Image forming apparatus, consumable, server, and management system

Abstract

To maintain the quality of an image formed by an image forming apparatus even when consumables are remanufactured by a remanufacturing company.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes a detachable consumable, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet by using the consumable, and a control means for controlling the image forming means by using an image forming condition read from a storage medium provided in the consumable. The storage medium includes a first storage area that stores a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming unit before the expendable item is remanufactured, and a second storage area that stores a second image forming condition to be written and applied to the image forming unit when the expendable item is remanufactured.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a consumable item, a server, and a management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming devices form images on sheets using removable process cartridges. The process cartridges are sometimes equipped with nonvolatile memory. According to Patent Document 1, the nonvolatile memory stores image formation conditions suitable for the process cartridge. According to Patent Document 2, the nonvolatile memory stores information distinguishing between genuine and non-genuine products, and by limiting the period of use of non-genuine process cartridges, it is described that breakdowns in the image forming device are prevented. According to Patent Document 3, process cartridges of the same specifications can be used in multiple different image forming devices, and the nonvolatile memory stores image formation conditions suitable for each image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-240928 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-195900 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-070254 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To improve the environmental performance of image forming devices, used process cartridges are sometimes collected from users and reused (remanufactured). For example, the process cartridge is refilled with toner or its components are replaced with new ones, and then the process cartridge is resold. This remanufacturing can be performed not only by the original parts manufacturer that produces the image forming device, but also by a third party (remanufacturing company). The original parts manufacturer can remanufacture the process cartridge using original parts. Therefore, the image formation conditions suitable for a process cartridge remanufactured by an original parts manufacturer are consistent with the image formation conditions before remanufacturing. On the other hand, remanufacturing companies procure parts different from those used by the original parts manufacturer to remanufacture the process cartridge. Therefore, the image formation conditions suitable for a process cartridge remanufactured by a remanufacturing company may differ from the image formation conditions suitable for a process cartridge remanufactured by an original parts manufacturer. When a process cartridge remanufactured by a remanufacturing company is used, problems such as reduced image density, toner fogging, and poor fixing may occur, or the image forming device may malfunction. In the past, manufacturers of genuine products did not know what parts remanufacturers used, and therefore could not know the image formation conditions suitable for process cartridges remanufactured by remanufacturers. Therefore, manufacturers of genuine products could not write the image formation conditions suitable for process cartridges remanufactured by remanufacturers into non-volatile memory in advance.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to maintain the quality of images formed by an image forming apparatus even when consumables are remanufactured by a remanufacturing company. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to, for example, an image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having the above structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain the quality of images formed by an image forming apparatus even when consumables are remanufactured by a remanufacturing company. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the main body of an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge. [Figure 2] Diagram explaining storage devices [Figure 3] Diagram explaining the management system [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a controller of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] Diagram explaining the remanufacturing process [Figure 6] Diagram explaining collaboration between genuine product manufacturers and remanufacturers [Figure 7] A diagram explaining the steps from resale to image formation [Figure 8] A diagram explaining the process from issuing an ID to writing image formation conditions [Figure 9] Diagram explaining the server [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating PCs and user devices [Figure 11] A diagram explaining the functions of the CPU of an image forming device [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage device in which image formation conditions for remanufactured products are written. [Figure 13]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage device in which image formation conditions for remanufactured products are written. [Figure 14] Diagram explaining the management system [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating writing of image forming conditions. [Figure 16] Diagram explaining the CPU functions of the server and image forming device [Figure 17] Diagram explaining the management system [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating writing of image forming conditions. [Figure 19] Diagram explaining a PC [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating writing of image forming conditions. [Figure 21] Diagram explaining the server [Figure 22] Diagram explaining user devices DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment In this embodiment, a remanufacturing company (secondary company) remanufactures consumables (e.g., process cartridges) and applies for registration of image formation conditions to a genuine product manufacturer (primary company). The genuine product manufacturer presents the remanufacturing company with a range of image formation conditions applicable to the image forming device. The remanufacturing company determines image formation conditions within that range and sends them to the genuine product manufacturer. The genuine product manufacturer uploads the image formation conditions to a server. When the remanufactured consumables are installed in the image forming device, the image formation conditions are downloaded from the server and used.

[0011] 1. Image forming apparatus and process cartridge configuration 1A, the image forming apparatus 100 is a printer that forms an image on a sheet P by electrophotography. The sheet P may also be called a transfer material. FIG. 1B shows the process cartridge 10 removed from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] The photosensitive drum 1 is an image carrier driven by a motor. The charging roller 2 is a charging member that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. A negative charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 2 at a predetermined timing, controlling the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1 to a predetermined potential. The exposure light source 9 is an exposure device (optical scanning device) that irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with light according to image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The exposure light source 9 has a reference exposure amount. The developing roller 3 is a developer carrier that develops the electrostatic latent image using developer T (hereinafter referred to as "toner") contained in a container 11 to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The developing blade 4 is positioned to abut against the developing roller 3 with a predetermined pressure. The developing blade 4 regulates the toner T supplied from the container 11 to the developing roller 3 by the supply roller 5, thereby maintaining a constant thickness of the toner layer formed on the developing roller 3. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 3. This causes the toner to move from the developing roller 3 toward the photosensitive drum 1, forming a toner image (developer image). As the photosensitive drum 1 rotates, the toner image is transported to the contact point (nip) between the transfer roller 7 and the photosensitive drum 1. As the sheet P passes through the nip, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the sheet P. Here, a transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7, which serves as the transfer member, to promote the transfer of the toner image. The sheet P with the transferred toner image is transported to the fixing device 8. The fixing device 8 has two rotating bodies (e.g., a cylindrical heating film and a cylindrical pressure roller). As the sheet P passes through the fixing device 8, heat and pressure are applied to the sheet P and the toner image. This fixes the toner image onto the sheet P. A cleaning blade 6 collects toner t remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 that was not transferred to the sheet P into a collection container 12.

[0013] The process cartridge 10 is formed by integrating a photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2, a developing roller 3, a storage container 11, a developing blade 4, a supply roller 5, a cleaning blade 6, a collection container 12, and a storage device 13. The process cartridge 10 is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The storage device 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory (storage medium) that stores image formation conditions and the like.

[0014] In this way, the process cartridge 10 is made up of multiple members (components). The characteristics (e.g., amount or function) of each of the multiple members change with use. For example, the amount of toner T decreases each time image formation is performed. The thickness of the surface layer of the photosensitive drum 1 decreases due to friction between the surface layer and the cleaning blade 6. The lifespan of these members is shorter than the lifespan of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the user can continue using the image forming apparatus 100 by replacing the old process cartridge 10 with a new process cartridge 10.

[0015] Used process cartridges 10 are collected by collection companies from the perspective of effective resource utilization and global environmental conservation. The collected process cartridges 10 are recycled by the manufacturer (primary or secondary company) of the process cartridge 10 and sold as recycled process cartridges. Alternatively, the collected process cartridges 10 are crushed, and the fragments are separated and recycled.

[0016] 2. Storage Devices FIG. 2(A) shows a storage device 13. The storage device 13 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). The storage device 13 is packaged in a predetermined shape and covered with resin. The storage device 13 further includes an electrical contact 14 for wired communication with the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The contact 14 may be an antenna for wireless communication (wireless connection) with the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0017] 2(B) shows the storage contents of the storage device 13. A plurality of addresses are assigned to the storage area M0, and predetermined information is stored in association with the plurality of addresses.

[0018] Memory area M0 has memory areas M1, M2, and M3. Memory area M1 stores image formation conditions, which are important control parameters required to output a good image. The image formation conditions include, for example, charging voltage, exposure amount, developing voltage, transfer voltage (or transfer current), and fixing temperature. Furthermore, memory area M1 stores the manufacturing date, serial number, print counter, and remaining toner amount of the process cartridge 10. Memory area M2 is an area for storing image formation conditions (change information) different from the default image formation conditions stored in memory area M1. When a process cartridge 10 is recycled, the image formation conditions appropriate for that process cartridge 10 may change. In this case, memory area M2 stores image formation conditions appropriate for the recycled process cartridge 10. Memory area M3 is an area for storing identification information used during operation of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, memory area M3 may store condition designation information indicating whether the image formation conditions stored in memory area M1 or the image formation conditions stored in memory area M2 should be used. If the image formation conditions stored in memory area M1 should be used, "0" is stored in memory area M3. If the image formation conditions stored in memory area M2 should be used, "1" is stored in memory area M3.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 100 transmits a read request / write request specifying a desired address to the storage device 13. In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the desired information from the storage device 13 or writes the desired information to the storage device 13.

[0020] 3.Recycling system (image forming system, management system) 3 shows a recycling system 300. A primary company 301 is a company that designs and manufactures the image forming apparatus 100 and the process cartridge 10. A secondary company 302 is a company that repairs (recycles) the process cartridge 10 collected from the user and manufactures a recycled process cartridge. A user site 303 is a site of a user who uses the image forming apparatus 100. The reuse process may also be called recycling or remanufacturing.

[0021] The primary company 301 has computers designated as servers 311 and 312. The servers 311 and 312 may be a single computer. The secondary company 302 has a personal computer (PC) 321. The user site 303 has an image forming apparatus 100, a user device 331, and a host computer 332. The PC 321 can communicate with the server 311 via a network 304. The network 304 is a collection of networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and a cellular network. The server 311 can also communicate with the server 312 via the network 304. The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with the server 312 via the network 304. The user device 331 is a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer that can wirelessly communicate with the image forming apparatus 100. The user device 331 can communicate with the servers 311 and 312 via the network 304. The host computer 332 is a computer that transmits print jobs to the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0022] The server 311 determines image formation conditions based on the characteristics of the recycled process cartridge provided by the PC 321 of the secondary company 302, and stores the determined image formation conditions in the server 312. The user device 331 reads the identification information attached to the recycled process cartridge or its packaging box, and transmits the read result to the server 312. The server 312 transmits the image formation conditions corresponding to the read result to the user device 331. The user device 331 writes the image formation conditions to the storage device 13 of the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, when a recycled process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 downloads the image formation conditions corresponding to the process cartridge from the server 312 and writes them to the storage device 13.

[0023] 4. Control of image forming devices 4 shows the controller of the image forming apparatus 100. A CPU 401 executes a control program stored in a storage device 402 to control the image forming apparatus 100. The storage device 402 includes a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like.

[0024] The communication circuit 403 is a communication circuit (e.g., a LAN card) for communicating with the host computer 332 or the server 312 via the network 304. The communication circuit 404 is a communication circuit (e.g., a short-range wireless communication circuit, a wireless LAN card) for communicating with the user device 331. The communication circuit 405 is a read / write circuit for writing information to the storage device 13 of the process cartridge 10 or the recycled process cartridge 10B and reading information from the storage device 13. The communication circuit 405 has contacts or terminals that are electrically connected to the contacts 14. When power is supplied from a commercial power source and the image forming apparatus 100 is started up, the CPU 401 accesses the storage device 13 through the communication circuit 405 and reads image formation conditions from the storage device 13.

[0025] The drive circuit 406 is a circuit that supplies power to the heater 407 of the fixing device 8. The CPU 401 detects the temperature of the heater 407 based on the temperature sensor 408 and controls the drive circuit 406 so that the detected temperature becomes the target temperature (fixing temperature). The charging power supply 411 generates a charging voltage specified by the CPU 401 and supplies it to the charging roller 2. The CPU 401 controls the exposure light source 9 to emit light at the exposure amount described above. The exposure light source 9 is, for example, a semiconductor laser or an organic electroluminescence type light-emitting diode. The development power supply 413 generates a development voltage specified by the CPU 401 and supplies it to the development roller 3. The transfer power supply 414 generates a transfer voltage specified by the CPU 401 and supplies it to the transfer roller 7.

[0026] 5.Recycling In this example, a process cartridge 10A newly manufactured by a primary company 301 is used by a user. Thereafter, the used process cartridge 10A is collected by a secondary company 302 other than the primary company 301. The secondary company 302 subjects the process cartridge 10A to a recycling process process cartridge 10B, which is then sold on the market.

[0027] 5-1. Details of recycling process 5A shows a typical recycling process flow. The secondary company 302 collects the process cartridge 10A from the market (S501). The secondary company 302 disassembles the collected process cartridge 10A into multiple parts (S502).

[0028] The secondary company 302 cleans a plurality of parts (S503). This cleaning process includes removing and cleaning the toner remaining in the storage container 11 and removing and cleaning the toner t stored in the collection container 12. Furthermore, the cleaning process may include removing dirt adhering to the surfaces of the storage device 13, the charging roller 2, the developing roller 3, the developing blade 4, the supply roller 5, and the cleaning blade 6.

[0029] The secondary company 302 inspects each part (S504) and determines whether each part can be reused (S505). The inspection includes an inspection of the appearance of the part and an inspection of the electrical characteristics of the part to determine the degree of deterioration of the part. The inspection contents may vary depending on the part.

[0030] The secondary company 302 transports the parts determined to be reusable (reused parts) to an assembly process for the recycled process cartridge 10B (S506). The secondary company 302 assembles the recycled process cartridge 10B using the reused parts (S507).

[0031] Meanwhile, the secondary company 302 discards the parts determined to be non-reusable (S511). The secondary company 302 procures new parts to replace the discarded parts and transports them to the assembly process (S512). The new parts may be substitute parts procured independently by the remanufacturing company B. In this way, the secondary company 302 assembles the recycled process cartridge 10B using the reused parts and substitute parts.

[0032] 5(B) shows the specifications of a recycled process cartridge 10B manufactured by a secondary company 302. In this example, the toner T and the photosensitive drum 1 of the recycled process cartridge 10B are new parts (replacement parts) procured independently by the secondary company 302. The remaining parts of the recycled process cartridge 10B are parts (reused parts) that were incorporated into the process cartridge 10A manufactured by the primary company 301.

[0033] 5-2. Determining image formation conditions for recycled process cartridges The storage device 13 attached to the recycled process cartridge 10B was attached to the process cartridge 10A. Therefore, the image formation conditions stored in the storage device 13 are conditions suitable for the process cartridge 10A manufactured by the primary company 301. The characteristics of the toner T and the photosensitive drum 1 contained in the recycled process cartridge 10B are likely to be different from those of the process cartridge 10A. Therefore, the image formation conditions in the storage device 13 need to be rewritten or added to match the characteristics (specifications) of the recycled process cartridge 10B.

[0034] Therefore, the secondary company 302 determines the image formation conditions for the recycled process cartridge 10B before selling the recycled process cartridge 10B on the market. Determining the image formation conditions requires a prior agreement between the primary company 301 and the secondary company 302. Figure 6 shows a method executed in the recycling system 300.

[0035] In S601, the secondary company 302 submits a sales application to the primary company 301. The subject of the application may include the secondary company 302 selling the recycled process cartridge 10B and providing the image formation conditions determined by the secondary company 302 to the recycled process cartridge 10B via the primary company 301. For example, the PC 321 accesses the server 311 via the network 304 and submits a request to the server 311 for sales and provision of the image formation conditions. Here, the server 311 may be an email server or a web server.

[0036] In S602, the primary company 301 receives the application from the secondary company 302 and determines whether to approve or reject the application. If the application is approved, the primary company 301 proceeds from S602 to S603. If the application is rejected, the primary company 301 does not provide the secondary company 302 with setting range information required to determine the image formation conditions, and the series of processes ends. Note that the server 311 may also send a response indicating rejection to the PC 321.

[0037] In S603, the primary company 301 transmits setting range information to the remanufacturing company 302. The setting range information is a setting file indicating the variable ranges of the control parameters (image formation conditions) of the exposure light source 9, charging power supply 411, developing power supply 413, transfer power supply 414, and fixing device 8 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The setting range information is, for example, as follows:

[0038] Exposure light source 9: Surface illuminance of photosensitive drum 1 ±0.05~0.7μJ / cm^2 Charging power supply 411: Charging voltage 0V~-1800V Development power supply 413: Development voltage 0V~-700V Transfer power supply 414: Transfer current 0μA~30μA Fixing unit 8: Fixing temperature 150℃~250℃ The setting range information may be downloaded from the server 311 to the PC 321. The setting range information may be attached to an email sent from the server 311 to the PC 321. The surface illuminance is the intensity of light on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0039] In S604, the secondary company 302 considers the image formation conditions with reference to the setting range information. For example, the secondary company 302 installs the recycled process cartridge 10B in the image forming apparatus 100 and outputs an image on a sheet P while adjusting each control parameter. The secondary company 302 visually inspects the output image.

[0040] In S605, the secondary company 302 determines image formation conditions B0 suitable for the recycled process cartridge 10B and transmits the image formation conditions to the primary company 301. For example, the PC 321 transmits the image formation conditions B0 to the server 311 via the network 304. The image formation conditions B0 may be uploaded from the PC 321 to the server 311. The image formation conditions B0 may be attached to an email transmitted from the PC 321 to the server 311. The image formation conditions B0 are determined, for example, as follows.

[0041] <Specifications (Image formation conditions B0)> ·Exposure light source 9: Surface illuminance 0.37μJ / cm^2 Charge Power Supply 411: Charge voltage -1100V Development power supply 413: Development voltage -380V Transfer power supply 414: Transfer current 15μA Fixing unit 8: Fixing temperature 230℃ In S606, the primary company 301 (server 311) creates write data for rewriting the data in the storage device 13. The write data includes image formation conditions B0 to be written to storage area M2 and condition designation information to be written to storage area M4.

[0042] In S607, the primary company 301 (server 311) registers the write data in the server 312 of the primary company 301.

[0043] 5-3. Rewriting image formation conditions FIG. 7 shows the process from sale to use of the recycled process cartridge 10B. The secondary company 302 sells the recycled process cartridge 10B to a user on the market (S701). The user purchases the recycled process cartridge 10B (S702). The user installs the recycled process cartridge 10B in the image forming apparatus 100 (S703). The user obtains image formation conditions for the recycled process cartridge 10B from the server 312 and writes them to the storage device 13 of the recycled process cartridge 10B. This writing may be performed, for example, when an image is formed on the first sheet P after the recycled process cartridge 10B is installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a server 312 via a network 304. The image forming apparatus 100 can be connected to a user device 331 that can communicate with the server 312. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can obtain writing data directly or indirectly from the server 312.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the writing sequence of image forming conditions. In S801, the primary company 301 (server 311) issues an ID number N to the recycled process cartridge 10B of remanufacturing company B. For example, the ID number N may consist of 13 numerical values ​​or letters. For example, the first to fifth characters from the left in the ID number N indicate unique identification information (company identification information) for each remanufacturing company. The sixth to thirteenth characters from the left in the ID number N indicate unique identification information (distinguishing information) for the recycled process cartridge. The reason companies are identified by the ID number N is because there may be multiple secondary companies 302 that wish to sell the recycled process cartridge 10B. The server 311 associates the ID number N with the image forming conditions B0 for the recycled process cartridge 10B and stores the ID number N in the server 312.

[0046] In S802, the primary company 301 (server 311) transmits the ID number N to the secondary company 302. The secondary company 302 (PC 321) receives the ID number N from the server 311.

[0047] In S803, the secondary company 302 (PC 321) converts (images) the ID number N into image information Q such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, and prints the image information Q on an affixable medium (adhesive sticker). Furthermore, the secondary company 302 affixes the sticker with the image information Q printed on it to the exterior of the recycled process cartridge 10B or to packaging (e.g., packaging box), and sells the recycled process cartridge 10B. Note that a paper medium with the image information Q printed on it may be packed in the packaging box.

[0048] In S804, the user purchases the recycled process cartridge 10B. In S805, the user reads the ID (image information Q) attached to the recycled process cartridge 10B with the reader or camera of the user device 331. The user device 331 decodes the ID number N from the image information Q.

[0049] In S806, the user mounts the recycled process cartridge 10B in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and turns on the power of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0050] In S807, the user wirelessly connects the user device 331 to the image forming apparatus 100, and transmits the ID number N from the user device 331 to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0051] In S808, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the ID number N to the server 312 via the network 304. The ID number N may be included as part of a request message for requesting the image forming conditions from the server 312. The server 312 receives the ID number N from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0052] In S809, the server 312 determines whether the ID number N received from the image forming apparatus 100 is valid (authentication process). For example, it may determine whether the received ID number N matches an ID number N already managed by the server 312. If the ID number N is not valid (authentication failed), the server 312 sends an error response to the image forming apparatus 100. This response does not include the image formation condition B0. On the other hand, if the ID number N is valid (authentication successful), the server 312 proceeds from S809 to S810.

[0053] In S810, the server 312 acquires the image formation conditions B0 linked to the ID number N. In S811, the server 312 transmits the image formation conditions B0 and write permission (permission information) to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 304. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the image formation conditions B0 and the write permission.

[0054] In S812, the image forming apparatus 100 writes the image formation conditions B0 to the storage device 13 of the recycled process cartridge 10B. Specifically, the CPU 401 accesses the storage device 13 via the communication circuit 405 and writes the image formation conditions B0 to the storage area M2. Furthermore, the CPU 401 writes "1" to the storage area M3. This enables the image formation conditions B0.

[0055] In step S814, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a completion notification indicating that the rewriting of the image forming conditions has been completed to the user device 331. Upon receiving the completion notification, the user device 331 notifies the user that the image forming apparatus 100 is ready to print.

[0056] It is possible that the ID number N is invalid or that the image forming conditions B0 associated with the ID number N do not exist. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 receives an error response from the server 312. The image forming apparatus 100 then does not write the image forming conditions to the storage device 13 of the process cartridge 10B. In other words, the identification information stored in the storage area M3 remains "0," and the image forming conditions for the process cartridge 10A remain valid.

[0057] According to the first embodiment, the image forming conditions B0 suitable for the recycled process cartridge 10B are written to the storage device 13. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can form an image on the sheet P using the image forming conditions B0. This maintains the quality of the image formed on the sheet P. Furthermore, because the image forming conditions B0 suitable for the recycled process cartridge 10B are used, breakdowns of the image forming apparatus 100 caused by the recycled process cartridge 10B will also be reduced.

[0058] The completion notification may be sent from the image forming apparatus 100 to the server 312. The server 312 may send a message indicating that the rewriting process is complete to the PC 321 of the secondary company 302. This allows the secondary company 302 to know that the image forming conditions B0 have been successfully written to the recycled process cartridge 10B.

[0059] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that one secondary company 302 exists, but this is merely an example. Because the ID number N includes company identification information, the first embodiment can be applied even if two or more secondary companies 302 exist. For example, secondary companies 302-1, 302-2, and 302-3 may provide recycled process cartridges 10B, 10C, and 10D, respectively. In this case, appropriate image forming conditions are provided for each of the recycled process cartridges 10B, 10C, and 10D. Furthermore, a unique ID number N is assigned to each image forming condition and each of the recycled process cartridges 10B, 10C, and 10D.

[0060] 6. PC, Server and User Device Structure 6-1. Server 311 Structure FIG. 9A shows the structure of the server 311 that processes registration applications for image formation conditions. The CPU 901 executes control programs stored in the storage device 902 to realize various functions. Note that one or more of the functions realized by the CPU 901 may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The storage device 902 may include a ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc. The communication circuit 903 is a circuit for connecting to the network 304 and communicating with other computers. The keyboard 904 is an input device. The display 905 is a display device that displays information.

[0061] The accepting unit 911 accepts a registration request transmitted from the PC 321 via the communication circuit 903. The file transmitting unit 912 transmits a setting file indicating the range of settable image forming conditions to the PC 321 via the communication circuit 903. The condition receiving unit 913 receives the image forming conditions B0 from the PC 321 via the communication circuit 903 and saves the image forming conditions B0 in the storage device 902. The creating unit 914 creates write data for writing the image forming conditions B0 to the storage device 13 and saves it in the storage device 902. The ID issuing unit 915 issues an ID number N for identifying the process cartridge 10B, and associates the ID number N with the image forming conditions B0 and saves them in the server 312. The ID issuing unit 915 transmits the ID number N to the PC 321 via the communication circuit 903.

[0062] 6-2. Server 312 Structure FIG. 9B shows the structure of the server 312 responsible for transmitting image forming conditions. The CPU 921 executes control programs stored in the storage device 922 to realize various functions. One or more of the functions realized by the CPU 921 may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The storage device 922 may include a ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc. The communication circuit 923 is a circuit for connecting to the network 304 and communicating with other computers (e.g., the server 311, the PC 321, and the image forming device 100). The keyboard 924 is an input device. The display 925 is a display device that displays information.

[0063] The ID receiving unit 931 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 923 and receives the ID number N assigned to the recycled process cartridge 10B. As described above, the ID number N may be a temporary number in a download request for the image forming conditions B0. The ID determining unit 932 determines whether the received ID number N is valid. For example, the ID determining unit 932 determines whether the received ID number N matches the ID number N associated with the image forming conditions B0 in the storage device 922 (validity determination). The condition obtaining unit 933 obtains the write data for the image forming conditions B0 associated with the received ID number N from the storage device 922. The condition transmitting unit 934 transmits the write data for the image forming conditions B0 to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 923.

[0064] 6-3. PC321 Structure FIG. 10A shows the structure of the PC 321 responsible for registering image formation conditions. The CPU 1001 executes control programs stored in the storage device 1002 to realize various functions. One or more of the functions realized by the CPU 1001 may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The storage device 1002 may include a ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc. The communication circuit 1003 is a circuit for connecting to the network 304 and communicating with other computers (e.g., the server 311). The keyboard 1004 is an input device. The display 1005 is a display device that displays information.

[0065] The application unit 1011 accesses the server 311 via the communication circuit 1003 and transmits a registration application for the image formation conditions B0. The file receiving unit 1012 receives a setting file used to determine the image formation conditions B0 from the server 311 via the communication circuit 1003 and stores it in the storage device 1002. The display 1005 may display the settable range of the image formation conditions described in the setting file. The condition determining unit 1013 determines the image formation conditions B0 based on information entered by the user via the keyboard 1004. The condition transmitting unit 1014 transmits the image formation conditions B0 to the server 311 via the communication circuit 1003. The ID receiving unit 1015 receives an ID number N from the server 311 via the communication circuit 1003 and stores the ID number N in the storage device 1002. The ID printing unit 1016 converts the ID number into image information Q and controls the printer 1006 to print the image information Q on a sticker.

[0066] 6-4. User device structure FIG. 10B shows the structure of the user device 331. The CPU 1021 executes control programs stored in the storage device 1022 to achieve various functions. One or more of the functions achieved by the CPU 1021 may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The storage device 1022 may include a ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc. The communication circuit 1023 is a circuit for connecting to the network 304 and communicating with other computers (e.g., the server 311, the server 312, and the PC 321). The communication circuit 1026 is a communication circuit that performs communication in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and communicates with the image forming apparatus 100. The camera 1027 has an image sensor used to read image information Q. The touch sensor 1024 is an input device. The display 1025 is a display device that displays information.

[0067] The code reader 1031 controls the camera 1027 to capture image information Q and decodes the ID number N from the image information Q. The ID transmission unit 1032 transmits the ID number N to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 1026. The notification reception unit 1033 receives a notification that writing of the image formation condition B0 has been completed from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 1026. The notification display unit 1034 displays the writing completion notification on the display 1025.

[0068] 6-5. CPU Functions of Image Forming Devices FIG. 11 shows functions realized by the CPU 401. The ID receiving unit 1101 communicates with the user device 331 via the communication circuit 404 and receives an ID number N. The condition request unit 1102 transmits a write request including the ID number N to the server 312 via the communication circuit 403. The condition receiving unit 1103 receives write data for the image formation conditions B0 and a write permission from the server 312 via the communication circuit 403 as a response to the write request. As shown in FIG. 12, the condition writing unit 1104 accesses the storage device 13 via the communication circuit 405 and writes the write data for the image formation conditions B0 to the storage area M2. Furthermore, the condition writing unit 1104 writes "1" to the storage area M3. The completion notifying unit 1105 transmits a completion notification to the user device 331 via the communication circuit 404.

[0069] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the specifications of the multiple recycled process cartridges are all the same, but this is merely an example. Even if the multiple process cartridges are of the same type, if different repair parts are applied to each, differences in characteristics (specifications) will arise between the multiple recycled process cartridges. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a reuse processing method and a procedure for writing image formation conditions when there are two or more recycled process cartridge specifications are proposed. In the second embodiment, descriptions of technical matters common or similar to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the characteristics of the second embodiment.

[0070] 1.Recycling As explained with reference to FIG. 5A, collected process cartridges 10 are disassembled, cleaned, and inspected to determine whether each part can be reused. While many parts are reused to effectively utilize resources, some parts may not be reusable. In particular, the charging roller 2, developing roller 3, developing blade 4, supply roller 5, and cleaning blade 6 are in various states. Therefore, the combination of reused parts and new parts varies for each recycled process cartridge 10B. As a result, recycled process cartridges 10B may have two or more different specifications.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5C, for example, there may be three different specifications I, II, and III for a recycled process cartridge 10B remanufactured by the secondary company 302. In specification I, the toner T and the photosensitive drum 1 are replaced with new ones. In specification II, the toner T, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, and the cleaning blade 6 are replaced with new ones. In specification III, the toner T, the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 3, the developing blade 4, and the supply roller 5 are replaced with new ones. In this way, with three specifications I, II, and III, there may be three appropriate image formation conditions. The image formation conditions are determined, for example, as follows, by the secondary company 302 through consideration, as in the first embodiment.

[0072] <Specification I (Image formation condition B1)> ·Exposure light source 9: Surface illuminance 0.37μJ / cm^2 Charge Power Supply 411: Charge voltage -1100V Development power supply 413: Development voltage -380V Transfer power supply 414: Transfer current 15μA Fixing unit 8: Fixing temperature 230℃ <Specification II (Image Forming Condition B2)> ·Exposure light source 9: Surface illuminance 0.40μJ / cm^2 Charge Power Supply 411: Charge voltage -1300V Development power supply 413: Development voltage -380V Transfer power supply 414: Transfer current 15μA Fixing unit 8: Fixing temperature 230℃ <Specification II (Image Forming Condition B3)> ·Exposure light source 9: Surface illuminance 0.40μJ / cm^2 Charge Power Supply 411: Charge voltage -1300V Development power supply 413: Development voltage -400V Transfer power supply 414: Transfer current 15μA Fixing unit 8: Fixing temperature 230℃ The ID issuing unit 915 of the primary company 301 assigns a unique ID number N to each of the image forming conditions B1, B2, and B3 sent from the secondary company 302, and registers them in the server 312. Here, the ID number N may include unique identification information (e.g., five characters) that distinguishes between individual companies, unique identification information (e.g., three characters) that distinguishes between individual specifications, and unique identification information (e.g., eight characters) that distinguish between individual process cartridges. The characters that form the ID number N may be numbers or a combination of numbers and letters. In this way, the creation unit 914 creates write data for the image forming conditions B1, B2, and B3, associates the identification number N with each write data, and stores the data in the storage device 922.

[0073] 2. Writing image formation conditions The condition acquisition unit 933 of the server 312 acquires, from the storage device 922, the image formation conditions associated with the ID number N transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100. For example, if the ID number N relates to specification I, the image formation conditions B1 are acquired. If the ID number N relates to specification II, the image formation conditions B2 are acquired. If the ID number N relates to specification III, the image formation conditions B3 are acquired.

[0074] The condition writing unit 1104 of the image forming apparatus 100 rewrites the storage areas M2 and M3 in accordance with the write data received by the condition receiving unit 1103. When the write data for image formation condition B1 is received, the storage areas M2 and M3 are rewritten as shown in Fig. 12. When the write data for image formation condition B2 is received, the storage areas M2 and M3 are rewritten as shown in Fig. 13(A). When the write data for image formation condition B3 is received, the storage areas M2 and M3 are rewritten as shown in Fig. 13(B).

[0075] According to the second embodiment, even if there are multiple specifications for the recycled process cartridge, the image forming conditions that match each specification are written to the storage device 13. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can appropriately form an image on the sheet P using the recycled process cartridge 10B. Furthermore, by having appropriate image forming conditions, breakdowns of the image forming apparatus 100 caused by the recycled process cartridge 10B will also be reduced.

[0076] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 can connect to the server 312, but this is merely an example. As shown in Fig. 14, the image forming apparatus 100 does not have to be able to directly connect to the server 312. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the image formation conditions of the recycled process cartridge 10B through the user device 331.

[0077] 1. Writing image formation conditions Fig. 15 shows the procedure for writing image formation conditions. Fig. 16(A) shows functions realized by the CPU 1021 of the user device 331. Fig. 16(B) shows functions realized by the CPU 401 of the image forming apparatus 100. Compared with the first and second embodiments, steps S807 to S813 are replaced as follows:

[0078] In S1501, the code reader 1031 of the user device 331 controls the camera 1027 to capture image information Q and decodes the image information Q to read the ID number N.

[0079] In S1502, the condition request unit 1601 of the user device 331 creates a condition request including the ID number N and transmits the condition request to the server 312 via the communication circuit 1023. The ID receiving unit 931 of the server 312 receives the condition request including the ID number N from the user device 331 via the communication circuit 923.

[0080] In S1503, the ID determination unit 932 of the server 312 determines the validity of the ID number N. If the ID number N is not valid, the ID determination unit 932 transmits an error response to the user device 331. If the ID number is valid, the CPU 921 proceeds from S1503 to S1504.

[0081] In S1504, the condition acquisition unit 933 of the server 312 acquires, from the storage device 922, the write data of the image formation conditions B0 linked to the ID number.

[0082] In S1505, the condition sending unit 934 sends the write data and write permission for the image formation conditions B0 to the user device 331 via the communication circuit 923. The condition receiving unit 1602 of the user device 331 receives the write data and write permission for the image formation conditions B0 via the network 304 and the communication circuit 1023.

[0083] In S1506, the user mounts the recycled process cartridge 10B in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0084] In S1507, the condition transfer unit 1603 of the user device 331 connects to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 1026 and transfers the write data and write permission for the image forming condition B0 to the image forming apparatus 100. The condition receiving unit 1103 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the write data and write permission from the user device 331 via the communication circuit 404.

[0085] In step S1508, the condition writing unit 1104 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not a write permission has been received. Here, it is assumed that rewriting is permitted.

[0086] In S1509, the condition writing unit 1104 writes the image formation conditions B0 to the storage device 13. That is, the condition writing unit 1104 rewrites the storage areas M2 and M3 based on the write data.

[0087] In step S1510, the completion notification unit 1105 transmits a completion notification to the user device 331 via the communication circuit 404. The notification display unit 1034 of the user device 331 receives the completion notification from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 1026.

[0088] In S1511, the notification display unit 1034 displays a completion notification on the display 1025.

[0089] When the user device 331 receives an error response from the server 312, it does not transfer the write data to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the image formation conditions stored in the memory area M0 for the recycled process cartridge 10B.

[0090] According to the third embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot communicate with the server 312, the image forming apparatus 100 can obtain the image forming conditions B0 for the recycled process cartridge 10B. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can appropriately form an image on the sheet P using the recycled process cartridge 10B. Furthermore, by having appropriate image forming conditions, breakdowns of the image forming apparatus 100 caused by the recycled process cartridge 10B will also be reduced.

[0091] <Fourth embodiment> In the first embodiment and the like, the rewriting of the image formation conditions is performed in the image forming device 100 installed at the user site 303, but this is merely an example. In the fourth embodiment, the writing of the image formation conditions is performed in the image forming device 100 installed at the secondary company 302. In the fourth embodiment, the explanation of the matters explained in the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

[0092] 17 shows a recycling system 300 according to the fourth embodiment. A secondary company 302 owns the image forming apparatus 100 in addition to the PC 321 described above. A CPU 401 of the image forming apparatus 100 communicates with the PC 321 via a communication circuit 403 or a communication circuit 404.

[0093] 18 shows the procedure for writing image forming conditions, and FIG.

[0094] In S1801, the CPU 1001 (ID receiving unit 1015) of the PC 321 connects to the server 311 via the communication circuit 1003 and obtains the ID number N from the server 311.

[0095] In S1802, the condition request unit 1901 of the PC 321 creates a condition request including the ID number N and transmits the condition request to the server 312 via the communication circuit 1003. The ID receiving unit 931 of the server 312 receives the condition request including the ID number N from the PC 321 via the communication circuit 923.

[0096] In S1803, the ID determination unit 932 of the server 312 determines the validity of the ID number N. If the ID number N is not valid, the ID determination unit 932 transmits an error response to the PC 321. If the ID number N is valid, the CPU 921 proceeds from S1803 to S1804.

[0097] In step S1804, the condition acquisition unit 933 of the server 312 acquires the write data of the image formation conditions B0 linked to the ID number N from the storage device 922.

[0098] In S1805, the condition transmission unit 934 transmits the write data and write permission for the image formation conditions B0 to the PC 321 via the communication circuit 923. The condition reception unit 1902 of the PC 321 receives the write data and write permission for the image formation conditions B0 via the network 304 and the communication circuit 1003.

[0099] In S1806, the secondary company 302 mounts the recycled process cartridge 10B in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0100] In step S1807, the condition transfer unit 1903 of the PC 321 connects to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 1003 and transfers the write data and write permission for the image formation condition B0 to the image forming apparatus 100. The condition receiving unit 1103 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the write data and write permission from the PC 321 via the communication circuit 404.

[0101] In step S1808, the condition writing unit 1104 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not a write permission has been received. Here, it is assumed that rewriting is permitted.

[0102] In S1809, the condition writing unit 1104 writes the image formation conditions B0 to the storage device 13. That is, the condition writing unit 1104 rewrites the storage areas M2 and M3 based on the write data.

[0103] In step S1810, the completion notification unit 1105 transmits a completion notification to the PC 321 via the communication circuit 404. The notification display unit 1034 of the PC 321 receives the completion notification from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 1003.

[0104] In S1811, the notification display unit 1034 displays a completion notification on the display 1005.

[0105] When the PC 321 receives an error response from the server 312, it does not transfer the write data to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the image forming conditions for the process cartridge 10 for the recycled process cartridge 10B.

[0106] According to the fourth embodiment, the secondary company 302 can write the image formation conditions B0 to the storage device 13 of the recycled process cartridge 10B before selling the recycled process cartridge 10B to a user in the market. This eliminates the need for the user to read the ID number N, download the image formation conditions, and rewrite the image formation conditions. Furthermore, even if the image forming apparatus 100 installed at the user site 303 cannot communicate with the server 312, the image forming apparatus 100 can obtain the image formation conditions B0 for the recycled process cartridge 10B. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can properly form an image on a sheet P using the recycled process cartridge 10B. Furthermore, proper image formation conditions will likely reduce malfunctions of the image forming apparatus 100 caused by the recycled process cartridge 10B.

[0107] The server 312 may transmit one write permission for each recycled process cartridge 10 B. In this way, the server 312 may manage the number of recycled process cartridges 10 B remanufactured by the secondary company 302.

[0108] In the embodiment described above, the acquisition of ID number N and the acquisition of write data for image formation conditions are separated, but this is merely an example. Server 312 may transmit ID number N and write data for image formation conditions to image forming apparatus 100 at the same time. In this case, image forming apparatus 100 may recognize ID number N as write authorization.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the secondary company 302 rewrites the image formation conditions in the storage device 13 provided in the recycled process cartridge 10B using the image forming apparatus 100, but this is merely an example. For example, the secondary company 302 may connect a dedicated rewriting tool to the storage device 13 and write the write data of the image formation conditions B0 to the storage device 13.

[0110] Fifth Embodiment In the first embodiment and the like, the user had to connect the user device 331 to the image forming apparatus 100. This work is required every time the process cartridge is replaced, which may be troublesome for the user. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, it is proposed to reduce the user's work related to rewriting image formation conditions by registering the user name and the image forming apparatus main body with the primary company 301 in advance.

[0111] Fig. 20 shows rewriting of image formation conditions in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 21 shows functions realized by the CPU 921 of the server 312 in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 22 shows functions realized by the CPU 1021 of the user device 331 in the fifth embodiment.

[0112] In S2001, account registration is performed between the user device 331 and the server 312. The registration request unit 2201 of the user device 331 accesses the server 312 and transmits the user's name (e.g., login ID and password) and the unique identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 owned by the user to the server 312. The account management unit 2101 of the server 312 associates the user's name with the unique identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 and writes the association to the storage device 922. Each time an image forming apparatus 100 owned by the user is added or deleted, the unique identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 associated with the user's name is updated. The unique identification information of two or more image forming apparatuses 100 may be associated with one user name. Furthermore, the ID number N and the unique identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 are also associated and stored in the storage device 922. The user is assumed to own a recycled process cartridge 10B to which image information Q of ID number N is attached.

[0113] In step S2002, the CPU 1021 of the user device 331 logs in to the server 312. The account management unit 2101 of the server 312 permits the login based on the user ID and password transmitted from the user device 331.

[0114] In step S2003, the CPU 1021 of the user device 331 reads the ID number N of the recycled process cartridge 10B. As described above, the code reader 1031 obtains the ID number N from the image information Q.

[0115] In S2004, the condition request unit 1601 of the user device 331 transmits a condition request accompanied by the ID number N to the server 312. The ID receiving unit 931 of the server 312 receives the condition request.

[0116] In S2005, the ID determination unit 932 of the server 312 determines the validity of the ID number N received from the user device 331. Here, it is assumed that the ID number N is determined to be valid.

[0117] In S2006, the CPU 921 of the server 312 transmits an instruction to the user device 331. This instruction is an instruction to request the user to install the recycled process cartridge 10B in the image forming apparatus 100 and turn on the power of the image forming apparatus 100. Upon receiving the instruction, the CPU 1021 of the user device 331 displays the content of the instruction on the display 1025.

[0118] In S2007, the user installs the recycled process cartridge 10B in the image forming apparatus 100 and turns on the power of the image forming apparatus 100. The condition receiving unit 1103 of the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the write data of the image formation condition B0 to be transmitted from the server 312. The condition receiving unit 1103 of the image forming apparatus 100 may also transmit a condition request including its own unique identification information to the server 312. This will allow the server 312 to recognize which image forming apparatuses 100 are active.

[0119] In step S2008, the search unit 2102 of the server 312 searches the storage device 922 based on the ID number N received from the user device 331, and identifies the image forming device 100 linked to the ID number N.

[0120] S2009 is executed when multiple image forming apparatuses 100 are found. In S2009, the selection request unit 2103 of the server 312 transmits a selection request for an image forming apparatus 100 to the user device 331. This selection request includes identification information of the multiple image forming apparatuses 100 found by the search unit 2102 and a message suggesting that the user select one of them. Based on the selection request, the selection unit 2203 of the user device 331 displays the identification information of the multiple image forming apparatuses 100 on the display 1025 and accepts selection of one of them via the touch sensor 1024. The selection unit 2203 transmits the identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 selected by the user to the server 312.

[0121] In S2010, the condition acquisition unit 933 of the server 312 acquires the write data of the image formation condition B0 linked to the ID number N from the storage device 922.

[0122] In S2011, the condition sending unit 934 of the server 312 sends the write data of the image formation conditions B0 and the write permission to the image forming apparatus 100 that is connected to the server 312 and selected by the user. The condition receiving unit 1103 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the write data of the image formation conditions B0 and the write permission from the server 312.

[0123] In S2012, the condition writing unit 1104 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines that writing of the write data to the storage device 13 is permitted based on the write permission.

[0124] In S2013, the condition writing unit 1104 of the image forming apparatus 100 rewrites the storage areas M2 and M3 of the storage device 13 based on the write data.

[0125] In step S2014, the completion notification unit 1105 of the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a completion notification indicating that writing of the image forming condition B0 to the storage device 13 has been completed to the server 312. The notification transfer unit 2104 of the server 312 receives the completion notification from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0126] In S2015, the notification transfer unit 2104 of the server 312 transfers the print-ready notification to the user device 331. The notification display unit 1034 of the user device 331 displays the print-ready notification on the display 1025. The print-ready notification may be transmitted from the server 312 to the image forming apparatus 100 and displayed on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0127] It should be noted that there may be cases where the image forming apparatus 100 is not selected by the user, or where the image forming conditions B0 linked to the ID number N do not exist, or where the image forming apparatus 100 linked to the ID number N cannot be found. In these cases, the write data and write permission for the image forming conditions B0 are not sent to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 does not rewrite the image forming conditions, and uses the image forming conditions stored in the memory area M1.

[0128] According to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first to fourth embodiments, the effect of reducing the workload on the user is also achieved. In S2001, account registration is performed between the user device 331 and the server 312, but this is merely an example. Account registration is performed between the image forming apparatus 100 and the server 312. In this case, it is sufficient for the image forming apparatus 100 to have an input device (e.g., a panel-type touch sensor) and a display device.

[0129] <Technical concepts derived from the embodiments> (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0130] The process cartridge 10 and its components are examples of consumables. The transfer roller 7 and the like are examples of image forming means. The CPU 401 is an example of control means. The storage device 13 is an example of a storage medium. The storage area M1 is an example of a first storage area. The storage area M2 is an example of a second storage area. Thus, according to item 1, because the second storage area stores the second image formation conditions, the quality of images formed by the image forming device 100 is maintained even when the consumables are remanufactured by the secondary company 302. Furthermore, because the second storage area stores the second image formation conditions suitable for the consumables, the image forming device is less likely to malfunction. Furthermore, because the first storage area stores the first image formation conditions for genuine products, the first image formation conditions can be used when the use of the second image formation conditions is not permitted. The first image formation conditions are image formation conditions for genuine products. Because the secondary company 302 remanufactures consumables with the aim of producing genuine products, the image formation conditions for the consumables are expected to be close to the first image formation conditions. Therefore, if permission to use the second image forming conditions is not obtained, the first image forming conditions will be used. (Item 2) a receiving unit for receiving the second image forming conditions from a server that stores the second image forming conditions linked to identification information associated with the remanufactured consumable; a writing unit that writes the second image forming condition into the second storage area; Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, further comprising:

[0131] The communication circuits 403 and 404 are an example of a receiving means. The communication circuit 405 is an example of a writing means. In this way, the consumables and the image forming conditions are linked through the identification information, so that the image forming conditions corresponding to the consumables are reliably written to the second storage area. The ID number N is an example of identification information. (Item 3) obtaining means for obtaining the identification information associated with the remanufactured consumable; a transmitting means for transmitting the identification information to the server; 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, further comprising:

[0132] The CPU 401 and the communication circuit 404 are an example of an acquiring unit. Note that an operation unit (touch panel sensor) or a barcode reader connected to the CPU 401 may function as the acquiring unit. The communication circuit 403 is an example of a transmitting unit. (Item 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the identification information through a user device that reads the identification information.

[0133] The identification information may be encoded in the image information Q (for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code). (Item 5) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is read by a user device and transmitted to the server by the user device.

[0134] In this way, the identification information may be transmitted from the user device 331 to the server 312. Even if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot directly communicate with the server 312, the server 312 can obtain the identification information. (Item 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5, wherein the receiving means receives the second image forming conditions from the server via the user device.

[0135] Even if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot directly communicate with the server 312, the image forming apparatus 100 can obtain the second image forming conditions. (Item 7) 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the transmission unit is configured to transmit the identification information to the server via a user device wirelessly connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0136] In this way, the identification information may be transmitted to the server 312 via the user device 331. Even if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot directly communicate with the server 312, the server 312 can obtain the identification information. (Item 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the receiving means is configured to receive the second image forming conditions from the server via a user device wirelessly connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0137] Even if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot directly communicate with the server 312, the image forming apparatus 100 can obtain the second image forming conditions. (Item 9) 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 5 to 8, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user device or the server when writing of the second image forming conditions to the second storage area is completed.

[0138] This will make it easier for the user to understand that the writing of the image formation conditions has been completed and printing is now possible. The completion notification may be transferred to the user device 331 via the server 312. (Item 10) the second image forming condition is transmitted from the server together with permission information; 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 9, wherein the permission information is information that permits the second image forming condition to be written to the second storage area.

[0139] In this way, explicit permission information may be transmitted together with the second image formation conditions. Note that the transmission of the second image formation conditions itself may be recognized as implicit permission to write. (Item 11) Item 11. The image forming apparatus according to item 10, wherein when the second image forming conditions or the permission information cannot be obtained from the server, the control unit applies the first image forming conditions to the image forming unit.

[0140] As a result, the first image forming conditions for genuine products are used. (Item 12) the storage medium further has a third storage area for storing information indicating which of the image formation conditions stored in the first storage area and the image formation conditions stored in the second storage area is valid; 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the control unit applies the first image forming conditions or the second image forming conditions to the image forming unit based on the information stored in the third storage area.

[0141] The memory area M3 is an example of a third memory area. When a first memory area and a second memory area exist, the control means must determine which one to use based on some information. According to item 12, the necessary information is stored in the third memory area, so the control means can make the determination based on some information. (Item 13) 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 12, wherein the second image forming condition is transmitted by the server when authentication processing based on the identification information associated with the consumable is successful.

[0142] The process of determining whether ID number N is stored in server 312 (eg, S809) is an example of authentication processing. (Item 14) An image forming device described in any one of items 2 to 13, wherein the identification information associated with the consumable is issued upon application to a first company that manufactures the image forming device by a second company that is responsible for the remanufacturing of the consumable.

[0143] The primary company 301 is an example of a first company. The secondary company 302 is an example of a second company. By collaborating with the first company and the second company in this way, the benefits to users can be increased. For example, even if the image forming device 100 uses a recycled process cartridge 10B manufactured by the secondary company 302, the image forming device 100 will be less likely to malfunction. (Item 15) Item 15. The image forming apparatus according to item 14, wherein the identification information includes company identification information for identifying the second company and distinction information for distinguishing the consumables.

[0144] Thus, the company identification information may serve to identify the second company. The differentiation information may facilitate distinguishing between multiple consumable products. (Item 16) Item 16. The image forming apparatus according to item 15, wherein the distinction information includes at least one of information for identifying individual consumables and information for identifying specifications of the consumables.

[0145] As described in the second embodiment, there may be multiple specifications for a consumable product. In this case, the information for identifying the specifications of the consumable product will be useful for distinguishing between the multiple specifications. (Item 17) 17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 16, wherein the identification information is imaged and attached to the exterior of the consumable or a packaging box of the consumable, or is packed in the packaging box together with the consumable.

[0146] In this way, identification information may be physically associated with the consumable product, which may allow the user to accurately obtain the identification information of the consumable product. (Item 18) 18. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the consumable item is a process cartridge including at least a developer and a container for accommodating the developer.

[0147] Since the developer is a critical consumable that affects the quality of the image, it is important that the image forming device 100 uses image forming conditions that are suitable for the developer procured by the secondary company 302. (Item 19) Item 19. The image forming apparatus according to item 18, wherein the process cartridge further includes at least one of a photosensitive member, a charging member that charges the photosensitive member, and a developing member that causes the developer to adhere to the photosensitive member to form a developer image.

[0148] The photosensitive member (for example, the photosensitive drum 1), the charging member (for example, the charging roller 2), and the developing member (for example, the developing roller 3, the developing blade 4, and the supply roller 5) are components that affect the quality of the image. (Item 20) the image forming means further includes a transfer member for transferring the developer image onto a sheet, and a fixing means for fixing the developer image onto the sheet, 20. The image forming apparatus according to item 19, wherein the first image forming conditions and the second image forming conditions include at least one of a charging voltage supplied to the charging member, an intensity of light irradiated to the photosensitive member, a developing voltage supplied to the developing member, a transfer voltage or a transfer current supplied to the transfer member, and a fixing temperature applied to the fixing unit.

[0149] The transfer member (for example, the transfer roller 7, the intermediate transfer member) and the fixing device 8 are also parts that affect the quality of the image. (Item 21) 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the second image forming conditions are stored in the second storage area by a company that remanufactures the consumables.

[0150] As explained in the fourth embodiment, the second image formation conditions may be written to the storage area M2 at the secondary company 302. This will reduce the workload on the user. (Item 22) 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, wherein the receiving unit receives the second image forming conditions from the server before forming an image on a first sheet using the consumable item.

[0151] In this way, the second image forming conditions may be written immediately after the consumable item is replaced. (Item 23) Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein, before forming an image on a first sheet using the consumable, the acquisition unit acquires the identification information associated with the remanufactured consumable, and the transmission unit transmits the identification information to the server.

[0152] In this way, immediately after the consumable is replaced, the identification information (an implicit request for the second image forming conditions) may be transmitted to the server. (Item 24) A consumable item for an image forming apparatus, a communication means for communicating with the image forming apparatus; a storage medium connected to the communication means, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming apparatus before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming apparatus; Consumables.

[0153] The contact 14 functions as a communication means. An antenna employed in place of the contact 14 is also an example of a communication means. (Item 25) A management system including an image forming apparatus and a server that manages consumables, the image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; and The server a storage means for storing the second image forming conditions; receiving means for receiving a request for the second image forming conditions from one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or a computer; a transmitting means for, when the receiving means receives the request, acquiring the second image forming condition from the storage means and transmitting the second image forming condition to the one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or the computer; The second storage area is configured to store the second image forming conditions transmitted from the server.

[0154] In this way, since the second image formation conditions are stored in the second storage area, the quality of images formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is maintained even when the consumables are remanufactured by the secondary company 302. Furthermore, since the second image formation conditions are stored in the second storage area, breakdowns in the image forming apparatus are less likely to occur. A request to write the image formation conditions B0 to the recycled process cartridge 10B may be sent from any of the PC 321, the user device 331, or the image forming apparatus 100. (Item 26) the storage unit stores the second image forming conditions in association with identification information, Item 26. The management system described in Item 25, wherein the transmitting means obtains from the storage means the second image forming conditions linked to the identification information accompanying the request received by the receiving means and transmits them to either the image forming apparatus or the user device.

[0155] In this way, the server 312 may have a database that links the image forming conditions B0 for the recycled process cartridge 10B with the secondary company 302 via identification information. Because the server 312 is managed by the primary company 301, it will be difficult for incorrect image forming conditions to be written to the storage device 13 of the recycled process cartridge 10B. (Item 27) The apparatus further includes an authentication unit that performs authentication processing based on the identification information associated with the request received by the receiving unit, Item 27. The management system described in item 26, wherein, when the authentication process is successful, the transmission means retrieves the second image forming conditions linked to the identification information from the storage means and transmits them to either the image forming apparatus or the user device.

[0156] The ID determination unit 932 functions as an authentication means for executing authentication processing based on the ID number N. (Item 28) the receiving means receives a sales application for the consumables transmitted from a remanufacturing company that remanufactures the consumables; the transmitting means transmits range information indicating a range of image forming conditions applicable to the image forming device to the remanufacturing company; the receiving means receives the second image forming conditions determined for the remanufactured consumables at the remanufacturing company; 26. The management system according to item 25, wherein the storage means stores the second image forming conditions received by the receiving means.

[0157] By constructing a system in this way that allows the secondary company 302 to apply for sales to the primary company 301, it becomes easier for the secondary company 302 and the primary company 301 to cooperate with each other. (Item 29) A server for managing consumables for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; and The server a storage means for storing the second image forming conditions; receiving means for receiving a request for the second image forming conditions from one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or a computer; a transmitting means for, when the receiving means receives the request, acquiring the second image forming condition from the storage means and transmitting the second image forming condition to the one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or the computer; The second storage area is configured to write the second image forming conditions transmitted from the server.

[0158] In this way, since the second image formation conditions are stored in the second storage area, the quality of the image formed by image forming device 100 is maintained even when the consumables are remanufactured by secondary company 302. Furthermore, since the second image formation conditions are stored in the second storage area, breakdowns in the image forming device are less likely to occur. (Item 30) A server for managing consumables for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; and The server receiving means for receiving identification information of the remanufactured consumable from one of the image forming device, a user device, or a computer; a determining unit that determines whether the second image forming condition should be written to the storage medium based on the identification information; a transmitting unit that transmits the second image forming conditions to the image forming apparatus when the determining unit determines that the second image forming conditions should be written to the storage medium, The second storage area is configured to write the second image forming conditions transmitted from the server.

[0159] Receiving the ID number N is an example of receiving identification information of a remanufactured consumable. The authentication process for the ID number N is an example of a process for determining whether the second image formation conditions should be written to the storage medium.

[0160] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 100: Image forming apparatus, 10: Process cartridge, 7: Transfer roller, 401: CPU, 13: Storage device, M1, M2: Storage area

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a receiving unit for receiving the second image forming conditions from a server that stores the second image forming conditions linked to identification information associated with the remanufactured consumable; a writing unit that writes the second image forming condition into the second storage area; The image forming apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. obtaining means for obtaining the identification information associated with the remanufactured consumable; a transmitting means for transmitting the identification information to the server; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the acquiring unit acquires the identification information through a user device that reads the identification information.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the identification information is read by a user device and transmitted to the server by the user device.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the receiving unit receives the second image forming conditions from the server via the user device.

7. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to transmit the identification information to the server via a user device wirelessly connected to the image forming apparatus.

8. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive the second image forming conditions from the server via a user device wirelessly connected to the image forming apparatus.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user device or the server when writing of the second image forming conditions into the second storage area is completed.

10. the second image forming condition is transmitted from the server together with permission information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the permission information is information that permits the second image forming condition to be written to the second storage area.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the second image forming condition or the permission information is not obtained from the server, the control unit applies the first image forming condition to the image forming unit.

12. the storage medium further has a third storage area for storing information indicating which of the image formation conditions stored in the first storage area and the image formation conditions stored in the second storage area is valid; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit applies the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition to the image forming unit based on the information stored in the third storage area.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second image forming condition is transmitted by the server when authentication processing based on the identification information associated with the consumable item is successful.

14. The image forming device according to claim 2 , wherein the identification information associated with the consumable is issued upon application to a first company that manufactures the image forming device by a second company that is responsible for the remanufacturing of the consumable.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the identification information includes company identification information for identifying the second company and identification information for distinguishing the consumable product.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the distinction information includes at least one of information for identifying each individual consumable item and information for identifying a specification of the consumable item.

17. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is converted into an image and attached to an exterior of the consumable or a packaging box of the consumable, or is packed in the packaging box together with the consumable.

18. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumable item is a process cartridge including at least a developer and a container for accommodating the developer.

19. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the process cartridge further includes at least one of a photosensitive member, a charging member for charging the photosensitive member, a developing member for forming a developer image by attaching the developer to the photosensitive member, and a transfer member for transferring the developer image to a sheet.

20. the image forming unit further includes a fixing unit for fixing the developer image onto the sheet, 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the first image forming conditions and the second image forming conditions include at least one of a charging voltage supplied to the charging member, an intensity of light irradiated to the photosensitive member, a developing voltage supplied to the developing member, a transfer voltage or transfer current supplied to the transfer member, and a fixing temperature applied to the fixing means.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second image forming condition is stored in the second storage area by a company that remanufactures the consumable product.

22. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving unit receives the second image forming conditions from the server before forming an image on a first sheet using the consumable item.

23. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein before forming an image on a first sheet using the consumable, the acquisition means acquires the identification information associated with the remanufactured consumable, and the transmission means transmits the identification information to the server.

24. A consumable item for an image forming apparatus, a communication means for communicating with the image forming apparatus; a storage medium connected to the communication means, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming apparatus before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming apparatus; Consumables.

25. A management system including an image forming apparatus and a server that manages consumables, the image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; and The server a storage means for storing the second image forming conditions; receiving means for receiving a request for the second image forming conditions from one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or a computer; a transmitting means for, when the receiving means receives the request, acquiring the second image forming condition from the storage means and transmitting the second image forming condition to the one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or the computer; The second storage area is configured to store the second image forming conditions transmitted from the server.

26. the storage unit stores the second image forming conditions in association with identification information, The management system described in claim 25, wherein the transmitting means obtains from the storage means the second image forming conditions linked to the identification information accompanying the request received by the receiving means and transmits the second image forming conditions to either the image forming apparatus or the user device.

27. The apparatus further includes an authentication unit that performs authentication processing based on the identification information associated with the request received by the receiving unit, 27. The management system according to claim 26, wherein, when the authentication process is successful, the transmission means obtains the second image forming conditions linked to the identification information from the storage means and transmits the second image forming conditions to either the image forming apparatus or the user device.

28. the receiving means receives a sales application for the consumables transmitted from a remanufacturing company that remanufactures the consumables; the transmitting means transmits range information indicating a range of image forming conditions applicable to the image forming device to the remanufacturing company; the receiving means receives the second image forming conditions determined for the remanufactured consumables at the remanufacturing company; 26. The management system according to claim 25, wherein the storage means stores the second image forming conditions received by the receiving means.

29. A server for managing consumables for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; and The server a storage means for storing the second image forming conditions; receiving means for receiving a request for the second image forming conditions from one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or a computer; a transmitting means for, when the receiving means receives the request, acquiring the second image forming condition from the storage means and transmitting the second image forming condition to the one of the image forming apparatus, the user device, or the computer; The second storage area is configured to write the second image forming conditions transmitted from the server.

30. A server for managing consumables for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, Consumables that are detachable from the image forming apparatus; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the consumable; a control unit that controls the image forming unit using image forming conditions read from a storage medium provided in the consumable item, The storage medium is a first storage area for storing a first image forming condition to be applied to the image forming means before the consumable is remanufactured; a second storage area for storing second image forming conditions that are written when the consumable is remanufactured and that are applied to the image forming means; and The server receiving means for receiving identification information of the remanufactured consumable from one of the image forming device, a user device, or a computer; a determining unit that determines whether the second image forming condition should be written to the storage medium based on the identification information; a transmitting unit that transmits the second image forming conditions to the image forming apparatus when the determining unit determines that the second image forming conditions should be written to the storage medium, The second storage area is configured to write the second image forming conditions transmitted from the server.

Images