 described above. After the identification information Di is input, the input operation is accepted when a button image displaying the character string "OK" on the input screen Mb is touched.

[0057] Returning to FIG. 5(a), when the input operation of the identification information Di is accepted (Sb3 in FIG. 5(a)), the input identification information Di is transmitted to the server device 20 (Sb4 in FIG. 5(a)). Upon receiving the identification information Di, the server device 20 searches for the identification information Di among the identification information Di stored therein (Sb5 in FIG. 5(a)). If the identification information Di received from the image forming device 10 is found, the server device 20 returns lifespan information Ds corresponding to the identification information Di to the image forming device 10 (Sb6 in FIG. 5(a)).

[0058] As explained above with reference to Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 stored in the server device 20 is updated in accordance with use in the image forming apparatus 10 (removal source) in which the replacement part 12 was previously installed. With the above configuration, the lifespan information Ds can be handed over from the image forming apparatus 10 (removal source) from which the replacement part 12 was removed to another image forming apparatus 400 (installation destination) to which the replacement part will be newly installed. Therefore, even in the image forming apparatus 10 in which the used replacement part 12 is installed, the replacement time of the replacement part 12 can be accurately determined from the lifespan information Ds.

[0059] As described above, if the identification information Di received from the image forming apparatus 10 is not found, this fact is notified to the image forming apparatus 10. In the above cases, the initial value of the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12 (lifespan information Ds for a new part) is stored in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0060] FIG. 5(c) is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the operation of the information processing system 1. The specific example of FIG. 5(c) assumes the situation immediately after the image forming apparatus 10 receives the lifespan information Ds (immediately after Sb6 in FIG. 5(a)) in the specific example of FIG. 5(a) described above. When the image forming apparatus 10 receives the lifespan information Ds of the replacement part 12, the lifespan information Ds is stored in association with the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 (Sb7 in FIG. 5(c)). Specifically, in step Sb7 in FIG. 5(c), the image forming apparatus 10 stores a combination of the identification information Di transmitted to the server apparatus 20 in step Sb4 in FIG. 5(a) described above and the lifespan information Ds received in step Sb6 in FIG. 5(a).

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, when a replacement part 12 is attached, the image forming apparatus 10 acquires life information Ds that enables the accurate replacement time of the replacement part 12 to be determined. This makes it easier to replace the replacement part 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 at an appropriate time.

[0062] Fig. 6(a) is a flowchart of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 executes the processing shown in Fig. 6(a), for example, while the replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11 (see Fig. 4(a) above).

[0063] 6(a), while the replacement part 12 is attached to the main body 11, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the replacement part 12 has been removed from the main body 11 (S101). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the replacement part 12 has been removed from the main body 11 based on the state (ON state, OFF state) of the detection unit 13 described above. The image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes step S101 until it determines that the replacement part 12 has been removed from the main body 11 (S101: No).

[0064] When the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the replacement part 12 has been removed from the main body 11 (S101: Yes), it determines whether the above-mentioned confirmation operation has been received (S102). As described above, the user performs the confirmation operation after checking the identification information Di of the removed replacement part 12. The image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes step S102 until the confirmation operation is received (S102: No). When the confirmation operation is received (S102: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a combination of the identification information Di and the lifespan information Ds of the removed replacement part 12 to the server apparatus 20 (S103), and ends the processing of FIG. 6(a).

[0065] Fig. 6(b) is a flowchart of another process executed by the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 6(b), for example, while the replacement part 12 is removed from the main body 11 (see Fig. 5(a) above).

[0066] 6(b), while the replacement part 12 is removed from the main body 11, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the replacement part 12 has been attached to the main body 11 (S201). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the replacement part 12 has been attached to the main body 11 based on the state (ON state, OFF state) of the detection unit 13 described above. The image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes step S201 until it determines that the replacement part 12 has been attached to the main body 11 (S201: No).

[0067] When the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the replacement part 12 has been attached to the main body 11 (S201: Yes), it displays an input screen Mb (see FIG. 5(b)) (S202). When the identification information Di of the newly attached replacement part 12 is input via the input screen Mb, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits the identification information Di to the server device 20 (S203). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the identification information Di transmitted in step S203 has been found on the server device 20 side (S204).

[0068] For example, if a brand new (never used) replacement part 12 is installed, the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 will not be found on the server device 20 side. In the above cases, the image forming device 10 is notified of this and determines "No" in step S204. If the determination in step S204 is "No," the image forming device 10 stores the initial value of the lifespan information Ds (the value of the lifespan information Ds indicating unused) in the storage unit 16 (S206), and ends the processing of FIG. 6(b).

[0069] On the other hand, when a replacement part 12 that has been used in another image forming apparatus 400 is installed, the identification information Di of the replacement part 12 is discovered on the server device 20 side. In the above case, the image forming apparatus 10 receives the lifespan information Ds (lifespan information Ds updated in the other image forming apparatus 400) corresponding to the discovered identification information Di, and determines "Yes" in step S204. If the determination in step S204 is "Yes," the image forming apparatus 10 stores the lifespan information Ds received from the server device 20 in the storage unit 16 (S205), and ends the processing of FIG. 6(b).

[0070] 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.

[0071] <Summary of the functions and effects of the exemplary embodiment> <First aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) of this aspect includes a main body (11), a replacement part (12) detachably attached to the main body, a receiving unit (15) that receives lifespan information (Ds) from an external device (server device 20) when the replacement part is attached to the main body for determining when to replace the replacement part, an updating unit (17) that updates the lifespan information of the replacement part while the replacement part is attached to the main body, and a transmitting unit (19) that transmits the lifespan information updated by the updating unit to the external device when the replacement part is removed from the main body. According to this aspect, the lifespan information of the replacement part can be easily stored in the image forming apparatus.

[0072] <Second and third aspects> In a second aspect of the image forming apparatus (10), the external device is a server device (20) and is connected to a local area network common to the server device. In a third aspect of the image forming apparatus (10), the apparatus includes an input unit (14) capable of inputting identification information (Di) of a replacement part to be attached to the main body, and a notification unit (18) that notifies the identification information of a replacement part removed from the main body. The transmitter is capable of transmitting the identification information and lifespan information of the replacement part to be removed from the main body to the external device, and the receiver is capable of receiving from the external device the lifespan information corresponding to the identification information input by the input unit. According to each of the above aspects, the effect of being able to easily store lifespan information of replacement parts in the image forming apparatus is particularly remarkable.

[0073] <Fourth to Sixth Aspects> A replacement part (12) of a fourth aspect is a replacement part detachable from the image forming apparatus of claim 1, and when attached to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can receive lifespan information for determining when to replace the part, and the lifespan information can be updated by the image forming apparatus. When removed from the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can transmit the updated lifespan information. A fifth aspect is an information processing method by an image forming apparatus having a main body and a replacement part detachable from the main body, and includes the steps of: receiving lifespan information for determining when to replace the part from an external device when the replacement part is attached to the main body (Sb7 in FIG. 5(c)); updating lifespan information of the replacement part while the replacement part is attached to the main body (Sa2 in FIG. 4(a)); and transmitting the updated lifespan information while the replacement part is attached to the main body to the external device when the replacement part is removed from the main body (Sa6 in FIG. 4(b)). A sixth aspect is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of the fifth aspect. According to each of the above aspects, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...information processing system, 10...image forming device, 11...main body, 12...replacement part, 13...detection unit, 14...input unit, 15...receiving unit, 16...storage unit, 17...updating unit, 18...notification unit, 19...transmission unit, 20...server device, 21...storage unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0075] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-169821 A

Claims

1. a main body; A replacement part that is detachable from the main body; a receiving unit that receives, when the replacement part is attached to the main body, lifespan information from an external device for determining when to replace the replacement part; an update unit that updates the lifespan information of the replacement part while the replacement part is attached to the main body; a transmitting unit that transmits the lifespan information updated by the updating unit to an external device when the replacement part is removed from the main body unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the external device is a server device, connected to a local area network common to the server device The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. an input unit capable of inputting identification information of the replacement part to be attached to the main body; a notification unit that notifies the identification information of the replacement part removed from the main body unit; Equipped with the transmission unit is capable of transmitting the identification information and the lifespan information of the replacement part removed from the main body unit to an external device; The receiving unit is capable of receiving the lifespan information corresponding to the identification information input by the input unit from an external device.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. A replacement part detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, When the device is attached to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can receive life information for determining when to replace the device; The life information can be updated by the image forming apparatus, When the image forming apparatus is removed, the image forming apparatus can transmit the updated lifespan information. Replacement parts.

5. 1. An information processing method using an image forming apparatus having a main body and a replacement part detachably attached to the main body, comprising: receiving, when the replacement part is attached to the main body, lifespan information for determining when to replace the replacement part from an external device; updating the lifespan information of the replacement part during a period in which the replacement part is attached to the main body; When the replacement part is removed from the main body, transmitting the life information updated during the period to an external device. An information processing method comprising:

6. A program that causes a computer to execute the steps set forth in claim 5.

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