Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To enable users to easily transition from their current imaging apparatus to the imaging apparatus they plan to use in its place. [Solution] The image forming apparatus (1) comprises a main body housing (10) to which a USB memory (M1) can be physically connected from the outside, and a controller (61). When the controller (61) determines that the toner type information in the toner memory (42) represents a dedicated cartridge, and the new product flag represents an old product, it performs a storage process to store the toner ID in the USB memory (M1) in order to allow the use of the toner cartridge (4) in another image forming apparatus (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a flat-rate printing service has been widely provided to users who use image forming apparatuses. The flat-rate printing service, also called a subscription service, is a service that can be subscribed to for each image forming apparatus. For example, in an image forming apparatus that is a contracted machine for which a contract regarding the use of the flat-rate printing service has been concluded, printing is permitted at a fixed usage fee up to a preset number of sheets during a preset period.

[0003] Generally, when using the flat-rate printing service, the service provider often designates that contract consumables dedicated to the flat-rate printing service be used in the image forming apparatus for which the contract has been concluded. In this case, a mechanism is required to ensure that the use of contract consumables in the contracted machine is appropriate.

[0004] In order to ensure the proper use of contract consumables, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for distinguishing between contract consumables and ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of service subscription. Also, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for managing by associating contract consumables with a contract machine so that the contract consumables are used in a specific contract machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 had the problem that the user's actions when changing contracted machines were complicated. The purpose of this disclosure is to enable users to easily switch from the image forming apparatus they are currently using to the image forming apparatus they plan to use in its place. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a consumable having a consumable memory; a main body housing on which the consumable can be mounted, and on which an external memory can be physically connected from the outside of the main body housing; and a controller. The consumable memory stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable usable regardless of the conclusion of such a contract; first information indicating whether the consumable is new or an old product representing a used product; and second information indicating unique identification information for identifying the consumable. The controller performs a first determination process to determine whether the type information represents the dedicated consumable; and, if the first determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, a storage process to store the second information in the external memory in order to permit the use of the consumable in an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus.

[0008] The second embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the controller further performs a second determination process to determine whether the first information represents the new product, and a first rewrite process to rewrite the first information to the old product if the second determination process determines that the first information represents the new product, and when the first rewrite process is performed the controller performs the storage process.

[0009] The third embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the external memory stores third information representing unique identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus, and the controller performs a reception process to receive an instruction from an external device of the image forming apparatus to rewrite the third information stored in the external memory, and a second rewriting process to rewrite the third information with fourth information representing identification information of another image forming apparatus when the reception process is executed.

[0010] A fourth aspect is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a main memory, and the main memory stores a fifth information representing a group of multiple image forming apparatuses, including the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatuses.

[0011] The fifth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the external memory is a USB memory.

[0012] The sixth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the consumable is a toner cartridge containing toner.

[0013] To solve the above problems, the control method of the seventh embodiment is a first image forming apparatus equipped with a consumable that has a consumable memory that stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a special consumable that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, and first information indicating whether the consumable is new or an old product that represents a used product, wherein the control method of the seventh embodiment is a first image forming apparatus equipped with a consumable that stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a special consumable that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or whether the consumable is a regular consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, and the second information The method includes: a storage step in which the first image forming apparatus stores information in an external memory attached to the first image forming apparatus from the outside; a mounting step in which the external memory and the consumables are attached to a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus; a second determination step in which the second image forming apparatus determines whether the second information stored in the consumables memory matches the second information stored in the external memory; and a usage permission step in which, if the second determination step determines that the second information stored in the consumables memory matches the second information stored in the external memory, the second image forming apparatus permits the use of the consumables. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus currently used by the user will be referred to as the old apparatus, and another image forming apparatus that the user plans to use in place of the old apparatus will be referred to as the new apparatus. The controller of the old apparatus stores the second information in external memory. The consumable memory also stores the second information.

[0015] Therefore, when a user connects an external memory that stores the second information to the new device and installs the consumables used in the old device into the new device, the new device can recognize that the consumable memory and the external memory store the second information. The new device can then refer to the second information stored in the external memory and authorize the use of the consumables.

[0016] Therefore, by simply connecting the external memory to the new device and installing the consumables into the new device, the user can use the consumables that were used in the old device with the new device. Thus, for consumables where the type information represents a dedicated consumable and the first information represents the old product, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device.

[0017] According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, the controller can recognize consumables installed in the main unit housing as old parts. Furthermore, if the controller recognizes a consumable as an old part and it is installed in the main unit housing, it can perform a storage process to store the second information in external memory. Therefore, the user can transfer the old consumable from the old device to the new device.

[0018] According to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, when a user connects an external memory that stores fourth information representing the identification information of the new apparatus to the new apparatus, the new apparatus can recognize that the external memory stores the fourth information. Based on the fact that the external memory stores the fourth information representing the identification information of the new apparatus, the new apparatus can permit the use of the new apparatus. Therefore, the user can use the new apparatus simply by connecting the external memory to the new apparatus.

[0019] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, since the main memory stores the fifth information, the operator of the image forming apparatus can manage multiple groups of image forming apparatuses together.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device using a USB memory stick.

[0021] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, the user can use the toner cartridge that was used in the old apparatus in the new apparatus by simply connecting the external memory to the new apparatus and mounting the toner cartridge on the new apparatus.

[0022] According to the control method of the seventh aspect, the first image forming apparatus causes the external memory to store the second information. Further, the consumable memory stores the second information. Therefore, when the user connects the external memory that stores the second information to the new apparatus and mounts the consumable that was used in the old apparatus on the new apparatus, the new apparatus can recognize that the consumable memory and the external memory store the second information. The new apparatus can permit the use of the consumable based on the fact that the second information stored in the consumable memory matches the second information stored in the external memory.

[0023] Therefore, the user can use the consumable that was used in the old apparatus in the new apparatus by simply connecting the external memory to the new apparatus and mounting the consumable on the new apparatus. Thus, when the type information is information representing a dedicated consumable and the first information represents a used consumable, the user can easily migrate from the old apparatus to the new apparatus.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an overview of the image forming system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the connection relationship between an image forming apparatus including a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge, a data processing server, a transaction server, a user terminal, and a USB memory. [Figure 4] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operations of various apparatuses in the image forming system. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing the continuation of the operation shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing the continuation of the operation shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7]This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system of Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system of Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] [Embodiment 1] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In this embodiment, as an example, the case in which the image forming apparatus is a laser printer and the image forming is printing will be described. However, the image forming apparatus may be a printer other than a laser printer. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be an inkjet printer.

[0026] [Overview of the image forming system] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the image forming system 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 includes a plurality of image forming devices 1, a data processing server 8, a transaction server 8A, and a user terminal 9. The plurality of image forming devices 1 shown in Figure 1 are purchased by the same user. However, the image forming system 100 may also include other image forming devices purchased by other users, although these are not shown.

[0027] Image forming apparatus 1 is a device for realizing services provided through a contract with image forming apparatus 1. Data processing server 8 is an external device that communicates with image forming apparatus 1 via network NT, and is an example of a management device for managing image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, data processing server 8 and transaction server 8A are servers managed by the service provider.

[0028] In this embodiment, "contract" refers to a contract concluded between a user and a service provider, in which the service provider provides specific services through an image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user. In other words, the user enters into a contract for a particular image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 can also be considered the equipment covered by the contract. Hereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user as the equipment covered by the contract will be referred to as the "contracted machine."

[0029] Each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1 can use consumables specifically for the contract by the user entering into a contract with a service provider. The contract, for example, is an agreement between the service provider and the user where the service usage period, usage fees, maximum number of prints, etc., are agreed upon, and both parties agree that the service provider will provide the service to the user. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an image forming apparatus that, after a service contract has been concluded, is capable of performing contract printing, which is printing based on the content of the concluded contract.

[0030] The user can register or change the image forming apparatus 1 as the contracted machine at any time. "Registration" here refers to new registration, or re-registration of an image forming apparatus 1 that was previously registered and whose contract was terminated. Furthermore, the user can register multiple image forming apparatuses 1 as contracted machines. In other words, the user can use multiple image forming apparatuses 1 as contracted machines simultaneously, and can also change the image forming apparatus 1 used as the contracted machine from one image forming apparatus 1 to another.

[0031] The user terminal 9 used by the user is a device that communicates with the data processing server 8 to conclude, terminate, and perform other procedures related to contracts. As the user terminal 9, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or other information processing terminal equipped with standard communication functions may be used. Each device constituting the image forming system 100 can communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0032] [Structural overview of image forming apparatus 1] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the image forming apparatus 1, which includes the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4, the data processing server 8, the transaction server 8A, the user terminal 9, and the USB memory M1. Although Figure 3 includes two image forming apparatuses 1, both image forming apparatuses 1 have the same configuration.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main body housing 10, a cover 11, a toner cartridge 4, a drum cartridge 20, a controller 61, a main memory 62, and a communication unit 63. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 1 may also be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or lamps, and an input unit such as buttons. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display may be configured to function as an input unit by being integrated with a touch panel.

[0034] [Main unit enclosure 10] The main housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 can accommodate a toner cartridge 4. As will be described in detail later, the toner cartridge 4 becomes integrated with the drum cartridge 20 when it is mounted on the drum cartridge 20. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 can be mounted on the main housing 10 together with the drum cartridge 20 while it is still mounted on the drum cartridge 20. This realizes the image forming apparatus 1, which includes the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 requires the installation of four toner cartridges 4 in order to perform printing. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to accommodate four drum cartridges 20 and four toner cartridges 4. However, the number of drum cartridges 20 and toner cartridges 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the example in Figure 2. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a monochrome printer capable of being equipped with one drum cartridge 20 and one toner cartridge 4.

[0036] The toner cartridge 4 contains the toner consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 during printing. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 is an example of a consumable for the image forming apparatus 1. The drum cartridge 20 contains the photosensitive drum 21 used by the image forming apparatus 1 during printing. The drum cartridge 20 is also an example of a consumable for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] The main unit housing 10 is, for example, a rectangular box shape. Four drum cartridges 20, four toner cartridges 4, a transfer belt 70, a controller 61, a main unit memory 62, and a communication unit 63 are housed in the main unit housing 10. The main unit housing 10 has four cartridge holders 13. The cartridge holders 13 are formed in a concave shape and have openings. The drum cartridges 20 and toner cartridges 4 are mounted in the main unit housing 10 by being held in each of the cartridge holders 13.

[0038] [Cover 11] The cover 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a light source unit 50 corresponding to each drum cartridge 20. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 has four light source units 50. The cover 11 is rotatable (movable) around a pivot axis 11A extending in a first direction, between an open position where the opening 10A shown by a solid line in Figure 1 is open, and a closed position where the opening 10A is closed, shown by a dashed line in Figure 1. The rotation of the cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A provided at the upper end of the main housing 10.

[0039] The "first direction" refers to the direction in which the rotational axis (developing axis) of the developing roller 41 in the toner cartridge 4 extends. When the cover 11 is in the open position, each opening of the cartridge holding section 13 is opened. When the cover 11 is in the closed position, each opening of the cartridge holding section 13 is covered by the cover 11.

[0040] The main housing 10 may be provided with a closed sensor (not shown) in the opening 10A. The closed sensor is a sensor that detects when the cover 11 is in the closed position. The closed sensor may be, for example, a contact type sensor or an optical type sensor.

[0041] [Toner Cartridge 4] The toner cartridge 4 has a developing roller 41 and a cartridge housing capable of housing a developer (e.g., toner) as an example of a printing material. The cartridge housing can be mounted on the main unit housing 10. The four toner cartridges 4 each contain a developer of a different color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as the material used to form an image.

[0042] The developing material is a consumable item that is used up with use. The developing roller 41 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction and is rotatable around a developing axis extending in the first direction. When the toner cartridge 4 is mounted on the drum cartridge 20, the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 comes into contact with the outer surface of the developing roller 41.

[0043] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 4 has a toner memory 42 as an example of consumable memory. The toner memory 42 is located on one outer surface of the toner cartridge 4 in the first direction. The toner memory 42 is a memory that can read and write information, such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or EEPROM (registered trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0044] The toner memory 42 has a first area 421, a second area 422, a third area 423, and a fourth area 424 for storing information about the toner cartridge 4. The toner memory 42 stores the toner ID in the first area 421. The toner memory 42 stores toner type information in the second area 422. The toner memory 42 stores toner remaining amount information in the third area 423. The toner memory 42 stores a new cartridge flag in the fourth area 424. The third area 423 and the fourth area 424 may be rewritable.

[0045] The toner ID is an example of secondary information representing unique identification information for identifying each individual toner cartridge 4. The toner ID may also be a serial number unique to each toner cartridge 4. Furthermore, the toner ID may include information indicating the color of each toner cartridge 4.

[0046] The toner type information is an example of type information and indicates the type of toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, there are two types of toner cartridges 4. One is a "dedicated cartridge" that can only be used with the contracted machine. In other words, a dedicated cartridge is an example of a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract covering the image forming apparatus 1 has been concluded.

[0047] Another type is the "standard cartridge," which can be used even with image forming apparatus 1 that is not covered by the contract. In other words, the standard cartridge is an example of a regular consumable that can be used regardless of whether a contract is concluded. Note that toner type information may be included in the toner ID. That is, the toner ID may be information that identifies each toner cartridge 4, and at the same time may be information that indicates what type each toner cartridge 4 is.

[0048] The toner level information indicates the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 4. The toner level is composed of values ​​corresponding to multiple stages, from full to empty, as an example. The values ​​corresponding to the multiple stages from full to empty are stored in the third area 423. Each stage of the toner level stored in the toner memory 42 may be a string such as "FULL," "HIGH," "LOW," and "EMPTY," in descending order of value, based on the above values. Alternatively, each stage of the toner level stored in the toner memory 42 may be a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%", or it may be information that combines a string and a numerical value.

[0049] The new product flag stored in the fourth area 424 is an example of first information indicating whether the toner cartridge 4 is new or an old product representing a used item. For example, a value of "1" for the new product flag may mean that the toner cartridge 4 is new, and a value of "0" for the new product flag may mean that the toner cartridge 4 is an old product. Note that "used product" refers to a consumable that has been installed in the image forming apparatus 1 at least once.

[0050] [Drum Cartridge 20] The drum cartridge 20 has a cartridge housing that can be mounted on the main unit housing 10. The cartridge housing includes a photosensitive drum 21 as a component used for image formation. The photosensitive drum 21 is a consumable item that needs to be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrical photoreceptor extending in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatable around a drum axis extending in the first direction. The outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is covered with a photosensitive material.

[0051] Furthermore, the drum cartridge 20 may have a drum memory 22 as an example of a consumable memory. The drum memory 22 is a memory that can read and write information. The drum memory 22 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM.

[0052] The drum memory 22 has a first area 221, a second area 222, a third area 223, and a fourth area 224 for storing information about the photosensitive drum 21 of the drum cartridge 20. The drum memory 22 stores the drum ID in the first area 221. The drum memory 22 stores drum type information in the second area 222. The drum memory 22 stores drum life information in the third area 223. The drum memory 22 stores a new item flag in the fourth area 224. Note that the data in the third area 223 and the fourth area 224 may be rewritable.

[0053] The drum ID is an example of second information representing unique identification information for identifying each drum cartridge 20. The drum ID may also be a serial number unique to each drum cartridge 20. The drum type information is an example of type information and indicates the type of drum cartridge 20. In this embodiment, there are two types of drum cartridges 20: "dedicated cartridge" and "standard cartridge". The drum life information indicates the lifespan of the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0054] The new product flag stored in the fourth area 224 is an example of first information indicating whether the drum cartridge 20 is new or an old product representing a used item. For example, a value of "1" for the new product flag may mean that the drum cartridge 20 is new, and a value of "0" for the new product flag may mean that the drum cartridge 20 is an old product.

[0055] [Cartridge installation and printing mechanism] As shown in Figure 2, the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are mounted in the main body housing 10 with the cover 11 in the open position. In this state, the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are inserted into the cartridge holding section 13 through the opening 10A.

[0056] The main unit housing 10 has connectors 101 and 102. When the drum cartridge 20 is inserted into the cartridge holder 13, connector 101 is electrically connected to the drum memory 22, enabling the controller 61 of the main unit housing 10 to communicate with the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20. Also, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10, connector 102 is electrically connected to the toner memory 42, enabling the controller 61 of the main unit housing 10 to communicate with the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4.

[0057] The four light source units 50 are mounted on the inner surface of the cover 11. The light source units 50 are positioned facing the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 when the drum cartridge 20 is mounted in the main housing 10 and the cover 11 is in the closed position. The light source units 50 also have multiple light sources arranged in a first direction. The light sources are capable of irradiating the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 with light. The light sources are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0058] The light source unit 50 is electrically connected to the controller 61. The controller 61 causes the multiple light sources of the light source unit 50 to emit light according to the input image data. The light sources irradiate the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light. As a result, the photosensitive material on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is exposed according to the image data.

[0059] The transfer belt 70 is a component that transfers the developer on the surface of the photoreceptor drum to the printing paper. The transfer belt 70 is an example of a consumable part that needs to be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The transfer belt 70 is a belt that can contact the photoreceptor drum 21 and is annular (endless). The outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 can contact the outer surface of the transfer belt 70. During the printing process, the printing paper is transported between the transfer belt 70 and the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0060] The transfer belt 70 is stretched between the drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The drive roller 71 drives the transfer belt 70. The controller 61 rotates the drive roller 71. The driven roller 72 rotates in accordance with the movement of the transfer belt 70 as a result of the drive roller 71.

[0061] [Internal structure of the main unit] The controller 61, for example, has an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 61 is electrically connected to the main memory 62 and communication unit 63 provided in the main housing 10. The controller 61 causes the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing and related processes by executing various processes.

[0062] The controller 61 may also include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this case, a control program that implements the printing control method may be stored in the main memory 62. The processor of the controller 61 may then operate according to the control program stored in the main memory 62 to execute the printing process in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the controller 61 itself may be equipped with a computer-readable recording medium that stores the control program. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium" such as ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc., can be used. Alternatively, RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the control program may also be used.

[0064] Furthermore, the control program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the control program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). In one aspect of this disclosure, the control program may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, which is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0065] When the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are mounted in the cartridge holder 13 of the main unit housing 10, the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42 are electrically connected to the controller 61, as shown in Figure 3. The controller 61 can then perform the process of reading information from the connected drum memory 22 and toner memory 42, and the process of writing and / or rewriting information to the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42.

[0066] The main memory 62 is a memory capable of reading and writing information. The main memory 62 is, for example, a flash ROM, an EEPROM, or an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory). The main memory 62 has a first area 621 for storing toner information, a second area 622 for storing the device ID, a third area 623 for storing mode information, and a fourth area 624 for storing status information. The main memory 62 also has a fifth area 625 for storing the first page counter and a sixth area 626 for storing the second page counter. The main memory 62 may further have a seventh area 627 for storing the device group ID.

[0067] Toner information is information about each toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, toner information may be data that associates a toner ID read from a toner memory 42 with toner type information and toner remaining amount information read from the same toner memory 42. The main memory 62 may then store this associated data for each toner cartridge 4 in the first area 621. The device ID is an example of third information that represents unique identification information for identifying each image forming apparatus 1. The device ID may be a serial number unique to each image forming apparatus 1.

[0068] Mode information is information indicating the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the mode information is one of two modes: "contract mode," which means that the image forming apparatus 1 is registered as a contracted machine, and "normal mode," which means that the image forming apparatus 1 is not registered as a contracted machine or the contract has been terminated.

[0069] In other words, "contract mode" means that the image forming apparatus 1 operates on the image forming system 100 as a contracted machine with a contract in place. "Normal mode" means that the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a normal image forming apparatus without a contract, rather than as a contracted machine. When the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped, the third area 623 stores an initial value corresponding to the normal mode. The controller 61 rewrites the mode information as appropriate.

[0070] Status information is information that represents the state of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the status information may include an abnormality flag indicating whether the image forming apparatus 1 is normal or abnormal, and if abnormal, error information indicating the nature of the abnormality. The controller 61 can determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1 by referring to the status information.

[0071] Furthermore, the status information may also indicate that the image forming apparatus 1 is in any of the following states: (1) normal mode, (2) non-charged state under contract mode, (3) charged state under contract mode, (4) print stopped state under contract mode, or (5) print restricted state under contract mode.

[0072] "Non-billing state under contract mode" refers to a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is in contract mode, but the use of the contracted service has not yet begun. For example, if the timing at which the transaction server 8A recognizes the image forming apparatus 1 as a contracted machine differs from the timing at which the transaction server 8A considers that the contracted service has started to be used on the image forming apparatus 1, this "non-billing state under contract mode" may occur. On the other hand, "billing state under contract mode" refers to a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is in contract mode and the use of the contracted service has begun.

[0073] The first counter is the cumulative total of prints made by the image forming apparatus 1. The second counter shows the number of printed materials that the image forming apparatus 1 has printed under contract. The second counter may be reset to 0 each time the image forming apparatus 1 switches from contract mode to normal mode, or it may be the cumulative total of printed materials that the image forming apparatus 1 has printed under contract up to that point.

[0074] The device group ID is an example of fifth-order information that represents multiple image forming apparatus groups, including image forming apparatus 1 and other image forming apparatuses 1. Since the main memory 62 stores the device group ID, the operator of image forming apparatus 1 can manage multiple image forming apparatus groups together.

[0075] The communication unit 63 is a communication interface that communicates with the data processing server 8 via the network NT. The communication unit 63 outputs various data, notifications, and requests received from the data processing server 8 to the controller 61. The communication unit 63 transmits various data, notifications, and requests input from the controller 61 to the data processing server 8.

[0076] [User terminal 9] The user terminal 9 has an input interface for receiving various user input operations and a communication interface for communicating with the transaction server 8A. The user registers the contract target machine with the transaction server 8A by performing input operations via the user terminal 9. For example, the user inputs their own identification information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 they wish to contract for into the user terminal 9. Upon receiving the input, the user terminal 9 transmits the entered information to the transaction server 8A.

[0077] In addition to registering contracted machines (i.e., adding contracted machines), user terminal 9 may also accept input operations related to changes to contracted machines. For example, user terminal 9 may accept input operations from the user, where the user enters their own identification information, the identification information of the contracted machine after the contract change, and the identification information of the contracted machine before the contract change. User terminal 9 may then send these three types of information to the transaction server 8A.

[0078] [Data Processing Server 8] The data processing server 8 is a management device that manages the operating status of the image forming apparatus 1. The data processing server 8 comprises a server communication unit 83, a server memory 82, and a server control unit 81. The server control unit 81 is a CPU that comprehensively controls the data processing server 8. The server memory 82 is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of the data processing server 8.

[0079] The server communication unit 83 is a communication interface that communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 and the transaction server 8A via the network NT. The server communication unit 83 outputs various data, notifications, and requests received from the image forming apparatus 1 or the transaction server 8A to the server control unit 81. The server communication unit 83 transmits various data, notifications, and requests input from the server control unit 81 to the image forming apparatus 1 or the transaction server 8A.

[0080] [Transaction Server 8A] The transaction server 8A is a server for businesses and users to conduct transactions. The transaction server 8A includes a communication unit, memory, and a control unit (not shown). The control unit of the transaction server 8A is a CPU that comprehensively controls the transaction server 8A. The memory of the transaction server 8A is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of the transaction server 8A. The communication unit of the transaction server 8A is a communication interface that communicates with the user terminal 9 and the data processing server 8 via the network NT.

[0081] The memory of the transaction server 8A may have an area for storing device information and an area for storing registration tables. The control unit of the transaction server 8A may store device information or update registration tables in response to notifications or requests received from the user terminal 9 or the data processing server 8.

[0082] The device information is data that summarizes various information about the image forming apparatus 1. The device information is stored separately for each individual image forming apparatus 1. The device information includes at least the device ID. The registration table is a data table that registers image forming apparatus 1 designated as a contracted machine by the user. The registration table also indicates whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is under contract.

[0083] [USB memory M1] The USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory M1 is an example of external memory. Another example of external memory is an SD (Secure Digital) card. The USB memory M1 can be physically connected from the outside of the main unit 10. In other words, the USB memory M1 can be connected from outside the main unit 10. Specifically, the USB memory M1 can be connected to the connector 103 on the main unit 10. When the USB memory M1 is connected to the connector 103, the controller 61 of the main unit 10 becomes able to communicate with the USB memory M1.

[0084] [Transition process from old equipment to new equipment] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 currently used by the user will be referred to as the old device. The old device has two modes: a contract mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is registered as a contracted machine by the user, and a normal mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is not registered as a contracted machine by the user, or the contract has been terminated. Hereinafter, the old device registered as a contracted machine will be referred to as printer P1 in contract mode, and the old device that is not registered as a contracted machine, or the contract has been terminated, will be referred to as printer P1 in normal mode.

[0085] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 that the user intends to use in place of the old device will be referred to as the new device. The new device has a contract mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is registered as a contracted machine by the user, and a normal mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is not registered as a contracted machine by the user, or the contract has been terminated. Hereinafter, the new device that is registered as a contracted machine will be referred to as printer P2 in contract mode, and the new device that is not registered as a contracted machine, or the contract has been terminated, will be referred to as printer P2 in normal mode.

[0086] Note that printer P1, as an older device, is an example of a first image forming apparatus, and printer P2, as a new device, is an example of a second image forming apparatus.

[0087] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system 100. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the continuation of the operation shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the continuation of the operation shown in Figure 5. Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an example of the operation when a user transitions from printer P1 to printer P2.

[0088] [Transition from normal mode to contract mode on printer P1] With printer P1 in normal mode, the user of printer P1 performs an input operation on user terminal 9 to register printer P1 as a contracted device. Upon receiving the input operation, user terminal 9 instructs transaction server 8A to register printer P1 as a new device (S1), as shown in Figure 4. The new registration instruction in S1 includes the username entered by the user and the device ID of printer P1, which was entered by the user or obtained by user terminal 9 from printer P1. Transaction server 8A receives the new registration instruction from user terminal 9. Upon receiving the new registration instruction, transaction server 8A registers printer P1 in the registration table.

[0089] Once the transaction server 8A has finished registering printer P1 in the registration table, the business operator managing the transaction server 8A arranges for printer P1 and USB memory M1 to be sent to the user's address. Then, printer P1 and USB memory M1 arrive at the user's address (S2). The user connects USB memory M1 to the connector 103 of printer P1 (S3).

[0090] The user connects the USB memory M1 to the connector 103 of the printer P1, and then turns on the power of the printer P1. The communication unit 63 of the printer P1 connects to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 (S4). When the printer P1 connects to the data processing server 8, the server control unit 81 of the data processing server 8 generates a token. The server communication unit 83 sends the token generated by the server control unit 81 to the communication unit 63 of the printer P1.

[0091] The controller 61 of printer P1 stores the token transmitted by the server communication unit 83 of data processing server 8 to the communication unit 63 of printer P1 in the USB memory M1 (S5). The token is identification information used for communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and data processing server 8. After the server communication unit 83 transmits the token to the communication unit 63, the server control unit 81 of data processing server 8 instructs printer P1 to transition to contract mode via the server communication unit 83 (S6).

[0092] The controller 61 of printer P1 receives a state transition instruction from the data processing server 8 via the communication unit 63. Upon receiving the state transition instruction, the controller 61 transitions the state of printer P1 to contract mode. Specifically, the controller 61 rewrites the mode information in the main memory 62 from normal mode to contract mode, and also rewrites the status information in the main memory 62 from information representing normal mode to information representing the non-billing state under contract mode.

[0093] As a result of the above process, printer P1 becomes operational as a contracted device. In other words, printer P1 switches from normal mode to contracted mode.

[0094] [Processing in contract mode on printer P1] Next, with printer P1 in contract mode, the printer P1's controller 61 stores the status information of the main unit memory 62 in the USB memory M1 (S7). At a predetermined timing, the controller 61 determines whether the toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit casing 10 of printer P1 (S8). The controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit casing 10 because the connector 102 is electrically connected to the toner memory 42.

[0095] If the controller 61 of printer P1 determines that toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit 10, the controller 61 reads toner type information from the toner memory 42 (S9). If the controller 61 determines that toner cartridge 4 is not installed in the main unit 10, the controller 61 waits until toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit 10.

[0096] The printer P1's controller 61 performs a first determination process (S10) to determine whether the toner type information in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 represents a dedicated cartridge. If the first determination process determines that the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 reads a new product flag from the toner memory 42 (S11).

[0097] If the first determination process determines that the toner type information represents a normal cartridge, the controller 61 will not permit the use of the normal cartridge, regardless of whether it is new or old, without referring to the first area 621 of the main memory 62. Therefore, the controller 61 will not execute the processes from S11 onward.

[0098] Furthermore, the printer P1's controller 61 performs a second determination process to determine whether the new flag read from the toner memory 42 represents new toner (S12). If the second determination process determines that the new flag represents new toner, the controller 61 performs a first rewrite process to overwrite the new flag in the toner memory 42 with old toner, as shown in Figure 5 (S13). If the second determination process determines that the new flag represents old toner, the controller 61 does not perform the first rewrite process and proceeds to process S14.

[0099] When the controller 61 of printer P1 performs the first rewrite process, the controller 61 performs a storage process (S14) to store the toner ID in the USB memory M1 in order to allow the use of toner cartridge 4 in printer P2. In other words, when the new product flag represents an old product, the controller 61 performs the storage process in S14.

[0100] The controller 61 of printer P1 can recognize the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit 10 as an older product. Furthermore, if the toner cartridge 4 recognized as an older product is installed in the main unit 10, the controller 61 can perform a memory process to store the toner ID in the USB memory M1.

[0101] Furthermore, when the printer P1's controller 61 executes the memory processing in S14, it stores the mode information, status information, and device ID from the main memory 62 into the USB memory M1. The controller 61 transmits the first page counter and toner information from the main memory 62 to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 via the communication unit 63 (S15). The server control unit 81 of the data processing server 8 transmits the information from the main memory 62 received from the printer P1 to the transaction server 8A (S16).

[0102] Furthermore, when the controller 61 transmits information from the main memory 62 to the data processing server 8, the controller 61 may transmit only the difference between the information from the main memory 62 transmitted this time and the information transmitted last time to the data processing server 8 at regular intervals. In addition, the controller 61 may transmit information from the main memory 62 to the data processing server 8 based on a request from the data processing server 8, detection of the cover 11 being in the closed position by the closed sensor, or the start of a connection with the data processing server 8.

[0103] The user performs an input operation on the user terminal 9 to initiate billing for the use of the contracted service on the printer P1. Upon receiving the input operation, the user terminal 9 notifies the transaction server 8A of the start of billing. The transaction server 8A receives the notification of the start of billing from the user terminal 9. Upon receiving the notification of the start of billing, the transaction server 8A notifies the printer P1 of the start of billing via the data processing server 8 (S17).

[0104] Printer P1 receives a notification from transaction server 8A that billing has started. Suppose that while printer P1 has received the notification that billing has started, the toner level information becomes "LOW" or "EMPTY". When the toner level information becomes "LOW" or "EMPTY", the controller 61 of printer P1 notifies the transaction server 8A via the data processing server 8 that the toner level information is "LOW" or "EMPTY" (S18).

[0105] Transaction server 8A receives notification from printer P1 that the toner level information is "LOW" or "EMPTY". Upon receiving the toner level information, the business operator managing transaction server 8A arranges for a dedicated toner cartridge 4 to be sent to the printer P1 user's address. The toner cartridge 4 then arrives at the user's address (S19).

[0106] Furthermore, the controller 61 of printer P1 performs the same processing as in S8 to S14. After the controller 61 stores the toner ID in the USB memory M1, the controller 61 transmits the first page counter and toner information from the main memory 62 to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 via the communication unit 63 (S20). The server control unit 81 of the data processing server 8 transmits the information from the main memory 62 received from printer P1 to the transaction server 8A (S21).

[0107] [Migration from Printer P1 to Printer P2] Next, as shown in Figure 6, let's consider the case where printer P1 malfunctions while it is in contract mode. The controller 61 determines at a predetermined timing whether printer P1 is malfunctioning (S22). For example, the controller 61 determines that printer P1 is malfunctioning if the status information stored in the main memory 62 indicates that printer P1 is malfunctioning. The malfunctions that are expected to be determined include those that necessitate replacing printer P1, such as malfunctions of the printing function that cannot be recovered.

[0108] The printer P1's controller 61 may also display a message on a display (not shown) provided by the printer P1 prompting the user to transfer the toner cartridge 4 and USB memory M1 to the printer P2.

[0109] If printer P1 malfunctions, the user performs an input operation on user terminal 9 to report the malfunction of printer P1. Upon receiving the input operation, user terminal 9 notifies transaction server 8A of the printer P1 malfunction (S23). Transaction server 8A receives the notification of printer P1 malfunction from user terminal 9. Upon receiving the notification of printer P1 malfunction, transaction server 8A arranges for the business operator managing transaction server 8A to send printer P2 to the user's address. Then, printer P2 arrives at the user's address (S24). At this time, printer P2 is in normal mode.

[0110] The user installs the toner cartridge 4, which is installed in the main casing 10 of printer P1, into the main casing 10 of printer P2. Furthermore, the user connects the USB memory M1, which is connected to the connector 103 of printer P1, to the connector 103 of printer P2 (S25). After that, the user turns on the power of printer P2. At this time, printer P1 is in contract mode, and printer P2 is in normal mode.

[0111] While printer P2 is in normal mode, the communication unit 63 of printer P2 connects to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 (S26). The communication unit 63 of printer P2 becomes able to connect to the data processing server 8 using a token stored in the USB memory M1. At this point, printer P2 becomes ready to operate as a contracted device. In other words, printer P2 transitions from normal mode to contracted mode.

[0112] When the USB memory M1 is removed from the connector 103 of printer P1, the communication unit 63 of printer P1 disconnects communication with the data processing server 8 (S27). At this time, printer P1 becomes inoperable as a contracted machine. In other words, printer P1 switches from contracted mode to normal mode.

[0113] Furthermore, while printer P2 is in contract mode, the printer P2's controller 61 transmits the first page count counter and toner information from the main memory 62 to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 via the communication unit 63 (S28). The server control unit 81 of the data processing server 8 transmits the information from the main memory 62 received from printer P2 to the transaction server 8A (S29).

[0114] When the transaction server 8A receives information from the data processing server 8 regarding the printer P2's internal memory 62, the business operator managing the transaction server 8A arranges for a dedicated toner cartridge 4 to be sent to the printer P2 user's address. The toner cartridge 4 then arrives at the user's address (S30).

[0115] Furthermore, the controller 61 of printer P2 performs the same process as in S8, just like the controller 61 of printer P1. Consider the case where the controller 61 of printer P2 determines that the toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main body casing 10 of printer P2. The controller 61 of printer P2 performs a third determination process (S31) to determine whether the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 matches the toner ID stored in the USB memory M1.

[0116] If the printer P2's controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 is not installed in the main unit 10, the printer P2's controller 61 will wait until the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit 10.

[0117] If the third determination process determines that the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 matches the toner ID stored in the USB memory M1, the printer P2 controller 61 executes a process to allow the use of the toner cartridge 4 (S32).

[0118] If the third determination process determines that the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 does not match the toner ID stored in the USB memory M1, the printer P2 controller 61 will not permit the use of the toner cartridge 4. Therefore, the printer P2 controller 61 will not execute the processes from S32 onward.

[0119] After the printer P2 controller 61 performs the permission process, the printer P2 controller 61 transmits the first page count counter and toner information from the main memory 62 to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 via the communication unit 63 (S33). The server control unit 81 of the data processing server 8 transmits the information from the main memory 62 received from the printer P2 to the transaction server 8A (S34).

[0120] Following the above process, with printer P1 in contract mode, the printer P1's controller 61 stores the toner ID in USB memory M1. The toner memory 42 also stores the toner ID. The user then connects the USB memory M1, which stores the toner ID, to printer P2 while printer P2 is in normal mode, and installs the toner cartridge 4 that was used in printer P1 into printer P2.

[0121] Therefore, when printer P2 recognizes that toner memory 42 and USB memory M1 have stored the toner ID, printer P2 switches from normal mode to contract mode.

[0122] Subsequently, while printer P2 is in contract mode, printer P2 determines whether the toner ID stored in USB memory M1 matches the toner ID stored in USB memory M1. If the toner ID stored in USB memory M1 matches the toner ID stored in USB memory M1, printer P2 can allow the use of toner cartridge 4 that was being used by printer P1.

[0123] Therefore, when printer P2 is in normal mode, the user can use toner cartridge 4 that was used in printer P1 with printer P2 simply by connecting USB memory M1 to printer P2 and installing toner cartridge 4 that was used in printer P1 into printer P2. Thus, for toner cartridge 4, where the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge and the new flag represents an old product, the user can easily migrate from printer P1 to printer P2.

[0124] By the way, users can change their contracted equipment for various reasons. Traditionally, changing contracted equipment was completed in the following steps. For example, first, the new equipment is delivered to the user. Second, a contract is concluded for the new equipment. Third, based on the conclusion of the contract, the service provider supplies the user with consumables specifically for the new equipment. In other words, users could not immediately use the flat-rate printing service with the new equipment, and had to wait from the time they purchased the new equipment until the consumables specifically for the new equipment arrived, which was inconvenient.

[0125] In this embodiment, the user can use the toner cartridge 4 that was used in the old device with the new device without having to wait for the dedicated consumables for the new device to arrive after purchasing the new device.

[0126] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0127] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment. The user of printer P1 performs an input operation on the user terminal 9 to register printer P1 as a contracted device. As shown in Figure 7, the user terminal 9 performs the same process as S1 shown in Figure 4.

[0128] Transaction server 8A receives a new registration instruction from user terminal 9. Upon receiving the new registration instruction, transaction server 8A registers printer P1 in the registration table. Once transaction server 8A has finished registering printer P1 in the registration table, the business operator managing transaction server 8A arranges for printer P1 and USB memory M1 to be sent to the user's address. Then, printer P1 and USB memory M1 arrive at the user's address (S41). USB memory M1 is assumed to store a device ID representing the identification information of printer P1.

[0129] The user connects the USB memory M1 to the connector 103 of printer P3, which is an example of another image forming apparatus 1 different from printers P1 and P2 (S42). After connecting the USB memory M1 to the connector 103 of printer P3, the user turns on the power of printer P3. The controller 61 of printer P3 performs a fourth determination process to determine whether the device ID stored in the main memory 62 of printer P3 matches the device ID stored in the USB memory M1 (S43).

[0130] If the fourth determination process determines that the device ID stored in the printer P3's main memory 62 does not match the device ID stored in the USB memory M1, the printer P3's controller 61 will not permit the use of the printer P3. The printer P3's controller 61 will then display an error on a display (not shown) provided by the printer P3 (S44). The error displayed on the display may include a message indicating that the printer P3 cannot be used.

[0131] The user connects USB memory M1 to connector 103 of printer P1 (S45). The controller 61 of printer P1 performs the same process as in S43, just like the controller 61 of printer P3. Consider the case where the fourth determination process performed by the controller 61 of printer P1 determines that the device ID stored in the main memory 62 of printer P1 matches the device ID stored in the USB memory M1. The controller 61 of printer P1 permits the use of printer P1 (S46).

[0132] After the printer P1 controller 61 authorizes the use of printer P1, the same processes as S4 to S22 shown in Figure 4 are executed. If printer P1 malfunctions, the user performs an input operation to the user terminal 9 to report the malfunction of printer P1. Upon receiving the input operation, the user terminal 9 notifies the transaction server 8A of the malfunction of printer P1 (S47).

[0133] Transaction server 8A receives a notification from user terminal 9 that printer P1 has failed. Upon receiving the notification of printer P1 failure, transaction server 8A sends an instruction to the server communication unit 83 of data processing server 8 to rewrite the device ID. The server control unit 81 of data processing server 8 also sends an instruction to the communication unit 63 of printer P1 to rewrite the device ID via the server communication unit 83.

[0134] The controller 61 of printer P1 receives an instruction from the data processing server 8 via the communication unit 63 to rewrite the device ID stored in the USB memory M1 and performs an acceptance process (S48). If the controller 61 performs the acceptance process, the controller 61 performs a second rewrite process to rewrite the device ID stored in the USB memory M1 to a device ID representing the identification information of printer P2 (S49). The device ID representing the identification information of printer P2 is an example of the fourth information.

[0135] Furthermore, when the transaction server 8A receives notification of a printer P1 malfunction, the business operator managing the transaction server 8A arranges for printer P2 to be sent to the address of the user of printer P1. Then, printer P2 arrives at the user's address (S50).

[0136] The user installs the toner cartridge 4, which is installed in the main casing 10 of printer P1, into the main casing 10 of printer P2, and also connects the USB memory M1, which is connected to the connector 103 of printer P1, to the connector 103 of printer P2 (S51). The user then turns on the power of printer P2.

[0137] The controller 61 of printer P2 performs the same process as in S43, just like the controller 61 of printer P3. Also, the controller 61 of printer P2 performs the same process as in S46, just like the controller 61 of printer P1. The communication unit 63 of printer P2 connects to the server communication unit 83 of the data processing server 8 (S52).

[0138] Through the above process, when a user connects USB memory M1, which stores the device ID representing the identification information of printer P2, to printer P2, printer P2 can recognize that USB memory M1 stores the device ID of printer P2. Based on the fact that USB memory M1 stores the device ID representing the identification information of printer P2, printer P2 can authorize the use of printer P2.

[0139] Therefore, the user can use printer P2 simply by connecting USB memory M1 to printer P2. Furthermore, the execution of process S43 prevents the user from being able to use any printer.

[0140] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0141] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment. In Figure 8, the operation from the beginning up to S42 is the same as the operation shown in Figure 7. The USB memory M1 is assumed to store a device group ID representing a group of multiple image forming devices that include printers P1 and P2 but do not include printer P3.

[0142] The user connects the USB memory M1 to the connector 103 of the printer P3, and then turns on the power of the printer P3. The printer P3's controller 61 performs a fifth determination process (S61) to determine whether the device group ID stored in the printer P3's main memory 62 matches the device group ID stored in the USB memory M1.

[0143] If the fifth determination process determines that the device group ID stored in the printer P3's main memory 62 does not match the device group ID stored in the USB memory M1, the printer P3's controller 61 will not permit the use of the printer P3. The printer P3's controller 61 then performs the same process as in S44.

[0144] Furthermore, the user performs the same action as in S45, and the controller 61 of printer P1 executes the same process as in S61, similar to the controller 61 of printer P3. In addition, the controller 61 of printer P1 executes the same process as in S46. After the controller 61 of printer P1 authorizes the use of printer P1, the same processes as in S4 to S22 shown in Figure 4 are executed. Furthermore, if printer P1 fails, the user terminal 9 executes the same process as in S47.

[0145] When the transaction server 8A receives notification of a printer P1 failure, it performs the same actions as in S50 and S51, and the user turns on the power to printer P2. The controller 61 of printer P2 performs the same process as in S61, just as the controller 61 of printer P3. Also, the controller 61 of printer P2 performs the same process as in S46, just as the controller 61 of printer P1. The communication unit 63 of printer P2 performs the same process as in S52.

[0146] Through the above process, when a user connects USB memory M1 to printer P2, printer P2 can recognize that USB memory M1 stores a group ID representing multiple image forming apparatuses. Printer P2 can then refer to the group ID stored in USB memory M1 and execute a process to authorize the use of printer P2. Therefore, simply by connecting USB memory M1 to printer P2, which is included in the group of multiple image forming apparatuses represented by the group ID, the user can use printer P2 without the printer P1's controller 61 having to rewrite the information stored in USB memory M1.

[0147] [Various variations] [Variation 1] The four toner cartridges 4 may be mounted on a common drum cartridge 20. In this case, the cartridge holder 13 only needs to be shaped to hold one drum cartridge 20.

[0148] [Variation 2] The drum cartridge 20 may have a photoreceptor drum 21, a cartridge housing, a drum memory 22, a charger, and a developing roller 41. The cartridge housing is provided with the photoreceptor drum 21, the drum memory 22, the charger, and the developing roller 41. The toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory 42, but does not have a developing roller 41. The cartridge housing contains the toner. The outer surface of the developing roller 41 is in contact with the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 inside the drum cartridge 20.

[0149] [Example 3] The toner cartridge 4 may consist of two cartridges, which are not shown. The first of the two cartridges that make up the toner cartridge 4 has a developing roller 41. The second of the two cartridges that make up the toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory 42. The cartridge housing contains the toner.

[0150] [Variation 4] The image forming apparatus 1 may include one cartridge (not shown) instead of the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4. The one cartridge includes a photoreceptor drum 21, a cartridge housing, a memory, a charger, and a developing roller 41. The outer surface of the developing roller 41 contacts the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 inside the cartridge. The cartridge housing of the one cartridge contains the toner.

[0151] [Variation 5] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1, the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 may be independently attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 10.

[0152] [Variation 6] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may also be an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) equipped with other functions such as a scanner or facsimile. Even if the image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP, the image forming apparatus 1 may perform the various processes described in the above embodiment in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment. The modified image forming apparatus 1 will have the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment.

[0153] [Variation 7] The printing equipment of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to printing paper. For example, the printing substrate may be tape. When the printing substrate is tape, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a tape cassette for supplying the tape. The image forming apparatus 1 prints on the tape transported from the tape cassette. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0154] [Variation 8] The image forming apparatus 1 may be an inkjet printer. If the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, an ink cartridge is installed in the cartridge holder 13 of the image forming apparatus 1, instead of the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 described in the above embodiment.

[0155] The number of ink cartridges installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be equipped with a total of four ink cartridges, one for each of the four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, or it may be equipped with only one ink cartridge, corresponding to black.

[0156] An ink cartridge includes a cartridge housing filled with ink, which is a consumable item, and an ink memory that stores ink cartridge information. The ink cartridge information may include, for example, an ink ID, ink type information, ink level information, and a new cartridge flag.

[0157] The ink ID is the identification information for the ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner ID in the above embodiment. The ink type information is information indicating the type of ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner type information in the above embodiment. The ink level information is information indicating the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner level information in the above embodiment. The new flag is information equivalent to the information with the same name in the information relating to toner cartridge 4 in the above embodiment, but with "toner" replaced by "ink" and "toner cartridge" replaced by "ink cartridge" in the information relating to toner cartridge 4.

[0158] The ink cartridge housing may also be equipped with an agitator for stirring the ink. The agitator operates in response to instructions from the controller 61 when the ink cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0159] Even if the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the flow of each process shown in the flowcharts described in the above embodiment is the same. Specifically, if the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, then the "toner cartridge 4" and "toner memory 42" in the above embodiment should be read as an ink cartridge and an ink memory, respectively.

[0160] Similarly, the "drum cartridge 20" and "drum memory 22" in the above embodiment may be read as consumables and consumable memory. In addition, the various pieces of information contained in the information relating to the toner cartridge 4 in the above embodiment may be read as corresponding information in the ink cartridge information. The image forming apparatus 1 of this modified example has the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment.

[0161] [Examples of implementation using software] The function of the image forming apparatus 1 is a program that causes the computer to function as the image forming apparatus 1, and can be realized by a program that causes the computer to function as the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0162] In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program using this control device and storage device, each of the functions described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0163] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, rather than temporarily. This recording media may or may not be provided by the image forming apparatus 1. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0164] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the controller 61 can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits that function as each of the control blocks described above are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0165] [Additional Notes] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0166] 1. Image forming apparatus 4 Toner Cartridges 8. Data Processing Server 10 Main Unit 20 Drum Cartridges 22 Drum Memory 42 Toner Memory 61 Controllers 62 internal memory M1 USB flash drive

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, Consumables equipped with consumable memory, A main unit housing on which the aforementioned consumables can be attached, and a main unit housing on which an external memory can be physically connected from the outside of the main unit housing, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned consumable memory is Type information indicating whether the consumables are special consumables that can be used when a contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or whether they are ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of whether a contract has been concluded, The first piece of information indicates that the consumable is either new or an old product representing a used item, The system stores a second piece of information representing unique identification information for identifying the aforementioned consumables, The aforementioned controller, A first determination process to determine whether the type information represents the dedicated consumable; and a storage process to store the second information in the external memory in order to permit the use of the consumable in an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, if the first determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, and the first information represents the old product. An image forming apparatus that performs this function.

2. The aforementioned controller further, A second determination process for determining whether the first information represents the new product, If the second determination process determines that the first information represents the new product, then the first rewrite process is executed to rewrite the first information to the old product. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first rewriting process is executed, the controller executes the storage process.

3. The aforementioned external memory is The system stores third information representing unique identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned controller, A reception process that receives an instruction from an external device of the image forming apparatus to rewrite the third information stored in the external memory, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the reception process described above is performed, a second rewriting process is performed to rewrite the third information to a fourth information representing identification information of the other image forming apparatus.

4. The image forming apparatus is equipped with a main memory, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main memory stores fifth information representing a group of multiple image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatuses.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external memory is a USB memory.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the consumable is a toner cartridge for containing toner.

7. A control method, A first image forming apparatus equipped with a consumable having a consumable memory that stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a special consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable usable regardless of the conclusion of the said contract, and first information indicating whether the consumable is new or an old product representing a used product, wherein the first image forming apparatus determines whether the type information represents the special consumable, If the first determination step determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, and the first information represents the old product, the second information is stored by the first image forming apparatus in an external memory attached to the first image forming apparatus from the outside, A second image forming apparatus, different from the first image forming apparatus, comprising a mounting step in which the external memory and the consumables are mounted in the second image forming apparatus, A second determination step in which the second image forming apparatus determines whether the second information stored in the consumable memory matches the second information stored in the external memory. If the second determination step determines that the second information stored in the consumable memory matches the second information stored in the external memory, the use of the consumable is permitted by the second image forming apparatus in a usage permission step. A control method including

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