Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To permit initialization of the life of a cartridge in an appropriate situation in an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (1) comprises: a main body housing (10) that has a toner cartridge (4) attached thereto; a sensor that measures the life of a consumable item packed in the cartridge; and a controller. The toner cartridge (4) includes a consumable item memory that stores life information being information stored when the consumable item is used, the information indicating the life of the consumable item. When the amount of residual toner indicated by the amount of residual toner (425) stored in a toner memory (42) is different from the amount of residual toner measured by the toner sensor (66), the controller (61) executes permission processing of permitting initialization of the amount of residual toner (425) performed by the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] From the viewpoint of resource conservation, the demand for using recycled cartridges in image forming devices is increasing year by year. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that resets the memory chip of a cartridge installed in a printer, causing the printer to recognize that the cartridge is filled with ink. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-202900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the printer does not particularly determine whether it is OK to reset the memory chip of the cartridge attached to the printer.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to allow initialization of the life span of a cartridge in an image forming device under appropriate circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming apparatus of a first aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body housing into which a cartridge is attached; a sensor that measures the life of a consumable filled in the cartridge; and a controller; the cartridge comprises a consumable memory that stores life information, which is information that is stored when the consumable is used and indicates the life of the consumable; and the controller executes an authorization process that allows the image forming apparatus to initialize the life information if the life indicated by the life information stored in the consumable memory differs from the life measured by the sensor.

[0007] A second aspect is an image forming apparatus of the first aspect, in which, in the permission process, the controller permits initialization of the lifespan information in the image forming apparatus if the lifespan measured by the sensor is longer than the lifespan indicated by the lifespan information and the difference between the lifespan indicated by the lifespan information and the lifespan measured by the sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0008] A third aspect is an image forming apparatus of the first or second aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores first identification information, which is identification information of the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge was installed when the life information was initialized or the memory was updated, and the controller executes a first identification information acquisition process to acquire the first identification information stored in the consumable memory, and executes the permission process if the first identification information acquired by the first identification information acquisition process differs from second identification information, which is identification information of the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge is currently installed.

[0009] A fourth aspect is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a display for displaying an image and an operation unit for accepting input operations, and the controller, when initialization of the lifespan information is permitted, executes a selection screen display process for displaying an initialization selection screen on the display to allow the user to select whether to initialize the lifespan information, and, after the selection screen display process, when input operation indicating that the initialization is to be performed is received via the operation unit, executes an initialization process for initializing the lifespan information.

[0010] A fifth aspect is the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, wherein the controller updates the stored life information based on the life measured by the sensor in the initialization process.

[0011] A sixth aspect is an image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores capacity information which is information indicating the capacity setting of the consumable in the cartridge, and the controller, during the initialization process, sets the life information to an initial value corresponding to the capacity indicated by the capacity information.

[0012] A seventh aspect is an image forming device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the image forming device is provided with a cover that is movable between an open position that opens an opening in the main body housing and a closed position that closes the opening, and the controller executes the permission process when the image forming device is powered on or the opening is closed by the cover.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the control method of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming device that is equipped with a cartridge filled with consumables, wherein a consumable memory provided in the cartridge stores lifespan information, which is information that is stored when the consumable is used and indicates the lifespan of the consumable, and includes an authorization step that allows the image forming device to initialize the lifespan information if the lifespan indicated by the lifespan information differs from the lifespan measured by a sensor that measures the lifespan of the consumable, a selection screen display step that, when initialization of the lifespan information is permitted, displays an initialization selection screen on a display to allow the user to select whether to initialize the lifespan information, and an initialization step that initializes the lifespan information if an input operation indicating that the initialization is to be performed is received via an operation unit after the selection screen display step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] If the actual lifespan of the consumables in the cartridge differs from the recorded lifespan, the cartridge may have been refilled with consumables. In other words, the cartridge may have been recycled. According to the image forming device of the first aspect, in a situation where there is a possibility that a recycled cartridge has been installed, initialization of the lifespan information by the image forming device is permitted. Therefore, initialization of the cartridge lifespan can be permitted in appropriate situations.

[0015] If the actual lifespan of the consumables in the cartridge is longer than the recorded lifespan, it is assumed that the cartridge has been refilled with consumables. In other words, it is highly likely that the cartridge has been recycled. According to the image forming device of the second aspect, in a situation where it is highly likely that a recycled cartridge has been installed, the image forming device is permitted to initialize the lifespan information. Therefore, it is possible to permit initialization of the cartridge lifespan in a more appropriate situation.

[0016] For a cartridge that has been used once in an image forming apparatus or for which the lifespan information has been initialized, there is little need to initialize the lifespan information while the cartridge is installed in the same image forming apparatus. According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, when there is little need to initialize the lifespan information, it is possible to avoid executing unnecessary permission processing.

[0017] According to the image forming device of the fourth aspect, when initialization of life information is permitted in the image forming device, the user can select whether to execute initialization. Then, when an input operation to execute initialization is received, initialization can be executed. Therefore, the user can determine whether the situation is appropriate for initializing the life information of the cartridge.

[0018] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the lifespan information can be updated based on the actually measured lifespan of the consumables, rather than on a predicted value, and therefore the lifespan information can be updated accurately.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the image forming apparatus, the initial value of the lifespan information can be set according to the cartridge capacity setting. This allows the lifespan information to be initialized to an appropriate value even if the cartridge capacity setting changes before and after refilling of consumables, i.e., before and after recycling.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the image forming apparatus, the permission process is performed when the image forming apparatus is started or when a cartridge is installed, thereby making it possible to determine without delay whether to permit initialization of the life information.

[0021] If the actual lifespan of a consumable in a cartridge differs from the recorded lifespan, the cartridge may have been refilled with consumables. In other words, the cartridge may have been recycled. According to the control method of the eighth aspect, in a situation where a recycled cartridge may have been installed, the image forming device permits initialization of lifespan information. When initialization of lifespan information is permitted, the image forming device displays an initialization selection screen on the display, allowing the user to select whether to perform initialization. When the user inputs a command to perform initialization, the image forming device accepts the input operation and initializes the lifespan information in the consumable memory. This allows the image forming device to permit initialization of the cartridge lifespan in appropriate situations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of toner cartridge information. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an empty process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a start-of-use process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a latch process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initialization-related process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error check process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initialization process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is a laser printer, and image formation is printing. However, the image forming apparatus may be a printer other than a laser printer. For example, the image forming apparatus may be an inkjet printer.

[0024] <Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 1> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Note that some functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are realized when the image forming apparatus is connected to a server for communication. Therefore, Fig. 1 also shows a server 8 that communicates with the image forming apparatus 1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, image forming apparatus 1 is composed of a main body housing 10 and a cover 11. Furthermore, a toner cartridge 4 and a drum cartridge 20 can be attached to main body housing 10 as replaceable parts of image forming apparatus 1. In other words, image forming apparatus 1 can include toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 as parts. Note that the appearance of image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and is not intended to limit the external structure of image forming apparatus 1.

[0026] (Main body housing 10) The main body housing 10 has a shape like a rectangular box, for example, and houses a controller 61, a main body memory 62, a communication unit 63, an operation unit 64, a display 65, a toner sensor 66, and a transfer belt 70.

[0027] The controller 61 is an information processing device that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 1. The controller 61 includes, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 61 is electrically connected to a main body memory 62, a communication unit 63, an operation unit 64, a display 65, and a toner sensor 66.

[0028] The controller 61 may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 61 may also include a computer-readable recording medium that stores a control program. For example, the controller 61 may include a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit as the recording medium. The controller 61 may also use a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like to expand the control program.

[0029] The main memory 62 is a memory from which information can be read and written, and is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM (registered trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0030] The communication unit 63 is a communication interface between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 8. There are no particular limitations on the specific structure of the communication unit 63. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the communication standard between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 8.

[0031] The operation unit 64 is an input interface for receiving input operations from the user. Examples of the operation unit 64 include various physical buttons and a touch panel. The input surface of the operation unit 64 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 10 so that the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can easily perform input operations on the input surface.

[0032] Display 65 is an output interface capable of displaying characters and / or images. An example of display 65 is a liquid crystal display. The display surface of display 65 may be provided on the outer surface of main body housing 10 so that a user of image forming apparatus 1 can easily view information displayed on the display surface.

[0033] It should be noted that a single image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a plurality of operation units 64 and a plurality of displays 65. Alternatively, the operation unit 64 and the display 65 may be integrally configured, for example, as a touch panel display.

[0034] The toner sensor 66 is a sensor that measures the lifespan of consumables. In this embodiment, the "lifespan of consumables" does not refer to the expiration date of the consumables, but rather to the amount of consumables that can be used. The toner sensor 66 may also measure the lifespan of consumables indirectly. The specific structure of the toner sensor 66 and the method for measuring the lifespan of consumables using the toner sensor 66 are not particularly limited. The toner sensor 66 of this embodiment measures the remaining amount of toner filled in the toner cartridge 4 as the lifespan of the consumables. The toner sensor 66 of this embodiment is an optical sensor that irradiates light onto the portion of the toner cartridge 4 filled with toner and measures the reflected light. Since the remaining amount of toner can be determined from the measurement data of the reflected light, it can be said that the toner sensor 66 measures the remaining amount of toner. The toner sensor 66 outputs the measurement result to the controller 61.

[0035] There are no particular limitations on the data format of the measurement results output by the toner sensor 66. In this embodiment, the toner sensor 66 outputs the remaining amount of toner determined from the measurement data of the reflected light to the controller 61. However, the toner sensor 66 may also output the measurement data of the reflected light to the controller 61 as is.

[0036] The transfer belt 70 is a component that transfers developer such as toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to printing paper. The transfer belt 70 is a replaceable component that must be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The transfer belt 70 is a belt that can come into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 and is annular (endless belt). The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21 can come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the transfer belt 70. When the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing, the printing paper is transported between the transfer belt 70 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0037] The transfer belt 70 is stretched between a drive roller 71 and a driven roller 72. The controller 61 rotates the drive roller 71, which drives the transfer belt 70. The driven roller 72 rotates in accordance with the movement of the transfer belt 70 caused by the drive of the drive roller 71.

[0038] (Installing the cartridge) The main body housing 10 is formed with a cartridge holding section 13 for holding the toner cartridge 4 and the drum cartridge 20. The cartridge holding section 13 is formed in a concave shape and has an opening. The toner cartridge 4 and / or the drum cartridge 20 can be inserted into the opening of the cartridge holding section 13. When the toner cartridge 4 and / or the drum cartridge 20 is inserted into the opening of the cartridge holding section 13, the cartridge holding section 13 holds the inserted toner cartridge 4 and / or the drum cartridge 20. In this way, by being held by the cartridge holding section 13, the installation of the toner cartridge 4 and / or the drum cartridge 20 into the main body housing 10 is completed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 4 can be attached to the drum cartridge 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the toner cartridge 4 is inserted into the opening of the cartridge holding portion 13 together with the drum cartridge 20 while attached to the drum cartridge 20. This allows the toner cartridge 4 and the drum cartridge 20 to be mounted in the main body housing 10.

[0040] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment performs printing using four toner cartridges 4 and four drum cartridges 20. That is, in this embodiment, four toner cartridges 4 and four drum cartridges 20 are attached to the main body housing 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The number of drum cartridges 20 and toner cartridges 4 that can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 is a printer that performs monochrome printing, it may be a monochrome printer in which one toner cartridge 4 and one drum cartridge 20 can be attached to the main body housing 10.

[0041] (Cover 11) The cover 11 is a lid for opening and closing the opening 10A of the main body housing 10. The cover 11 includes a rotation shaft 11A and a light source unit 50. The cover 11 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 11A between an open position where the opening 10A is opened and a closed position where the opening 10A is closed. That is, the cover 11 is movable between the open position and the closed position. In FIG. 1, the cover 11 in the open position is indicated by a solid line, and the cover 11 in the closed position is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 11 is in the open position, each opening of the cartridge holding portion 13 is open. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 11 is in the closed position, each opening of the cartridge holding portion 13 is covered by the cover 11.

[0042] The rotation axis 11A of the cover 11 extends in a first direction. The first direction is the direction in which the central axis of rotation of the developing roller 41 of the toner cartridge 4 (in other words, the developing axis) extends when the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the main body casing 10.

[0043] The light source unit 50 is a component for irradiating light onto the photosensitive drum 21 of the drum cartridge 20. The light source unit 50 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the drum cartridge 20. In this embodiment, a total of four light source units 50 are provided so that one light source unit 50 is assigned to one drum cartridge 20.

[0044] The four light source units 50 are attached to the inner surface of the cover 11. The light source units 50 are disposed in positions that face the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 21 when the drum cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10 and the opening 10A is closed (i.e., when the cover 11 is in the closed position).

[0045] The light source unit 50 has a plurality of light sources arranged in a first direction. The light sources are capable of irradiating light onto the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The light sources may be, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0046] The opening 10A of the main body housing 10 may be provided with a closure sensor (not shown) for detecting that the opening 10A is closed. The closure sensor is a sensor that detects that the cover 11 is in the closed position. The specific configuration of the closure sensor is not limited. For example, the closure sensor may be a contact type sensor or an optical type sensor. Also, the closure sensor may be provided on the cover 11 side to detect whether or not the cover 11 is in the closed position. The closure sensor is electrically connected to the controller 61. The detection result of the closure sensor is output to the controller 61.

[0047] (Toner cartridge 4) The toner cartridge 4 is one of the replaceable parts of the image forming apparatus 1. The toner cartridge 4 includes a toner cartridge housing 43, a developing roller 41, and a toner memory (consumable memory) .

[0048] The toner cartridge housing 43 is the housing portion of the toner cartridge 4. The toner cartridge housing 43 houses the developing roller 41 and the toner memory 42. The inside of the toner cartridge housing 43 can be filled with toner. Toner is a developer that is consumed when the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing. In other words, toner is a consumable item for the image forming apparatus 1, and printing cannot be performed using a toner cartridge 4 that has run out of toner.

[0049] In this embodiment, the four toner cartridges 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 are each filled with toner of a different color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the image forming apparatus 1 may be capable of installing multiple toner cartridges 4 filled with toner of the same color. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be equipped with two toner cartridges 4 filled with black toner.

[0050] The toner cartridge 4 of this embodiment is configured so that the inside of the toner cartridge housing 43 can be refilled with toner. Even if the toner cartridge 4 has run out of toner, it can be used again by refilling it with toner. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 is a recyclable toner cartridge. Hereinafter, a toner cartridge 4 that has been refilled with toner will also be referred to as a "recycled toner cartridge 4." The image forming apparatus 1 can use both new toner cartridges 4 and recycled toner cartridges 4.

[0051] There are no particular limitations on who collects and refills used toner cartridges 4, and how to refill toner into toner cartridge housings 43. For example, in this embodiment, a business collects used toner cartridges 4 and refills them with toner at a factory. Also, in this embodiment, the business sells the refilled toner cartridges 4 as recycled cartridges, and the refilled toner cartridges 4 are distributed.

[0052] The developing roller 41 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction and is rotatable about a development axis extending in the first direction. The developing roller 41 is disposed so that the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 41 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 when the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the drum cartridge 20.

[0053] The toner memory 42 is a memory from which information can be read and written. There are no particular limitations on the type of the toner memory 42. For example, the toner memory 42 may be a flash ROM, an EEPROM (registered trademark), or an IC chip.

[0054] The toner memory 42 is provided at a position where it can be electrically connected to the controller 61. For example, the toner memory 42 may be disposed on the outer surface of the toner cartridge housing 43 on either side in the first direction.

[0055] The toner cartridge 4 may include a toner agitator for agitating the toner. The toner agitator operates in response to instructions from the controller 61 when the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0056] (Drum cartridge 20) The drum cartridge 20 is one of the replaceable parts of the image forming apparatus 1. The drum cartridge 20 includes at least a drum cartridge housing 23 and a photosensitive drum 21.

[0057] The drum cartridge housing 23 is a housing portion of the drum cartridge 20. The drum cartridge housing 23 houses the photosensitive drum 21 and the drum memory 22.

[0058] The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrical photosensitive body extending in a first direction. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is covered with a photosensitive material. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatable around a drum axis extending in the first direction. The image forming apparatus 1 uses the photosensitive drum 21 when printing. The photosensitive drum 21 is a replaceable part that requires replacement due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 21 can be said to be a consumable item for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0059] The drum cartridge 20 may also include a drum memory 22, as shown in FIG. 1. The drum memory 22 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The type of drum memory 22 is not particularly limited. For example, the drum memory 22 may be a flash ROM, an EEPROM, or an IC chip.

[0060] The drum memory 22 is provided at a position where it can be electrically connected to the controller 61. For example, the drum memory 22 may be disposed on an outer surface of the drum cartridge housing 23 on either side in the first direction.

[0061] (printing) 1, the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 are attached to the main body casing 10 with the cover 11 in the open position. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 are inserted into the cartridge holder 13 formed in the opening 10A.

[0062] The light source unit 50 is electrically connected to a controller 61. The controller 61 causes the multiple light sources of the light source unit 50 to emit light in accordance with input image data. The light sources irradiate the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light. As a result, the photosensitive material on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is exposed in accordance with the image data. The movement of the transfer belt 70 transports the printing paper between the transfer belt 70 and the photosensitive drum 21. The transfer belt 70 transfers the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the printing paper.

[0063] <Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1> 2 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 1. Some functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are realized when the image forming apparatus 1 is communicatively connected to the server 8. Therefore, the server 8 and the functional blocks included in the server 8 are also shown in FIG.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 has a connector 101 and a connector 102. The connector 101 is electrically connected to the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20 inserted into the cartridge holding portion 13 shown in FIG. 1. When the connector 101 and the drum memory 22 are electrically connected, the controller 61 becomes able to communicate with the drum memory 22. That is, the controller 61 becomes able to write information to the drum memory 22, rewrite information, and read information from the drum memory 22.

[0065] (Controller 61) The controller 61 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the controller 61 writes information to the main memory 62 and reads information from the main memory 62. For example, the controller 61 identifies the content of an input operation performed on the operation unit 64 and executes processing according to the content of the input operation. For example, the controller 61 displays an image read from the main memory 62 or an image created by the controller 61 on the display 65. For example, the controller 61 outputs a measurement instruction to the toner sensor 66. For example, the controller 61 acquires the measurement results of the toner sensor 66. For example, the controller 61 performs data communication with the server 8 via the communication unit 63. Specific processing executed by the controller 61 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0066] If the controller 61 includes a processor, the controller 61 reads a control program from the main body memory 62 and operates in accordance with the control program, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute various processes defined by the control program.

[0067] (Communications Department 63) The communication unit 63 communicates with the server 8 via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the communication unit 63 transmits various data input from the controller 61 to the server 8. Also, for example, the communication unit 63 outputs various data received from the server 8 to the controller 61.

[0068] Further, for example, the communication unit 63 may output various requests received from the server 8 to the controller 61. A "request" refers to, for example, various demands, instructions, inquiries, etc. transmitted from the server 8. The communication unit 63 may return the result of the controller 61 executing a process in response to the request to the server 8 as a "response." Furthermore, the communication unit 63 may transmit various requests input from the controller 61 to the server 8. The communication unit 63 may receive the result of the server 8 executing a process in response to the request as a response, and output the received response to the controller 61.

[0069] The response from the image forming apparatus 1 to the server 8 and / or the response from the server 8 to the image forming apparatus 1 may be omitted. For example, when the controller 61 receives a request to "change various settings in the image forming apparatus 1," the controller 61 changes the various settings in the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the received request, but does not need to return a notification to the server 8 that the settings have been changed.

[0070] (Operation unit 64, display 65, toner sensor 66) The display 65 displays an image input from the controller 61 on the display surface. For example, the display 65 displays an image of a screen (initialization selection screen) for allowing the user to select whether to initialize the lifespan information on the display surface in accordance with an instruction from the controller 61. The operation unit 64 accepts a user's input operation on the input surface and outputs information indicating the content of the input operation to the controller 61. For example, when the initialization selection screen is displayed on the display surface of the display 65 or after the initialization selection screen is displayed, the operation unit 64 accepts a user's input operation instructing to initialize the lifespan information, and outputs the content of the input operation to the controller 61. Upon receiving an instruction from the controller 61, the toner sensor 66 measures the remaining toner amount. The toner sensor 66 outputs the measurement result to the controller 61. If the toner sensor 66 outputs the reflected light measurement data directly to the controller 61, the controller 61 determines the remaining toner amount from the reflected light measurement data.

[0071] The controller 61 may determine various parameters based on the measurement data of the reflected light or the remaining amount of toner. For example, the controller 61 may determine, from the remaining amount of toner, at least one of (1) the cumulative amount of toner consumed, (2) the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 41, and (3) the cumulative number of pages printed using the toner cartridge 4 that is the measurement target.

[0072] The unit of toner consumption is not particularly limited. For example, toner sensor 66 may convert the toner consumption into the number of dots (dot count) during printing. Alternatively, toner sensor 66 may input the measurement result of the remaining toner amount to controller 61, and controller 61 may convert the remaining toner amount into any of the above (1) to (3).

[0073] (Main memory 62) The main body memory 62 stores toner cartridge information 621 , a device ID 622 , main body specification information 623 , upper limit information 624 , and a sheet number counter 625 .

[0074] Toner cartridge information 621 is information relating to the toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the toner cartridge information 621 includes the same information as the toner cartridge information 420. The toner cartridge information 621 is stored separately for each toner cartridge 4. When a toner cartridge 4 is recycled and re-installed in the image forming apparatus 1, the toner cartridge information 621 before recycling and the toner cartridge information 621 after recycling are stored separately.

[0075] The device ID 622 is identification information of the image forming device 1. The device ID 622 may be, for example, the serial number of the image forming device.

[0076] The main body specification information 623 is information indicating the specifications of the image forming device 1. In this specification, "specifications" can refer to any specifications, such as appearance, materials, operation, and the content of services provided. For example, in this embodiment, the operational specifications of the image forming device 1 are determined so that the image forming device 1 conforms to the legal regulations and distribution methods of the country or region to which it is shipped. The main body specification information 623 in this embodiment indicates either "for EU (Europe)," "for US (United States)," or "for JP (Japan)."

[0077] The upper limit information 624 is information that indicates the maximum number of times that the life information of a given toner cartridge 4 can be initialized. In other words, the upper limit information 624 indicates the maximum number of times that the toner cartridge 4 can be recycled. The controller 61 of this embodiment cannot perform initialization for each toner cartridge 4 more times than the maximum number indicated by the upper limit information 624. For example, if the maximum number is 3, the controller 61 cannot perform initialization for a given toner cartridge 4 for the fourth time.

[0078] The sheet number counter 625 is a counter that indicates the cumulative number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus 1. The sheet number counter 625 is incremented by the controller 61 every time printing is performed. The sheet number counter 625 may be initialized in response to an instruction from the controller 61. The value of the sheet number counter 625 may be read by the controller 61 as appropriate and transmitted to the server 8.

[0079] In addition to the various types of information described above, the main memory 62 may also store drum cartridge information, which is information about the drum cartridge 20. The main memory 62 may also store images to be displayed on the display 65. The main memory 62 may also store a control program that realizes a control method for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0080] (Toner cartridge information 420) The toner memory 42 stores toner cartridge information 420. The toner cartridge information 420 indicates various pieces of information related to the toner cartridge 4.

[0081] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of toner cartridge information 420. The toner cartridge information 420 includes, for example, a toner ID 421, capacity information 422, color information 423, cartridge specification information 424, lifespan information, an empty flag 428, a recycling count 429, and main body identification information 430.

[0082] Lifespan information is information relating to the lifespan of a consumable. Lifespan information includes at least one of consumption information for determining the extent to which the consumable has been used and remaining amount information for determining the remaining amount of the consumable. For example, toner cartridge information 420 of this embodiment includes, as examples of consumption information, number of printed pages 426 and number of rotations of the developing roller 427. Also, for example, toner cartridge information 420 of this embodiment includes remaining toner amount 425 as an example of remaining amount information. Toner cartridge information 420 may also include a dot count value or the like as consumption information.

[0083] The toner ID 421 is identification information for uniquely identifying the toner cartridge 4. As an example, the toner ID 421 is a serial number that is unique to the toner cartridge 4. The toner ID 421 may include information that indicates the model number of the toner cartridge 4.

[0084] The capacity information 422 is information that indicates the capacity setting of the consumable in the toner cartridge 4. In other words, the capacity information 422 is information that indicates the amount of toner that can be filled into the toner cartridge housing 43 of the toner cartridge 4. For example, in this embodiment, the capacities of the toner cartridges 4 are divided into four levels, in order from smallest to largest: "small capacity," "standard capacity," "large capacity," and "extra large capacity." The capacity information 422 of the toner cartridge information 420 indicates one of the four levels of capacity.

[0085] The color information 423 is information indicating the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the toner is one of four colors: "C (cyan)," "M (magenta)," "Y (yellow)," and "BK (black)." In other words, the color information 423 indicates one of the four colors.

[0086] Cartridge specification information 424 is information indicating the specifications of the toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, like the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the toner cartridge 4 also has operating specifications determined so that the toner cartridge 4 conforms to the legal regulations and distribution methods of the country or region to which it is shipped. Like the image forming apparatus 1, the toner cartridge 4 of this embodiment is manufactured to one of the specifications for "EU (Europe)," "US (United States)," or "JP (Japan)." Cartridge specification information 424 indicates one of the above specifications.

[0087] The remaining toner amount 425 is information indicating the remaining amount of toner filled in the toner cartridge 4. As an example, the remaining toner amount 425 may be configured with values ​​corresponding to a plurality of states, ranging from a state in which the cartridge housing of the toner cartridge 4 is full to a state in which the cartridge housing is empty. For example, the remaining toner amount 425 may be indicated by a character string such as "FULL" to "EMPTY," or by a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%, or by a combination of a character string and a numerical value.

[0088] In this specification, the term "full state" may refer to a state in which the cartridge housing of the toner cartridge 4 is physically filled with toner, or a state in which the amount of toner remaining in the cartridge housing satisfies the capacity specified in the capacity information 422. In addition, in this specification, the term "empty state" may refer to a state in which the cartridge housing of the toner cartridge 4 is physically empty, or a state in which the amount of toner remaining in the cartridge housing is equal to or less than the threshold value specified in the capacity information 422. In this case, the threshold value may be, for example, the lower limit of the remaining toner amount at which the image forming apparatus 1 can normally perform printing.

[0089] The number of printed sheets 426 is information indicating the number of sheets of paper that have been printed in the image forming apparatus 1 since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The number of development roller rotations 427 is information indicating the number of rotations of the development roller 41 in the toner cartridge 4 that have occurred in conjunction with the execution of printing since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0090] The empty flag 428 is a flag that indicates whether the toner cartridge 4 is empty. In this embodiment, the empty flag 428 is indicated by a value of 0 or 1. In this embodiment, when the empty flag is 1, the toner cartridge 4 is empty, and when the empty flag 428 is 0, the toner cartridge 4 is not empty.

[0091] The recycling count 429 indicates the number of times that the life information of the toner memory 42 has been initialized. The recycling count 429 is information that indicates the number of times (initialization count) that at least a portion of the information stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 has been initialized in accordance with a user instruction.

[0092] The main body identification information 430 indicates the identification information of the image forming device 1 in which the toner cartridge 4 was installed when the lifespan information was initialized or updated. The main body identification information 430 is stored when the lifespan information is initialized or when the toner is consumed.

[0093] In this embodiment, initialization of the information in the toner memory 42 based on a user instruction is performed once for each recycling. Therefore, the "number of times initialized" in the toner memory 42 described above means the number of times the toner cartridge 4 has been recycled. If the number of recycling times 429 indicates a value less than 1, this means that the toner cartridge 4 has never been recycled. If the number of recycling times 429 indicates a value greater than or equal to 1, this means that the toner cartridge 4 is a recycled cartridge.

[0094] The various types of information listed above are merely examples of the toner cartridge information 420. Depending on the construction environment of the image forming system 100 or the specifications of the image forming apparatus 1, the toner cartridge information 420 may include information other than the various types of information described above. Also, some of the various types of information described above in the toner cartridge information 420 may be omitted as appropriate. Also, the drum memory 22 may store drum cartridge information, which is information related to the drum cartridge 20.

[0095] (Server 8) The server 8 includes a server communication unit 83, a server memory 82, and a server control unit 81. The server communication unit 83 is a communication interface that communicates between the server 8 and the image forming apparatus 1. The server communication unit 83 transmits a request input from the server control unit 81 to the image forming apparatus 1. The server communication unit 83 receives a response sent from the image forming apparatus 1 in response to the transmitted request, and outputs the response to the server control unit 81.

[0096] The server memory 82 is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of the server 8. The server memory 82 stores device information 821 for each image forming device 1. The device information 821 may include, for example, a device ID, main body specification information, the model number of the image forming device 1, and the manufacturing date. Furthermore, when the server 8 receives the number of printed sheets from the image forming device 1, the device information 821 may include information indicating the number of printed sheets.

[0097] The server control unit 81 is a CPU that performs overall control of the server 8. The server control unit 81 creates a request to the image forming apparatus 1 at a predetermined timing and outputs the created request to the server communication unit 83. Furthermore, based on a response received from the image forming apparatus 1 via the server communication unit 83, the server control unit 81 stores new device information in the server memory 82 or updates device information that has already been stored.

[0098] <Processing flow in image forming apparatus 1> Next, the flow of various processes executed by the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 9. The controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment causes the toner sensor 66 to measure the amount of remaining toner after toner is used each time toner is consumed. The controller 61 then updates the remaining toner amount 425 in the toner memory 42 based on the measurement result of the toner sensor 66. As a result, the remaining toner amount 425 is updated as needed from the start of use of the toner cartridge 4 until the toner cartridge 4 is empty. Note that the toner in the toner cartridge 4 may be consumed for purposes other than printing. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may consume toner in the toner cartridge 4 when setting up or cleaning the toner cartridge 4 attached to the main body housing 10. The controller 61 may also update other life information other than the remaining toner amount 425 in accordance with the consumption of toner.

[0099] For example, when the controller 61 updates consumption information such as the number of printed sheets 426, the number of rotations of the developing roller 427, and the dot count value, the controller 61 first determines the cumulative amount of toner consumed. The cumulative amount of toner consumed can be determined by subtracting the remaining amount of toner indicated by the measurement result of the toner sensor 66 from the "amount of toner when the toner cartridge 4 is full" determined from the capacity information 422.

[0100] When updating the number of printed sheets 426 among the consumption information, the controller 61 calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets by dividing the cumulative amount of toner consumed by a predetermined value. Here, the "predetermined value" is the amount of toner estimated to be used to print one sheet of printing paper. The controller 61 updates the number of printed sheets 426 with the calculated cumulative value. When updating the number of development roller rotations 427 among the consumption information, the controller 61 calculates the cumulative number of rotations of the development roller 41 by dividing the cumulative amount of toner consumed by the amount of toner consumed per rotation of the development roller 41. The controller 61 updates the number of development roller rotations 427 with the calculated cumulative value. When updating the dot count value among the consumption information, the controller 61 calculates the cumulative value of the dot count by dividing the amount of toner consumed by the amount of toner consumed per dot. The controller 61 updates the dot count value in the toner memory 42 with the calculated cumulative value.

[0101] In this way, not only the remaining amount of toner but also various other consumption information such as the cumulative number of printed pages, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 41, and the cumulative dot count can be calculated from the measurement results of the toner sensor 66. Therefore, it can be said that the toner sensor 66 indirectly measures these consumption information items as information indicating the lifespan of consumables.

[0102] (Empty processing flow) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of emptying processing. The emptying processing refers to a series of processes that are performed when a toner cartridge 4 becomes empty. The emptying processing shown in FIG. 4 can be performed, for example, when a print job is completed in the image forming apparatus 1, or when setup or cleaning of a toner cartridge 4 is completed in the image forming apparatus 1. Note that when processing a toner cartridge 4 in the processing shown in FIG. 4, unless otherwise specified, the processing is performed individually for all four toner cartridges 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0103] In step S10, the controller 61 determines whether the toner cartridge 4 is empty. For example, the controller 61 causes the toner sensor 66 to measure the amount of remaining toner and acquires the measurement result. If the measurement result is equal to or less than a predetermined lower threshold, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 is empty. If the toner cartridge 4 is empty (YES in step S10), the controller 61 executes step S11. On the other hand, if the toner cartridge 4 is not empty (NO in step S10), the controller 61 does not execute the subsequent processes of steps S11 to S14.

[0104] In step S11, the controller 61 refers to the empty flag of the toner memory 42. If the empty flag is 0 (YES in step S11), the controller 61 executes step S12. On the other hand, if the empty flag is 1 (NO in step S11), the controller 61 does not execute the subsequent processes of steps S12 to S14.

[0105] In step S12, the controller 61 updates the remaining toner amount 425 stored in the toner memory 42 to the actual value of the remaining toner amount measured by the toner sensor 66. This causes the remaining toner amount 425 in the toner memory 42 to match the remaining toner amount actually measured by the toner sensor 66. The controller 61 then executes step S13.

[0106] In step S13, the controller 61 reads the device ID 622 from the main body memory 62 and writes the device ID 622 to the toner memory 42 as the main body identification information 430. As a result, the device ID of the image forming device 1 in which the toner cartridge 4 was attached when the remaining toner amount 425 was updated (step S12) is stored in the toner memory 42. Note that in step S13, if the main body identification information 430 is already stored in the toner memory 42 and matches the read-out device ID 622, the controller 61 does not need to rewrite the main body identification information 430. The controller 61 then executes step S14.

[0107] In step S14, the controller 61 updates the empty flag 428 stored in the toner memory 42 from 0 to 1.

[0108] According to the above process, the remaining toner amount 425 in the toner memory 42 is updated in accordance with the consumption of toner. As a result, the toner memory 42 stores the current remaining toner amount 425.

[0109] (Processing procedure when starting to use recycled products) By repeating the process shown in FIG. 4, the toner cartridge 4 eventually reaches an empty state. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 becomes a used cartridge. Thereafter, as described above, businesses collect the used cartridges, refill them with toner until they are full, and then redistribute them. In this way, recycled toner cartridges 4 may be distributed in a state where the remaining toner amount 425 stored in the toner cartridge information 420 is used (i.e., empty), but in reality, the toner cartridge 4 has been refilled. In such a case, the toner cartridge 4 can be made usable in the image forming device 1 by initializing the remaining toner amount 425.

[0110] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the start-of-use process. The "start-of-use process" refers to the process that is executed when a new toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main body housing 10 and before the installed toner cartridge 4 starts to be used. Note that the controller 61 of this embodiment monitors whether the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on and whether the cover 11 is opened or closed.

[0111] In step S40, the controller 61 waits until the power is applied (i.e., the power is turned on) or the cover 11 is closed (i.e., the opening 10A is closed) (NO in step S20). When the power is applied or the cover 11 is closed (YES in step S20), this triggers the controller 61 to start the processing of step S21 for each of the four toner cartridges 4. This allows the controller 61 to promptly determine whether to permit initialization of the life information. The processing after step S20 is performed separately for each of the four toner cartridges 4. Therefore, for example, a replaced toner cartridge 4 and a toner cartridge 4 that has not been replaced may undergo different processing flows.

[0112] In step S21, the controller 61 executes a latch process. In this embodiment, the "latch process" refers to a process of reading various data included in the toner cartridge information 420 from the toner cartridge 4.

[0113] (latch processing) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the latch process shown in step S21 in Fig. 5. Note that the processes of steps S30 to S34 shown in Fig. 6 may be executed in parallel or in any order. Furthermore, the controller 61 may execute a step of reading the toner ID 421 as necessary.

[0114] In step S30, the controller 61 reads the number of prints 426 from the toner memory 42. In step S31, the controller 61 reads the number of development roller rotations 427 from the toner memory 42. In step S32, the controller 61 reads the empty flag 428 from the toner memory 42. In step S33, the controller 61 reads the remaining toner amount 425 from the toner memory 42. In step S34, the controller 61 reads the main body identification information 430 from the toner memory 42 (first identification information acquisition process).

[0115] When the latch process by the controller 61 is completed, the controller 61 executes the process of step S22 shown in Fig. 5. Hereafter, the description will be continued by returning to Fig. 5.

[0116] In step S22, the controller 61 reads and acquires the device ID 622 from the main body memory 62. The controller 61 then executes the process of step S23.

[0117] In step S23, the controller 61 determines whether the value of the empty flag 428 read in step S32 of the latch process is 1. If the empty flag is 1 (YES in step S23), the controller 61 executes the process of step S24. On the other hand, if the empty flag is not 1 (NO in step S23), the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 is not empty, and ends the start-of-use process.

[0118] In step S24, the controller 61 determines whether the device ID 622 (second identification information) and the main body identification information 430 (first identification information) are different. That is, the controller 61 determines whether the identification information of the image forming device 1 in which the toner cartridge 4 is currently installed is different from the identification information of the image forming device that was installed when the image forming device was initialized or when the remaining toner amount 425 was updated. If the controller 61 determines that the device ID 622 and the main body identification information 430 are different (YES in step S24), the controller 61 executes the process of step S25. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the device ID 622 and the main body identification information 430 match (NO in step S24), the controller 61 ends the start-of-use process.

[0119] For a cartridge that has been used once in a certain image forming apparatus 1 or whose lifespan information has been initialized, there is little need to initialize the lifespan information while the cartridge is installed in the same image forming apparatus 1. According to the processing of step S24, if there is little need to initialize the lifespan information, the controller 61 can avoid executing the processing related to permission to initialize the lifespan, which is shown in steps S25 and onwards. This allows the controller 61 to avoid unnecessary processing.

[0120] In step S25, the controller 61 drives a toner agitator (not shown) provided in the toner cartridge 4 to cause the toner agitator to agitate the toner in the toner cartridge housing 43. This is performed so that the toner sensor 66 can more accurately measure the remaining toner amount in the next step S26. After executing step S25, the controller 61 executes step S26.

[0121] In step S26, the controller 61 instructs the toner sensor 66 to measure the remaining amount of toner. Then, the controller 61 obtains the measurement result from the toner sensor 66. After executing step S26, the controller 61 executes step S27.

[0122] In step S27, the controller 61 determines whether the remaining toner amount 425 read in step S33 of the latch process differs from the remaining toner amount measured by the toner sensor 66. If the remaining toner amount 425 read by the controller 61 differs from the remaining toner amount measured by the toner sensor 66 (YES in step S27), the controller 61 executes the process of step S28. On the other hand, if the remaining toner amount 425 read by the controller 61 matches the remaining toner amount measured by the toner sensor 66 (NO in step S27), the controller 61 ends the start-of-use process.

[0123] In step S28, the controller 61 permits initialization of the lifespan information for the toner cartridges 4 for which the answer was YES in step S27 (permission process, permission step). Information indicating that initialization of the lifespan information for each toner cartridge 4 is permitted (permission information) may be temporarily stored in the controller 61, or may be stored in the toner cartridge information 621 in the main body memory 62. Note that, when the initialization process described below is completed, the permission information is either deleted or rewritten with information indicating that initialization is not permitted.

[0124] In step S29, the controller 61 executes initialization-related processing. The "initialization-related processing" is a series of processing including processing for confirming with the user whether or not it is OK to initialize the lifespan information, and processing for executing the initialization of the lifespan information. The initialization-related processing will be described in detail later.

[0125] When toner cartridge 4 is refilled with toner, the actual measured value of the remaining toner amount in toner cartridge 4 will differ from remaining toner amount 425 stored in toner memory 42. In other words, if toner cartridge 4 is a recycled product, the actual measured value of the remaining toner amount will differ from remaining toner amount 425. According to the process shown in FIG. 5, in a situation where there is a possibility that a recycled cartridge has been installed, controller 61 permits initialization of remaining toner amount 425. In other words, controller 61 can permit initialization of the life of toner cartridge 4 in appropriate situations.

[0126] Note that before executing the processing of step S27, controller 61 may calculate the cumulative number of printed sheets or the cumulative number of rotations of developing roller 41 from the remaining toner amount. Then, in step S27, controller 61 may determine whether the calculated cumulative number of printed sheets differs from number of printed sheets 426, or whether the calculated cumulative number of rotations differs from number of rotations of developing roller 427. If toner cartridge information 420 includes a dot count value, controller 61 may determine whether the dot count value calculated from the actual measured value of the remaining toner amount differs from the dot count value included in toner cartridge information 420. The branching of processing depending on the results of these determinations is the same as in step S27 of FIG. 5.

[0127] Note that instead of step S27 shown in FIG. 5, controller 61 may execute the following modified example of step S27. In this modified example of step S27, controller 61 compares the read remaining toner amount 425 with the remaining toner amount measured by toner sensor 66. Then, it determines whether the measured remaining toner amount is longer than remaining toner amount 425 and the difference therebetween is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the measured remaining toner amount is longer than remaining toner amount 425 and the difference therebetween is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, controller 61 executes the initialization-related processing of step S28, just as in the case of YES in step S27. If the measured remaining toner amount is shorter than remaining toner amount 425, or if the measured remaining toner amount is longer than remaining toner amount 425 but the difference therebetween is less than the predetermined value, controller 61 terminates the start-of-use processing just as in the case of NO in step S27.

[0128] If the actual measured value of the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge 4 is longer than the remaining toner amount 425, it is estimated that the toner cartridge 4 has been refilled with toner. In other words, there is a high possibility that the toner cartridge 4 is a recycled product. According to the variation of step S27 described above, in a situation where there is a high possibility that a recycled toner cartridge 4 has been installed, the controller 61 permits the initialization of the remaining toner amount 425. Therefore, the controller 61 can permit the initialization of the cartridge life span in a more appropriate situation.

[0129] In a modified example of step S27, the controller 61 may compare the number of prints 426, the number of rotations of the developing roller 427, or the dot count value in the toner cartridge information 420, instead of the remaining toner amount 425, with the corresponding parameter calculated from the measurement results of the toner sensor 66.

[0130] If the cumulative number of printed sheets calculated by the controller 61 is smaller than the number of printed sheets 426 and the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the controller 61 executes the subsequent processing as if the answer was YES in step S27. Otherwise, the controller 61 ends the start-of-use processing as if the answer was NO in step S27.

[0131] If the cumulative rotation count calculated by the controller 61 is smaller than the developing roller rotation count 427 and the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the controller 61 executes the subsequent processing as if the answer was YES in step S27. Otherwise, the controller 61 ends the start-of-use processing as if the answer was NO in step S27.

[0132] If the dot count value calculated by controller 61 is smaller than the dot count value included in toner cartridge information 420 and the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, controller 61 executes the subsequent processing as if the answer was YES in step S27. Otherwise, controller 61 ends the start-of-use processing as if the answer was NO in step S27.

[0133] In this way, even when the toner consumption amount is compared and determined in step S27 (or a modified version of step S27), the toner life (and the length of life) is indirectly compared and determined. Therefore, even when consumption information is used as the comparison target, the same effect as when the process shown in step S27 in FIG. 5 is performed can be obtained.

[0134] (Initialization related processing) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the initialization-related processing.

[0135] In step S40, the controller 61 displays an initialization selection screen on the display 65 (selection screen display process, selection screen display step). The initialization selection screen may include a notification indicating that initializing the toner cartridge information 420 of the toner cartridge 4 may void the warranty on the image forming apparatus 1. The initialization selection screen may also include an option as to whether or not to initialize the toner cartridge 4.

[0136] During and / or after the initialization selection screen is displayed, the controller 61 waits until an input operation indicating that initialization is to be performed or an input operation indicating that initialization is not to be performed is performed on the operation unit 64. If the controller 61 receives an input operation indicating that initialization is to be performed (YES in step S41), the controller 61 executes the process of step S43. On the other hand, if the controller 61 receives an input operation indicating that initialization is not to be performed or if neither input operation is received within a predetermined time (NO in step S41), the controller 61 ends the initialization-related process.

[0137] When the user performs an input operation indicating that they wish to perform initialization, it means that the user agrees to the contents of the notification included in the initialization selection screen and wishes to initialize the toner cartridge information 420.

[0138] In step S42, the controller 61 displays a capacity selection screen on the display 65. The capacity selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select the capacity of the recycled toner cartridge 4. For example, the user can select the capacity of the recycled toner cartridge 4 from four levels: "small capacity," "standard capacity," "large capacity," and "extra large capacity" by performing an input operation on the operation unit 64 while referring to the capacity selection screen.

[0139] In step S43, the controller 61 waits until a capacity is selected by the user via the operation unit 64 (NO in step S43). When the controller 61 receives the capacity selection (YES in step S43), the controller 61 temporarily stores the selected capacity in the main body memory 62 and then executes the process of step S44.

[0140] During the standby time in step S43, controller 61 may accept an input operation via operation unit 64 to instruct cancellation of the initialization of toner cartridge information 420. If controller 61 accepts an input operation to instruct cancellation of initialization ("Cancel" in step S43), it may end the initialization-related processing. For toner cartridges 4 whose capacity is fixed and whose capacity cannot be changed each time they are recycled, the processing of steps S42 to S43 is omitted.

[0141] In step S44, the controller 61 displays a color selection screen on the display 65. The color selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select the color of toner to be filled into the recycled toner cartridge 4. For example, via the color selection screen, the user can select the color of the recycled toner cartridge 4 from four colors: "C (cyan)," "M (magenta)," "Y (yellow)," and "BK (black)."

[0142] In step S45, the controller 61 waits until a color is selected by the user via the operation unit 64 (NO in step S45). If the controller 61 receives a color selection (YES in step S45), the controller 61 temporarily stores the selected color in the main body memory 62 and then executes the process of step S46.

[0143] During the standby time in step S45, controller 61 may accept an input operation via operation unit 64 to instruct cancellation of the initialization of toner cartridge information 420. If controller 61 accepts an input operation to instruct cancellation of initialization ("Cancel" in step S45), it may end the initialization-related processing. For toner cartridges 4 whose color is fixed and whose color cannot be changed each time they are recycled, the processing in steps S44 to S45 is omitted.

[0144] In step S46, the controller 61 executes an error check process. The "error check process" is a series of processes for checking whether the toner cartridge information 420 meets the initialization requirements. If the toner cartridge 4 meets the initialization requirements, initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 is permitted. The error check process will be described in detail later.

[0145] In step S47, the controller 61 determines whether or not an error was detected during the check process of step S46. If the controller 61 does not detect an error (NO in step S47), the controller 61 determines that initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 is possible, and executes the process of step S48. On the other hand, if the controller 61 detects an error (YES in step S47), the controller 61 determines that initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 is not permitted, and executes the process of step S50.

[0146] In step S48, the controller 61 executes initialization processing (initialization step). "Initialization processing" is processing for initializing life information. In this specification, "initialization" may mean setting a value to zero, returning a value to an initial value, or resetting a value to a predetermined value determined by the controller 61. In this embodiment, the controller 61 initializes at least the remaining toner amount 425. Details of the initialization processing will be described later. In the example of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 explaining the initialization processing, the controller 61 will be explained assuming that it also initializes the toner cartridge information 420 other than the remaining toner amount 425 as appropriate.

[0147] In step S49, the controller 61 determines whether or not an error has been detected during the initialization process. If the controller 61 has not detected an error (NO in step S49), the controller 61 determines that the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 has been successful, and ends the series of processes. After the initialization has been successful, the controller 61 may cause the display 65 to display an initialization success screen to notify the user that the initialization has been successful. On the other hand, if the controller 61 has detected an error during the initialization process (YES in step S49), the controller 61 determines that the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 has failed, and executes the process of step S50.

[0148] In step S50, the controller 61 causes the display 65 to display an error screen to notify the user that the toner cartridge information 420 has not been initialized. The error screen displayed when the answer is YES in step S47 may be different from the error screen displayed when the answer is YES in step S49. For example, the error screen displayed when the answer is YES in step S47 may include a message indicating that initialization is not possible because the toner cartridge 4 does not meet the recycling requirements. Also, for example, the error screen displayed when the answer is YES in step S49 may include a message notifying the user that the write operation to the toner memory 42 has failed, and a message urging the user to check the installation status of the toner cartridge 4.

[0149] (Error check processing) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the error check process shown in step S46 of FIG.

[0150] In step S60, the controller 61 attempts to communicate with the toner memory 42. If the controller 61 determines that the controller 61 and the toner memory 42 cannot communicate with each other (NO in step S60), the controller 61 executes the process of step S66.

[0151] In step S66, the controller 61 does not permit initialization and outputs an error. The means and manner of outputting the error are not particularly limited. For example, the controller 61 may cause the display 65 to display a message that initialization is not permitted.

[0152] If the controller 61 determines that communication with the toner memory 42 is possible (YES in step S60), the controller 61 executes step S61.

[0153] In step S61, the controller 61 authenticates the toner cartridge 4. There are no particular limitations on the method for authenticating the toner cartridge 4. For example, if the model number of the toner cartridge 4 corresponds to the model number of the image forming apparatus 1, the controller 61 may determine that authentication of the toner cartridge 4 has been successful. On the other hand, if the model number of the toner cartridge 4 does not correspond to the model number of the image forming apparatus 1, the controller 61 may determine that authentication of the toner cartridge 4 has failed.

[0154] If the controller 61 is successful in authenticating the toner cartridge 4 (YES in step S61), the controller 61 executes the process of step S62. On the other hand, if the controller 61 is unsuccessful in authenticating the toner cartridge 4 (NO in step S61), the controller 61 executes the process of step S66. The controller 61 may omit the process of step S61.

[0155] In step S62, the controller 61 reads the cartridge specification information 424 from the toner memory 42. In step S63, the controller 61 determines whether the read cartridge specification information 424 matches the main body specification information 623 stored in the main body memory 62.

[0156] If the cartridge specification information 424 and the main body specification information 623 match (YES in step S63), the controller 61 executes the process of step S64. On the other hand, if the cartridge specification information 424 and the main body specification information 623 do not match (NO in step S63), the controller 61 executes the process of step S66. Note that the controller 61 may omit the processes of steps S62 and S63.

[0157] In step S64, the controller 61 reads the recycle count 429 from the toner memory 42. In step S65, the controller 61 compares the read recycle count 429 with the upper limit information 624 stored in the main body memory 62. That is, the controller 61 determines whether the recycle count 429 has reached the upper limit number indicated by the upper limit information 624.

[0158] If the recycle count 429 is equal to or greater than the upper limit (YES in step S65), the controller 61 executes the process of step S66. That is, it is determined that the upper limit of recycle count has been exceeded, and initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 is not permitted. On the other hand, if the recycle count 429 is less than the upper limit (NO in step S65), the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 meets the recycling requirements, and ends the error check process without any error.

[0159] (Initialization process) Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the initialization process shown in step S48 in Fig. 7. In step S70, the controller 61 initializes the number of printed sheets 426 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 resets the number of printed sheets 426, which has been counted up to a predetermined number, to zero.

[0160] In step S71, the controller 61 initializes the number of rotations of the developing roller 427 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 sets the number of rotations of the developing roller 427, which has been counted up to a predetermined number of rotations, to zero.

[0161] In step S72, the controller 61 initializes the remaining toner amount 425 stored in the toner memory .

[0162] In this embodiment, the specific method of initialization is not particularly limited. For example, the controller 61 may update the remaining toner amount 425 based on the remaining toner amount indicated by the measurement result of the toner sensor 66. More specifically, the controller 61 may write the value of the remaining toner amount measured by the toner sensor 66 directly into the toner memory 42 as the remaining toner amount 425. This allows the controller 61 to initialize the remaining toner amount 425 based on the actually measured remaining toner amount rather than a predicted value. Therefore, the remaining toner amount 425 can be accurately updated.

[0163] Alternatively, the controller 61 may initialize the remaining toner amount 425 by setting it to the capacity of the toner cartridge 4 indicated by the capacity information 422, or to a value indicating full for the capacity selected in step S43 of FIG. 7. Note that the specific numerical value of the "value indicating full" for each capacity may be stored in advance in the main body memory 62 or the toner memory 42. This makes it possible to set the initial value of the remaining toner amount 425 in accordance with the capacity setting of the toner cartridge 4. This makes it possible to initialize the remaining toner amount 425 to an appropriate value, for example, even if the capacity setting of the toner cartridge 4 has changed before and after toner refilling, i.e., before and after recycling.

[0164] In step S73, the controller 61 changes the capacity information 422 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 rewrites the capacity information 422 to indicate the capacity selected in step S43 of Fig. 7. Note that if the capacity selected in step S43 of Fig. 7 is the same as the capacity indicated by the capacity information 422, the controller 61 may omit the processing of step S73.

[0165] In step S74, the controller 61 changes the color information 423 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 rewrites the color information 423 to indicate the color selected in step S45 of Fig. 7. Note that if the color selected in step S45 of Fig. 7 is the same as the color indicated by the color information 423, the controller 61 may omit the processing of step S74.

[0166] In step S75, the controller 61 increments the recycle count 429 stored in the toner memory 42 by one.

[0167] In step S76, the controller 61 determines whether or not the write operations to the toner memory 42 have been successful. If all write operations have been successful (YES in step S76), the controller 61 normally ends the initialization process. On the other hand, if the write operations to the toner memory 42 have failed in at least one of steps S70 to S75 (NO in step S76), the controller 61 executes the process of step S77.

[0168] In step S77, the controller 61 determines that initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 has failed, and outputs an error. Note that the means and manner of outputting the error are not particularly limited. For example, the controller 61 may cause the display 65 to display a message indicating that initialization has failed.

[0169] (Variation 1) The developing roller 41 of the first embodiment may be provided in the toner cartridge 4 or in the drum cartridge 20, as long as the function described in the first embodiment can be realized. In addition, in the first embodiment, the toner cartridge 4 is inserted into the opening of the cartridge holding portion 13 together with the drum cartridge 20 while attached to the drum cartridge 20. That is, in the first embodiment, the toner cartridge 4 and the drum cartridge 20 are separate cartridges. However, the toner cartridge 4 and the drum cartridge 20 may be integrated into a single cartridge.

[0170] (Variation 2) The image forming apparatus 1 may be an inkjet printer. When the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, ink cartridges are installed in the cartridge holding unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1, instead of the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 described in the first embodiment. 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 installed with a total of four ink cartridges corresponding to four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, or with only one ink cartridge corresponding to the color black.

[0171] An ink cartridge includes a cartridge housing filled with consumable ink and an ink memory that stores ink cartridge information, including an ink ID, capacity information, color information, cartridge specification information, remaining ink amount, number of recycles, number of prints, an empty flag, and main body identification information.

[0172] The ink ID is identification information for the ink cartridge, and is information included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner ID 421 in embodiment 1. The remaining ink amount is information indicating the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge, and is information included in the ink cartridge information in place of the remaining toner amount 425 in embodiment 1. The capacity information, color information, cartridge specification information, number of times recycled, number of pages printed, empty flag, and main body identification information are each information equivalent to the information of the same name in the toner cartridge information 420 in embodiment 1, with "toner" being replaced with "ink" and "toner cartridge" being replaced with "ink cartridge" in the toner cartridge information 420.

[0173] The ink cartridge housing may be provided with an agitator for stirring the ink. The agitator operates in response to instructions from controller 61 when the ink cartridge is installed in image forming apparatus 1.

[0174] Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the flow of each process shown in each flowchart described in the first embodiment is the same. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the "toner cartridge 4," "toner memory 42," and "toner cartridge information 420" in the first embodiment can be read as ink cartridge, ink memory, and ink cartridge information, respectively. Furthermore, each of the various pieces of information included in the toner cartridge information 420 in the first embodiment can be read as the corresponding information in the ink cartridge information. Note that, since the developing roller rotation count 427 is not included in the ink cartridge information, in the case of this modification, the image forming apparatus 1 may omit various processes related to the developing roller rotation count 427. The image forming apparatus 1 of this modification achieves the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0175] (Variation 3) The printing material of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to paper. For example, the printing substrate may be tape. When the printing substrate is tape, a tape cassette that supplies tape is installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 prints on the tape fed from the tape cassette. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0176] (Variation 4) Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may be an MFP (Multi Function Printer) that also has other functions such as a scanner or a facsimile. Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP, the image forming apparatus 1 may execute the various processes described in the first embodiment in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 of this modification achieves the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0177] [Software implementation example] The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the image forming apparatus 1, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the image forming apparatus 1 (particularly the controller 61).

[0178] 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., a memory) as hardware for executing the above-mentioned program. The above-mentioned control device and storage device execute the above-mentioned program, thereby realizing each function described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0179] The program may be recorded non-transitoryly on one or more computer-readable recording media. The image forming apparatus 1 may or may not include the recording media. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium. Some or all of the functions of the control blocks described above may be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as the control block is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. Alternatively, the functions of the control blocks may be implemented by, for example, a quantum computer. Each process described in the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device described above, or on another device (e.g., an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0180] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, 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 the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1 Image forming device, 4 Toner cartridge, 41 Developing roller, 42 Toner memory, 43 Toner cartridge housing, 61 Controller, 62 Main body memory, 63 Communication unit, 64 Operation unit, 65 Display, 66 Toner sensor, 420, 621 Toner cartridge information, 421 Toner ID, 422 Capacity information, 423 Color information, 424 Cartridge specification information, 425 Toner remaining amount, 426 Number of prints, 427 Developing roller rotation count, 428 Empty flag, 429 Number of recycles, 430 Main body identification information, 622 Device ID, 623 Main body specification information, 624 Upper limit information, 625 Number of sheets counter

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, The device comprises a main body housing in which a cartridge is mounted, a sensor that measures the life of a consumable item filled in the cartridge, and a controller, the cartridge includes a consumables memory that stores lifespan information, which is information that is stored when the consumables are used and indicates the lifespan of the consumables; The controller When the life indicated by the life information stored in the consumable memory differs from the life measured by the sensor, the image forming apparatus executes an authorization process to authorize the image forming apparatus to initialize the life information.

2. In the permission process, the controller 2. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein initialization of the lifespan information in the image forming apparatus is permitted when the lifespan measured by the sensor is longer than the lifespan indicated by the lifespan information and the difference between the lifespan indicated by the lifespan information and the lifespan measured by the sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

3. the consumables memory stores first identification information, which is identification information of the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge was mounted when the lifespan information was initialized or the memory was updated; The controller executes a first identification information acquisition process for acquiring the first identification information stored in the consumable item memory; An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the permission process is executed when the first identification information acquired by the first identification information acquisition process differs from second identification information, which is identification information of the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge is currently installed.

4. the image forming apparatus, The device includes a display that displays an image and an operation unit that accepts input operations, The controller a selection screen display process for displaying an initialization selection screen on the display for allowing the user to select whether to initialize the lifespan information when initialization of the lifespan information is permitted; An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein after the selection screen display process, if an input operation indicating that the initialization is to be performed is received via the operation unit, an initialization process is performed to initialize the life information.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the controller updates the stored life information based on the life measured by the sensor during the initialization process.

6. The consumable item memory stores capacity information that indicates a setting of the capacity of the consumable item in the cartridge, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the controller sets the life information to an initial value corresponding to the capacity indicated by the capacity information in the initialization process.

7. the image forming apparatus includes a cover that is movable between an open position that opens an opening of the main body housing and a closed position that closes the opening; The controller 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission process is executed when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the opening is closed by the cover.

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus equipped with a cartridge filled with consumables, comprising: The consumable memory provided in the cartridge stores lifespan information, which is information stored when the consumable is used and indicates the lifespan of the consumable, an enabling step of enabling the image forming apparatus to initialize the lifespan information when the lifespan indicated by the lifespan information differs from the lifespan measured by a sensor that measures the lifespan of the consumables; a selection screen display step of displaying an initialization selection screen on a display for allowing the user to select whether to initialize the lifespan information when initialization of the lifespan information is permitted; an initialization step of initializing the lifespan information when an input operation indicating that the initialization is to be performed is received via an operation unit after the selection screen display step.

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