Cartridge for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique for appropriately managing information stored in a storage device of a recycled component unit.SOLUTION: A configuration unit configured to be attachable / detachable to / from a main body of an image forming apparatus includes one or more members and a storage means for storing information about the configuration unit, and the storage means has a first area and a second area configured so that restrictions on update of the information are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural unit of an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses expose a charged photoreceptor to light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor, and then develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer (toner) to form an image (toner image) on the photoreceptor. The image forming apparatus then forms an image on a sheet by directly transferring the image formed on the photoreceptor to a sheet such as recording paper, or by transferring it to the sheet via an intermediate transfer body such as an intermediate transfer belt. Image forming apparatuses may also be configured to allow replacement of components, such as photoreceptors, which have a shorter lifespan than the main body of the image forming apparatus. In other words, image forming apparatuses may be configured so that certain components are detachable from the main body. Note that components also include consumables such as toner and toner containers that contain toner. Furthermore, components may also include a single housing containing multiple components, such as a toner container and a photoreceptor. This housing is called, for example, a cartridge, and the cartridge may be configured so that it is detachable from the main body.

[0003] In recent years, recycling of component units, such as cartridges, has been practiced. Patent Document 1 discloses that each component of a used cartridge is cleaned, repaired or replaced as necessary, and further refilled with toner, before being reused. Furthermore, a storage device is provided in the cartridge of an image forming device, and information such as the remaining amount of toner and the lifespan of the photosensitive drum is stored and managed in this storage device. Patent Document 2 discloses updating the information stored in the storage device of a recycled cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-331539 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-98564 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a recycled component unit is attached to the main body and begins to be used, if the information stored in the memory device of the component unit has not been properly updated, the image forming device will obtain incorrect information about the component unit.

[0006] The present invention provides a technique for appropriately managing information stored in the storage devices of recycled configuration units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a constituent unit configured to be detachable from the main body of an image forming device comprises one or more components and a memory means for storing information about the constituent unit, and the memory means is characterized in having a first area and a second area configured so that the restrictions on updating the information are different from each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately manage information stored in the storage devices of recycled configuration units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a storage device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an illustration of information stored in a storage device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart of a usage information update process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a reset process according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a processing device that performs a reset process according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an illustration of information stored in a storage device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a reset process according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a reset process according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a usage information update process according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a process that enables an image forming apparatus to perform a reset process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Photoconductor 1 is an image carrier, and is rotated in the direction of arrow A during image formation. Charging roller 2, a charging device, charges the surface of photoconductor 1 by outputting a charging voltage. Exposure device 3 exposes the charged photoconductor 1 to light based on image data of the image to be formed, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on photoconductor 1. Development roller 5, a developing device, outputs a development voltage to develop the electrostatic latent image on photoconductor 1 with toner, thereby forming an image (toner image) on photoconductor 1. The toner is contained in toner container 4.

[0012] The cassette 11 contains a sheet P. During image formation, the sheet P contained in the cassette 11 is transported along a transport path to a position facing the photosensitive member 1. The transfer roller 9 outputs a transfer voltage to transfer the image on the photosensitive member 1 onto the sheet P. The cleaning unit 7 removes and collects toner from the photosensitive member 1 that has not been transferred to the sheet P and remains on the photosensitive member 1. The fixing device 8 has a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82, and fixes the image on the sheet P by heating and pressurizing the sheet P. After the image is fixed, the sheet P is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 100. The engine control unit 102 controls each component shown in FIG. 1 to form an image on the sheet P.

[0013] The process cartridge 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cartridge 10) includes a photosensitive member 1, a charging roller 2, a toner container 4, a developing roller 5, and a cleaning unit 7. The toner container 4 contains toner. The cartridge 10 is a constituent unit of the image forming apparatus 100 that is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The cartridge 10 further includes a storage device M. The storage device M stores information about the cartridge 10 itself and information about the components contained in the cartridge 10, such as the photosensitive member 1 and toner. The information stored in the storage device M will be described later.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that FIG. 2 shows only parts necessary for explaining the present disclosure, and parts not necessary for explaining the present disclosure are omitted. The main body 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller 101 and an engine control unit 102. The controller 101 includes a control unit 28 including one or more processors, memories, etc., and a user interface (IF) 27 through which a user operates the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 28 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The user IF 27 functions as a reception unit that receives commands and setting values ​​input by a user to the image forming apparatus 100, i.e., an input interface. Furthermore, the user IF 27 functions as a notification unit that presents and notifies the user of necessary information, i.e., an output interface.

[0015] 1 under the control of the controller 101, the CPU 104 of the engine control unit 102 controls the components shown in FIG. 1 to form an image on a sheet P. The memory 108 includes, for example, a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory, and stores programs executed by the CPU 104 and various data used by the CPU 104 for control. The communication unit 109 is configured to be able to communicate with the access control unit M1 of the storage device M provided in the cartridge 10 when the cartridge 10 is attached to the main body 103. For example, the communication unit 109 has one or more external contacts. The storage device M also has external contacts corresponding to the external contacts of the communication unit 109. FIG. 3 shows a case where the storage device M has two external contacts S. When the cartridge 10 is attached to the main body 103, one or more external contacts of the communication unit 109 are electrically connected to the corresponding external contacts S of the storage device M. The communication unit 109 and the access control unit M1 transmit and receive data / commands via this electrical connection.

[0016] The memory unit M2 of the memory device M is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The access control unit M1 may include, for example, a ROM that stores a program and a processor that executes the program. The access control unit M1 writes information (data) to the memory unit M2 and reads information from the memory unit M2 based on instructions from the communication unit 109. For example, when the communication unit 109 instructs the access control unit M1 to read data stored at a specific address in the memory unit M2, the access control unit M1 reads the data stored at that address in the memory unit M2 and notifies the communication unit 109. Also, when the communication unit 109 notifies the access control unit M1 of data to be stored at a specific address in the memory unit M2, the access control unit M1 writes the data to the address in the memory unit M2. In this way, the communication unit 109 functions as an access unit that accesses the memory device M and reads and updates the information stored in the memory device M under the control of the CPU 104.

[0017] The control unit 28 is configured to be able to communicate with a host computer 110 external to the image forming apparatus 100 via a network. When the control unit 28 receives image data together with an image formation instruction from the host computer 110, it instructs the engine control unit 102 to form an image based on the image data.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage area of ​​the storage unit M2 according to this embodiment. The storage unit M2 stores various information related to the cartridge 10. In this embodiment, the information stored in the cartridge 10 is classified into four attributes. The storage area of ​​the storage unit M2 is divided into four areas corresponding to the attributes: an RO area, an OW area, a RW area, and a WO area. The RO (Read Only) area is an area where updating of data (information) is prohibited. The OW (One Way) area is an area where updates are only allowed to increase or decrease values. The RW (Read Write) area is an area where updates can be made to any value. The WO (Write Once) area is an area where data can be updated only once. In this way, the storage device M is configured so that information stored in the OW and WO areas can be updated within certain limits. The storage device M is also configured so that information stored in the RO area cannot be updated. On the other hand, the storage device M is configured so that updates to information in the RW area are not restricted and can be updated to any value.

[0019] The restrictions on data updates in each area are implemented by the access control unit M1. That is, the processor of the access control unit M1 prohibits data updates in the RO area by executing a program in the ROM. The access control unit M1 also permits data updates in the WO area only once, and prohibits subsequent data updates once the data has been updated. Furthermore, even if the communication unit 109 instructs data updates in the OW area, the access control unit M1 prohibits the data updates if the updated data value violates the restrictions on data updates in the OW area.

[0020] 4, the RO area stores information that does not need to be changed, such as the manufacturing date and serial number of the cartridge 10, that is specific to each individual cartridge 10. Note that the attributes of such information that does not need to be changed are referred to as RO attributes.

[0021] The OW area stores usage information relating to the usage status of each component of the cartridge 10. Usage information is information whose value only increases or decreases depending on the usage of the cartridge 10, such as the remaining amount of toner, the usage amount of the photosensitive element 1 or the developing roller 5 (evaluated, for example, by the cumulative number of rotations or the cumulative number of sheets P on which images have been formed), etc. Note that the attribute of such information whose value only increases or decreases is referred to as the OW attribute.

[0022] The RW area stores the same information as the OW area, i.e., usage information. However, in this embodiment, the RW area is an area used after recycling. In other words, the usage information is information whose value only increases or decreases depending on the use of the cartridge 10, but when recycling, the value needs to be updated in the opposite direction to when it was used. For this reason, in this embodiment, the usage information of the OW area is used when the cartridge 10 is used for the first time, and after recycling, the usage information of the RW area is used instead of the OW area.

[0023] The WO area stores reuse identification information I. The initial value of the reuse identification information I is 0, and this information can be rewritten once to a value different from 0. In this embodiment, reuse identification information I of 0 indicates that the cartridge 10 is being used for the first time (brand new), and reuse identification information I of a value different from 0 indicates that the cartridge 10 has been recycled (a recycled product). In the following description, it is assumed that the value of reuse identification information I, which indicates a recycled product, is 1.

[0024] 4 are stored in each area of ​​the storage unit M2 at the time of production and shipping. Note that information regarding the initial values ​​of the usage information is assumed to be known in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the initial values ​​of the usage information are assumed to be stored in the memory 108 or the RO area of ​​the storage unit M2.

[0025] 5 is a flowchart of a process for updating the usage information of the storage unit M2 in response to changes in the usage status of each component of the cartridge 10. In S10, the CPU 104 reads the reuse identification information I from the storage unit M2 and determines whether the reuse identification information I is 0. If the reuse identification information I is 0, the cartridge 10 is new, and therefore the CPU 104 updates the usage information of the OW area in S11. On the other hand, if the reuse identification information I is 1, the cartridge 10 is a recycled product, and therefore the CPU 104 updates the usage information of the RW area in S12. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the usage information of the OW area or the RW area is stored in the memory 108 in response to the value of the reuse identification information, thereby updating the usage information of the memory 108, and the usage information of the memory 108 is written to the OW area or the RW area at any timing.

[0026] Next, an initialization process (hereinafter referred to as a reset process) performed to use a recycled cartridge 10 in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The reset process is a process for updating information stored in the memory unit M2 to appropriate information when starting use in the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the reset process is executed by the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, when installing a recycled cartridge 10 in the main body unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 and starting use, the user inputs a reset command to the image forming apparatus 100 by operating the user IF 27. In response to the reset command, the CPU 104 starts the process of FIG. 6.

[0027] In S20, the CPU 104 reads the reuse identification information I from the storage unit M2 and determines whether the reuse identification information I is 0. If I is 0, this indicates that the cartridge is being recycled for the first time. In this case, in S21, the CPU 104 determines whether the RW area is set to its initial value. Because the information in the RW area is not updated during initial use, the information in the RW area should remain at its initial value. Therefore, if the information in the RW area is not set to its initial value, the CPU 104 determines that there is some abnormality in the information in the storage unit M2 and terminates the processing of FIG. 6. At this time, the CPU 104 displays on the user IF 27 that there is an abnormality in the information in the storage device M. If the information in the RW area is set to its initial value, the CPU 104 determines in S22 whether the information in the OW area is set to its initial value. If the reuse identification information I is 0 and the information in both the RW area and the OW area is set to its initial value, this indicates that the cartridge 10 is likely a brand new, unused product rather than a recycled product. Therefore, if the information in the OW area is set to its initial value in S22, the CPU 104 terminates the processing of FIG. 6. At this time, the CPU 104 displays on the user IF 27 that the cartridge 10 may be a new, unused cartridge. On the other hand, if the information in the OW area is not the initial value in S22, the CPU 104 updates the reuse identification information I to 1 in S23.

[0028] If the reuse identification information I is 1 in S20, the CPU 104 determines in S24 whether the information in the OW area is the initial value. The reuse identification information I being 1 means that the cartridge 10 has been used at least once in the image forming apparatus 100 as a recycled product. Therefore, the information in the OW area should have been updated from its initial value. Therefore, if the information in the OW area is the initial value, the CPU 104 determines that there is some abnormality in the information in the storage unit M2 and terminates the processing of FIG. 6. At this time, the CPU 104 displays on the user IF 27 that there is an abnormality in the information in the storage device M. If the information in the OW area is not the initial value, the CPU 104 determines in S25 whether the information in the RW area is the initial value. Since the processing of S25 is performed on a cartridge 10 that has been used at least once in the image forming apparatus 100 as a recycled product, the information in the RW area should normally have been changed from its initial value. Furthermore, by recycling, the components inside the cartridge 10 are refilled with toner, etc., and are made reusable. Therefore, if the information in the RW area is not the initial value, the CPU 104 sets the initial value in the RW area in S26 and ends the processing in FIG. 6. At this time, the CPU 104 displays, for example, that the reset processing has been completed successfully. On the other hand, if the information in the RW area is the initial value, the CPU 104 determines that the reset processing has already been performed on the cartridge 10 and ends the processing in FIG. 6. At this time, the CPU 104 displays, for example, on the user IF 27, that the reset processing has been completed.

[0029] The above reset process makes it possible to properly set the information stored in the memory unit M2 of the recycled cartridge 10. Note that the process in Fig. 6 is an example, and it is also possible to configure the process to skip one or more of S21, S22, S24, and S25, for example.

[0030] <Transformation> In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the reset process. In this case, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 performs the reset process when starting to use the recycled cartridge 10. However, it is also preferable that the recycling company performs the reset process so that the user of the image forming apparatus 100 does not need to perform the reset process. For this reason, a dedicated processing device can be used instead of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 7(A), the processing device R has contacts V corresponding to the contacts S of the storage device M. As shown in Fig. 7(B), the contacts V of the reset processing device R are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts S of the storage device M. Then, the reset processing device R executes the reset process via this electrical connection according to the flowchart of Fig. 6.

[0032] Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, if the reuse identification information I is 0, the usage information stored in the OW area is updated, and if the reuse identification information I is not 0, the usage information stored in the RW area is updated. Furthermore, in the reset process, all usage information in the RW area is reset to its initial value. This is because it is assumed that the state of each component of the cartridge 10 will be maintained / replenished to a state corresponding to the initial value during recycling. However, the lifespan, etc., of each component of the cartridge 10 may vary from component to component. Therefore, for example, in the first recycling, only toner may be replenished, without maintenance of the photoconductor 1 or the developing roller 5. In the second recycling, only toner may be replenished and the photoconductor 1 may be maintained, without maintenance of the developing roller 5. In such cases, it is not possible to reset all usage information in the RW area to its initial value during the reset process. Therefore, there may be some components for which usage information in the WO area must be used, even if the component is recycled. This embodiment enables appropriate management of usage information even when not all components for which usage information is managed are replenished / maintained during recycling.

[0033] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the storage areas of the storage unit M2 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the usage information stored in the OW and RW areas includes the remaining toner amount, the usage amount of the photoconductor 1, and the usage amount of the developing roller 5. The remaining toner amount is information whose value decreases with use. On the other hand, the usage amount of the photoconductor 1 and the usage amount of the developing roller 5 are information whose values ​​increase with use. In this way, the OW area can contain multiple types of usage information whose values ​​increase or decrease in different directions with use. Note that in FIG. 8, the usage amounts of the photoconductor 1 and the developing roller 5 are displayed as percentages of the upper usage limit set as the lifespan. However, other evaluation values ​​such as the number of sheets on which images have been formed or the total number of rotations can also be used as usage amounts. In this embodiment, reuse identification information is provided corresponding to each piece of usage information. Specifically, reuse identification information I1 corresponds to the remaining toner amount, reuse identification information I2 corresponds to the usage amount of the photoconductor 1, and reuse identification information I3 corresponds to the usage amount of the developing roller 5. In this embodiment, a reuse counter C is managed as OW attribute information.

[0034] If the reuse identification information I1 is 0, the CPU 104 updates the OW area for the remaining toner amount, and if the reuse identification information I1 is 1, the CPU 104 updates the RW area for the remaining toner amount. If the reuse identification information I2 is 0, the CPU 104 updates the OW area for the usage amount of the photoconductor 1, and if the reuse identification information I2 is 1, the CPU 104 updates the RW area for the usage amount of the photoconductor 1. If the reuse identification information I3 is 0, the CPU 104 updates the OW area for the usage amount of the developing roller 5, and if the reuse identification information I3 is 1, the CPU 104 updates the RW area for the usage amount of the developing roller 5.

[0035] The reset process of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the target material is specified. For example, if only toner is replenished through recycling, the user inputs a reset command specifying toner as the target material to the image forming apparatus 100 via the user IF 27. In this case, the reuse identification information I in the process of FIG. 6 becomes reuse identification information I1, and the RW area and OW area become the remaining toner amounts in the RW area and the OW area. Also, if toner is replenished and maintenance of the photoconductor 1 is performed through recycling, the user inputs a reset command specifying toner and the photoconductor 1 as the target material to the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the CPU 104 performs the process of FIG. 6 in which the target material is toner and the process of FIG. 6 in which the target material is the photoconductor 1. If the target material is the photoconductor 1, the reuse identification information I in the process of FIG. 6 becomes reuse identification information I2, and the RW area and OW area become the usage amount of the photoconductor 1 in the RW area and the usage amount of the photoconductor 1 in the OW area. The CPU 104 records the number of times the reset command is input (the number of times the reset process is performed) as a reuse counter C.

[0036] With the above configuration, even if all components for which usage information is managed are not replenished / maintained due to recycling, the information stored in the memory unit M2 of the cartridge 10 can be properly set. Also, the number of times the cartridge has been recycled can be managed by the reuse counter C. Note that the management of the reuse counter C can also be applied to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0037] Third Embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiments. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the reset process according to this embodiment. Note that the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing steps as those in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 6, and their description will be omitted.

[0038] In this embodiment, if the OW area is not the initial value in S22, it is determined in S30 whether the remaining toner amount value stored in the OW area is less than a threshold. If the amount of toner remaining is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is possible that a reset command was mistakenly issued when a new cartridge 10 was installed in the main body 103. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 104 determines in S32 to display on the user IF 27 that toner remains and to display a message prompting the user to input whether or not to continue the reset process. If the user inputs an input to stop the reset process in response to the display, the CPU 104 ends the processing of FIG. 9 without performing the processing of S23. On the other hand, if the user inputs an input to continue the reset process, the CPU 104 updates the reuse identification information I in S23.

[0039] Similarly, if the RW area is not set to the initial value in S25, the CPU 104 determines in S31 whether the remaining toner amount stored in the RW area is less than a threshold value. If the amount of toner remaining is equal to or greater than the threshold value, there is a possibility that a reset command was entered by mistake. Therefore, in S32, the CPU 104 displays on the user IF 27 that toner remains and prompts the user to input whether or not to continue the reset process. If the user inputs an input to stop the reset process, the CPU 104 ends the processing of FIG. 9 without performing the processing of S26. On the other hand, if the user inputs an input to continue the reset process, the CPU 104 sets the RW area to the initial value in S26.

[0040] As described above, if it is determined based on the value of the usage information that the reset command may have been issued due to an operational error, the user is notified of the possibility of an operational error and prompted to input whether or not to continue the reset process. This configuration prevents information on the storage device M from being updated due to an operational error. In S32, the value of the usage information, in this example, the remaining toner amount itself, can also be displayed. The usage information used to determine the possibility of an operational error is not limited to the remaining toner amount. Because usage information indicates the usage status of a component, if there is usage information indicating insufficient usage, the user can be notified of the possibility of an operational error and prompted to input whether or not to continue the reset process. Therefore, this embodiment can also be applied to the configuration of the second embodiment. For example, when performing a reset process on the photoconductor 1, if the usage amount of the photoconductor 1 is less than a threshold, the user can be notified of the possibility of an operational error and prompted to input whether or not to continue the reset process. Furthermore, to prevent operational errors, the process of S32 can always be executed to prompt the user to input whether or not to continue the reset process.

[0041] <Fourth embodiment> Next, the fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, after the reset process is executed, the value of the usage information of the RW area of ​​the storage device M can be restored to the value before the reset.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the reset process according to this embodiment. When a reset command is input in S40, the CPU 104 stores the usage information stored in the RW area in the memory 108 of the engine control unit 102 in S41. In S42, the CPU 104 determines whether the reusable identification information I is 0. If the reusable identification information I is 0, the CPU 104 performs the processes of S21 to S23 in FIG. 6 and ends the process of FIG. 10. On the other hand, if the reusable identification information I is 1, the CPU 104 performs the processes of S24 to S26 in FIG. 6 in S43. Next, in S44, the CPU displays on the user IF 27 a message prompting the user to input whether or not to restore the information in the storage device M. When the user instructs the restoration of the information in the storage device M, the CPU 104 stores the usage information stored in the memory 108 in the RW area of ​​the storage unit M2 in S45. On the other hand, if the user does not instruct the restoration of the information in the storage device M, the CPU 104 erases the information stored in the memory 108 and ends the processing of FIG.

[0043] 6, and before performing the process of S23, the CPU 104 can be configured to display on the user IF 27 a message prompting the user to input whether or not to restore the information on the storage device M. In this case, if the user does not instruct the restoration of the information on the storage device M, the CPU 104 performs the process of S23 in Fig. 6, that is, the process of changing the reusable identification information I to 1. On the other hand, if the user instructs the restoration of the information on the storage device M, the CPU 104 skips the process of S23 in Fig. 6, that is, ends the process of Fig. 10 without updating the reusable identification information I.

[0044] Fifth Embodiment Next, the fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, usage information stored in the OW area is protected by verification information, such as a message authentication code (MAC), that can verify the authenticity of the usage information, i.e., that the usage information has not been tampered with. Therefore, in addition to the usage information, a MAC corresponding to the usage information is stored in the storage device M in association with the usage information. The area in which the MAC is stored is the RW area. FIG. 11 is a control configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The difference from the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is that the engine control unit 102 is provided with a verification unit 132. The verification unit 132 has a key for generating and verifying the MAC. The key is generated using a predetermined algorithm based on unique information stored in the RO area of ​​the storage unit M2—in this embodiment, the manufacturing date and serial number.

[0045] When updating usage information in the OW area, the CPU 104 reads the usage information before the update and the MAC of the usage information, and has the verification unit 132 verify the usage information. The verification unit 132 verifies the MAC using the usage information and the key it holds, and notifies the CPU 104 whether the verification is successful or unsuccessful. If the verification is successful, the CPU 104 notifies the verification unit 132 of the updated usage information and receives the MAC corresponding to the updated usage information from the verification unit 132. The CPU 104 then records the updated usage information in the OW area and records the corresponding MAC in the RW area. On the other hand, if the verification is unsuccessful, the CPU 104 notifies the user IF 27 of a verification error.

[0046] In this embodiment, when updating the usage information in the OW area of ​​the storage device M in response to the use of the cartridge 10, the processing of FIG. 12 is performed in S11 of FIG. 5. First, the CPU 104 reads the unique information from the RO area in S50, and determines in S51 whether it matches the unique information stored in the memory 108. If they do not match, the CPU 104 notifies the verification unit 132 of the unique information read from the RO area, causing it to generate a key for the inserted cartridge 10. The CPU 104 also updates the unique information stored in the memory 108 with the unique information read from the RO area. On the other hand, if the unique information read from the RO area matches the unique information stored in the memory 108, the verification unit 132 skips the processing of S52 because it has already generated and is holding a key for the inserted cartridge 10. In S53, the CPU 104 reads the usage information to be updated and the MAC of the usage information, causes the verification unit 132 to verify them, and receives the verification result from the verification unit 132 in S54. If the verification is successful, the CPU 104 updates the usage information and MAC in the OW area as described above in S55. The MAC corresponding to the updated usage information is generated by the verification unit 132. On the other hand, if the verification is unsuccessful, the CPU 104 displays a verification error on the user IF 27 in S56 as described above.

[0047] As described above, by adding verification information to the usage information stored in the OW area, devices that can update the usage information in the OW area are limited to devices that have the same function as the verification unit 132. This configuration makes it possible to ensure that the usage information is updated in accordance with the OW attribute. Note that, although MAC is used as verification information in this embodiment, any verification information that can detect tampering with the usage information can be used.

[0048] While the present embodiment applies MAC to the OW area, it is also possible to apply MAC to at least one or both of the RO and WO areas. For example, the storage device M in the first to fourth embodiments includes an access controller M1, which implements data update restrictions based on the attributes of each area in the storage unit M2. However, a case may arise in which the access controller M1 is not included and the communication unit 109 directly writes and reads data to and from the storage unit M2. In this case, the data update restrictions for each area in the storage unit M2 are implemented by a function on the image forming apparatus 100 side. In other words, the storage device M itself does not have the function of implementing data update restrictions based on the attributes of each area in the storage unit M2. However, by protecting the RW area, i.e., areas other than those without data update restrictions, with MAC, devices that can update information in those areas are limited to devices with the same functionality as the verification unit 132. This configuration ensures that the information in those areas complies with the data update restrictions for those areas.

[0049] Sixth Embodiment For example, if a reset process is performed erroneously while using a new cartridge 10, the image forming apparatus 100 will recognize the cartridge 10 as a recycled product. Furthermore, after the reset process, the usage information in the RW area is used instead of the usage information in the OW area. However, the usage information in the RW area does not indicate the actual usage status of the currently used components, resulting in a discrepancy between the usage status indicated by the usage information and the actual usage status. Similarly, if a reset process is performed erroneously while using a recycled cartridge 10, the usage information is initialized, resulting in a discrepancy between the usage status indicated by the usage information and the actual usage status. Therefore, it is preferable to impose some kind of restriction on the execution of the reset process. In this embodiment, execution permission information indicating whether the reset process can be executed is stored in the memory 108. When a reset command is input, the CPU 104 determines whether the execution permission information indicates that the reset process is executable. If the execution permission information indicates that the reset process is executable, the CPU 104 executes the reset process. However, if the execution permission information indicates that the reset process is not executable, the CPU 104 displays a message on the user IF 27 indicating that the reset process is not permitted and does not execute the reset process. The initial value of the executability information is "unexecutable."

[0050] The following describes the process in this embodiment for changing the executability information to executable. First, a public key is stored in memory 108 of image forming apparatus 100. A server device on the network stores reset information for image forming apparatus 100 that is permitted to perform a reset process, along with a digital signature for the reset information. The reset information for image forming apparatus 100 includes identification information such as the serial number of the image forming apparatus 100. The digital signature is generated using a private key corresponding to the public key stored in memory of image forming apparatus 100.

[0051] The server device may be connected to a network within the organization that owns the image forming device 100, or may be connected to the Internet. The reset information and the digital signature of the reset information are generated and provided by the manufacturer of the image forming device 100 in response to a request from the organization that owns the image forming device 100, for example.

[0052] 13 is a flowchart of the process for changing the execution permission information to resettable. In S60, a user of image forming apparatus 100 who has the authority to access the server (hereinafter referred to as a specific user) uses host computer 110 to obtain reset information and a digital signature for the reset information, and transmits them to image forming apparatus 100.

[0053] CPU 104 verifies whether the reset information has been tampered with, based on the public key and digital signature stored in memory 108. CPU 104 also determines whether the identification information stored in the reset information matches the identification information of its own device. If the reset information has not been tampered with and the identification information stored in the reset information matches the identification information of its own device, CPU 104 determines in S62 that the verification is successful; otherwise, it determines that the verification is unsuccessful. If the verification is successful, CPU 104 changes the executability information to executable in S63. On the other hand, if the verification is unsuccessful, CPU 104 leaves the executability information as unexecutable in S64. After changing the executability information to executable, the specific user can cause image forming apparatus 100 to execute the reset process.

[0054] When the execution permission information is set to "executable," the execution permission information can be maintained until a specific user inputs an instruction to change the information to "unexecutable." Also, when a specific user executes a reset process, the execution permission information can be automatically changed to "unexecutable" after the reset process is executed.

[0055] The above configuration can prevent the reset process from being performed due to an erroneous operation. Note that the verification of the legitimacy of the reset information is not limited to using a digital signature, and other verification methods can be used that can verify that the reset information was generated by the manufacturer of image forming device 100. Note that, although in this embodiment, a public key is stored in the image forming device and a digital signature is generated using a private key, it is also possible to store a private key in the image forming device and generate a digital signature using a public key.

[0056] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0057] 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]

[0058] 103: Main body, 109: Communication unit, 104: CPU, 10: Cartridge, M: Storage device

Claims

1. A structural unit configured to be detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus, one or more members; a storage means for storing information about the constituent units; Equipped with A structural unit, wherein the storage means has a first area and a second area configured so that restrictions on updating the information are different from each other.

2. the first area is configured to be updatable only to increase or decrease the value indicated by the information, 2. The configuration unit according to claim 1, wherein the second area is configured so that there is no restriction on updating the information.

3. The structural unit described in claim 2, characterized in that the first area stores multiple pieces of information about the structural unit, and the direction in which the values ​​indicated by the multiple pieces of information can be increased or decreased can be made different for each of the multiple pieces of information.

4. The structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the storage means further has a third area configured so that restrictions on updating the information are different from those of the first area and the second area.

5. 5. The configuration unit according to claim 4, wherein the third area is configured so that the information can be updated only once.

6. The structural unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the storage means further has a fourth area configured so that restrictions on updating the information are different from those of the first area, the second area, and the third area.

7. 7. The structural unit according to claim 6, wherein the fourth area is configured so that the information cannot be updated.

8. 8. The structural unit according to claim 6, wherein the fourth area is an area in which unique information of the structural unit is stored.

9. 9. The structural unit according to claim 4, wherein the third area is an area in which information indicating whether the structural unit is a recycled product is stored.

10. A structural unit described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first area and the second area are areas in which usage information indicating the usage status of at least one of the one or more components is stored.

11. 11. The structural unit according to claim 10, wherein the usage information stored in the first area and the second area indicates the usage state of the same component.

12. the one or more members include at least one of a photoreceptor, an exposure device for exposing the photoreceptor, a development device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with toner, and the toner; 12. A structural unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the usage information indicating the usage status of the at least one component includes at least one of the usage amount of the photosensitive member, the usage amount of the exposure device, and the remaining amount of the toner.

13. the one or more members include a first member and a second member; the first area and the second area store first usage information indicating a usage state of the first member and second usage information indicating a usage state of the second member; A structural unit described in any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the third area stores first information indicating whether the first component is a recycled product or not, and second information indicating whether the second component is a recycled product or not.

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