Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To allow a user to easily perform shifting to another image formation apparatus from an image formation apparatus that is currently used by the user.SOLUTION: A controller (61) of an image formation apparatus (1) executes contract determination processing of determining whether a contract canceling instruction is received, consumable supply determination processing of determining whether or not type information is information indicating a special consumable supply when it is determined that the contract canceling instruction is received, and storage processing of storing identification information in a drum memory (22) when it is determined that the type information is the information indicating the special consumable supply and allowing the drum cartridge (20) and the toner cartridge (4) to be used in another image formation apparatus (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0007] To solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body housing; a consumable attached to the main body housing, the consumable having a first memory; a replacement part used with the image forming apparatus together with the consumable, the replacement part having a second memory; and a controller, wherein the first memory stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable usable regardless of the conclusion of the contract, and unique identification information for identifying the consumable, and the controller performs a contract determination process to determine whether it has received a contract termination instruction to terminate the contract for the image forming apparatus for which a contract has been concluded; a consumable determination process to determine whether the type information represents the dedicated consumable if the contract determination process has determined that it has received the contract termination instruction; and a storage process to store the identification information in the second memory and allow the consumable to be used with the replacement part in another image forming apparatus if the consumable determination process has determined that the type information represents the dedicated consumable.

[0008] The second embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the first memory stores status information indicating that the consumable is new or an old product representing a used product, and the controller may, if the consumable determination process determines that the type information is information representing the dedicated consumable, execute a status determination process to determine whether the status information is information indicating an old product, and if the status determination process determines that the status information is information indicating an old product, execute the storage process.

[0009] To solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body housing; a main body memory; a consumable attached to the main body housing, the consumable having a first memory; a replacement part used with the image forming apparatus together with the consumable, the replacement part having a second memory; and a controller, wherein the first memory stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a normal consumable usable regardless of the conclusion of such a contract, and unique first identification information for identifying the consumable, and the controller determines whether a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus. The system performs a contract determination process, a consumable determination process to determine whether the type information represents the dedicated consumable, a first determination process to determine whether the second memory stores the first identification information if the contract determination process determines that a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus and the consumable determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, a storage process to store the first identification information stored in the second memory in the main memory if the first determination process determines that the second memory stores the first identification information, and a permission process to allow the use of the consumable together with the replacement parts in the image forming apparatus after the storage process.

[0010] A fourth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, wherein the controller performs a second determination process to determine whether the first identification information stored in the first memory matches the first identification information stored in the main memory by the storage process, and if the second determination process determines that the first identification information stored in the first memory matches the first identification information stored in the main memory by the storage process, the controller may perform the permission process.

[0011] The fifth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth embodiment, wherein the controller may, when the first identification information has been stored in the main memory by the storage process, execute an erasure process to erase the first identification information from the second memory.

[0012] The sixth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to fifth embodiments, wherein the controller performs a third determination process to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information for identifying other consumables different from the consumables are stored in the main memory, and if the third determination process determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not stored in the main memory, the controller may perform the storage process.

[0013] The seventh embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the consumable is a toner cartridge capable of containing toner, and the replacement part may be a drum cartridge equipped with a photoreceptor drum.

[0014] To solve the above problems, the control method of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a contract determination step of determining whether a contract termination instruction for terminating a contract for the image forming apparatus has been received; if the contract determination step determines that the contract termination instruction has been received, a consumable determination step of determining whether the type information stored in a first memory of a consumable attached to the image forming apparatus, which indicates whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a normal consumable usable regardless of the conclusion of the contract, represents a dedicated consumable; and if the consumable determination step determines that the type information represents a dedicated consumable, a storage step of storing unique identification information for identifying the consumable, which is stored in the first memory, in a second memory of a replacement part used with the image forming apparatus together with the consumable, thereby allowing the consumable to be used with the replacement part in another image forming apparatus.

[0015] To solve the above problems, a control method according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a contract determination step of determining whether a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus; a consumable determination step of determining whether the type information stored in a first memory of a consumable attached to the image forming apparatus, which indicates whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded or a normal consumable usable regardless of whether a contract has been concluded, represents a dedicated consumable; and when the contract determination step determines that a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus, and the consumable If the determination step determines that the type information is information representing the dedicated consumable, the first determination step determines whether the second memory provided in the replacement part used with the consumable in the image forming apparatus stores the first identification information stored in the first memory, which is a unique first identification information for identifying the consumable; if the first determination step determines that the second memory stores the first identification information, the storage step causes the first identification information stored in the second memory to be stored in the main memory provided in the image forming apparatus; and after the storage step, the permission step permits the use of the consumable together with the replacement part in the image forming apparatus.

[0016] Furthermore, each aspect of the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a control program for the image forming apparatus that enables the computer to implement the image forming apparatus by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the image forming apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus currently used by the user will be referred to as the "old apparatus," and the image forming apparatus that the user plans to use in place of the old apparatus, which is different from the old apparatus, will be referred to as the "new apparatus."

[0018] According to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, if the contract for the old apparatus is terminated and the consumables are dedicated consumables, the controller of the old apparatus stores the identification information of the consumables stored in the first memory in the second memory. By storing the identification information in the second memory, the controller of the old apparatus allows the consumables to be used in the new apparatus together with replacement parts.

[0019] Therefore, when a user installs consumables and replacement parts used in the old device into the new device, the new device can authorize the use of the consumables based on the identification information stored in the second memory. Thus, the user can use the consumables in the new device simply by installing the consumables and replacement parts used in the old device into the new device. Consequently, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, if the consumable is a dedicated consumable and an older model, the new apparatus permits the use of the consumable only if the identification information of the consumable is stored in the main memory. The controller of the old apparatus stores the identification information of the consumable in the second memory when the consumable is a dedicated consumable and an older model, so that the new apparatus can store the identification information in the main memory in order to permit the use of the consumable.

[0021] According to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, the controller of the new apparatus stores the first identification information of the consumables in the main unit memory when a contract has been concluded for the new apparatus and the second memory of the replacement parts installed in the new apparatus along with the consumables, which are dedicated consumables, stores the first identification information of the consumables. The controller of the new apparatus then authorizes the use of the consumables installed in the new apparatus. That is, when a user installs consumables and replacement parts that were used in the old apparatus into the new apparatus, the controller of the new apparatus authorizes the use of the consumables based on the first identification information stored in the main unit memory.

[0022] Therefore, the user can use the consumables that were used in the old device by simply attaching the consumables and replacement parts used in the old device to the new device. Therefore, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device.

[0023] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the first identification information stored in the first memory matches the first identification information stored in the main memory by the storage process, the controller of the new device permits the use of the consumables attached to the new device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that consumables different from the consumables attached to the new device are used by the new device.

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, even if consumables and replacement parts are attached to another image forming apparatus different from the new device by the controller of the new device executing the erasure process, the other image forming apparatus cannot store the first identification information from the second memory to the main memory. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the consumables and replacement parts used in the old device are used outside the new device.

[0025] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the main memory does not store the first identification information and the second identification information, the controller of the new device can permit the use of the consumables by storing the first identification information of the consumables attached to the new device in the main memory. Therefore, the consumables used in the old device can be used only in the new device shipped from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus to the user.

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, the controller of the old device stores the identification information of the toner cartridge in the second memory of the drum cartridge, so that the controller of the new device can permit the use of the toner cartridge. Further, the controller of the new device can permit the use of the toner cartridge by storing the identification information of the toner cartridge stored in the second memory of the drum cartridge in the main memory. Note that the identification information of the toner cartridge may be referred to as the first identification information.

[0027] The control method of the eighth embodiment produces the same effect as the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. The control method of the ninth embodiment produces the same effect as the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus included in an image forming system. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus, including the drum cartridge and toner cartridge, and the server, as well as the connection relationship between the image forming apparatus and the server. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of information rewriting in an image forming apparatus when the toner cartridge installed in the main unit is a standard cartridge. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of information rewriting in an image forming apparatus when the toner cartridge installed in the main unit is a new, dedicated cartridge. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of information rewriting in an image forming apparatus when the toner cartridge installed in the main unit is an older, dedicated cartridge. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the process performed by the old device. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of information rewriting in the old device. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by the new device, specifically an example of the process of storing the toner ID stored in the drum memory into the main unit's memory. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by the new device, specifically an example of a process that determines whether a toner cartridge installed in the main unit's casing is usable. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of information rewriting in the new device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11. In this embodiment, as an example, the case in which the image forming apparatus is a laser printer and the image forming is printing will be described. However, the image forming apparatus may be a printer other than a laser printer. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be an inkjet printer.

[0030] [Overview of the image forming system] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the image forming system 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 includes a plurality of image forming devices 1, a server 8, and a user terminal 9. The plurality of image forming devices 1 shown in Figure 1 are purchased by the same user. However, the image forming system 100 may also include other image forming devices purchased by other users, although these are not shown.

[0031] Image forming apparatus 1 is a device for realizing services provided through a contract with image forming apparatus 1. Server 8 is an external device that communicates with image forming apparatus 1 via a network and is an example of a management device for managing image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, server 8 is a server managed by a service provider.

[0032] In this embodiment, "contract" refers to a contract concluded between a user and a service provider, in which the service provider provides specific services through an image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user. In other words, the user enters into a contract for a particular image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 can be said to be the device that is the subject of the contract. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user and that is the subject of the contract will be referred to as the "contracted machine."

[0033] Each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1 can use consumables specifically for the contract by the user entering into a contract with a service provider. For example, the contract is an agreement between the service provider and the user where the service usage period, usage fees, maximum number of prints, etc., are agreed upon, and both parties agree that the service provider will provide the service to the user. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an image forming apparatus that, after a service contract has been concluded, is capable of performing contract printing, which is printing based on the contents of the contract.

[0034] The user can register or change the image forming apparatus 1 as the contracted machine at any time. "Registration" here refers to new registration, or re-registration of an image forming apparatus 1 that was previously registered and whose contract was terminated. Furthermore, the user can register multiple image forming apparatuses 1 as contracted machines. In other words, the user can use multiple image forming apparatuses 1 as contracted machines simultaneously, and can also change the image forming apparatus 1 used as the contracted machine from one image forming apparatus 1 to another.

[0035] The user terminal 9 used by the user is a device that communicates with the server 8 to conclude, terminate, and perform other procedures related to contracts. The user terminal 9 can be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or other information processing terminal equipped with standard communication functions. Each device constituting the image forming system 100 can communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0036] [Structural overview of image forming apparatus 1] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1, including the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4, and the server 8, as well as the connection relationship between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 8. Although Figure 3 includes two image forming apparatuses 1, both image forming apparatuses 1 have the same configuration.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 consists of a main body housing 10 and a cover 11. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 1 may also be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or lamps, and an input unit such as buttons. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display may be configured to function as an input unit by being integrated with a touch panel.

[0038] [Main unit enclosure 10] The toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main casing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. As will be described in more detail later, the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the drum cartridge 20, thereby becoming one with the drum cartridge 20. In other words, the toner cartridge 4, while installed in the drum cartridge 20, is installed in the main casing 10 together with the drum cartridge 20. To put it another way, the drum cartridge 20 is a component used in the image forming apparatus 1 together with the toner cartridge 4. This realizes the image forming apparatus 1, which includes the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4.

[0039] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 requires the installation of four toner cartridges 4 for printing. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to accommodate four drum cartridges 20 and four toner cartridges 4. However, the number of drum cartridges 20 and toner cartridges 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the example in Figure 2. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a monochrome printer capable of accommodating one drum cartridge 20 and one toner cartridge 4.

[0040] The toner cartridge 4 contains the toner consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 during printing. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 is a consumable item for the image forming apparatus 1. The drum cartridge 20 contains the photosensitive drum 21 used by the image forming apparatus 1 during printing. The drum cartridge 20 is an example of a replacement part for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0041] The main unit housing 10 is, for example, a rectangular box shape. Four drum cartridges 20, four toner cartridges 4, a transfer belt 70, a controller 61, a main unit memory 62, and a communication unit 63 are housed in the main unit housing 10. The main unit housing 10 has four cartridge holders 13. The cartridge holders 13 are formed in a concave shape and have openings. The drum cartridges 20 and toner cartridges 4 are mounted in the main unit housing 10 by being held in each of the cartridge holders 13.

[0042] [Cover 11] The cover 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a light source unit 50 corresponding to each drum cartridge 20. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with four light source units 50. The cover 11 is rotatable (movable) around a pivot axis 11A extending in a first direction, between an open position in which the opening 10A shown by the solid line in Figure 1 is open, and a closed position in which the opening 10A shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 is closed. The rotation of the cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A provided at the upper end of the main body housing 10.

[0043] The "first direction" refers to the direction in which the rotational axis (developing axis) of the developing roller in the toner cartridge extends. When the cover 11 is in the open position, each opening of the cartridge holding section 13 is opened. When the cover 11 is in the closed position, each opening of the cartridge holding section 13 is covered by the cover 11.

[0044] The main housing 10 may be provided with a closed sensor (not shown) in the opening 10A. The closed sensor is a sensor that detects when the cover 11 is in the closed position. The closed sensor may be, for example, a contact type sensor or an optical type sensor.

[0045] [Toner Cartridge 4] The toner cartridge 4 has a developing roller 41 and a cartridge housing capable of housing a developer (e.g., toner) as an example of a printing material. The cartridge housing can be mounted on the main body housing 10. The four toner cartridges 4 each contain a developer of a different color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as the material used to form an image. The developer is a consumable item that is used up with use. The developing roller 41 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction and is rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction. When the toner cartridge 4 is mounted on the drum cartridge 20, the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 comes into contact with the outer surface of the developing roller 41.

[0046] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 4 has a toner memory 42 as an example of a first memory. The toner memory 42 is located on one outer surface of the toner cartridge 4 in a first direction. The toner memory 42 is a memory that can read and write information, such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or EEPROM (Registered Trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0047] The toner memory 42 has a first area 421, a second area 422, a third area 423, and a fourth area 424 for storing information about the toner cartridge 4. The toner memory 42 stores the toner ID in the first area 421. The toner memory 42 stores toner type information in the second area 422. The toner memory 42 stores toner remaining amount information in the third area 423. The toner memory 42 stores a new cartridge flag in the fourth area 424. The third area 423 and the fourth area 424 may be rewritable.

[0048] The toner ID is, for example, unique identification information for identifying each individual toner cartridge 4. The toner ID may be a unique serial number for each toner cartridge 4. The toner ID may also include information indicating the color of each toner cartridge 4.

[0049] The toner type information is an example of type information and indicates the type of toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, there are two types of toner cartridges 4. One is a "dedicated cartridge" that can only be used with the contracted machine. In other words, a dedicated cartridge is an example of a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus 1 has been concluded. The other is a "standard cartridge" that can be used with image forming apparatus 1 that is not the contracted machine. In other words, a standard cartridge is an example of a standard consumable that can be used regardless of whether a contract has been concluded. Note that the toner type information may be included in the toner ID. That is, the toner ID may be information that identifies each toner cartridge 4, and at the same time, information that indicates what type each toner cartridge 4 is.

[0050] The toner level information indicates the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 4. The toner level is, for example, composed of values ​​corresponding to multiple stages from full to empty, and these values ​​are stored in the third area 423. Each stage of the toner level stored in the toner memory 42 may be a string such as "FULL" to "EMPTY", a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%", or information that combines a string and a numerical value, based on the above values.

[0051] The "New" flag is an example of status information that indicates whether toner cartridge 4 is new or an older product that has been used. For example, a value of "1" for the "New" flag may mean that toner cartridge 4 is new, while a value of "0" for the "New" flag may mean that toner cartridge 4 is an older product.

[0052] [Drum Cartridge 20] The drum cartridge 20 has a cartridge housing that can be mounted on the main unit housing 10. The cartridge housing includes a photosensitive drum 21 as a component used for image formation. The photosensitive drum 21 is a replaceable part that needs to be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrical photoreceptor extending in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatable around a drum axis extending in the first direction. The outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is covered with a photosensitive material.

[0053] Furthermore, the drum cartridge 20 may have a drum memory 22 as an example of a second memory. The drum memory 22 is a memory that can read and write information. The drum memory 22 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM.

[0054] The drum memory 22 has a first area 221 and a second area 222 for storing information about the photoreceptor drum 21 of the drum cartridge 20. The drum memory 22 may store a drum ID in the first area 221. The drum memory 22 may store drum life information in the second area 222. The drum ID is a unique serial number for identifying each drum cartridge 20. The drum life information is information indicating the lifespan of the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0055] Furthermore, the drum memory 22 has a third area 223 capable of storing the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the drum cartridge 20. As will be described later, the controller 61 stores the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 in the drum memory 22 when the toner cartridge 4 is a special contract product and an older product.

[0056] [Cartridge installation and printing mechanism] As shown in Figure 2, the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are mounted in the main body housing 10 with the cover 11 in the open position. In this state, the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are inserted into the cartridge holding section 13 through the opening 10A.

[0057] The main unit housing 10 has connectors 101 and 102. When the drum cartridge 20 is inserted into the cartridge holder 13, connector 101 is electrically connected to the drum memory 22, enabling the controller 61 of the main unit housing 10 to communicate with the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20. Also, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10, connector 102 is electrically connected to the toner memory 42, enabling the controller 61 of the main unit housing 10 to communicate with the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4.

[0058] The four light source units 50 are mounted on the inner surface of the cover 11. The light source units 50 are positioned facing the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 when the drum cartridge 20 is mounted in the main housing 10 and the cover 11 is in the closed position. The light source units 50 also have multiple light sources arranged in a first direction. The light sources are capable of irradiating the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 with light. The light sources are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0059] The light source unit 50 is electrically connected to the controller 61. The controller 61 causes the multiple light sources of the light source unit 50 to emit light according to the input image data. The light sources irradiate the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light. As a result, the photosensitive material on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is exposed according to the image data.

[0060] The transfer belt 70 is a component that transfers the developer (e.g., toner) on the surface of the photoreceptor drum to the printing paper. The transfer belt 70 is a replaceable part that needs to be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The transfer belt 70 is a belt that can contact the photoreceptor drum 21 and is annular (endless). The outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 can contact the outer surface of the transfer belt 70. During the printing process, the printing paper is transported between the transfer belt 70 and the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0061] The transfer belt 70 is stretched between the drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The drive roller 71 drives the transfer belt 70. The controller 61 rotates the drive roller 71. The driven roller 72 rotates in accordance with the movement of the transfer belt 70 as a result of the drive roller 71.

[0062] [Internal structure of the main unit] The controller 61, for example, has an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 61 is electrically connected to the main memory 62 and communication unit 63 provided in the main housing 10. The controller 61 causes the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing and related processes by executing various processes.

[0063] The controller 61 may also include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this case, a control program that implements the printing control method may be stored in the main memory 62. The processor of the controller 61 may then operate according to the control program stored in the main memory 62 to execute the printing process in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the controller 61 itself may be equipped with a computer-readable recording medium that stores the control program. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium" such as ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc., can be used. Alternatively, RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the control program may be used as the recording medium.

[0065] Furthermore, the control program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the control program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). In one aspect of this disclosure, the control program may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, which is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0066] When the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are mounted in the cartridge holder 13 of the main unit housing 10, the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42 are electrically connected to the controller 61, as shown in Figure 3. The controller 61 can then perform the process of reading information from the connected drum memory 22 and toner memory 42, and the process of writing and / or rewriting information to the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42.

[0067] The main memory 62 is a memory that can read and write information. The main memory 62 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM. The main memory 62 has a first area 621 for storing toner information, a second area 622 for storing the device ID, a third area 623 for storing mode information, a fourth area 625 for storing the first page counter, and a fifth area 626 for storing the second page counter.

[0068] The toner information is information relating to each individual toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the toner information may be data that associates a toner ID read from a toner memory 42 with toner type information and toner remaining amount information read from the same toner memory 42. The main memory 62 may store this associated data for each toner cartridge 4 in the first area 621. In other words, the main memory 62 may have a first area 621 for each installed toner cartridge 4, i.e., for each cartridge holding unit 13.

[0069] The first area 621 may have an eleventh area 621A, a twelfth area 621B, a thirteenth area 621C, and a fourteenth area 621D in order to store toner information such as toner ID, toner type information, and toner remaining amount information.

[0070] Area 11, 621A, is an area that stores the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4 that is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 and which the controller 61 permits to be used in the image forming apparatus 1, as the installed toner ID.

[0071] Area 12 621B is an area that stores the toner ID of a dedicated cartridge that the controller 61 permits to be used in the image forming apparatus 1, as a contracted toner ID. Area 12 621B may also be an area that stores the toner ID of a new dedicated cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus 1, and the toner ID of an older dedicated cartridge that was previously installed in the image forming apparatus 1 and that the controller 61 has permitted to be used in the image forming apparatus 1. Area 1 621 may also have an area that stores the toner ID of a regular cartridge.

[0072] Area 13 621C is an area for storing toner type information. Area 14 621D is an area for storing toner remaining amount information.

[0073] The device ID is identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 1. The device ID may be, for example, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0074] Mode information indicates the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the mode information is one of two modes: "contract mode," which means that the image forming apparatus 1 is registered as a contracted machine, and "normal mode," which means that the image forming apparatus 1 is not registered as a contracted machine or that the contract has been terminated. In other words, "contract mode" means that the image forming apparatus 1 operates on the image forming system 100 as a contracted machine for which a contract has been concluded. "Normal mode" means that the image forming apparatus 1 is not a contracted machine and operates as a normal image forming apparatus for which no contract has been concluded. When the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped, the third area 623 is initially stored with a value corresponding to the normal mode. The controller 61 rewrites the mode information as appropriate.

[0075] The fourth area 625 may store a first count counter. The first count counter is the cumulative number of prints made by the image forming apparatus 1. The fifth area 626 may store a second count counter. The second count counter indicates the number of prints made by the image forming apparatus 1 under contract printing. The second count counter may be reset to 0 each time the image forming apparatus 1 switches from contract mode to normal mode, or it may be the cumulative number of prints made by the image forming apparatus 1 under contract printing up to that point.

[0076] The communication unit 63 is a communication interface that facilitates communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 8. The communication unit 63 outputs various data, notifications, and requests received from the server 8 to the controller 61. The communication unit 63 also transmits various data, notifications, and requests input from the controller 61 to the server 8.

[0077] [User terminal 9] The user terminal 9 has an input interface for receiving various user input operations and a communication interface for communicating with the server 8. The user registers the contracted machine with the server 8 by performing input operations via the user terminal 9. For example, the user inputs their own identification information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 they wish to contracted into the user terminal 9. Upon receiving the input, the user terminal 9 transmits the input information to the server 8.

[0078] In addition to registering contracted machines (i.e., adding contracted machines), user terminal 9 may also accept input operations related to changes to contracted machines. For example, user terminal 9 may accept input operations from the user, where the user enters their own identification information, the identification information of the contracted machine after the contract change, and the identification information of the contracted machine before the contract change. These three types of information may then be sent to server 8.

[0079] [Server 8] Server 8 is a management device that manages the operating status of the image forming apparatus 1. Server 8 comprises a server communication unit 83, a server memory 82, and a server control unit 81. The server control unit 81 is a CPU that comprehensively controls Server 8. Server memory 82 is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of Server 8.

[0080] The server memory 82 may have an area for storing device information and an area for storing a registration table. The server control unit 81 may store device information or update the registration table in response to notifications or requests received from the image forming apparatus 1 or the user terminal 9.

[0081] The device information is data that summarizes various information about the image forming apparatus 1. The device information is stored separately for each individual image forming apparatus 1. The device information includes at least the device ID. The registration table is a data table that registers image forming apparatus 1 designated as a contracted machine by the user. The registration table also indicates whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is under contract.

[0082] The server communication unit 83 is a communication interface that facilitates communication between the server 8 and the user terminal 9 and the image forming apparatus 1. The server communication unit 83 outputs various data, notifications, and requests received from the image forming apparatus 1 or the user terminal 9 to the server control unit 81. The server communication unit 83 transmits various data, notifications, and requests input from the server control unit 81 to the image forming apparatus 1 or the user terminal 9.

[0083] [Rewriting information on contracted machines according to the type and condition of the toner cartridge] Next, we will explain an example of information rewriting in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the type and condition of the toner cartridge 4. Figure 4 shows an example of information rewriting in the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is a normal cartridge. Figure 5 shows an example of information rewriting in the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is a new dedicated cartridge. Figure 6 shows an example of information rewriting in the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is an old dedicated cartridge.

[0084] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an example of information rewriting in the image forming apparatus 1, which is the subject of the contract. Therefore, the third area 623 of the main memory 62 stores information representing the contract mode as mode information. In addition, the toner ID is not stored in the third area 223 of the drum cartridge 20, which is mounted in the main housing 10 together with the toner cartridge 4, nor in the eleventh area 621A of the main memory 62 before the controller 61 communicates with the toner memory 42.

[0085] In the case of image forming apparatus 1 for which no contract has been concluded, if a standard cartridge is installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 will permit the use of the toner cartridge 4, regardless of whether the standard cartridge is new or old. On the other hand, if a dedicated cartridge is installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 will not permit the use of the toner cartridge.

[0086] [If toner cartridge 4 is a standard cartridge] In Figure 4, the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is a standard cartridge. Therefore, the toner type information stored in the second area 422 of the toner memory 42 indicates that it is a standard cartridge. Also, the toner ID is not stored in the twelfth area 621B of the main unit memory 62 before the controller 61 communicates with the toner memory 42.

[0087] In Figure 4(A), the new product flag stored in the fourth area 424 of the toner memory 42 is "1," which indicates that it is a new product. If the toner type information represents a normal cartridge and the new product flag is "1," the controller 61, after establishing communication with the toner memory 42, rewrites the new product flag from "1" to "0," which indicates that it is an old product. The controller 61 then permits the use of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. When the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4, the controller 61 reads the toner ID "10001" from the first area 421 of the toner memory 42 and stores it in the eleventh area 621A of the main unit memory 62.

[0088] In Figure 4(B), the new cartridge flag stored in the fourth area 424 of the toner memory 42 shows "0". Even when the toner type information represents a normal cartridge and the new cartridge flag shows "0", the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. When the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4, the controller 61 reads the toner ID "10001" from the first area 421 of the toner memory 42 and stores it in the eleventh area 621A of the main unit memory 62.

[0089] Thus, if the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit 10 is a standard cartridge, the controller 61 permits the use of the standard cartridge regardless of whether the standard cartridge is new or old.

[0090] [If toner cartridge 4 is a new, dedicated cartridge] In Figure 5, the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10 is a new, dedicated cartridge. Therefore, the toner type information stored in the second area 422 of the toner memory 42 indicates that it is a dedicated cartridge. Also, the new product flag stored in the fourth area 424 of the toner memory 42 indicates "1". Furthermore, the toner ID is not stored in the twelfth area 621B of the main unit memory 62 before the controller 61 communicates with the toner memory 42.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, if the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge and the new product flag is set to "1", the controller 61 rewrites the new product flag from "1" to "0" after establishing communication with the toner memory 42. Then, the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. When the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4, the controller 61 reads the toner ID "11001" from the first area 421 of the toner memory 42 and stores it in the eleventh area 621A of the main unit memory 62.

[0092] Thus, if the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10 is a new dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4. However, in the case of a new dedicated cartridge, when the controller 61 permits the use of the dedicated cartridge, it also stores the toner ID "11001" read from the first area 421 of the toner memory 42 in the twelfth area 621B of the main unit memory 62. As a result, as explained using Figure 6(B), the controller 61 can permit the reuse of a new dedicated cartridge that has already been installed.

[0093] [If toner cartridge 4 is an older, dedicated cartridge] In Figure 6, the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10 is an older, dedicated cartridge. Therefore, the toner type information stored in the second area 422 of the toner memory 42 indicates that it is a dedicated cartridge. In addition, the new product flag stored in the fourth area 424 of the toner memory 42 shows "0".

[0094] If the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10 is an older, dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the first area 421 of the toner memory 42 and determines whether a toner ID matching the read toner ID is stored in the twelfth area 621B of the main unit memory 62. If a toner ID matching the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 is stored in the main unit memory 62, the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4. On the other hand, if a toner ID matching the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 is not stored in the main unit memory 62, the controller 61 does not permit the use of the toner cartridge 4.

[0095] In Figure 6(A), the toner ID "11001" is not stored in the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62 before the controller 61 communicates with the toner memory 42. Therefore, the controller 61 determines that there is no toner ID in the main unit memory 62 that matches the toner ID "11001" stored in the toner memory 42. Consequently, the controller 61 does not permit the use of the toner cartridge 4.

[0096] On the other hand, in Figure 6(B), the toner ID "11001" is stored in the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62 before the controller 61 communicates with the toner memory 42. The controller 61 determines that a toner ID matching the toner ID "11001" stored in the toner memory 42 is stored in the main unit memory 62. Therefore, the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4. When the controller 61 permits the use of the toner cartridge 4, the controller 61 stores the toner ID "11001" read from the toner memory 42 in the 11th area 621A of the main unit memory 62.

[0097] Thus, when a standard cartridge is installed in the contracted machine, the user can use the standard cartridge in the contracted machine even if the toner ID of the installed standard cartridge is not stored in the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62. The same applies to new dedicated cartridges. On the other hand, when an older dedicated cartridge is installed in the contracted machine, the user cannot use the older dedicated cartridge in the contracted machine unless the toner ID of the installed older dedicated cartridge is stored in the 12th area 621B.

[0098] If a user replaces their currently contracted imaging machine with another imaging machine, the toner ID of the currently used dedicated cartridge will not be stored in the main memory of the other imaging machine shipped from the manufacturer. Since the toner ID of the currently used dedicated cartridge is not stored in the main memory of the other imaging machine, even if the user enters into a contract for the other imaging machine, they will not be able to use the old dedicated cartridge they are currently using with the other imaging machine.

[0099] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment allows a user to use their currently used dedicated cartridge in a different contracted machine if the user needs to use a different contracted machine due to a malfunction or other reason. An example of a specific control method for the image forming apparatus 1 is described below.

[0100] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 currently used by the user will be referred to as the old apparatus. The old apparatus has two modes: a contract mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is registered as a contracted machine by the user, and a normal mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is not registered as a contracted machine by the user, or the contract has been terminated.Hereinafter, the old apparatus registered as a contracted machine will be referred to as the old apparatus in contract mode, and the old apparatus that is not registered as a contracted machine, or whose contract has been terminated, will be referred to as the old apparatus in normal mode.

[0101] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 that the user intends to use in place of the old apparatus will be referred to as the new apparatus. The new apparatus has two modes: a contract mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is registered as a contracted machine by the user, and a normal mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 is not registered as a contracted machine by the user, or the contract has been terminated. Hereinafter, the new apparatus that is registered as a contracted machine will be described as the new apparatus in contract mode, and the new apparatus that is not registered as a contracted machine, or the contract has been terminated, will be described as the new apparatus in normal mode.

[0102] [Processing flow of the old device] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 1 as the old device. The series of processes shown in Figure 7 is initiated, for example, when the controller 61 of the old device in contract mode receives a contract termination instruction from the server 8, which is an instruction to terminate the contract concluded for the old device.

[0103] In step S101, the controller 61 performs a contract determination process to determine whether or not it has received a contract termination instruction from the server 8. If the controller 61 determines that it has received a contract termination instruction, the controller 61 rewrites the mode information stored in the toner memory 42 from information representing the contract mode to information representing the normal mode. As a result, the old device returns to the normal mode state. The controller 61 then proceeds to step S102 from YES in step S101. If the controller 61 determines that it has not received a contract termination instruction, that is, if it is NO in step S101, the controller 61 waits for the receipt of a contract termination instruction.

[0104] In step S102, with the old device in normal mode, the controller 61 determines whether the four drum cartridges 20 are mounted in the main unit housing 10. The controller 61 determines that the four drum cartridges 20 are mounted in the main unit housing 10 because the connector 101 is electrically connected to the drum memory 22.

[0105] If the controller 61 determines that the four drum cartridges 20 are installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 proceeds from step S102 (YES) to step S103. If the controller 61 determines that the four drum cartridges 20 are not installed in the main unit housing 10, that is, if the answer in step S102 is NO, the controller 61 waits until the four drum cartridges 20 are installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0106] In step S103, the controller 61 determines whether the four toner cartridges 4 are installed in the main unit housing 10. The controller 61 determines that the four toner cartridges 4 are installed in the main unit housing 10 because the connector 102 is electrically connected to the toner memory 42.

[0107] If the controller 61 determines that the four toner cartridges 4 are installed in the main unit casing 10, the controller 61 proceeds from step S103 (YES) to step S104. If the controller 61 determines that the four toner cartridges 4 are not installed in the main unit casing 10, i.e., if the answer in step S103 is NO, the controller 61 waits until the four toner cartridges 4 are installed in the main unit casing 10.

[0108] The controller 61 may perform the processing of step S102 after processing step S103, or it may perform the processing of step S102 and the processing of step S103 in parallel.

[0109] The controller 61 executes the process from step S104 onwards for one toner cartridge 4 selected from the four toner cartridges 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. The controller 61 also executes the process from step S104 onwards for the drum cartridge 20 in which the selected toner cartridge 4 is installed.

[0110] In step S104, the controller 61 reads toner type information from the toner memory 42. In step S105, the controller 61 performs a consumable determination process to determine whether the toner type information read from the toner memory 42 represents a dedicated cartridge. If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from YES in S105 to S106. If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information represents a standard cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from NO in step S105 to step S110.

[0111] In step S106, the controller 61 reads a new product flag from the toner memory 42. In step S107, the controller 61 performs a state determination process to determine whether the new product flag read from the toner memory 42 indicates an old product. If the controller 61 determines that the new product flag indicates an old product, the controller 61 proceeds from step S107 (YES) to step S108. If the controller 61 determines that the new product flag indicates a new product, the controller 61 proceeds from step S107 (NO) to step S110.

[0112] By executing steps S105 and S107, the controller 61 can make the old dedicated cartridges the target of processing from step S108 onwards. In other words, the controller 61 can make the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 used in the old device the target of processing from step S108 onwards.

[0113] In step S108, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the toner memory 42. In step S109, the controller 61 performs a storage process to store the toner ID read from the toner memory 42 in the drum memory 22. By performing the storage process, the controller 61 allows the use of the toner cartridge 4, which stores the toner ID written to the drum cartridge 20, along with the drum cartridge 20 on which the toner ID was written. In other words, the controller 61 allows the use of the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 that were used in the old device in the new device.

[0114] In step S110, the controller 61 determines whether it has performed the process in step S104 for all four toner cartridges 4. If the controller 61 determines that it has performed the process in step S104 for all four toner cartridges 4, the controller 61 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0115] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that it has not performed the process in step S104 for all four toner cartridges 4, the controller 61 proceeds from NO to step S104 in step S110. That is, the controller 61 selects one of the toner cartridges 4 that has not performed the process in step S104 and performs the process in step S104.

[0116] As described above, in step S109, if the contract for the old device has been terminated and the dedicated cartridge is installed in the old device, the controller 61 stores the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 in the drum memory 22. The controller 61 then allows the toner cartridge 4 to be used in the new device together with the drum cartridge 20. Therefore, the user can use the toner cartridge 4 in the new device simply by installing the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 that were used in the old device into the new device. Thus, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device.

[0117] By the way, users can change their contracted machine for various reasons. Traditionally, changing a contracted machine was completed in the following steps. For example, first, a new image forming machine is delivered to the user. Second, a contract is concluded for the new image forming machine. Third, based on the conclusion of the contract, the service provider supplies the user with consumables specifically for the new image forming machine. In other words, users could not immediately use the flat-rate printing service with the new image forming machine, and had to wait from the time they purchased the new image forming machine until the consumables specifically for the new image forming machine arrived, which was inconvenient.

[0118] In this embodiment, as described above, the controller 61 of the old device allows the toner cartridge 4 to be used in the new device together with the drum cartridge 20 by storing the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 in the drum memory 22. Therefore, the user can use the toner cartridge 4 that was used in the old device in the new device without waiting for the above period.

[0119] Furthermore, if the old dedicated cartridge is installed in the old device, the controller 61 stores the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 in the drum memory 22. Therefore, the controller 61 of the new device can store the toner ID in the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62 in order to allow the user to use the dedicated cartridge that was used in the old device.

[0120] [Example of information rewriting in the old device] Figure 8 shows an example of information rewriting in the old device. In the example in Figure 8, the old device is a contracted machine. Therefore, the third area 623 of the main memory 62 stores information representing the contract mode as mode information. Also in the example in Figure 8, before the controller 61 receives the contract cancellation instruction, the eleventh area 621A of the main memory 62 stores the toner ID "11002" of the toner cartridge 4 that is installed in the old device and is permitted to be used in the old device. In addition, the twelfth area 621B of the main memory 62 stores the toner ID "11002" and the toner ID "11001" of the toner cartridge 4 that was previously permitted to be used in the old device.

[0121] In the example in Figure 8, the toner type information for toner cartridge 4 installed in the old device indicates that it is a dedicated cartridge. Therefore, the controller 61 proceeds from step S105 in Figure 7 to step S106. Also, the new product flag for toner cartridge 4 installed in the old device indicates that it is an old product. Therefore, the controller 61 proceeds from step S107 in Figure 7 to step S108.

[0122] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 8, the controller 61 stores the toner ID read from the first area 421 of the toner memory 42 in the third area 223 of the drum memory 22 by performing the processes in steps S108 and S109 of Figure 7. The controller 61 also rewrites the mode information in the main unit memory 62 from information representing the contract mode to information representing the normal mode, and erases the toner ID stored in the twelfth area 621B of the main unit memory 62.

[0123] [Processing flow of the new device] Next, we will describe an example of the processing performed by the new image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, we will describe an example of the processing flow when the new image forming apparatus 1 in contract mode stores the toner ID stored in the drum memory 22 in the main unit memory 62, and an example of the processing when determining whether the toner cartridge 4 can be used.

[0124] [Example of the process when writing the toner ID to the main unit's memory] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the new device, specifically when the toner ID stored in the drum memory 22 is stored in the main unit memory 62. Figure 9 shows, for example, the processing required when the new device is shipped to a user in place of the old device, to allow the new device to use the dedicated cartridge that was used with the old device.

[0125] When a user intends to use the new device as a contracted device, the user terminal 9 sends a request to the server 8 to conclude a contract for the new device. When the controller 61 receives an instruction from the server 8 to switch from normal mode to contract mode, it rewrites the mode information in the main memory 62 from information representing normal mode to information representing contract mode.

[0126] In step S201, with the new device in contract mode, the controller 61 determines whether the four drum cartridges 20 are installed in the main unit housing 10, similar to step S102 in Figure 7. Also, in step S202, the controller 61 determines whether the four toner cartridges 4 are installed in the main unit housing 10, similar to step S103 in Figure 7.

[0127] The controller 61 executes the process from step S203 onwards for one toner cartridge 4 selected from the four toner cartridges 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. The controller 61 also executes the process from step S203 onwards for the drum cartridge 20 in which the selected toner cartridge 4 is installed.

[0128] In step S203, mode information is read from the main memory 62. In step S204, the controller 61 determines whether the mode information read from the main memory 62 represents the contract mode. That is, the controller 61 performs a contract determination process to determine whether a contract has been concluded for the new device. If the controller 61 determines that the mode information represents the contract mode, the controller 61 proceeds from YES in step S204 to step S205.

[0129] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the mode information represents the normal mode, that is, if the answer in step S204 is NO, the controller 61 terminates the process shown in Figure 9. The process shown in Figure 9 is performed to allow the user to use the dedicated cartridge that was used in the old device in the new device, which is the device covered by the contract. Therefore, if the new device is not the device covered by the contract, the controller 61 does not perform the processes from step S205 onward.

[0130] In step S205, the controller 61 reads toner type information from the toner memory 42. In step S206, the controller 61 performs a consumable determination process to determine whether the toner type information read from the toner memory 42 represents a dedicated cartridge. If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from step S206 (YES) to step S207.

[0131] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the toner type information represents a normal cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from step S206 NO to step S213. When a normal cartridge is installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 permits the use of the normal cartridge without referring to the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62, regardless of whether it is new or old. Therefore, the controller 61 does not perform the processing from step S207 onwards and executes the processing in S213.

[0132] In step S207, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the drum memory 22. In step S208, the controller 61 determines whether the toner ID read from the drum memory 22 is a value other than the initial value. That is, the controller 61 performs a first determination process to determine whether the drum memory 22 stores the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4 that is installed in the main unit housing 10 together with the drum cartridge 20.

[0133] The third area 223 of the drum memory 22 may store a value as the initial value of the toner ID for the toner cartridge 4 that will be manufactured when the drum cartridge 20 is shipped. Therefore, unless a toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 is stored in the third area 223, the toner ID stored in the third area 223 will represent the initial value.

[0134] As shown in Figure 7, when the contract for the old device is terminated, the controller 61 of the old device stores the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 in the drum memory 22 in step S109. That is, the controller 61 of the old device overwrites the initial value of the toner ID stored in the third area 223 with the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42. Therefore, the controller 61 of the new device can perform the processing from step S209 onwards for the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 that were used in the old device by executing the processing in step S208.

[0135] In step S209, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the main unit memory 62. In step S210, the controller 61 performs a third determination process to determine whether the main unit memory 62 has any of the following toner IDs stored in it. • Toner ID as an example of first identification information for identifying the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. • A toner ID as an example of second identification information for identifying a toner cartridge 4 other than the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0136] If the toner ID is not stored in the 12th area 621B of the main memory 62, for example, if the toner ID read from the 12th area 621B represents the initial value, the controller 61 can determine through the third determination process that there is no usage history of the dedicated cartridge in the new device. If the 1st area 621 of the main memory 62 is capable of storing the toner ID of a normal cartridge, the controller 61 may determine whether the toner ID of a normal cartridge is stored. If the toner ID of a normal cartridge is not stored, the controller 61 can also determine through the third determination process that there is no usage history of the normal cartridge in the new device.

[0137] If the controller 61 determines that the toner ID is not stored in the main unit memory 62, the controller 61 proceeds from step S210 (YES) to step S211. If the controller 61 determines that the toner ID is stored in the main unit memory 62, the controller 61 proceeds from step S210 (NO) to step S213.

[0138] In step S211, the controller 61 performs a storage process to store the toner ID read from the drum memory 22 in step S207 in the main unit memory 62.

[0139] The controller 61 permits the use of the old dedicated cartridge if the toner ID of the old dedicated cartridge installed in the main unit housing 10 matches the toner ID stored in the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62. By performing a memory processing, the controller 61 can permit the use of the dedicated cartridge that was used in the old device. Therefore, the user can use the toner cartridge 4 in the new device simply by installing the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 that were used in the old device into the new device. Thus, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device.

[0140] Furthermore, if the answer in step S210 is YES, the controller 61 can perform memory processing to allow the use of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. In other words, the controller 61 does not perform memory processing if there is a history of toner cartridge 4 usage in the main unit memory 62. Therefore, the controller 61 can only allow the use of the toner cartridge 4 used in the old unit in a new unit that does not have a history of toner cartridge 4 usage in the main unit memory 62, i.e., a new unit shipped as a replacement for the old unit.

[0141] In step S212, the controller 61 performs an erasure process to erase the toner ID stored in the drum memory 22. The controller 61 may also perform the erasure process by rewriting the toner ID stored in the drum memory 22 to its initial value. By performing the erasure process, the image forming apparatus 1, which is separate from the new device, cannot read the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4 installed together with the drum cartridge 20 from the drum memory 22 and store it in the main unit memory 62. Therefore, the possibility that the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 used in the old device will be used in the image forming apparatus 1, which is separate from the new device, can be reduced.

[0142] For example, if the controller 61 of the old device receives a contract termination instruction, and due to some malfunction, the controller 61 of the old device fails to rewrite the mode information stored in the toner memory 42 to information representing the normal mode, then the controller 61 of the old device will not erase the toner ID stored in the 12th area 621B of the main memory 62.

[0143] Suppose the user installs the drum cartridge 20 into the old device again before installing it into the new device. If the controller 61 of the old device does not execute step S210 when executing the process shown in Figure 9, the controller 61 of the old device will erase the toner ID stored in the drum memory 22, even though the toner ID is stored in the 12th area 621B. Therefore, even if the user subsequently installs the drum cartridge 20 into the new device, the controller 61 of the new device cannot store the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the new device along with the drum cartridge 20 in the main memory 62. Consequently, the controller 61 of the new device cannot permit the use of the toner cartridge 4 that was used in the old device.

[0144] As described above, if the controller 61 determines in step S210 that the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is stored in the main unit memory 62, the controller 61 does not execute the storage process in step S211. Therefore, even if the contract for the old device is not properly terminated and the drum cartridge 20 is reinstalled in the old device, the possibility of the old device's controller 61 executing the erase process is reduced. Consequently, the controller 61 of the new device can permit the use of the toner cartridge 4 that was used in the old device, even if the contract for the old device is not properly terminated and the drum cartridge 20 is reinstalled in the old device.

[0145] In step S213, the controller 61 determines whether it has performed the process in step S206 for all four toner cartridges 4. If the controller 61 determines that it has performed the process in step S206 for all four toner cartridges 4, the controller 61 terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0146] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that it has not performed the process in step S206 for all four toner cartridges 4, the controller 61 proceeds from NO to step S206 in step S213. That is, the controller 61 selects one of the toner cartridges 4 that has not performed the process in step S206 and performs the process in step S206.

[0147] [Example of processing when determining whether a toner cartridge is usable] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the new device, specifically an example of a process for determining whether the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is usable.

[0148] In step S301, with the new device in contract mode, the controller 61 determines whether the four drum cartridges 20 are installed in the main unit housing 10, similar to step S102 in Figure 7. Also, in step S302, the controller 61 determines whether the four toner cartridges 4 are installed in the main unit housing 10, similar to step S103 in Figure 7.

[0149] The controller 61 executes the process from step S303 onwards for one toner cartridge 4 selected from the four toner cartridges 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. The controller 61 also executes the process from step S303 onwards for the drum cartridge 20 in which the selected toner cartridge 4 is installed.

[0150] In step S303, the controller 61 reads toner type information from the toner memory 42. In step S304, the controller 61 determines whether the toner type information read from the toner memory 42 represents a dedicated cartridge. If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from YES in step S304 to step S305. If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information represents a standard cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from NO in step S304 to step S310.

[0151] In step S305, the controller 61 reads a new product flag from the toner memory 42. In step S306, the controller 61 determines whether the new product flag read from the toner memory 42 indicates an old product. If the controller 61 determines that the new product flag indicates an old product, the controller 61 proceeds from step S306 (YES) to step S307.

[0152] In step S307, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the toner memory 42. In step S308, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the 12th area 621B of the main memory 62. In step S309, the controller 61 performs a second determination process to determine whether the toner ID read in step S307 matches the toner ID read in step S308.

[0153] If the controller 61 determines that there is a toner ID among the toner IDs read in step S308 that matches the toner ID read in step S307, the controller 61 proceeds from step S309 (YES) to step S310. If the controller 61 determines that there is no toner ID among the toner IDs read in step S308 that matches the toner ID read in step S307, the controller 61 proceeds from step S309 (NO) to step S311.

[0154] In step S310, the controller 61 performs an authorization process to allow the toner cartridge 4 to be used in the new device together with the drum cartridge 20 installed in the main unit housing 10. If there is a toner ID among the toner IDs read in step S308 that matches the toner ID read in step S307, the controller 61 performs the storage process in step S211 of Figure 9. On the other hand, in step S311, the controller 61 does not authorize the use of the toner cartridge 4 in the new device together with the drum cartridge 20 installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0155] In step S312, the controller 61 determines whether it has performed the process in step S303 for all four toner cartridges 4. If the controller 61 determines that it has performed the process in step S303 for all four toner cartridges 4, the controller 61 terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0156] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that it has not performed the process in step S303 for all four toner cartridges 4, the controller 61 proceeds from NO to step S303 in step S312. That is, the controller 61 selects one of the toner cartridges 4 that has not performed the process in step S303 and performs the process in step S303.

[0157] Furthermore, if the controller 61 determines in step S306 that the new flag is information indicating that the item is new, the controller 61 proceeds from step S306 NO to step S313.

[0158] In step S313, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the toner memory 42. In step S314, the controller 61 writes the toner ID read in step S313 to the 11th area 621A and the 12th area 621B of the main memory 62. In step S315, the controller 61 changes the new product flag in the toner memory 42 from information indicating new product to information indicating old product. After processing in step S315, the controller 61 proceeds to step S310. Alternatively, the controller 61 may execute steps S313 and S314 after processing in step S315. In this case, the controller 61 proceeds to step S310 after processing in step S314.

[0159] As described above, if the new device is a contracted device, the controller 61 stores the toner ID of the dedicated cartridge, which is stored in the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20 with the dedicated cartridge installed, in the 12th area 621B of the main unit memory 62. Therefore, in step S310, the controller 61 can permit the user to use the dedicated cartridge that was used in the old device. Accordingly, the user can use the toner cartridge 4 that was used in the old device in the new device simply by installing the toner cartridge 4 and drum cartridge 20 that were used in the old device into the new device. Thus, the user can easily migrate from the old device to the new device. Accordingly, the user can use the toner cartridge 4 that was used in the old device in the new device without waiting for the dedicated consumables to arrive after purchasing the new device.

[0160] Furthermore, if the answer in step S309 is YES, the controller 61 proceeds to step S310. In step S211 of Figure 9, the controller 61 stores the toner ID of the dedicated cartridge used in the old device in the main memory 62 of the new device, which has been shipped as a replacement for the old device. Therefore, the main memory 62 of the new device stores only the toner ID of the dedicated cartridge used in the old device. Consequently, the controller 61 can reduce the possibility that a dedicated cartridge different from the one used in the old device may be used by the new device.

[0161] [Example of information rewriting in the new device] Figure 11 shows an example of information rewriting in the new device. In the example in Figure 11, the new device is a contracted machine. Therefore, the third area 623 of the main memory 62 stores information representing the contracted mode as mode information. Also, in the example in Figure 11, before communication between the controller 61 and the toner memory 42 and drum memory 22, the toner ID is not stored in the eleventh area 621A and the twelfth area 621B of the main memory 62.

[0162] In the example shown in Figure 11, the toner type information for the toner cartridge 4 installed in the new device is information that represents a dedicated cartridge. Therefore, the controller 61 proceeds from step S206 (YES) to step S207 in Figure 9. Also, the third area 223 of the drum memory 22 stores the toner ID stored by the old device, which is the toner ID "11002" for the toner cartridge 4 installed in the new device. Therefore, the controller 61 proceeds from step S208 (YES) to step S209 in Figure 9.

[0163] As described above, the toner ID is not stored in the 12th area 621B. Therefore, the controller 61 proceeds from YES to step S211 in step S210 in Figure 9, causing the toner ID "11002" stored in the 3rd area 223 to be stored in the 12th area 621B. Subsequently, the controller 61 proceeds from step S211 to step S212 in Figure 9, erasing the toner ID "11002" stored in the 3rd area 223.

[0164] In the example in Figure 11, since the toner type information represents a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 proceeds from step S304 to step S305 in Figure 10. Also, since the new product flag represents an older product, the controller 61 proceeds from step S306 to step S307 in Figure 10.

[0165] As described above, the controller 61 executes the process shown in Figure 9, and the toner ID "11002" is stored in the 12th area 621B. Therefore, the controller 61 proceeds from YES in S309 to S310 in Figure 10, thereby allowing the use of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the new device. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 11, the controller 61 stores the toner ID "11002" read from the toner memory 42 in the 11th area 621A.

[0166] [Various variations] [Variation 1] In the image forming apparatus 1, replacement parts used with the toner cartridge 4 as a consumable item may be replacement parts other than the drum cartridge 20. The replacement part may be, for example, a transfer belt 70. In this case, the second memory that stores the toner ID may be the transfer memory of the transfer belt.

[0167] [Variation 2] The four toner cartridges 4 may be mounted on a common drum cartridge 20. In this case, the cartridge holder 13 only needs to be shaped to hold one drum cartridge 20. The drum memory 22 may also store a toner ID for each toner cartridge 4.

[0168] [Example 3] The drum cartridge 20 may have a photoreceptor drum 21, a cartridge housing, a drum memory 22, a charger, and a developing roller 41. The cartridge housing is provided with the photoreceptor drum 21, the drum memory 22, the charger, and the developing roller 41. The toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory 42, but does not have a developing roller 41. The cartridge housing contains the toner. The outer surface of the developing roller 41 is in contact with the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 inside the drum cartridge 20.

[0169] [Variation 4] The toner cartridge 4 may consist of two cartridges (not shown). The first of the two cartridges constituting the toner cartridge 4 has a developing roller 41. The second of the two cartridges constituting the toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory 42. The cartridge housing contains the toner.

[0170] [Variation 5] The image forming apparatus 1 may include one cartridge (not shown) instead of the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4. The one cartridge includes a photoreceptor drum 21, a cartridge housing, a memory, a charger, and a developing roller 41. The outer surface of the developing roller 41 contacts the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 inside the cartridge. The cartridge housing of the one cartridge contains the toner.

[0171] [Variation 6] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1, the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 may be independently attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 10.

[0172] [Variation 7] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may also be an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) equipped with other functions such as a scanner or facsimile. Even if the image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP, the image forming apparatus 1 may perform the various processes described in the above embodiment in the same way as the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment. The modified image forming apparatus 1 will have the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment.

[0173] [Variation 8] The printing equipment 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, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a tape cassette for supplying the tape. The image forming apparatus 1 prints on the tape transported from the tape cassette. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0174] [Variation 9] The image forming apparatus 1 may be an inkjet printer. If the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the cartridge holder 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be fitted with ink cartridges instead of the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 described in the above embodiment. The number of ink cartridges fitted to the image forming apparatus 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be fitted with a total of four ink cartridges, one for each of the four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, or it may be fitted with only one ink cartridge, one for black.

[0175] An ink cartridge includes a cartridge housing filled with ink, which is a consumable item, and an ink memory that stores ink cartridge information. The ink cartridge information may include, for example, an ink ID, ink type information, ink level information, and a new cartridge flag.

[0176] The ink ID is the identification information for the ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner ID in the above embodiment. The ink type information is information indicating the type of ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner type information in the above embodiment. The ink level information is information indicating the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner level information in the above embodiment. The new flag is information equivalent to the information with the same name in the information relating to toner cartridge 4 in the above embodiment, but with "toner" replaced by "ink" and "toner cartridge" replaced by "ink cartridge" in the information relating to toner cartridge 4.

[0177] The ink cartridge housing may also be equipped with an agitator for stirring the ink. The agitator operates in response to instructions from the controller 61 when the ink cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0178] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the replacement parts used in the image forming apparatus 1 along with the ink cartridges, which are consumables, will replace the drum cartridge 20. In this case as well, the replacement parts will have a memory that replaces the drum memory 22, and the memory will store, for example, identification information and lifespan information of the replacement parts. In this modified example, the memory will be an area corresponding to the third area 223 of the drum memory 22, and will have an area for storing the ink ID.

[0179] Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the flow of each process shown in the flowcharts described in the above embodiment is the same. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the "toner cartridge 4" and "toner memory 42" in the above embodiment should be read as ink cartridge and ink memory, respectively. Similarly, the "drum cartridge 20" and "drum memory 22" in the above embodiment should be read as replacement parts and memory. In addition, the various pieces of information contained in the information regarding the toner cartridge 4 in the above embodiment should be read as the corresponding information in the ink cartridge information. The image forming apparatus 1 of this modified example has the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment.

[0180] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as "apparatus") can be realized by a program that causes the computer to function as the image forming apparatus 1, and by a program that causes the computer to function as the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0181] In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program using this control device and storage device, each of the functions described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0182] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, rather than temporarily. This recording media may or may not be provided by the image forming apparatus 1. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0183] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the controller 61 can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits that function as each of the control blocks described above are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0184] [Additional Notes] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 1 Image forming apparatus, 10 Main unit housing, 20 Drum cartridge (replacement part), 21 Photoconductor drum, 22 Drum memory (second memory), 4 Toner cartridge (consumable), 42 Toner memory (first memory), 61 Controller, 62 Main unit memory

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, The main casing and A consumable part attached to the main body housing, comprising a first memory, A replacement part used in the image forming apparatus together with the aforementioned consumables, the replacement part comprising a second memory, Controller and Equipped with, The first memory is, Type information indicating whether the consumables are special consumables that can be used when a contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or whether they are ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, The system stores unique identification information for identifying the aforementioned consumables, The aforementioned controller, A contract determination process that determines whether a contract termination instruction has been received to terminate the contract for the image forming apparatus for which a contract has been concluded, If the contract determination process determines that the contract termination instruction has been received, a consumables determination process is performed to determine whether the type information represents the dedicated consumables. If the consumable determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, the storage process involves storing the identification information in the second memory and allowing the consumable to be used in another image forming apparatus together with the replacement parts. An image forming apparatus that performs this function.

2. The first memory stores status information indicating whether the consumable is new or an old product representing a used product. The aforementioned controller, If the consumable determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, then a status determination process is executed to determine whether the status information represents an old product. If the status determination process determines that the status information indicates that the item is an old item, the storage process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. An image forming apparatus, The main casing and Main memory and A consumable part attached to the main body housing, comprising a first memory, A replacement part used in the image forming apparatus together with the aforementioned consumables, the replacement part comprising a second memory, Controller and Equipped with, The first memory is, Type information indicating whether the consumables are special consumables that can be used when a contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or whether they are ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, The system stores a unique first identification information for identifying the aforementioned consumables, The aforementioned controller, A contract determination process that determines whether a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus, A consumable determination process that determines whether the type information represents the dedicated consumable, If the contract determination process determines that a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus, and the consumable determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, then a first determination process determines whether the second memory stores the first identification information. If the first determination process determines that the second memory stores the first identification information, a storage process is performed to store the first identification information stored in the second memory in the main memory. After the memory processing, a permission process is performed to allow the use of the consumables together with the replacement parts in the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that performs the following actions.

4. The aforementioned controller, A second determination process is executed to determine whether the first identification information stored in the first memory matches the first identification information stored in the main memory by the storage process. If the second determination process determines that the first identification information stored in the first memory matches the first identification information stored in the main memory by the storage process, the permission process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned controller, When the first identification information is stored in the main memory through the storage process described above, an erase process is executed to erase the first identification information from the second memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned controller, A third determination process is executed to determine whether the first identification information and a second identification information for identifying other consumables different from the consumables are stored in the main memory. If the third determination process determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are not stored in the main memory, the storage process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

7. The aforementioned consumable is a toner cartridge capable of containing toner, The aforementioned replacement part is a drum cartridge equipped with a photoreceptor drum. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 3.

8. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A contract determination step to determine whether a contract termination instruction has been received to terminate the contract for the image forming apparatus for which a contract has been concluded, If the contract determination step determines that the contract termination instruction has been received, the consumable determination step determines whether the type information stored in the first memory of the consumables installed in the image forming apparatus, which indicates whether the consumables are dedicated consumables that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, represents the dedicated consumables. If the consumable determination step determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, the storage step involves storing the identification information stored in the first memory, which is unique identification information for identifying the consumable, in the second memory provided in the replacement part used with the consumable in the image forming apparatus, thereby allowing the consumable to be used with the replacement part in another image forming apparatus. A control method including

9. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A contract determination step to determine whether a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus, A consumable determination step to determine whether the type information stored in the first memory of a consumable attached to the image forming apparatus, which indicates whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable usable when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable usable regardless of the conclusion of the contract, represents a dedicated consumable; If the contract determination step determines that a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus, and the consumable determination step determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, then the first determination step determines whether the second memory provided in the replacement part used with the image forming apparatus together with the consumable stores the first identification information stored in the first memory, which is a unique first identification information for identifying the consumable. If the first determination step determines that the second memory stores the first identification information, the first determination step involves storing the first identification information stored in the second memory in the main memory of the image forming apparatus, Following the storage step, there is an authorization step that permits the use of the consumables together with the replacement parts in the image forming apparatus, A control method including

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