Image forming apparatus and determination method

Abstract

To limit the number of times of resetting life information stored in a consumable memory.SOLUTION: A controller (61) of an image forming apparatus (1) executes first determination processing of determining a manufacturer of a toner cartridge (4) based on manufacturer information, and decision processing of deciding the upper limit number indicated in upper limit information (625) according to the manufacturer of the toner cartridge (4) determined in the first determination processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An image forming apparatus is equipped with consumables such as toner cartridges, drum cartridges, and ink cartridges. The consumables have a consumable memory. The consumable memory stores information about the lifespan of the consumables.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink cartridge provided with a reset button for resetting the contents of a memory mounted on the ink cartridge. A user manually operates the reset button to reset the contents of the memory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-202900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, the types of consumables that can be installed in image forming apparatuses have become more diverse, and for some types of consumables, it may be desirable to limit the number of times that information stored in the memory can be reset.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that can limit the number of times information stored in a memory is reset. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming apparatus of a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a main body housing in which a consumable is attached, a controller, and a main body memory, and the consumable memory of the consumable stores life information regarding the life of the consumable and manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer of the consumable, and the main body memory stores number information indicating the number of times initialization is possible, which is set for the consumable and indicates the number of times initialization is allowed to be performed, and the controller executes a first determination process to determine the manufacturer of the consumable based on the manufacturer information, and a determination process to determine the number of times initialization is possible depending on the manufacturer of the consumable determined by the first determination process.

[0008] A second aspect is an image forming device of the first aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores, as the manufacturer information, either first manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumable is a first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming device, or second manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumable is a second manufacturer that is different from the first manufacturer, and the controller may determine the number of times initialization is possible depending on whether the manufacturer is the first manufacturer information or the second manufacturer information in the determination process.

[0009] A third aspect is an image forming apparatus of the first or second aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, and the controller may determine the number of times initialization is possible based on the initialization history information in the determination process.

[0010] A fourth aspect is an image forming device of the third aspect, wherein the initialization history information stored in the consumable memory may indicate either that the life information has not been initialized, that the life information has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming device, or that the life information has been initialized by the image forming device.

[0011] A fifth aspect is the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, wherein the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the second manufacturer may be smaller than the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the first manufacturer.

[0012] A sixth aspect is an image forming device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the consumable memory stores contract information indicating whether the consumable is a contracted consumable that can be used in an image forming device with which a contract has been concluded, or a normal consumable that can be used in an image forming device with which a contract has been concluded and an image forming device with which a contract has not been concluded, and the controller may execute the first determination process when the contract information indicates that the consumable is the normal consumable.

[0013] A seventh aspect is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the consumable memory stores initialization count information indicating the number of times the life information has been initialized, and the controller executes a second determination process to determine whether the initialization count is smaller than the number of times initialization is possible, and an authorization process to permit initialization of the life information when the second determination process determines that the number of times initialization is smaller than the number of times initialization is possible determined by the determination process.

[0014] An eighth aspect is an image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, and when the controller permits initialization of the life information in the permission process, it may execute an update process to update the initialization history information.

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a determination method of a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a determination method for determining the number of times a consumable memory possessed by a consumable can be initialized, and includes a first determination step in which, for the consumable attached to the main body housing of an image forming device, the image forming device determines the manufacturer of the consumable based on manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer of the consumable stored in the consumable memory, and a determination step in which the image forming device determines, in accordance with the manufacturer of the consumable determined in the first determination step, the number of times initialization is allowed to be set for the consumable stored in the main body memory of the image forming device, and which allows initialization of life information regarding the life of the consumable stored in the consumable memory.

[0016] A tenth aspect is a determination method of the ninth aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores, as the manufacturer information, either first manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumable is a first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming device, or second manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumable is a second manufacturer that is different from the first manufacturer, and in the determination step, the image forming device may determine the number of times initialization is possible depending on whether the manufacturer information is the first manufacturer information or the second manufacturer information.

[0017] An eleventh aspect is a determination method of the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the consumable memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, and in the determination step, the image forming device may determine the number of times initialization is possible based on the initialization history information.

[0018] A twelfth aspect is a determination method of the eleventh aspect, wherein the initialization history information stored in the consumable memory may indicate either that the life information has not been initialized, that the life information has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming device, or that the life information has been initialized by the image forming device.

[0019] A thirteenth aspect is the determination method according to the tenth aspect, wherein the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the second manufacturer may be smaller than the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the first manufacturer.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect is a determination method according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, wherein the consumable memory stores contract information indicating whether the consumable is a contracted consumable that can be used in an image forming device with which a contract has been concluded, or a normal consumable that can be used in an image forming device with which a contract has been concluded and an image forming device with which a contract has not been concluded, and when the contract information indicates that the consumable is the normal consumable, the image forming device may execute the first determination step.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect is a determination method according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the consumable memory stores initialization count information indicating the number of times the life information has been initialized, and may include a second determination step in which the image forming device determines whether the initialization count is smaller than the number of times initialization is possible, and an authorization step in which the image forming device permits initialization of the life information if it is determined by the second determination step that the initialization count is smaller than the number of times initialization is possible determined by the determination step.

[0022] A 16th aspect is a determination method of the 15th aspect, in which the consumable memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, and may include an update step in which the image forming device updates the initialization history information when initialization of the life information is permitted in the permission step.

[0023] The image forming apparatus according to each aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program of the image forming apparatus that causes the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the image forming apparatus to realize the image forming apparatus, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, it is possible to limit the number of times that the life information stored in the consumables memory is reset.

[0025] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the controller can determine the number of initialization times depending on whether the manufacturer of the consumable is the first manufacturer or the second manufacturer.

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the controller can determine the number of times that initialization can be performed in accordance with the initialization history of the consumables.

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the controller can determine the number of times initialization is possible in accordance with the information indicated by the initialization history information.

[0028] According to the fifth aspect of the image forming device, the number of times initialization can be performed for the second manufacturer is set to be smaller than the number of times initialization can be performed for the first manufacturer, making it possible to set the number of times initialization can be performed to suit each manufacturer (manufacturer of consumables).

[0029] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, the controller can determine the number of times initialization can be performed only when the consumable item can be treated as a normal consumable item.

[0030] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, the controller can initialize the life information until the number of initializations reaches the number of initializations possible.

[0031] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, the controller can execute the determination process using the latest initialization history information.

[0032] Each of the initialization methods of the ninth to sixteenth aspects has the same effect as that of the image forming apparatus of any of the first to eighth aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus including a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of usage history information stored in a main body memory. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of toner cartridge information stored in a toner memory. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of drum cartridge information stored in a drum memory. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the image forming apparatus in a recycling preparation phase. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for displaying a standby screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for checking whether initialization is possible. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an initialization process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the image forming apparatus in the recycled product use phase. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for reading cartridge information. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for determining an upper limit number of times. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which 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 1 may be an inkjet printer.

[0035] <Image formation system overview> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the image forming system 100, a printing service is provided from a business to a user's image forming device 1 based on a contract concluded between the business and the user. Hereinafter, a fixed-price printing service provided based on the contract will be referred to as a contract service. Printing performed by the image forming device 1 using the provided contract service will be referred to as contract printing to distinguish it from regular printing performed regardless of the contract. Regular printing performed regardless of the contract will be referred to as regular printing below.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes multiple image forming apparatuses 1, a server 8, and a user terminal 9. The image forming apparatus 1 used by a user functions as an apparatus that performs normal printing. However, as described below, once the use of a contract service is permitted, the image forming apparatus 1 can function as an apparatus that performs contract printing. The server 8 used by the business is a device for managing the image forming apparatus 1 for which a contract has been concluded and the use of the contract service has been permitted. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 for which a contract has been concluded and the use of the contract service has been permitted will be referred to as the contract machine. The user terminal 9 used by the user is a device that communicates with the server 8 to conclude and terminate the contract and perform other procedures. The user terminal 9 may be, for example, an information processing terminal with standard communication functions, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The devices constituting the image forming system 100 can communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0037] The multiple image forming apparatuses 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be image forming apparatuses purchased by the same user, or may be image forming apparatuses purchased by different users.

[0038] Each of the multiple image forming devices 1 is an image forming device that allows a user to use contract-specific consumables or replacement parts by entering into a contract with a business. For example, a contract is a mutual agreement between a business providing a contract service and a user, in which the contract service usage period, usage fee, maximum number of pages, etc. are agreed upon, and the business provides the contract service to the user. In other words, the image forming device 1 of this embodiment is an image forming device that, after a contract for a contract service is concluded, is capable of performing contract printing, which is printing based on the contents of the concluded contract.

[0039] In the image forming system 100, in the contracted service provided by the business to the user, the timing of the following (1) and (2) may be different.

[0040] (1) Timing at which the server 8 recognizes the image forming apparatus 1 as a contract machine with which a contract has been concluded (2) The timing at which the server 8 determines that the image forming device 1 has started using the contracted service That is, in the contract service, the server 8 may recognize the image forming apparatus 1 as "a contract machine, but the use of the contract service has not yet started."

[0041] In addition, (1) "The server 8 recognizes the image forming device 1 as a contract machine" may be triggered by the image forming device 1 transitioning from a non-contract mode, which means that a contract has not been concluded, to a contract mode, which means that a contract has been concluded.

[0042] Furthermore, in (2), "it is deemed that the use of the contracted service has started" simply means that the server 8 has recognized that "the use of the contracted service started on a certain date and time." Therefore, the timing at which the server 8 deems that the use of the contracted service has started does not have to coincide with the timing at which the image forming device 1 actually executed the contracted printing.

[0043] In the following, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the contracted service is a paid service. The timing (1) is the timing when the server 8 recognizes the image forming device 1 as a contracted device, and is not the trigger for the start of billing, and the timing (2) is the timing for the start of billing.

[0044] In another example, the timing of (1) and the timing of (2) above may be substantially simultaneous. As one example, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) may occur when a cartridge (consumable) dedicated to the contract service and used for contract printing is installed, triggering the occurrence of the above-mentioned (1) and (2). Hereinafter, a cartridge dedicated to the contract service and used for contract printing will be referred to as a contract cartridge. For example, the image forming device 1 reads predetermined information from the cartridge memory of the installed contract cartridge and transmits the predetermined information to the server 8. Upon receiving the predetermined information from the image forming device 1, the server 8 recognizes the image forming device 1 as a contract machine and considers that use of the contract service has begun in the image forming device 1.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and lamps, and an operation unit such as buttons. The liquid crystal display may be integrated with a touch panel to function as the operation unit.

[0046] <Structural Overview of Image Forming Apparatus 1> Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1 including the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4, and the server 8.

[0047] 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is composed of a main body housing 10 and a cover 11. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or lamp, and an input unit such as buttons. The liquid crystal display may be integrated with a touch panel to function as the input unit.

[0048] (Main body housing 10) A toner cartridge 4 is attached to a main body housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. As will be described in detail later, the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the drum cartridge 20, thereby becoming one with the drum cartridge 20. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the drum cartridge 20, and then attached to the main body housing 10 together with the drum cartridge 20. This achieves the image forming apparatus 1 including the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4.

[0049] It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment requires four toner cartridges 4 to be installed in order to perform printing. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured so that four drum cartridges 20 and four toner cartridges 4 can be installed. However, the number of drum cartridges 20 and toner cartridges 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 2. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a monochrome printer that can install one drum cartridge 20 and one toner cartridge 4.

[0050] The toner cartridge 4 contains toner that is consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 when printing. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 is a consumable item for the image forming apparatus 1. The drum cartridge 20 contains a photosensitive drum 21 that is used when the image forming apparatus 1 prints. The drum cartridge 20 is also an example of a consumable item for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] The main body housing 10 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box. The four drum cartridges 20, the four toner cartridges 4, the transfer belt 70, the controller 61, the main body memory 62, the communication unit 63, the operation unit 64, and the display 65 are housed in the main body housing 10. If the operation unit 64 is a hardware button, the depression surface of the operation unit 64 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 10 so that the user can operate it. Furthermore, the display surface of the display 65 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 10 so that the user can visually recognize the displayed information.

[0052] The main body housing 10 has four cartridge holding sections 13. Each cartridge holding section 13 is formed in a concave shape and has an opening. The drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 are attached to the main body housing 10 by being held in each cartridge holding section 13.

[0053] (Cover 11) The cover 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a light source unit 50 corresponding to each drum cartridge 20. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with four light source units 50. The cover 11 is rotatable (movable) about a rotation shaft 11A extending in a first direction between an open position where the opening 10A is opened, shown by a solid line in Fig. 2, and a closed position where the opening 10A is closed, shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2. The rotation of the cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A provided at the top end of the main body housing 10.

[0054] The "first direction" refers to the direction in which the rotational axis (development axis) of the developing roller in the toner cartridge extends. When the cover 11 is placed in the open position, each opening of the cartridge holding portion 13 is open. When the cover 11 is placed in the closed position, each opening of the cartridge holding portion 13 is covered by the cover 11.

[0055] The main body housing 10 may be provided with a closing sensor (not shown) at the opening 10A. The closing sensor is a sensor that detects whether the cover 11 is in the closed position. The closing sensor may be, for example, a contact type sensor or an optical type sensor.

[0056] (Toner cartridge 4) The toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing capable of accommodating a developing roller 41 and a developer (e.g., toner) as an example of a printing material. The cartridge housing is attachable to the main body housing 10. The four toner cartridges 4 accommodate developers of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as materials used for image formation. The developer is a material that is consumed with use. The developing roller 41 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction and is rotatable around a development axis extending in the first direction. When the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the drum cartridge 20, the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 41.

[0057] 3, the toner cartridge 4 also has a toner memory 42 (consumable memory). The toner memory 42 is disposed on one outer surface of the toner cartridge 4 in the first direction. The toner memory 42 is a memory from which information can be read and written, such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Registered Trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0058] The toner memory 42 stores toner cartridge information 420, which is information relating to the toner cartridge 4. The data structure of the toner cartridge information 420 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0059] (Drum cartridge 20) The drum cartridge 20 has a cartridge housing that can be attached to the main body housing 10. The cartridge housing includes a photosensitive drum 21 as a component used for forming images. The photosensitive drum 21 is a replaceable part that requires replacement due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrical photosensitive element that extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatable around a drum axis that extends in the first direction. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is covered with a photosensitive material.

[0060] The drum cartridge 20 may also have a drum memory 22 (consumable memory). The drum memory 22 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The drum memory 22 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM (registered trademark).

[0061] 3, the drum memory 22 stores drum cartridge information 220, which is information relating to the drum cartridge 20. The data structure of the drum cartridge information 220 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0062] <Cartridge installation and printing mechanism> 2, 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 state, the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 are inserted into the cartridge holding portion 13 through the opening 10A.

[0063] The four light source units 50 are attached to the inner surface of the cover 11. When the drum cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10 and the cover 11 is in the closed position, the light source units 50 are arranged to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The light source units 50 also have 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 are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0064] 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.

[0065] The transfer belt 70 is a component that transfers the developer (e.g., toner) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 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. During printing, printing paper is transported between the transfer belt 70 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0066] The transfer belt 70 is stretched between a drive roller 71 and a driven roller 72. The drive roller 71 drives the transfer belt 70. The controller 61 rotates the drive roller 71. The driven roller 72 rotates in accordance with the movement of the transfer belt 70 caused by the drive of the drive roller 71.

[0067] <Internal structure of the main body> The controller 61 has, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 61 is electrically connected to a main body memory 62 and a communication unit 63 provided in the main body housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. Although not shown in FIG. 3, an operation unit 64 and a display 65 are also electrically connected to the controller 61. The controller 61 executes various operations to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform various processes related to printing.

[0068] The controller 61 may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this case, a control program for realizing a control method for the image forming apparatus may be stored in the main body memory 62, and the controller 61 may cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform various processes by the processor operating in accordance with the control program.

[0069] The controller 61 may also include a computer-readable recording medium, such as a main memory 62, that stores a control program. The recording medium may be a "non-transitory tangible medium," such as a ROM, tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuit. A random access memory (RAM) for expanding the control program may also be used. The control program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) capable of transmitting the control program. Note that one aspect of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the control program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 has a connector 101 and a connector 102. When the drum cartridge 20 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 13 shown in Fig. 2, the connector 101 is electrically connected to the drum memory 22, thereby enabling the controller 61 to communicate with the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20. In other words, the controller 61 can read information from the drum memory 22 and write information to the drum memory 22 (including rewriting).

[0071] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 4 is attached to the main body housing 10, the connector 102 is electrically connected to the toner memory 42, thereby enabling the controller 61 to communicate with the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4. In other words, the controller 61 can read information from the toner memory 42 and write information to the toner memory 42 (including rewriting).

[0072] The main memory 62 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The main memory 62 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM (registered trademark). The main memory 62 has one or more storage areas, and each area stores, for example, the following types of information:

[0073] Cartridge information 621 is information related to cartridges attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, cartridge information 621 includes toner cartridge information 420 read from the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 of each color so as to identify each toner cartridge 4. Cartridge information 621 also includes drum cartridge information 220 read from the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20 so as to identify each drum cartridge 20. The toner cartridge information 420 includes, for example, lifespan information 440 related to the lifespan of the toner cartridge 4. The drum cartridge information 220 includes, for example, lifespan information 230 related to the lifespan of the drum cartridge 20. Details of the data structures of the toner cartridge information 420 and drum cartridge information 220 stored as cartridge information 621 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0074] In this embodiment, the cartridge information (drum cartridge information 220 and toner cartridge information 420) read from the memory of each cartridge is referenced by the controller 61 to accurately determine the cartridge status. By accurately understanding the cartridge status, the controller 61 can properly initialize the cartridge information so that the cartridge can be recycled appropriately.

[0075] Hereinafter, "recycling cartridges" refers to restoring a cartridge to a state suitable for printing use by replacing or refilling only the components of the cartridge that need replacement. In other words, cartridge recycling includes not only refilling consumed materials but also replacing deteriorated replacement parts with new ones. Hereinafter, cartridges (consumables) recycled by refilling materials or replacing parts will be referred to as recycled cartridges (recycled products).

[0076] The device ID 622 is identification information for identifying the image forming device 1. The device ID 622 is, for example, the serial number of the image forming device.

[0077] The mode information 623 is information indicating the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, as an example, two types of modes are defined: a "contract mode" and a "non-contract mode." The "contract mode" means that the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a contract machine with a concluded contract on the image forming system 100. The "non-contract mode" means that the image forming apparatus 1 does not operate as a contract machine, but as a normal image forming apparatus with no concluded contract.

[0078] When the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped, mode information 623 indicating a value corresponding to the non-contract mode is stored by default in the main body memory 62. The server 8 transmits a request including a contract transition instruction to the image forming apparatus 1 of a contracted user to transition to the contract mode. In accordance with the request from the server 8, the controller 61 changes the mode information 623 from the non-contract mode to the contract mode. In this embodiment, as an example, this change of the value of the mode information 623 by the controller 61 from the non-contract mode to the contract mode is referred to as a "transition to the contract mode."

[0079] The usage history information 624 is information that indicates the history of use of recycled cartridges in the image forming apparatus 1. As one example, the usage history information 624 may be information that indicates the number of recycled cartridges that have been installed in the image forming apparatus 1. In another example, the usage history information 624 may be a table that holds a combination of the cartridge ID of the recycled cartridge and the number of times it has been recycled. In yet another example, the usage history information 624 may be a flag that indicates whether the recycled cartridge has been installed at least once or has never been installed.

[0080] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the usage history information 624 as the table described above, stored in the main body memory 62. The cartridge ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the recycled cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The recycled count is information that indicates the number of times the installed recycled cartridge has been recycled up to the point in time when the recycled cartridge was installed.

[0081] 4, the controller 61 can count not only the cartridge ID but also the number of times recycled when counting the number of recycled cartridges mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, for a cartridge having the same cartridge ID, the controller 61 can count separately whether the cartridge was mounted the first time recycled or the cartridge was mounted the second time recycled.

[0082] The main body memory 62 stores upper limit information 625. The upper limit information 625 is information indicating the upper limit of the number of times a cartridge is allowed to be recycled. The upper limit information 625 is the number of times a cartridge can be initialized, and is an example of number information indicating the number of times that initialization of life information related to the cartridge is permitted. The upper limit number, which is the upper limit of the number of times a cartridge is allowed to be recycled, is an example of the number of times that initialization is allowed. The upper limit information 625 may include the upper limit number of times that life information 440 related to the toner cartridge 4 can be initialized, and the upper limit number of times that life information 230 related to the drum cartridge 20 can be initialized.

[0083] In this embodiment, the upper limit information 625 includes a first number of times 625P, a second number of times 625Q, a third number of times 625R, and a fourth number of times 625S, which will be described below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 61 references manufacturer information 430 and initialization history information 431, which will be described later, to determine one of the first number of times 625P, the second number of times 625Q, the third number of times 625R, and the fourth number of times 625S. More specifically, when the manufacturer information 430 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is manufactured by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus 1 (step S701 in FIG. 13: YES), and when the initialization history information 431 indicates that the life information 440 stored in the toner memory 42, which will be described later, has not been initialized (step S705), the controller 61 determines the first number of times 625P. Furthermore, if the manufacturer information 430 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is manufactured by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus 1 (step S701: YES in FIG. 13) and the initialization history information 431 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is recycled at the manufacturing plant of the first manufacturer (step S705), the controller 61 determines the second number of times 625Q. If the manufacturer information 430 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is manufactured by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus 1 (step S701: YES in FIG. 13) and the initialization history information 431 indicates that the life information 440 stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 manufactured by the first manufacturer has been initialized by the image forming apparatus 1 (step S705), the controller 61 determines the third number of times 625R. The initialization of the life information 440 by the image forming device 1 may be performed, for example, by receiving instructions from a user or an instruction from an operator of a manufacturer that is authorized to recycle cartridges manufactured by the first manufacturer.

[0084] If the manufacturer information 430 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is manufactured by a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer (step S701 in FIG. 13: NO), the controller 61 determines the fourth number of times 625S.

[0085] In this embodiment, a cartridge is prohibited from being recycled when the upper limit number of times indicated in the upper limit information 625 is exceeded. For example, as described above, the controller 61 determines which of the first number of times 625P, the second number of times 625Q, the third number of times 625R, and the fourth number of times 625S to use as the upper limit number of times by referring to the manufacturer information 430 and the initialization history information 431 stored in the toner memory 42. The controller 61 can perform control so that initialization of the cartridge information for recycling is not performed for a cartridge whose recycling count has reached the determined upper limit number of times.

[0086] Furthermore, the fourth number of times 625S is smaller than the first number of times 625P, the second number of times 625Q, and the third number of times 625R. The first number of times 625P, the second number of times 625Q, and the third number of times 625R are examples of the number of times initialization is possible represented by the number of times information of the first manufacturer. The fourth number of times 625S is an example of the number of times initialization is possible represented by the number of times information of the second manufacturer. The second number of times 625Q is smaller than the first number of times 625P. The third number of times 625R is smaller than the second number of times 625Q. By setting the upper limit information 625 in this manner, it is possible to set an upper limit of times that suits the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 4.

[0087] Note that the first number of times 625P and the second number of times 625Q may be the same number of times. Also, the second number of times 625Q and the third number of times 625R may be the same number of times. Also, the third number of times 625R and the second manufacturer number of times 625B may be the same number of times. However, the first number of times 625P, the second number of times 625Q, the third number of times 625R, and the fourth number of times 625S may all be set to the same number of times.

[0088] The first sheet number counter 626 is the cumulative total number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus 1. The second sheet number counter 627 indicates the number of printed sheets printed using the contracted service in the image forming apparatus 1. The second sheet number counter 627 may be reset to 0 each time the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from non-contracted mode to contracted mode, or may be the cumulative total number of printed sheets that have been printed using the contracted service in the image forming apparatus 1 up to now. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the value of the second sheet number counter 627 will be taken to be the cumulative total number of sheets that have been printed as contracted printing up to now.

[0089] The specification information 628 is information indicating the specifications of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus 1 and consumables are manufactured to specifications that suit the circumstances of the country in which they are used. For example, there are three specifications for the image forming apparatus 1 and consumables: for the EU (Europe), for the US (United States), and for JP (Japan). The specification information 628 indicates any of the above specifications.

[0090] In addition to the information described above, the main memory 62 may also have, for example, an area for storing the cumulative number of printed sheets in the image forming device 1, an area for storing error conditions occurring in the image forming device 1, etc.

[0091] The communication unit 63 communicates between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 8 via a communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 63 outputs a request received from the server 8 to the controller 61. As an example, a "request" refers to various requests, instructions, inquiries, etc. transmitted from the server 8 in processing performed in connection with a contract. The communication unit 63 returns the result of calculations performed by the controller 61 in response to the request to the server 8 as a "response." In this embodiment, the response sent by the communication unit 63 may be omitted. For example, if the request is an instruction 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 instruction. However, returning a notification that the settings have been changed to the server 8 via the communication unit 63 may be omitted.

[0092] <Server configuration> The server 8 includes a server communication unit 83, a server memory 82, and a server control unit 81 (control unit). 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.

[0093] Furthermore, the server communication unit 83 communicates with a user terminal 9 operated by a user of the image forming apparatus 1 via a communication network, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 9. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 83 transmits and receives various information required for concluding a contract to and from the user terminal.

[0094] 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 that subscribes to a contract service provided in the image forming system 100. The device information may include, for example, a device ID, a contract flag, a contract upper limit number of sheets, the model number of the image forming device 1, and the manufacturing date.

[0095] The device ID 622 is identification information that allows the server 8 to uniquely identify the image forming device 1. The contract flag is information that indicates whether the image forming device 1 has transitioned to contract mode, i.e., whether it has been recognized as a contract machine. The contract maximum number of sheets indicates the maximum number of sheets that the image forming device 1 can print under contract within a specified period defined in the contract.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In addition, based on the response received from the image forming device 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] <Cartridge information data structure> (Toner cartridge information) 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of toner cartridge information 420 stored in toner memory 42. The toner cartridge information 420 includes, for example, a toner ID 421, capacity information 422, color information 423, specification information 424, type information 425, lifespan information 440, and initialization count information.

[0099] Lifespan information 440 is information relating to the lifespan of a consumable. For example, lifespan information 440 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 amount of material remaining in the consumable. Examples of consumption information include, but are not limited to, the number of prints, dot count, amount of printing material consumed, number of development roller rotations, and number of drum rotations. Examples of remaining amount information include, but are not limited to, the amount of printing material remaining, such as the amount of toner remaining and the amount of ink remaining.

[0100] The toner cartridge information 420 of the toner cartridge 4 includes, as examples of lifespan information 440, the number of printed pages 426, the number of rotations of the developing roller 427, and the remaining toner amount 428 (remaining amount of printing material). In another example, the lifespan information 440 may include a dot count.

[0101] The initialization count information is information that indicates the number of times that the lifespan information 440 related to the toner cartridge 4 has been initialized. In other words, the initialization count information is information that indicates whether or not at least a portion of the information stored in the toner memory 42 has been initialized. As an example of the initialization count information, the toner cartridge information 420 includes a recycling count 429 that indicates the number of times that the toner memory 42 has been initialized for recycling.

[0102] The various pieces of information listed above are merely examples of toner cartridge information 420. Other information may be added, or some of the above-mentioned various pieces of information may be omitted as appropriate, depending on the environment or circumstances in which image forming system 100 is constructed.

[0103] 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.

[0104] The capacity information 422 is information indicating the volume of printing material that can be accommodated in the toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, as an example, four levels of capacity can be set for the toner cartridge 4. More specifically, the capacities that can be set for the toner cartridge 4 are, in order from smallest to largest, "small capacity," "standard capacity," "large capacity," and "extra large capacity," and the capacity information 422 indicates one of the above capacities.

[0105] The color information 423 is information indicating the color of the printing material contained in the toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the toner cartridge 4 has four colors: "C (cyan)," "M (magenta)," "Y (yellow)," and "BK (black)." The color information 423 indicates one of the above colors.

[0106] Specification information 424 is information indicating the specifications of toner cartridge 4. Like the main body of image forming apparatus 1, toner cartridge 4 also has three specifications: for "EU (Europe)", "US (United States)", and "JP (Japan)". Specification information 424 indicates one of the above specifications.

[0107] The type information 425 is information indicating the type of the toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, at least two types, "contract" and "commercial," can be set as the type of the toner cartridge 4. The type information 425 indicates one of the above types.

[0108] The toner memory 42 of the contract cartridge stores type information 425 indicating the type "contract." The image forming device 1 can perform contract printing while the contract cartridge is installed. For example, contract cartridges are supplied by a business to users who have signed a contract for the image forming device 1.

[0109] The toner memory 42 of a commercially available toner cartridge 4 that can be purchased from a home appliance retailer or an online shopping site stores stores type information 425 indicating the type "commercially available." Hereinafter, this type of toner cartridge will be referred to as a commercially available cartridge (normal consumables) to distinguish it from a contract cartridge (contract consumables). A commercially available cartridge is a cartridge that can be used in both a contracted image forming device 1 and an uncontracted image forming device.

[0110] A commercially available cartridge is, for example, one of a "genuine cartridge," a "genuine recycled cartridge," and a "third-party recycled cartridge." A "genuine cartridge" is a cartridge manufactured by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus 1 and has never been recycled. A "genuine recycled cartridge" is a cartridge manufactured by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus 1 and recycled at the first manufacturer's manufacturing plant. A "third-party recycled cartridge" is a cartridge manufactured by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus 1 or a cartridge manufactured by a manufacturer other than the first manufacturer (e.g., a second manufacturer), and in which the lifespan information 440 stored in the toner memory 42 has been initialized by the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may initialize the lifespan information 440 by receiving, for example, a user's instruction or an instruction from an operator of a manufacturer authorized to recycle cartridges manufactured by the first manufacturer. The image forming apparatus 1 may also initialize the lifespan information 440 by receiving an instruction from the first manufacturer.

[0111] In this embodiment, the controller 61 can determine whether a commercially available cartridge is a cartridge manufactured by a first manufacturer or a cartridge manufactured by a second manufacturer by referring to the manufacturer information 430 stored in the toner memory 42. In addition, the controller 61 can determine whether the commercially available cartridge is a "genuine cartridge," a "genuine recycled cartridge," or a "third-party recycled cartridge" by referring to the initialization history information 431 stored in the toner memory 42.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The number of rotations of the developing roller 427 is information indicating the number of rotations of the developing roller 41 in the toner cartridge 4 that has occurred in association with the execution of printing since the toner cartridge 4 was attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0114] The remaining toner amount 428 is information indicating the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge 4. As an example, the remaining toner amount 428 may be configured with values ​​corresponding to a plurality of stages ranging from full to empty. For example, the remaining toner amount 428 may be a character string such as "FULL" to "EMPTY", a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%, or information that combines a character string and a numerical value.

[0115] The initial value of remaining toner amount 428 corresponds to the full amount of the capacity corresponding to capacity information 422. As an example, as toner is consumed with use, a sensor (not shown) may optically measure the toner cartridge 4. Controller 61 may write the remaining toner amount obtained by the above measurement into toner memory 42 as remaining toner amount 428.

[0116] In another example, the controller 61 may monitor the amount of toner consumed by discharging from the toner cartridge 4, and calculate the remaining amount of toner based on the monitored amount of toner consumption and the capacity information 422 stored in the toner memory 42. The controller 61 may write the calculated remaining amount of toner in the toner memory 42 as the remaining toner amount 428.

[0117] The recycling count 429 is information indicating 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 this embodiment, initialization of the information in the toner memory 42 is performed once for each recycling. Therefore, the "initialization count" in the toner memory 42 described above means the number of times the toner cartridge 4 has been recycled. If the recycling count 429 indicates a value less than 1, this means that the toner cartridge 4 has never been recycled. If the recycling count 429 indicates a value greater than or equal to 1, this means that the toner cartridge 4 is a recycled cartridge.

[0118] The number of recycles 429 may include the number of times initialized in accordance with an instruction received by the controller 61 via the operation unit 64 or the display 65 functioning as a touch panel. The instruction received by the controller 61 may be given by the user, an operator of the first manufacturer, or an operator of the second manufacturer.

[0119] The controller 61 can read the recycle count 429 from the toner memory 42 and compare the recycle count 429 with the upper limit number indicated in the upper limit information 625 stored in the main body memory 62 .

[0120] The toner cartridge information 420 also includes, for example, manufacturer information 430 and initialization history information 431 .

[0121] The manufacturer information 430 is information indicating the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 4. For example, if the toner cartridge 4 is manufactured by a first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming device 1, the manufacturer information 430 indicates first manufacturer information indicating the first manufacturer. If the toner cartridge 4 is manufactured by a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, the manufacturer information 430 indicates second manufacturer information indicating the second manufacturer.

[0122] The initialization history information 431 is information indicating the initialization history of the lifespan information 440 related to the toner cartridge 4. The initialization history information 431 may be information stored in the toner cartridge 4 manufactured by the first manufacturer. The initialization history information 431 may be information indicating that the lifespan information 440 has not been initialized. Alternatively, the initialization history information 431 may be information indicating that the lifespan information 440 has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the initialization history information 431 may be information indicating that the lifespan information 440 has been initialized by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0123] (Drum cartridge information) 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of drum cartridge information 220 stored in drum memory 22. The drum cartridge information 220 includes, for example, a drum ID 221, specification information 222, type information 223, lifespan information 230, and initialization count information.

[0124] The drum cartridge information 220 of the drum cartridge 20 includes, as examples of lifespan information 230, the number of printed pages 224 and the number of drum rotations 225. The initialization count information is information indicating the number of initializations of the lifespan information 230 related to the drum cartridge 20. As with the toner cartridge 4, the initialization count information is, for example, the number of recycling times 226.

[0125] The various pieces of information listed above are merely examples of the drum cartridge information 220. Other information may be added, or some of the above-mentioned various pieces of information may be omitted as appropriate, depending on the environment or circumstances in which the image forming system 100 is constructed.

[0126] The drum ID 221 is identification information for uniquely identifying the drum cartridge 20. For example, the drum ID 221 is a serial number unique to the drum cartridge 20.

[0127] The specification information 222 is information indicating the specifications of the drum cartridge 20. As with the image forming device 1 and the toner cartridge 4, the drum cartridge 20 also has three specifications: for the EU (Europe), the US (United States), and the JP (Japan). The specification information 222 indicates one of the above specifications.

[0128] The type information 223 is information indicating the type of the drum cartridge 20. As with the toner cartridge 4, at least two types, "contract" and "commercial," can be set for the drum cartridge 20. The type information 223 indicates one of the above types.

[0129] The number of printed sheets 224 is information indicating the number of sheets of paper that have been printed in the image forming apparatus 1 since the drum cartridge 20 was installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0130] The drum rotation count 225 is information indicating the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 21 in the drum cartridge 20 that has occurred in association with the execution of printing since the drum cartridge 20 was attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0131] The recycle count 226 is information indicating the number of times (initialization count) that at least a portion of the information stored in the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20 has been initialized. Initialization of the information in the drum memory 22 is performed once for each recycling. Therefore, the "initialization count" in the drum memory 22 mentioned above directly indicates the number of times the drum cartridge 20 has been recycled. If the recycle count 226 indicates a value less than 1, this means that the drum cartridge 20 has never been recycled. If the recycle count 226 indicates a value greater than or equal to 1, this means that the drum cartridge 20 is a recycled cartridge.

[0132] As with the toner cartridge 4, the recycling count 226 may include the number of times that the count has been initialized in accordance with an instruction received by the controller 61 via the operation unit 64 or the display 65 that functions as a touch panel.

[0133] The controller 61 can read the recycle count 226 from the drum memory 22 and compare the recycle count 226 with the upper limit number indicated in the upper limit information 625 stored in the main body memory 62 .

[0134] The drum cartridge information 220 also includes, for example, manufacturer information 227 and initialization history information 228 .

[0135] The manufacturer information 227 is information indicating the manufacturer of the drum cartridge 20. As with the toner cartridge 4, for example, if the drum cartridge 20 is manufactured by a first manufacturer, the manufacturer information 227 indicates first manufacturer information indicating the first manufacturer. If the drum cartridge 20 is manufactured by a second manufacturer, the manufacturer information 227 indicates second manufacturer information indicating the second manufacturer.

[0136] The initialization history information 228 is information indicating the history of initialization of lifespan information related to the drum cartridge 20. The initialization history information 228 may be information stored in the drum cartridge 20 manufactured by the first manufacturer. The initialization history information 228 may be information indicating that the lifespan information 230 has not been initialized. Alternatively, the initialization history information 228 may be information indicating that the lifespan information 230 has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the initialization history information 228 may be information indicating that the lifespan information 230 has been initialized by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0137] Next, the flow of processing executed by the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing executed by the controller 61 can be broadly divided into a recycle preparation phase and a recycle use phase. In the recycle preparation phase, the controller 61 executes various processes required to initialize cartridge information stored in the consumables memory. In the recycle use phase, the controller 61 executes various processes required to use a recycle cartridge when it is installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0138] <Processing flow of the recycling preparation phase> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in the recycle preparation phase. The recycle preparation phase includes processing for initializing cartridge information stored in the consumables memory in accordance with a user instruction. The series of processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the controller 61. The recycle preparation phase will be described below using an example in which a toner cartridge 4 is recycled. Therefore, in the initialization processing, initializing the toner memory 42 is merely an example. The controller 61 can also execute processing for initializing the drum memory 22 in accordance with a user instruction.

[0139] In step S101, the controller 61 displays a standby screen on the display 65. The standby screen is, for example, a screen that is displayed while the image forming apparatus 1 is waiting to print. The standby screen may be displayed, for example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or when it returns from a sleep state. The standby screen includes user interface components (hereinafter, UI components) that cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute various operations. The UI components may be configured as software buttons that the user can select by operating the operation unit 64. In the present embodiment, as an example, the standby screen includes a first UI component that instructs the user to initialize the toner cartridge information 420 stored in the toner memory 42. The detailed processing flow of step S101 will be described later with reference to a separate drawing.

[0140] In step S102 (reception process, reception step), controller 61 detects that the user has instructed initialization of toner cartridge information 420. For example, controller 61 may detect that the operation unit 64, which is a hardware button indicating "OK," has been pressed while the first UI component on the standby screen is selected. Alternatively, controller 61 may detect that the first UI component has been touched via operation unit 64 configured as a touch panel integral with display 65. When controller 61 detects that the user has instructed initialization as described above, the process proceeds from YES in S102 to S103.

[0141] Although not shown, if another UI widget instructing another operation is selected on the standby screen, the controller 61 proceeds from NO in S102 to a step of executing the operation in accordance with the instruction.

[0142] In step S103 (first display process, first display step), the controller 61 displays an initialization selection screen (first selection screen) on the display 65. The initialization selection screen includes a first warning to inform the user that print quality cannot be guaranteed if the toner cartridge information 420, particularly the lifespan information 440, is initialized. Furthermore, the initialization selection screen includes a second UI component that allows the user to select whether or not to initialize the toner cartridge information 420, including the lifespan information 440. As an example, the second UI component is configured with a button corresponding to "Initialize," which means that the user wishes to initialize the lifespan information 440, and a button corresponding to "Do not initialize," which means that the user does not wish to initialize the lifespan information 440. The second UI component is configured so that the user can select either one of the above buttons. The user's selection operation may be performed via either a hardware button or a software button.

[0143] In step S104, the controller 61 determines which button of the second UI component has been selected. If the controller 61 determines that the "Initialize" button has been selected, the process proceeds from YES in S104 to S105. If the controller 61 determines that the "Do not initialize" button has been selected, the process proceeds to NO in S104, ending the series of processes. The controller 61 may return from NO in S104 to S101 and cause the display 65 to display a standby screen.

[0144] When the user selects the "Initialize" button, it means that the user agrees to the contents of the first warning and wishes to initialize the toner cartridge information 420 for recycling. In this embodiment, the user's agreement to the contents of the first warning allows the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420.

[0145] In step S105, the controller 61 displays a capacity selection screen on the display 65. The capacity selection screen is a screen including UI components that allow the user to select the capacity of the recycled toner cartridge 4. As an example, the user can select the capacity of the recycled toner cartridge 4 from the four levels described above via the capacity selection screen.

[0146] In step S106, the controller 61 waits for the user to select a capacity via the capacity selection screen.

[0147] In step S107, while waiting for the selection of the capacity, the controller 61 may accept an instruction to cancel the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420. If the controller 61 accepts the above-mentioned instruction to cancel without the capacity being selected, the process proceeds from NO in S106 to YES in S107, and the series of processes ends.

[0148] When the controller 61 receives the capacity selection, it temporarily stores the selected capacity in the main body memory 62, and the process proceeds from YES in S106 to S108.

[0149] It should be noted that steps S105 to S107 are omitted for toner cartridges 4 whose capacity is fixed and whose capacity cannot be changed each time they are recycled.

[0150] In step S108, the controller 61 displays a color selection screen on the display 65. The color selection screen is a screen including UI components that allow the user to select the color of toner to be filled into the recycled toner cartridge 4. As an example, the user can select the color of the recycled toner cartridge 4 from the four colors described above via the color selection screen.

[0151] In step S109, the controller 61 waits for a color to be selected by the user via the color selection screen.

[0152] In step S110, while waiting for a color to be selected, the controller 61 may accept an instruction to cancel the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420. If the controller 61 accepts the above-mentioned instruction to cancel without a color being selected, the process proceeds from NO in S109 to YES in S110, ending the series of processes.

[0153] When the controller 61 receives the color selection, it temporarily stores the selected color in the main body memory 62, and the process proceeds from YES in S109 to S111.

[0154] It should be noted that steps S108 to S110 are omitted for toner cartridges 4 in which the color of the toner to be filled is fixed and the color of the toner cannot be changed each time the toner cartridge 4 is recycled.

[0155] Furthermore, the controller 61 may execute steps S105 to S107 after executing steps S108 to S110.

[0156] In step S111, the controller 61 checks whether or not the toner cartridge information 420 can be initialized. Specifically, the controller 61 communicates with the toner cartridge 4, reads the latest toner cartridge information 420 at the current time, and checks whether or not the toner cartridge 4 meets the recycling requirements. If the toner cartridge 4 meets the recycling requirements, the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 is permitted. The detailed processing flow of step S111 will be described later with reference to a separate diagram.

[0157] In step S112, the controller 61 determines whether or not an error was detected during the check process of step S111. If no error is detected, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge information 420 can be initialized, and proceeds from NO in S112 to S113. On the other hand, if an error is detected, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge information 420 cannot be initialized, and proceeds from YES in S112 to S115.

[0158] In step S113 (initialization process, initialization step), the controller 61 initializes the toner cartridge information 420 stored in the toner memory 42. The initialization process for initializing the toner cartridge information 420 may include, for example, resetting the lifespan information 440 (e.g., the number of printed pages 426 and the number of development roller rotations 427) to zero. Furthermore, the initialization process may include rewriting the lifespan information 440 (e.g., the remaining toner amount 428) to an initial value (specifically, the FULL value of the selected capacity).

[0159] In addition to the initialization process described above, in S113, the controller 61 may further execute a process of changing the capacity information 422 and the color information 423 to the capacity and color selected by the user. The controller 61 may further execute a process of incrementing the recycle count 429 by one (write process, write step). The detailed process flow of step S113 will be described later with reference to a separate drawing.

[0160] In step S114, the controller 61 determines whether or not an error was detected during the initialization process in step S113 described above. If no error was detected, the controller 61 determines that the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 was successful, proceeds to NO in S114, and ends the series of processes. After the initialization is successful, the controller 61 may display an initialization success screen on the display 65 to notify the user that the initialization was successful. On the other hand, if an error was detected, the controller 61 determines that the initialization of the toner cartridge information 420 was unsuccessful, and proceeds from YES in S114 to S115.

[0161] In step S115, 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 controller 61 may cause the first error screen, which is displayed in response to a YES result in S112, to have different display contents from the second error screen, which is displayed in response to a YES result in S114. For example, the first error screen may include a message indicating that initialization is not possible because the toner cartridge 4 does not meet the recycling requirements. Furthermore, for example, the second error screen may include a message notifying the user that the writing operation to the toner memory 42 did not end normally, and a message urging the user to check the installation status of the toner cartridge 4.

[0162] (Process to display the standby screen) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying the standby screen, which corresponds to step S101 shown in FIG.

[0163] In step S201, the controller 61 detects an event that triggers the process of displaying the standby screen, such as power being turned on. When the controller 61 detects the trigger, the process advances from YES in S201 to S202.

[0164] In step S202, the controller 61 reads out the mode information 623 stored in the main body memory 62. The mode information 623 is information indicating whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a contract mode or a non-contract mode, and the mode information 623 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is a contract machine.

[0165] In step S203, the controller 61 determines whether the mode information 623 indicates the contract mode or the non-contract mode. If the mode information 623 indicates the non-contract mode, that is, if the image forming apparatus 1 is not a contract machine, the controller 61 advances the process from YES in S203 to S204. If the mode information 623 indicates the contract mode, that is, if the image forming apparatus 1 is a contract machine, the controller 61 advances the process from NO in S203 to S205.

[0166] In step S204, the controller 61 causes the display 65 to display a standby screen so that the cartridge information can be initialized using the non-contract image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the controller 61 causes the display 65 to display a standby screen on which a menu button for instructing initialization of the cartridge information, for example, a first UI component for instructing initialization of the toner cartridge information 420, is displayed so that it can be selected.

[0167] In step S205, the controller 61 uses the contracted image forming apparatus 1 to display a standby screen on the display 65 so that the cartridge information cannot be initialized. Specifically, the controller 61 displays a standby screen on the display 65 in which a menu button for instructing initialization of the cartridge information is not displayed or is displayed so that it cannot be selected. In other words, in the contracted machine, the controller 61 is configured not to accept an instruction to initialize.

[0168] The above method makes it possible to easily initialize the consumable memory in non-contracted image forming devices 1, contributing to the promotion of recycling. Meanwhile, in contracted devices, recycled cartridges are prevented from being used as contracted cartridges. This prevents situations in which print quality is not guaranteed in contracted image forming devices 1. In other words, the added value of the subscription service, namely guaranteed print quality, is not lost.

[0169] (Process to check whether initialization is possible) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of checking whether initialization is possible, which corresponds to step S111 shown in FIG.

[0170] In step S301, the controller 61 attempts to communicate with a consumables memory, for example, the toner memory 42. If the controller 61 determines that it cannot communicate with the toner memory 42, for example, that it cannot read information from the toner memory 42, the process proceeds from NO in S301 to S302. If the controller 61 determines that it can communicate with the toner memory 42, the process proceeds from YES in S301 to S303.

[0171] In step S302, the controller 61 outputs an error and does not permit initialization.

[0172] In step S303, the controller 61 authenticates the toner cartridge 4. The method for authenticating the toner cartridge 4 is not particularly limited. 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 the 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 the authentication of the toner cartridge 4 has failed.

[0173] If the controller 61 can authenticate the toner cartridge 4, the process proceeds from YES in S303 to S304. On the other hand, if the controller 61 cannot authenticate the toner cartridge 4, the process proceeds from NO in S303 to S302. In another example, the controller 61 may omit the process of S303.

[0174] In step S304, the controller 61 reads the specification information 424 from the toner memory .

[0175] In step S305, the controller 61 determines whether the read specification information 424 matches the specification information 628 of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the main body memory 62. If the two pieces of specification information match, the controller 61 advances the process from YES in S305 to S306. On the other hand, if the two pieces of specification information do not match, the controller 61 advances the process from NO in S305 to S302. In another example, the controller 61 may omit the processes of S304 and S305.

[0176] In step S306, the controller 61 reads the type information 425 from the toner memory .

[0177] In step S307, the controller 61 determines whether the read type information 425 indicates the type "contract" or the type "commercial." If the type information 425 indicates the type "contract," the controller 61 advances the process from YES in S307 to S308. If the type information 425 indicates "commercial," the controller 61 advances the process from NO in S307 to S312.

[0178] In step S308 (third display process, third display step), the controller 61 determines whether or not the user has agreed to the toner cartridge 4, which is a contract cartridge, being recycled as a commercially available cartridge.

[0179] As an example, the controller 61 displays an initialization selection screen (third selection screen) for the contract cartridge on the display 65. The initialization selection screen includes a third warning to inform the user that once the toner cartridge information 420, particularly the lifespan information 440, of the contract cartridge is initialized, the contract cartridge will thereafter be recognized as a commercially available cartridge. Furthermore, the initialization selection screen includes a second UI component that allows the user to select whether or not to initialize the toner cartridge information 420, including the lifespan information 440. As described above, the second UI component is configured with a button corresponding to "Initialize," which indicates that the user wishes to initialize the lifespan information 440, and a button corresponding to "Do not initialize," which indicates that the user does not wish to initialize the lifespan information 440. The second UI component is configured to allow the user to select either of the above buttons. The user's selection operation may be performed via either a hardware button or a software button.

[0180] In the above example, if the button corresponding to "Initialize" is selected, the controller 61 determines that the user agrees to the contract cartridge being recycled as a commercially available cartridge. In this case, the controller 61 advances the process from YES in S308 to S309.

[0181] On the other hand, if the button corresponding to "Do not initialize" is selected, the controller 61 determines that the user does not agree. In this case, the controller 61 advances the process from NO in S308 to S302.

[0182] In step S312, the controller 61 reads the manufacturer information 430 from the toner memory .

[0183] In step S313, the controller 61 determines, based on the read manufacturer information 430, which upper limit number to use from among the upper limit number information 625 stored in the main body memory 62. The detailed processing flow of step S312 will be described later with reference to a separate drawing.

[0184] In step S309, the controller 61 reads the recycle count 429 from the toner memory 42.

[0185] In step S310, controller 61 compares the read recycling count 429 (initialization count) with the upper limit count determined in step S312. That is, controller 61 checks whether recycling count 429 has reached the upper limit count determined in step S312. In other words, controller 61 executes second determination processing to determine whether recycling count 429 is smaller than the upper limit count determined in step S312. Step S310 is an example of a second determination step in which image forming apparatus 1 executes the second determination processing.

[0186] If the recycling count 429 is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the controller 61 advances the process from YES in S310 to S302. That is, exceeding the upper limit of recycling is prohibited from initializing the toner cartridge information 420. On the other hand, if the recycling count 429 is less than the upper limit, the controller 61 advances the process from NO in S310 to S311.

[0187] In step S311, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 meets the requirements for recycling, and executes permission processing to permit initialization of the toner cartridge information 420. Step S311 is an example of a permission step in which the image forming apparatus 1 executes permission processing.

[0188] (Process to determine the upper limit) A method for determining the upper limit number of times will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining the upper limit number of times, which corresponds to S313 shown in Fig. 9.

[0189] In step S701, the controller 61 executes a first determination process to determine the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 4 based on the manufacturer information 430 read out in S312 of FIG. 9. Step S701 is an example of a first determination step in which the image forming apparatus 1 executes the first determination process. As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 61 executes the processes of steps S312 and S313 when the type information 425 indicates "commercially available." That is, the controller 61 executes the first determination process shown in step S701 when the type information 425 indicates "commercially available." This allows the controller 61 to determine the upper limit number of times only when the toner cartridge 4 can be treated as a commercially available cartridge.

[0190] In this embodiment, the controller 61 determines whether the manufacturer information 430 is the first manufacturer information. If the controller 61 determines that the manufacturer information 430 is not the first manufacturer information, the controller 61 advances the process from NO in step S701 to step S702.

[0191] In step S702, the controller 61 determines that the manufacturer information 430 is second manufacturer information. That is, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 attached to the main body housing 10 is a cartridge other than a genuine cartridge, a genuine recycled cartridge, or a third-party recycled cartridge (another cartridge). Therefore, in step S703, the controller 61 reads out the fourth number of times 625S stored in the main body memory 62. That is, the controller 61 determines the fourth number of times 625S as the upper limit number of times to be used in step S310 shown in FIG. 9. After processing step S703, the controller 61 executes the processing of step S309 shown in FIG. 9.

[0192] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the manufacturer information 430 is the first manufacturer information, the controller 61 advances the process from YES in step S702 to step S704. In step S704, the controller 61 reads out the initialization history information 431 stored in the toner memory 42. The controller 61 determines the upper limit number of times to be used in step S310 shown in Fig. 9 based on the read initialization history information 431. Therefore, the controller 61 can determine the upper limit number of times in accordance with the initialization history of the toner cartridge 4.

[0193] In step S705, the controller 61 determines what kind of information is included in the read initialization history information 431. In this way, the controller 61 can determine the upper limit number of times according to the information indicated by the initialization history information 431.

[0194] If the controller 61 determines that the read initialization history information 431 indicates that the lifespan information 440 has not been initialized, the process proceeds from step S705 to step S706. In step S706, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 attached to the main body housing 10 is a genuine cartridge. Therefore, in step S707, the controller 61 reads out the first number of times 625P stored in the main body memory 62. That is, the controller 61 determines the first number of times 625P as the upper limit number of times to be used in step S310 shown in FIG. 9.

[0195] If the controller 61 determines that the read initialization history information 431 indicates that the lifespan information 440 has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1, the process proceeds from step S705 to step S708. In step S708, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main body housing 10 is a genuine recycled cartridge. Therefore, in step S709, the controller 61 reads out the second number of times 625Q stored in the main body memory 62. That is, the controller 61 determines the second number of times 625Q as the upper limit number of times to be used in step S310 shown in FIG.

[0196] If the controller 61 determines that the read initialization history information 431 indicates that the lifespan information 440 has been initialized by the image forming apparatus 1, the process proceeds from step S705 to step S710. In step S710, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main body housing 10 is a third-party recycled cartridge. Therefore, in step S711, the controller 61 reads the third number of times 625R stored in the main body memory 62. That is, the controller 61 determines the third number of times 625R as the upper limit number of times to be used in step S310 shown in FIG. 9.

[0197] After the processes of steps S707, S709, and S711, the controller 61 executes the process of step S309 shown in FIG.

[0198] 9, the controller 61 can read the first manufacturer information as the manufacturer information 430 from the toner memory 42, but cannot read the initialization history information 431. If the controller 61 reads the first manufacturer information as the manufacturer information 430 but cannot read the initialization history information 431, the controller 61 may determine the first number of times 625P as the upper limit number of times.

[0199] As described above, in steps S703, S707, S709, and S711, the controller 61 executes a determination process to determine the upper limit of the number of times depending on the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 4 determined in step S701. Steps S703, S707, S709, and S711 are examples of determination steps in which the image forming apparatus 1 executes the determination process. By executing the determination process, the controller 61 can limit the number of times to reset the life information 440 stored in the toner memory 42. In this embodiment, the controller 61 determines the upper limit of the number of times depending on whether the manufacturer is the first manufacturer or the second manufacturer. Therefore, the controller 61 can determine the upper limit of the number of times depending on whether the manufacturer of the toner memory 42 is the first manufacturer or the second manufacturer.

[0200] 9, if the recycle count 429 is less than the upper limit count determined in the determination process, the controller 61 permits initialization of the lifespan information 440 in step S311. In this embodiment, as described above, the fourth count 625S is smaller than the first count 625P, the second count 625Q, and the third count 625R. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 4 is another type of cartridge, the controller 61 can prohibit initialization of the lifespan information 440 at a smaller recycle count 429 than when the toner cartridge 4 is a genuine cartridge, a genuine recycled cartridge, or a third-party recycled cartridge.

[0201] Genuine cartridges, genuine recycled cartridges, and third-party recycled cartridges are manufactured or recycled by the first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming device 1. Alternatively, genuine cartridges, genuine recycled cartridges, and third-party recycled cartridges are recycled by manufacturers authorized to recycle cartridges manufactured by the first manufacturer. On the other hand, other cartridges are manufactured or recycled by second manufacturers different from the first manufacturer. Therefore, the parts and toner of other cartridges may be of lower quality than the parts and toner of genuine cartridges, genuine recycled cartridges, and third-party recycled cartridges. Furthermore, the quality of the parts and toner of toner cartridge 4 deteriorates as the number of recycling times 429 increases.

[0202] By setting the fourth number of times 625S to be smaller than the first number of times 625P, the second number of times 625Q, and the third number of times 625R and prohibiting the controller 61 from initializing the lifespan information 440 at a smaller recycle number of times 429, the risk of a decrease in print quality can be reduced. Also, the risk of the image forming apparatus 1 breaking down due to toner leakage can be reduced.

[0203] Also, as described above, the second number 625Q is smaller than the first number 625P. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 4 is a genuine recycled cartridge, the controller 61 can prohibit initialization of the lifespan information 440 at a smaller recycle number 429 than when the toner cartridge 4 is a genuine cartridge.

[0204] As the recycling count 429 increases, the quality of the parts and toner in the toner cartridge 4 deteriorates. By setting the second count 625Q smaller than the first count 625P and prohibiting the controller 61 from initializing the lifespan information 440 at a smaller recycling count 429, the risk of a decline in print quality can be reduced. In addition, the risk of the image forming apparatus 1 breaking down due to toner leakage can be reduced.

[0205] Furthermore, as described above, the third number 625R is smaller than the second number 625Q. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 4 is a third-party recycled cartridge, the controller 61 can prohibit initialization of the lifespan information 440 at a smaller recycling number 429 than when the toner cartridge 4 is a genuine recycled cartridge.

[0206] Genuine cartridges have their parts replaced or refilled with toner by the first manufacturer, while third-party recycled cartridges have their parts replaced or refilled with toner by a manufacturer authorized to recycle cartridges manufactured by the first manufacturer. Therefore, the parts and toner of third-party recycled cartridges may be of lower quality than the parts and toner of genuine recycled cartridges. Furthermore, the quality of the parts and toner of toner cartridge 4 deteriorates as the number of recycling times 429 increases.

[0207] By setting the third number of times 625R smaller than the second number of times 625Q and prohibiting the controller 61 from initializing the lifespan information 440 at the smaller recycling number 429, the risk of a decrease in print quality can be reduced. Also, the risk of the image forming apparatus 1 breaking down due to toner leakage can be reduced.

[0208] Depending on the market trends of toner cartridges 4, the toner cartridge 4 may be classified as a genuine cartridge, a genuine recycled cartridge, or a third-party recycled cartridge. For example, if a genuine cartridge has had its parts replaced or refilled with toner by a first manufacturer, the genuine cartridge becomes a genuine recycled cartridge. Also, if a genuine cartridge or a genuine recycled cartridge has its parts replaced or refilled with toner by a manufacturer authorized to recycle cartridges manufactured by the first manufacturer, the genuine cartridge or genuine recycled cartridge becomes a third-party recycled cartridge. Also, if a third-party recycled cartridge manufactured by the first manufacturer has its parts replaced or refilled with toner by the first manufacturer, the third-party recycled cartridge becomes a genuine recycled cartridge. The lifespan information 440 of a genuine recycled cartridge is initialized, for example, by the manufacturer of the image forming device 1. The lifespan information 440 of a third-party recycled cartridge is initialized, for example, by the image forming device 1.

[0209] In this embodiment, the initialization history information 431 is stored in the toner memory 42. Therefore, even if the state of the toner cartridge 4 changes depending on the flow of toner cartridges 4 in the market, the controller 61 can determine the upper limit number of times depending on the state of the toner cartridge 4.

[0210] (Process to initialize cartridge information) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initialization process corresponding to step S113 shown in FIG.

[0211] In step S401 (initialization process, initialization step), 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. If the target of initialization is the drum memory 22, the controller 61 resets the number of printed sheets 224 stored in the drum memory 22 to zero.

[0212] In step S402 (initialization process, initialization step), the controller 61 initializes the developing roller rotation count 427 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 sets the developing roller rotation count 427, which has been counted up to a predetermined number of rotations, to zero. If the target of initialization is the drum memory 22, the controller 61 sets the drum rotation count 225 stored in the drum memory 22 to zero.

[0213] In step S403 (initialization process, initialization step), the controller 61 initializes the remaining toner amount 428 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 returns the remaining toner amount 428, the value of which has been reduced as toner is consumed, to its initial value. That is, the controller 61 returns the remaining toner amount 428 to the FULL value (value indicating the cartridge capacity) of the capacity selected in step S106 of FIG. 7. The FULL value corresponding to each capacity may be stored in advance in the main body memory 62 or in the toner memory 42.

[0214] In step S404, the controller 61 changes the capacity information 422 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 rewrites the capacity information 422 so as to indicate the capacity selected in step S106 of FIG.

[0215] In step S405, 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 S109 of FIG.

[0216] When the object to be initialized is the drum memory 22, steps S403 to S405 are omitted.

[0217] In step S406 (change processing, change step), the controller 61 changes the type information 425 stored in the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 changes the type information 425 from "contract" to "commercial" so that the toner cartridge 4 will be recognized as a commercially available cartridge rather than a contract cartridge after recycling. If the target of initialization is the drum memory 22, the controller 61 changes the type information 223 stored in the drum memory 22.

[0218] 9, if the result of step S308 is YES, the controller 61 executes the process of step S406. If the result of step S308 is not YES, step S406 is omitted.

[0219] In step S410, controller 61 executes an update process to update initialization history information 431 stored in toner memory 42. Step S410 is an example of an update step in which image forming apparatus 1 executes an update process. When the target of initialization is drum memory 22, controller 61 updates initialization history information 228. As a result, the next time life information 440 or 230 is initialized, controller 61 can determine the upper limit number of times using the latest initialization history information 431 or 228.

[0220] In step S410, the controller 61 updates the initialization history information 431 or 228 in accordance with an instruction received via the operation unit 64 or the display 65 functioning as a touch panel. The instruction received by the controller 61 is, for example, given by a user or an operator of a manufacturer authorized to recycle cartridges manufactured by the first manufacturer. In step S410, the controller 61 updates the initialization history information 431 or 228 to indicate that the lifespan information 440 or 230 has been initialized by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0221] In step S407 (writing process, writing step), the controller 61 increments the recycle count 429 stored in the toner memory 42 by one. If the target of initialization is the drum memory 22, the controller 61 increments the recycle count 226 stored in the drum memory 22 by one.

[0222] In step S408, the controller 61 determines whether the read operation from the toner memory 42 and the write operation to the toner memory 42 were successful. If all read operations and write operations were successful, the controller 61 proceeds to YES in S408 and ends the series of initialization processes. On the other hand, if the read operation or write operation failed in any of the above steps, the controller 61 proceeds from NO in S408 to S409.

[0223] In step S409, the controller 61 outputs an error because it was not possible to initialize the toner cartridge information 420.

[0224] <Processing flow for the recycled product use phase> Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in the recycled product use phase. The series of processing shown in Fig. 11 is executed by the controller 61. Below, as an example, a case where a recycled toner cartridge 4 is used will be described. The controller 61 executes the processing shown in Fig. 11 when it detects that the power is turned on and that the cover 11 is closed, or when it detects that the cover 11 has changed from an open state to a closed state.

[0225] In step S501 (reading process, reading step), the controller 61 reads the toner cartridge information 420 from the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 electrically connected via the connector 102. The detailed processing flow of step S501 will be described later with reference to a separate drawing.

[0226] In step S502 (detection process, detection step), the controller 61 determines whether the recycle count 429 read in S501 is greater than zero. If the recycle count 429 is greater than zero, for example, if it is one or more times, the controller 61 detects that the toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is a recycled cartridge. Then, the controller 61 advances the process from YES in S502 to S503. If the recycle count 429 is less than one time, for example, if it is zero or less, the controller 61 determines that the toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is not a recycled cartridge, and advances the process from NO in S502 to S506.

[0227] In step S503 (second display process, second display step), the controller 61 displays a usage selection screen (second selection screen) on the display 65. The usage selection screen includes a second warning to inform the user that print quality cannot be guaranteed if a recycled cartridge is used as a consumable. Furthermore, the usage selection screen includes a third UI component that allows the user to select whether or not to use a recycled cartridge for printing. As an example, the third UI component is configured with a button corresponding to "Use," which means that the user wishes to use a recycled cartridge, and a button corresponding to "Do not use," which means that the user does not wish to use a recycled cartridge. The third UI component is configured so that the user can select either of the above buttons. The user's selection operation may be performed via either a hardware button or a software button.

[0228] In step S504, the controller 61 determines which button of the third UI widget has been selected. If the controller 61 determines that the "Use" button has been selected, the process proceeds from YES in S504 to S505. If the controller 61 determines that the "Do not use" button has been selected, the process proceeds from NO in S504 to S507.

[0229] When the user selects the "Use" button, it means that the user agrees to the content of the second warning and wishes to print using a recycled cartridge. In this embodiment, as the user agrees to the content of the second warning, the controller 61 permits printing using the toner cartridge 4 in step S504 (permission process, permission step).

[0230] In step S505 (storage process, storage step), the controller 61 stores in the main body memory 62 usage history information 624 indicating that the toner cartridge 4, which is a recycled cartridge, has been used in the image forming apparatus 1. If the usage history information 624 has already been stored in the main body memory 62, the controller 61 may update the usage history information 624.

[0231] In step S506, the controller 61 activates each part of the printing mechanism of the image forming apparatus 1, and puts the image forming apparatus 1 into a state where printing can be performed immediately at any time.

[0232] In step S507, the controller 61 displays an error screen on the display 65. The error screen displayed in S507 may indicate the reason for the error and how to resolve the error. For example, the error screen may include a message indicating that a recycled cartridge that the user has not agreed to use has been installed as the reason for the error. As an example, the above error can be resolved by turning the power off and on again, or by opening and closing the cover 11 again. The error screen may include a message explaining how to resolve the above error.

[0233] The processes of steps S502 to S505 and S507 may be executed each time the power of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, or each time opening or closing of the cover 11 is detected.

[0234] In another example, the processes of steps S502 to S505 and S507 may be performed only once when the recycled cartridge is first installed. Thereafter, the processes of steps S502 to S505 and S507 may be omitted as appropriate while the recycled cartridge remains installed without being removed. For example, the controller 61 can determine whether the installed recycled cartridge has already been approved by the user by referring to the usage history information 624 stored in the main body memory 62. If the toner ID of the installed recycled cartridge is included in the usage history information 624, the controller 61 can determine that the recycled cartridge has already been approved by the user. Then, the controller 61 can omit the processes of steps S502 to S505 and S507 for the recycled cartridge.

[0235] (Process to read cartridge information) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of reading cartridge information, which corresponds to S501 shown in FIG.

[0236] In step S601 (reading process, reading step), the controller 61 reads the recycle count 429 from the toner memory 42. If the recycle cartridge is a drum cartridge 20, the controller 61 reads the recycle count 226 from the drum memory 22.

[0237] In step S602, the controller 61 reads the number of printed sheets 426 from the toner memory 42. If the recycled cartridge is a drum cartridge 20, the controller 61 reads the number of printed sheets 224 from the drum memory 22.

[0238] In step S603, the controller 61 reads the developing roller rotation number 427 from the toner memory 42. If the recycled cartridge is a drum cartridge 20, the controller 61 reads the drum rotation number 225 from the drum memory 22.

[0239] In step S604, the controller 61 reads the remaining toner amount 428 from the toner memory 42. If the recycled cartridge is a drum cartridge 20, S604 is omitted.

[0240] The controller 61 can execute the above steps S601 to S604 in any order. The controller 61 may also execute a step of reading the toner ID 421 as necessary.

[0241] (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.

[0242] (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.

[0243] An ink cartridge includes a cartridge housing filled with ink, which is a printing material, and an ink memory that stores ink cartridge information, such as an ink ID, capacity information, color information, specification information, type information, number of prints (lifespan information), remaining ink amount (lifespan information), and number of recycles.

[0244] 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 428 in embodiment 1. The capacity information, color information, specification information, type information, number of printed pages, and number of recycling times 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.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] (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.

[0248] (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.

[0249] [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).

[0250] 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.

[0251] The program may be stored non-transitoryly in one or more computer-readable storage media. The image forming apparatus 1 may or may not include the storage media. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0252] In addition, some or all of the functions of the control blocks described above can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as the control block described above is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the functions of the control blocks described above can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0253] Furthermore, each process described in the above-described embodiment may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the above-described control device, or may run on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0254] 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]

[0255] 1 Image forming device, 4 Toner cartridge (consumable), 10 Main body housing, 20 Drum cartridge (consumable), 22 Drum memory (consumable memory), 42 Toner memory (consumable memory), 61 Controller, 62 Main body memory, 223 Type information, 226 Number of recycling times (initialization count information), 227 Manufacturer information, 228 Initialization history information, 230 Life information, 425 Type information, 429 Number of recycling times (initialization count information), 430 Manufacturer information, 431 Initialization history information, 440 Life information, 625 Upper limit information (count information)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, The device comprises a main body housing in which consumables are mounted, a controller, and a main body memory, a consumable memory provided in the consumable stores life information relating to the life of the consumable and manufacturer information indicating a manufacturer of the consumable; the main body memory stores number information indicating the number of times initialization is permitted, the number of times being set for the consumable item, and the number of times initialization is permitted to be permitted; The controller When an instruction to initialize the consumable memory is given, a first determination process for determining a manufacturer of the consumable product based on the manufacturer information; and determining the number of times initialization is possible depending on the manufacturer of the consumable determined in the first determination process.

2. The consumables memory stores the following as the manufacturer information: First manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumable is a first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus; and second manufacturer information indicating a second manufacturer that is a manufacturer of the consumable product different from the first manufacturer; Either of the following is stored, The controller 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination process determines the number of initialization times depending on whether the manufacturer information is the first manufacturer information or the second manufacturer information.

3. The consumable item memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, The controller 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination process determines the number of times initialization is possible based on the initialization history information.

4. The initialization history information stored in the consumable memory is The lifespan information is not initialized; The life information has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming device; and The life information is initialized by the image forming apparatus; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the second manufacturer is smaller than the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the first manufacturer.

6. The consumables memory stores type information indicating whether the consumables are contracted consumables that can be used in a contracted image forming apparatus or ordinary consumables that can be used in both a contracted image forming apparatus and an uncontracted image forming apparatus; The controller The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination process is executed when the type information indicates that the toner cartridge is a normal consumable item.

7. The consumable memory stores initialization count information indicating the number of times the life information has been initialized, The controller a second determination process for determining whether the number of initializations is smaller than the number of times initialization can be performed; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a permission process for permitting initialization of the life information when the second determination process determines that the number of initializations is smaller than the number of initializations that can be performed by the determination process.

8. The consumable item memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, The controller The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: an update process for updating the initialization history information when the initialization of the life information is permitted in the permission process.

9. A method for determining the number of times a consumable memory of a consumable can be initialized, comprising: When an instruction to initialize the consumable memory is issued for the consumable attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, a first determination step in which the image forming apparatus determines a manufacturer of the consumable product based on manufacturer information indicating a manufacturer of the consumable product stored in the consumable product memory; The determination method includes a determination step in which the image forming device determines, depending on the manufacturer of the consumable determined by the first determination step, the number of times that the consumable can be initialized, which is set for the consumable and indicated by the number of times information stored in the main memory of the image forming device, and which allows initialization of the life information regarding the life of the consumable stored in the consumable memory.

10. The consumables memory stores the following as the manufacturer information: First manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumable is a first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus; and second manufacturer information indicating a second manufacturer that is a manufacturer of the consumable product different from the first manufacturer; Either of the following is stored, 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein in the determining step, the image forming apparatus determines the number of initialization times depending on whether the manufacturer information is the first manufacturer information or the second manufacturer information.

11. The consumable item memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein in the determining step, the image forming apparatus determines the number of times initialization is possible based on the initialization history information.

12. The initialization history information stored in the consumable memory is The lifespan information is not initialized; The life information has been initialized by the manufacturer of the image forming device; and The life information is initialized by the image forming apparatus; The determination method according to claim 11, wherein the determination method indicates any one of the following:

13. The determination method according to claim 10 , wherein the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the second manufacturer is smaller than the number of times that initialization can be performed indicated by the number of times information of the first manufacturer.

14. The consumables memory stores type information indicating whether the consumables are contracted consumables that can be used in a contracted image forming apparatus or ordinary consumables that can be used in both a contracted image forming apparatus and an uncontracted image forming apparatus; The method according to claim 9 , wherein the image forming apparatus executes the first determination step when the type information indicates that the item is a normal consumable item.

15. The consumable memory stores initialization count information indicating the number of times the life information has been initialized, a second determination step in which the image forming apparatus determines whether the number of initializations is smaller than the number of times initialization can be performed; and an enabling step of enabling the image forming apparatus to initialize the life information when it is determined in the second determining step that the number of initialization times is smaller than the number of initialization times determined in the determining step, The consumable item memory stores initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information, 15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising an update step of the image forming apparatus updating the initialization history information when the initialization of the life information is permitted in the permitting step.

16. An image forming apparatus, comprising: The device comprises a main body housing in which consumables are mounted, a controller, and a main body memory, a consumable memory provided in the consumable stores life information relating to a life of the consumable, manufacturer information indicating a manufacturer of the consumable, and initialization history information indicating a history of initialization of the life information; The consumables memory stores, as the manufacturer information, either first manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumables is a first manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatus, or second manufacturer information indicating that the manufacturer of the consumables is a second manufacturer that is different from the first manufacturer; the initialization history information indicates that the life information has not been initialized, that the life information has been initialized by the first manufacturer, or that the life information has been initialized by the image forming apparatus; the main body memory stores number information indicating the number of times initialization is permitted, the number of times being set for the consumable item, and the number of times initialization is permitted to be permitted; The controller When an instruction to initialize the consumable memory is given, a first determination process for determining a manufacturer of the consumable product based on the manufacturer information; If the manufacturer of the consumable determined by the first determination process is the first manufacturer, the initialization history information is If not initialized, the maximum number of times If initialized by the first manufacturer, the intermediate number of times; A minimum number of times when initialized by the image forming device; Determine the number of initializations possible, and if the manufacturer of the consumable determined by the first determination process is the second manufacturer, executing a determination process to determine the number of times initialization is possible to be smaller than the number of times initialization is possible corresponding to the first manufacturer.

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