Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To allow a contracted consumable supply to be used in another image formation apparatus by changing a condition from a case where the contracted consumable supply is used in an image formation apparatus in which a contract is concluded.SOLUTION: A controller (61) of an image formation apparatus (1) executes first storage processing of storing a second residual quantity value being a portion of a first residual quantity value stored in a toner memory (42) in the toner memory (42) as first residual quantity information when a consumable supply is a special consumable supply, storing a third residual quantity value obtained by subtracting the second residual quantity value from the first residual quantity value in a body memory (62), and allowing the consumable supply to be used in another image formation apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that as a charging system when using contract consumables by subscribing to a service, a flat-rate system that sets a fixed amount for a predetermined period regardless of the usage amount of the contract consumables provided for the contractor can be adopted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, contract consumables are only permitted to be used in the image forming apparatus for which the contract is concluded. On the other hand, depending on the situation, it is also assumed that there may be a case where it is desired to use the contract consumables in another image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus for which the contract is concluded.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to permit the use of contract consumables in another image forming apparatus under conditions different from those when the contract consumables are used in the image forming apparatus for which the contract is concluded.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 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 consumable used in the image forming apparatus and containing consumables, the consumable having a consumable memory that stores first remaining amount information representing a first remaining amount value which is the current remaining amount of consumables in the consumable; a main body housing on which the consumable is mounted; a main body memory; and a controller, wherein the controller, when the consumable is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, stores a second remaining amount value which is a part of the first remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory as the first remaining amount information in the consumable memory, and stores a third remaining amount value obtained by subtracting the second remaining amount value from the first remaining amount value in the main body memory, thereby allowing the use of the consumable in other image forming apparatuses.

[0007] The second embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the controller may, after executing the first storage process and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, store in the main unit memory a fourth remaining amount, which is a part of the remaining amount obtained by adding the third remaining amount stored in the main unit memory to the second remaining amount, in place of the third remaining amount, and store in the consumable memory as first remaining amount information a fifth remaining amount obtained by subtracting the fourth remaining amount from the remaining amount, thereby allowing the use of the consumable in the other image forming apparatus.

[0008] A third embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the consumable memory stores type information indicating whether the consumable is a dedicated consumable or a regular consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, and the controller may perform a first determination process to determine whether the type information represents information indicating a dedicated consumable.

[0009] A fourth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, wherein the controller may execute the first storage process if it determines, by the first determination process, that the consumable is the dedicated consumable.

[0010] The fifth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth embodiment, wherein the consumable memory stores status information indicating that the consumable is new or an old product representing a used product, the controller performs a second determination process to determine whether the status information indicates that the consumable is new, and the controller may perform the first storage process if the first determination process determines that the type information indicates that the consumable is a dedicated consumable, and the second determination process determines that the status information indicates that the consumable is new.

[0011] The sixth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the controller may, in the first storage process, reduce the second remaining amount from the first remaining amount so that the third remaining amount is greater than the second remaining amount.

[0012] The seventh embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein the controller performs a first update process to update at least one of the second remaining value and the third remaining value when printing is performed between the first storage process and the second storage process, and the controller may update at least one of the second remaining value and the third remaining value in the first update process such that the third remaining value is greater than the second remaining value.

[0013] The eighth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the controller may update the third remaining amount value in the first update process with priority over the second remaining amount value.

[0014] The ninth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein the controller performs a reception process to receive an instruction to execute the second storage process from an external device that communicates with the image forming apparatus, and the controller may, in the reception process, execute the second storage process if it receives an instruction to execute the second storage process from the external device.

[0015] The tenth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein the controller may, in the second storage process, reduce the fourth remaining amount from the remaining amount so that the fifth remaining amount is greater than the fourth remaining amount.

[0016] The eleventh embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the tenth embodiment, wherein the controller performs a second update process to update at least one of the fourth remaining value and the fifth remaining value when printing is performed after the second storage process, and the controller may update at least one of the fourth remaining value and the fifth remaining value in the second update process such that the fifth remaining value is greater than the fourth remaining value.

[0017] The twelfth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment, wherein the controller may update the fifth remaining amount value in the second update process with priority over the fourth remaining amount value.

[0018] The 13th embodiment is an image forming apparatus of any one of the first to 12 embodiments, wherein the controller may, when the consumables are ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, store a sixth remaining amount, which is a part of the first remaining amount stored in the consumable memory, in the main unit memory, and store a seventh remaining amount, obtained by subtracting the sixth remaining amount from the first remaining amount, in the consumable memory as the first remaining amount information.

[0019] The 14th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the 13th embodiment, wherein the controller may, in the third storage process, reduce the 6th remaining value from the 1st remaining value such that the 7th remaining value is greater than the 6th remaining value.

[0020] The 15th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the 14th embodiment, wherein the controller performs a third update process to update at least one of the 6th remaining value and the 7th remaining value when printing is performed after the 3rd storage process, and the controller may update at least one of the 6th remaining value and the 7th remaining value in the 3rd update process such that the 7th remaining value is greater than the 6th remaining value.

[0021] The 16th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the 15th embodiment, wherein the controller may update the 7th remaining amount value in the 3rd update process with priority over the 6th remaining amount value.

[0022] To solve the above problems, a control method in a 17th aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, which includes a storage step in which, when a consumable used in the image forming apparatus and containing consumables, and which has a consumable memory that stores first remaining amount information representing a first remaining amount value which is the current remaining amount of consumables in the consumable, is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, the method stores a second remaining amount value which is a part of the first remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory as the first remaining amount information in the consumable memory, and stores a third remaining amount value obtained by subtracting the second remaining amount value from the first remaining amount value in the main memory of the image forming apparatus, thereby permitting the use of the consumable in another image forming apparatus.

[0023] 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]

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the consumable is a dedicated consumable, the controller rewrites the first remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory with a second remaining amount value that is a part of the first remaining amount value. Further, the controller stores a third remaining amount value obtained by subtracting the second remaining amount value from the first remaining amount value in the main body memory. In this way, the controller can change the conditions when the dedicated consumable is used in the image forming apparatus by transferring a part of the first remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory to the main body memory. Therefore, based on the change of the conditions, the controller can, for example, permit the use of the dedicated consumable in another image forming apparatus after a predetermined period has elapsed since the execution of the first storage process.

[0025] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the first storage process, the controller rewrites the third remaining amount value stored in the main body memory with a fourth remaining amount value that is a part of the remaining amount value obtained by adding the third remaining amount value to the second remaining amount value. Further, the controller stores a fifth remaining amount value obtained by subtracting the fourth remaining amount value from the remaining amount value in the consumable memory instead of the second remaining amount value. Thereby, the controller can transfer at least a part of the third remaining amount value stored in the main body memory to the consumable memory and make the first remaining amount information stored in the consumable memory approach the actual amount of the consumable material accommodated in the consumable. Therefore, the controller can permit the use of the dedicated consumable in another image forming apparatus after a predetermined period has elapsed since the execution of the first storage process.

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the controller can determine whether the consumable mounted on the main body housing is a dedicated consumable based on the type information stored in the consumable memory.

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the consumable mounted on the main body housing is a dedicated consumable, the controller can execute the first storage process. Therefore, the controller can permit the use of the dedicated consumable mounted on the main body housing in another image forming apparatus.

[0028] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the controller can perform a first storage process if the consumables installed in the main housing are new, dedicated consumables. Therefore, the controller can permit the use of dedicated consumables, once installed in an image forming apparatus, in other image forming apparatuses.

[0029] According to the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the controller can make the second remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory smaller than the actual amount of consumable material contained in the consumable. Therefore, at the time the first storage process is performed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that other image forming apparatuses will not permit the use of the consumable.

[0030] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment, even if the controller performs printing between the time the first storage process is executed and a predetermined period has elapsed, the third remaining amount value stored in the main memory can be maintained at a level greater than the second remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory. Therefore, the likelihood that other image forming apparatuses will not permit the use of consumables until a predetermined period has elapsed after the first storage process is executed can be increased.

[0031] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the controller prioritizes updating the third remaining value, which is greater than the second remaining value, thereby reducing the possibility of switching from updating the third remaining value stored in the main memory to updating the second remaining value stored in the consumable memory. Consequently, the possibility of increased load on the controller can be reduced.

[0032] According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth embodiment, the controller can execute the second storage process after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first storage process was executed, without monitoring the elapsed period since the first storage process was executed.

[0033] According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth embodiment, the controller can bring the fifth remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory closer to the actual amount of consumable material contained in the consumable. Therefore, the controller can increase the likelihood that other image forming apparatuses will permit the use of the consumable at the time the second storage process is performed.

[0034] According to the image forming apparatus of the 11th embodiment, even if the controller performs printing after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first storage process, the fifth remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory can be maintained to be greater than the fourth remaining amount value stored in the main unit memory. Therefore, the controller can increase the likelihood that other image forming apparatuses will permit the use of consumables after the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0035] According to the 12th embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the controller prioritizes updating the 5th remaining value, which is greater than the 4th remaining value, thereby reducing the possibility of switching from updating the 5th remaining value stored in the consumable memory to updating the 4th remaining value stored in the main memory. Consequently, the possibility of increased load on the controller can be reduced.

[0036] According to the 13th embodiment of the image forming apparatus, if the consumables are ordinary consumables, the controller stores a sixth remaining quantity value, which is a part of the first remaining quantity value stored in the consumable memory, in the main memory. The controller also rewrites the first remaining quantity value stored in the consumable memory to a seventh remaining quantity value, which is obtained by subtracting the sixth remaining quantity value from the first remaining quantity value. In this way, the controller transfers a part of the first remaining quantity value stored in the consumable memory to the main memory.

[0037] By installing the consumable memory into the main unit casing, a small amount of the consumable material stored in the consumable memory moves from the consumable to the main unit casing, and the actual amount of consumable material stored in the consumable may become smaller than the initial remaining amount value stored in the consumable. As described above, by having the controller transfer a portion of the initial remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory to the main unit memory, the initial remaining amount information stored in the consumable memory can be brought closer to the actual amount of consumable material stored in the consumable.

[0038] According to the image forming apparatus of the 14th embodiment, the controller can bring the 7th remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory closer to the actual amount of consumable material contained in the consumable.

[0039] According to the image forming apparatus of the 15th embodiment, even if the controller performs printing after the third storage process, the seventh remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory can be maintained to be greater than the sixth remaining amount value stored in the main unit memory. Therefore, the controller can maintain the seventh remaining amount value stored in the consumable memory to be close to the actual amount of consumable material contained in the consumables.

[0040] According to the image forming apparatus of the 16th embodiment, the controller prioritizes updating the 7th remaining value, which is greater than the 6th remaining value, thereby reducing the possibility of switching from updating the 7th remaining value stored in the consumable memory to updating the 6th remaining value stored in the main memory. Consequently, the possibility of increased load on the controller can be reduced.

[0041] The control method of the 17th embodiment produces the same effect as the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of the image forming system in an 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 the toner memory configuration. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the data structure of toner information stored in the main unit's memory. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows an example of the first calculation process performed by the image forming apparatus when a toner cartridge is installed. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of a second calculation process performed by the image forming apparatus after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of a third calculation process performed by the image forming apparatus when it finishes the printing process. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates an example of how the remaining toner information stored in the main unit's memory and the remaining toner information stored in the toner memory change over time after a dedicated cartridge is installed in the main unit housing of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates an example of how the remaining toner information stored in the main unit memory and the remaining toner information stored in the toner memory change over time after a standard cartridge has been installed in the main unit housing of an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In this embodiment, as an example, the case in which the image forming apparatus is a laser printer and 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.

[0044] [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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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."

[0047] Each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1 can use consumables specifically for the contract by the user entering into a contract with a service provider. The contract, for example, is an agreement between the service provider and the user that the service provider will provide the service to the user, with the service period, usage fees, and maximum number of prints being agreed upon. 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] [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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] [Main unit enclosure 10] The toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the toner cartridge 4 is used in the image forming apparatus 1. As will be described in more detail later, the toner cartridge 4 becomes one with the drum cartridge 20 when it is installed in the drum cartridge 20. That is, the toner cartridge 4, while installed in the drum cartridge 20, is installed in the main housing 10 together with the drum cartridge 20. This realizes the image forming apparatus 1, which includes the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 also an example of a consumable item for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0055] 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.

[0056] [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 where the opening 10A shown by the solid line in Figure 1 is open, and a closed position where the opening 10A is closed, shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. The rotation of the cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A provided at the upper end of the main body housing 10.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] [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 consumable. 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 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.

[0060] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 4 has a toner memory 42 as an example of consumable memory. The toner memory 42 is located on one outer surface of the toner cartridge 4 in the first direction. The toner memory 42 is a memory that can read and write information, such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or EEPROM (registered trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0061] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the toner memory 42. As shown in Figure 4, the toner memory 42 has a first area 421, a second area 422, a third area 423, a fourth area 424, a fifth area 425, a sixth area 426, and a seventh area 427 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 as an example of type information in the second area 422. The toner memory 42 stores toner remaining amount information in the third area 423.

[0062] The toner memory 42 stores a new product flag in the fourth area 424. The toner memory 42 stores capacity information in the fifth area 425. The toner memory 42 stores ratio information in the sixth area 426. The toner memory 42 stores period information in the seventh area 427. The third area 423 and the fourth area 424 may be rewritable.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The toner type information is an example of type information representing the type of toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, there are two types of toner cartridges 4. One is a "dedicated cartridge" that can only be used with the contracted machine. In other words, a dedicated cartridge is an example of a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract covering the image forming apparatus 1 has been concluded.

[0065] Another type is the "standard cartridge," which can be used even with image forming apparatus 1 that is not covered by the contract. In other words, the standard cartridge is an example of a regular consumable that can be used regardless of whether a contract is concluded. 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In this embodiment, the toner remaining amount information indicates the amount of toner allocated to the toner cartridge 4 when the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is virtually distributed between the toner cartridge 4 and the main unit housing 10.

[0068] The "New" flag is an example of status information that indicates whether toner cartridge 4 is new or an old 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 old product.

[0069] The capacity information represents the amount of toner that can be stored in the toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the toner cartridge 4 may be set to one of three capacities. More specifically, the capacities that can be set for the toner cartridge 4 are, in order from smallest to largest, "small capacity," "standard capacity," and "large capacity," and the capacity information indicates one of the above capacities.

[0070] The ratio information includes first ratio information, second ratio information, and third ratio information. The first ratio information represents the ratio of the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner memory 42 and the main memory 62 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner cartridge 4 as a dedicated cartridge is installed in the main unit housing 10. The second ratio information represents the ratio of the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner memory 42 and the main memory 62 when the toner cartridge 4 as a regular cartridge is installed in the main unit housing 10. The third ratio information represents the ratio of the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner memory 42 and the main memory 62 after a predetermined period has elapsed. The predetermined period indicates the period during which the manufacturer of the dedicated cartridge can recover the payment for the dedicated cartridge.

[0071] Furthermore, the ratio information may be stored in the main unit memory 62 beforehand instead of being stored in the sixth area 426 of the toner memory 42. Also, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the remaining amount of toner to be stored in the toner memory 42 and the main unit memory 62, respectively, may be stored in advance instead of the ratio information.

[0072] The period information is information representing the predetermined period described above. Note that the period information does not necessarily have to be stored in the toner memory 42. In this case, the toner memory 42 does not need to have the seventh area 427.

[0073] [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.

[0074] The drum cartridge 20 may also have a drum memory 22. 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] [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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] The transfer belt 70 is a component that transfers the developer (e.g., toner) on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] [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 the communication unit 63, both of which are located in the main housing 10. The controller 61 performs various processes to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing and related processes.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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). One aspect of this disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, where the control program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The main memory 62 is a memory that can read and write information. The main memory 62 is, for example, a flash ROM or EEPROM (registered trademark). The main memory 62 has an area 621 for storing toner information, an area 622 for storing the device ID, an area 623 for storing mode information, an area 625 for storing the first page counter, and an area 626 for storing the second page counter.

[0088] Toner information refers to information about individual toner cartridges 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of toner information stored in the main unit memory 62.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5, the toner information may be data that associates, for example, a toner ID read from a toner memory 42 with toner type information, remaining toner information, capacity information, and time period information, all of which are read from the same toner memory 42. Furthermore, the toner information may be data that associates the remaining toner information in the main unit with a toner ID read from a toner memory 42. The main unit memory 62 may then store this associated data for each toner cartridge 4 in area 621.

[0090] The main unit toner level information indicates the amount of toner allocated to the main unit housing 10 when the remaining toner contained in the toner cartridge 4 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is virtually distributed between the toner cartridge 4 and the main unit housing 10. Therefore, the sum of the toner level information stored in the toner memory 42 and the toner level information stored in the main unit memory 62 represents the amount of toner available for use by the image forming apparatus 1 with the toner cartridge 4 installed. The initial value of the main unit toner level information may be 0.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 the contract has been terminated. When the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped, the area 623 is initially stored with a value corresponding to the normal mode. The controller 61 rewrites the mode information as appropriate.

[0093] 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. 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] [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.

[0096] The user terminal 9 may accept input operations related to changes in contracted machines, in addition to registration of contracted machines (i.e., addition of contracted machines). For example, the user terminal 9 may accept input operations from the user, in which 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 the server 8. Furthermore, if print data such as text or diagrams is input from the user terminal 9 via the user terminal 9, the user terminal 9 will output a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the input print data and print the print data.

[0097] [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.

[0098] The server control unit 81 updates the registration table stored in the server memory 82 in response to notifications or requests received from the image forming apparatus 1. The "registration table" is a data table in which image forming apparatus 1 designated as a contracted machine by the user or the server 8 is registered. The "registration table" also contains data indicating whether or not each contracted machine is currently under contract.

[0099] 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. Device information is data that summarizes various information about the image forming apparatus 1. Device information is stored separately for each image forming apparatus 1. The device information includes at least a device ID. In addition, the device information may also include the value of the first image counter and / or the value of the second image counter.

[0100] The server communication unit 83 is a communication interface that facilitates communication between the server 8 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.

[0101] For example, the server communication unit 83 may receive the device ID, the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4, toner type information, toner remaining amount information, and a new product flag from the image forming apparatus 1 and output them to the server control unit 81. The server control unit 81 may associate the input device ID with the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4, toner type information, toner remaining amount information, and new product flag and store them in the server memory 82 as device information for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0102] [Processing flow of an image forming apparatus] Next, we will describe the processing flow executed by the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1. As a prerequisite, we will assume that a contract has been concluded for the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the mode information in the main memory 62 will indicate "contract mode." Furthermore, we will describe the processing flow executed by the controller 61 using one of the four toner cartridges 4 installed in the main housing 10 as an example.

[0103] [Processing flow when a toner cartridge is installed in an image forming machine] First, an example of the first calculation process performed by the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10 will be explained based on Figures 6, 9, and 10.

[0104] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first calculation process performed by the controller 61 when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10. The first calculation process is a process in which the controller 61 calculates the remaining toner amount information to be stored in the toner memory 42 and the main unit memory 62, as well as the remaining unit amount information to be stored in the main unit memory 62, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10. Note that the process shown in Figure 6 is performed by the controller 61 at predetermined intervals, for example, at intervals of several milliseconds to tens of milliseconds, after the power switch (not shown) is set to ON.

[0105] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the changes over time in the remaining toner information stored in the main unit memory 62 and the remaining toner information stored in the toner memory 42 after the toner cartridge 4, as a dedicated cartridge, has been installed in the main unit housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 10 illustrates an example of the changes over time in the remaining toner information stored in the main unit memory 62 and the remaining toner information stored in the toner memory 42 after the toner cartridge 4, as a normal cartridge, has been installed in the main unit housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0106] As shown in Figure 6, in step S11, the controller 61 first determines whether a new toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit housing 10. Specifically, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4. Then, the controller 61 compares the toner ID read from the toner memory 42 with the latest toner ID stored in area 621 of the main unit memory 62.

[0107] Then, if the toner ID read from each toner memory 42 is the same as the latest toner ID stored in area 621, the controller 61 determines that a new toner cartridge 4 is not installed in the main unit housing 10. If the controller 61 determines that a new toner cartridge 4 is not installed in the main unit housing 10, that is, if the answer in step S11 is NO, the controller 61 terminates the first calculation process.

[0108] On the other hand, if the toner ID read from the toner memory 42 is different from the latest toner ID stored in area 621, the controller 61 determines that a new toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit housing 10. If the controller 61 determines that a new toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit housing 10, that is, if the answer in step S11 is YES, the controller 61 proceeds to step S12.

[0109] In step S12, the controller 61 reads various information from the toner memory 42. Specifically, the controller 61 reads the toner ID, toner type information, toner remaining amount information, new toner flag, and capacity information from the toner memory 42. The controller 61 stores the toner type information, toner remaining amount information, new toner flag, and capacity information in the main memory 62, associating them with the toner ID.

[0110] Next, in step S13, the controller 61 performs a second determination process to determine whether the new flag read from the toner memory 42 in step S12 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is "new". If the controller 61 determines that the new flag indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is "new", it proceeds from YES in S13 to step S14. In step S14, the controller 61 rewrites the new flag in the toner memory 42 to information indicating that the toner cartridge 4 is "old".

[0111] Next, in step S15, the controller 61 performs a first determination process to determine whether the toner type information read in step S12 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge". In other words, the controller 61 determines whether a dedicated cartridge has been newly installed in the main unit housing 10. If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information indicates that it is a "dedicated cartridge", the controller 61 proceeds from YES in step S15 to step S16.

[0112] In step S16, the controller 61 notifies the server 8 of installation information indicating that the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the main unit housing 10 in step S11. By receiving the installation information, the server 8 can recognize when the toner cartridge 4 will be put into use in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when the server 8 receives the installation information, it can start measuring the time elapsed from the start of use of the toner cartridge 4 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0113] In step S17, the controller 61 overwrites the toner level information in the toner memory 42 from the first remaining amount value W1 to the second remaining amount value W2. In other words, the controller 61 stores the second remaining amount value W2 in the toner memory 42 as the toner level information for the toner memory 42. The toner level information may be an example of first remaining amount information that represents the first remaining amount value W1 which is overwritten with the second remaining amount value W2.

[0114] The first remaining toner value W1 is the current remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 4. For example, the first remaining toner value W1 may be the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 4 at the time the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10. In the case of a new toner cartridge 4, the first remaining toner value W1 may be the amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 4 at the time of manufacture.

[0115] The second remaining amount value W2 is a part of the first remaining amount value W1. For example, the second remaining amount value W2 may be pre-set and stored in the main unit memory 62 or the toner memory 42. Alternatively, for example, the controller 61 may calculate the second remaining amount value W2 by multiplying the first remaining amount value W1 by the ratio indicated by the first ratio information stored in the toner memory 42. In this case, the controller 61 may read the first ratio information from the toner memory 42 in step S12.

[0116] Next, in step S18, the controller 61 rewrites the toner level information in the main unit memory 62 from the first remaining amount value W1 to the second remaining amount value W2. This allows the toner level information from the toner memory 42 to be managed in the main unit memory 62 as well.

[0117] Next, in step S19, the controller 61 stores in the main memory 62 a third remaining capacity value W3, which is obtained by subtracting the second remaining capacity value W2 from the first remaining capacity value W1, as the remaining capacity information of the main memory 62. The processes in steps S17 and S19 are an example of the first storage process.

[0118] The controller 61 can change the toner level information of a dedicated cartridge that is only permitted for use with the image forming apparatus 1 registered as a contracted machine by performing the first storage process in steps S17 and S19. In other words, the controller 61 can change the conditions of the dedicated cartridge when used with the image forming apparatus 1 registered as a contracted machine. Accordingly, the controller 61 can make the toner cartridge 4, as a dedicated cartridge, available for use with other image forming apparatuses. The other image forming apparatus may be (1) an image forming apparatus registered as a contracted machine, or (2) an image forming apparatus that is not registered as a contracted machine.

[0119] In step S19, which is performed when toner cartridge 4 is a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 reduces the second remaining amount value W2 from the first remaining amount value W1 so that the third remaining amount value W3 is greater than the second remaining amount value W2. That is, the ratio indicated by the second remaining amount value W2 or the first ratio information is set so that the third remaining amount value W3 is greater than the second remaining amount value W2. For example, the second remaining amount value W2 may be "0", which corresponds to "EMPTY", or a value close to the "EMPTY" state.

[0120] For example, as shown in Figure 9, before a new toner cartridge 4, which is a dedicated cartridge, is installed in the main unit 10, the toner memory 42 of the new toner cartridge 4 stores the "first remaining amount value W1" as toner remaining amount information. Then, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit 10, the controller 61 rewrites the toner remaining amount information in the toner memory 42 from the "first remaining amount value W1" to the "second remaining amount value W2". The second remaining amount value W2 is a value that corresponds to "EMPTY", or a value close to the "EMPTY" state.

[0121] Furthermore, the controller 61 stores the "second remaining value W2" as toner remaining information in the main unit memory 62. The "second remaining value W2" is the toner remaining information stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "second remaining value W2" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10. In addition, the controller 61 overwrites the "first remaining value W1" stored in the main unit memory 62 with the "third remaining value W3" as main unit remaining information. The "third remaining value W3" is the value obtained by subtracting the "second remaining value W2" from the "first remaining value W1".

[0122] Therefore, in this embodiment, the controller 61 can, as described later, enable the use of the toner cartridge 4 in other image forming apparatuses by rewriting the toner level information from the second remaining level value W2 to the fifth remaining level value W5 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. In other words, the controller 61 can restrict the use of the toner cartridge 4 in other image forming apparatuses until it has rewritten the toner level information from the second remaining level value W2 to the fifth remaining level value W5 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0123] Therefore, the controller 61 can restrict the use of the dedicated cartridge in other image forming machines until the payment for the dedicated cartridge has been recovered. On the other hand, after the payment for the dedicated cartridge has been recovered, the controller 61 can permit the use of the dedicated cartridge in other image forming machines. Thus, it is possible to improve the usability of the dedicated cartridge while enabling the recovery of the payment for the dedicated cartridge.

[0124] Next, in step S20, the controller 61 reads the toner level information and the main unit level information from the main unit memory 62. Then, the controller 61 adds the third level value W3 indicated by the main unit level information to the second level value W2 indicated by the toner level information to calculate the total toner level WA.

[0125] Next, in step S21, the controller 61 reads the capacity information from the main memory 62. Then, in step S22, the controller 61 calculates the remaining toner amount to be notified to the user based on the capacity information read in step S21. For example, the controller 61 divides the total remaining toner amount WA by the capacity value indicated by the read capacity information, and multiplies the divided value by 100 to calculate the remaining toner amount expressed as a percentage. Then, in step S23, the controller 61 displays the remaining toner amount calculated in step S22 on the display 64. Finally, the controller 61 terminates the first calculation process.

[0126] Furthermore, in step S15, if the controller 61 determines that the toner type information read in step S12 does not indicate that it is a "dedicated cartridge," the controller 61 proceeds to step S25 from NO in step S15. In other words, if the controller 61 determines that the toner type information read in step S12 indicates that it is a "standard cartridge," the controller 61 proceeds to step S25 from NO in step S15.

[0127] In step S25, the controller 61 rewrites the toner level information in the toner memory 42 to the seventh remaining level value W7, which is obtained by subtracting the sixth remaining level value W6 from the first remaining level value W1. In other words, the controller 61 stores the seventh remaining level value W7 in the toner memory 42 as the toner level information for the toner memory 42. Subsequently, in step S26, the controller 61 rewrites the toner level information in the main memory 62 to the seventh remaining level value W7.

[0128] The sixth remaining amount value W6 is a part of the first remaining amount value W1. For example, the sixth remaining amount value W6 may be pre-set and stored in the main unit memory 62 or the toner memory 42. Alternatively, for example, the controller 61 may calculate the sixth remaining amount value W6 by multiplying the first remaining amount value W1 by the ratio indicated by the second ratio information stored in the toner memory 42. In this case, the controller 61 may read the second ratio information from the toner memory 42 in step S12.

[0129] Next, in step S27, the controller 61 stores the sixth remaining memory value W6 in the main memory 62 as the remaining memory information for the main memory 62. The processing in steps S25 and S27 is an example of the third storage process.

[0130] In step S25, which is performed when toner cartridge 4 is a normal cartridge, the controller 61 reduces the sixth remaining amount W6 from the first remaining amount W1 so that the seventh remaining amount W7 is greater than the sixth remaining amount W6. That is, the ratio indicated by the sixth remaining amount W6 or the second ratio information is set so that the seventh remaining amount W7 is greater than the sixth remaining amount W6. For example, the sixth remaining amount W6 may be a value close to the "ENPTY" state. In this case, the seventh remaining amount W7 will be a value close to the "FULL" state.

[0131] For example, as shown in Figure 10, before a new toner cartridge 4, which is a standard cartridge, is installed in the main unit 10, the toner memory 42 of the new toner cartridge 4 stores the "first remaining amount value W1" as toner remaining amount information. Then, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit 10, the controller 61 rewrites the toner remaining amount information in the toner memory 42 from the "first remaining amount value W1" to the "seventh remaining amount value W7". The "seventh remaining amount value W7" is a value close to the "FULL" state.

[0132] Furthermore, the controller 61 stores the "7th remaining value W7" as toner remaining information in the main unit memory 62. The "7th remaining value W7" is the toner remaining information stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "7th remaining value W7" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit casing 10. In addition, the controller 61 overwrites the "1st remaining value W1" stored in the main unit memory 62 with the "6th remaining value W6" as main unit remaining information. The "6th remaining value W6" is the value obtained by subtracting the "7th remaining value W7" from the "1st remaining value W1".

[0133] Next, in step S20, the controller 61 reads the toner level information and the main unit level information from the main unit memory 62. Then, the controller 61 adds the 6th remaining toner value W6 indicated by the main unit level information to the 7th remaining value W7 indicated by the toner level information to calculate the total remaining toner WA. After that, the controller 61 executes the processes of steps S21 to S23 described above.

[0134] Furthermore, in step S13, if the controller 61 determines that the new product flag read in step S12 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is an "old product", it proceeds to step S24 from NO in S13.

[0135] In step S24, the controller 61 reads the main unit memory 62 for the main unit remaining amount information and toner remaining amount information corresponding to the toner ID read in step S12. If there is no main unit remaining amount information corresponding to the toner ID, the controller 61 may consider the remaining amount value indicated by the main unit remaining amount information to be 0.

[0136] After processing in step S24, the controller 61 proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the controller 61 calculates the total toner remaining amount WA by adding the remaining amount indicated by the toner remaining amount information read in step S24 to the remaining amount indicated by the toner remaining amount information read in step S24. After that, the controller 61 executes the processes of steps S21 to S23 described above.

[0137] [Processing flow when the server receives an instruction to execute the second calculation process] Next, an example of a second calculation process executed by the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed will be explained based on Figures 7 and 9. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second calculation process executed by the controller 61 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The second calculation process is a process in which the controller 61 calculates, after a predetermined period of time, the toner remaining amount information to be stored in the toner memory 42 and the main unit memory 62, and the main unit remaining amount information to be stored in the main unit memory 62, when the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10 is a dedicated cartridge.

[0138] As a prerequisite, as described above, server 8 begins measuring the time elapsed from the start of use of toner cartridge 4 until a predetermined period has elapsed after receiving notification of installation information. When server 8 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed since receiving notification of installation information, server 8 sends to image forming apparatus 1 an instruction to execute the second calculation process and the toner ID of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main housing 10 of image forming apparatus 1.

[0139] As shown in Figure 7, in step S31, the controller 61 determines whether it has received an instruction to execute the second calculation process and a toner ID from the server 8. If the controller 61 determines that it has received the instruction to execute the second calculation process and a toner ID, the controller 61 proceeds from YES in S31 to step S32. In other words, the controller 61 performs an acceptance process to receive an instruction to execute the second storage process, which will be described later, from the server 8. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that it has not received an instruction to execute the second calculation process and a toner ID, the controller 61 terminates the second calculation process.

[0140] In step S32, the controller 61 determines whether the toner type information associated with the toner ID read in step S31 indicates that toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge". If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information associated with the toner ID read in step S32 indicates that it is a "dedicated cartridge", the controller 61 proceeds from YES in step S32 to step S33.

[0141] In step S33, the controller 61 reads the toner level information and the main unit level information from the main unit memory 62. Then, the controller 61 adds the third remaining toner value W3, which is shown in the main unit level information, to the second remaining toner value W2, which is shown in the toner level information, to calculate the total remaining toner WA. The total remaining toner WA is an example of a remaining value obtained by adding the third remaining toner value W3 to the second remaining toner value W2.

[0142] Next, in step S34, the controller 61 calculates the fifth remaining amount W5 by subtracting the fourth remaining amount W4 from the total remaining toner amount WA.

[0143] The fourth remaining toner value W4 is a part of the total remaining toner WA. For example, the fourth remaining toner value W4 may be pre-set and stored in the main unit memory 62 or the toner memory 42. Alternatively, for example, the controller 61 may calculate the fourth remaining toner value W4 by multiplying the total remaining toner WA by the ratio indicated by the third ratio information stored in the toner memory 42. In this case, the controller 61 may read the third ratio information from the toner memory 42.

[0144] Next, in step S35, the controller 61 overwrites the toner level information in the toner memory 42 and the toner level information in the main unit memory 62 from the second remaining amount value W2 to the fifth remaining amount value W5 calculated in step S34. In other words, the controller 61 stores the fifth remaining amount value W5 as the toner level information in the toner memory 42, replacing the second remaining amount value W2.

[0145] Next, in step S36, the controller 61 overwrites the remaining memory information in the main memory 62 from the third remaining value W3 to the fourth remaining value W4. In other words, the controller 61 stores the fourth remaining value W4 in the main memory 62 in place of the third remaining value W3. The processing in steps S35 and S36 is an example of the second storage process.

[0146] By performing the second storage process in steps S35 and S36, the controller 61 can transfer at least a portion of the third remaining amount value W3 stored in the main memory 62 to the toner memory 42. As a result, the controller 61 can bring the toner remaining amount information in the toner memory 42 closer to the actual amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 4. Consequently, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller 61 can allow the toner cartridge 4 to be used as a dedicated cartridge in other image forming apparatuses.

[0147] In step S34, which is performed when toner cartridge 4 is a dedicated cartridge, the controller 61 reduces the fourth remaining toner value W4 from the total remaining toner amount WA so that the fifth remaining toner value W5 is greater than the fourth remaining toner value W4. That is, the ratio indicated by the fourth remaining toner value W4 or the second ratio information is set so that the fifth remaining toner value W5 is greater than the fourth remaining toner value W4. For example, the fourth remaining toner value W4 may be "0", which corresponds to "EMPTY", or a value close to the "EMPTY" state. In this case, the fifth remaining toner value W5 will be the value corresponding to "total remaining toner amount WA", or a value close to "total remaining toner amount WA".

[0148] For example, as shown in Figure 9, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller 61 rewrites the toner level information in the toner memory 42 from the "second remaining value" to the "fifth remaining value W5," which is obtained by subtracting the "fourth remaining value W4" from the "total remaining toner WA." The controller 61 also rewrites the toner level information in the main unit memory 62 from the "second remaining value W2" to the "fifth remaining value W5." The controller 61 stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "fifth remaining value W5" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. The fifth remaining value W5 is a value that corresponds to the "total remaining toner WA," or a value close to the "total remaining toner WA."

[0149] Furthermore, the controller 61 rewrites the remaining toner information in the main unit memory 62 from "third remaining value W3" to "fourth remaining value W4". The controller 61 stores in the main unit memory 62 that "fourth remaining value W4" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0150] Therefore, in this embodiment, the controller 61 can allow the use of the toner cartridge 4 in other image forming apparatuses by rewriting the toner level information from the second remaining level value W2 to the fifth remaining level value W5 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0151] Furthermore, in step S32, if the controller 61 determines that the toner type information associated with the toner ID read in step S31 is information indicating that it is a "normal cartridge", the controller 61 proceeds to step S37 from NO in step S32. In step S37, the controller 61 notifies the server 8 that it will not perform the second calculation process according to the instruction to execute the second calculation process, and terminates the second calculation process.

[0152] [Processing flow upon completion of print execution] Next, an example of a third calculation process executed by the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the printing process is completed will be explained based on Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third calculation process executed by the controller 61 when the printing process is completed. The third calculation process is performed by the controller 61 each time it prints, and calculates at least one of the toner remaining amount information stored in the toner memory 42 and the main unit memory 62, and the main unit remaining amount information stored in the main unit memory 62. After the printing process is completed, the controller 61 performs the process shown in Figure 8.

[0153] As shown in Figure 8, in step S41, the controller 61 first reads the toner type information from the toner memory 42. The controller 61 then determines whether the toner type information read from the toner memory 42 indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge". If the controller 61 determines that the toner type information indicates that the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge", the controller 61 proceeds from step S41 (YES) to step S42.

[0154] In step S42, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the toner memory 42. Then, the controller 61 reads the "main unit toner amount" which is stored as "main unit toner amount information" corresponding to the toner ID read from the toner memory 42, from the toner information in the main unit memory 62.

[0155] "Main unit toner level" refers to the "third remaining value W3" stored in the main unit memory 62 as "main unit toner information" when the controller 61 performs a print operation, before the predetermined period has elapsed. "Main unit toner level" refers to the "fourth remaining value W4" stored in the main unit memory 62 as "main unit toner information" when the controller 61 performs a print operation, after the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0156] For example, as shown in Figure 9, when the first print job is completed after the toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit casing 10, the controller 61 reads the "third remaining toner value W3" as "main unit toner information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. In other words, the controller 61 reads the "third remaining toner value W3" stored in the main unit memory 62 as "main unit toner information" during the first storage process described above, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit casing 10, as the "main unit toner remaining amount".

[0157] Next, in step S43, the controller 61 determines whether the "main unit toner information," or "main unit toner amount," read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62, is equal to or greater than the remaining amount threshold TH. The remaining amount threshold TH can be set to a value that guarantees print quality, for example, and may be slightly greater than "0". If the controller 61 determines that the "main unit toner amount" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is equal to or greater than the remaining amount threshold TH, the controller 61 proceeds from step S43 (YES) to step S44.

[0158] In step S44, the controller 61 subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the "main unit toner level" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. The controller 61 stores the "main unit toner level" as main unit remaining information in the main unit memory 62. The "main unit toner level" stored in the main unit memory 62 in step S44 is the remaining toner level obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "main unit toner level" read by the controller 61 in step S44. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "main unit toner level" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. After processing in step S44, the controller 61 proceeds to the processing in step S56, which will be described later.

[0159] Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, until a predetermined period has elapsed since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 preferentially subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the third remaining amount value W3 indicated by the main unit memory 62's remaining toner information each time printing is completed. The controller 61 updates the third remaining amount value W3 by storing the subtracted value as the main unit remaining amount information. Note that in the example in Figure 9, the controller 61 does not subtract the amount of toner from the second remaining amount value W2 indicated by the toner remaining amount information in the main unit memory 62.

[0160] In other words, if the controller 61 performs printing between the first storage process and the second storage process, the controller 61 prioritizes updating the third remaining value W3, indicated by the main unit remaining information, so that the third remaining value W3 is greater than the second remaining value W2, indicated by the toner remaining information. The update process of the third remaining value W3 by the controller 61 in step S44 is an example of the first update process. Note that in step S44, the controller 61 may update the second remaining value W2 so that the third remaining value W3 is greater than the second remaining value W2, or it may update both the second remaining value W2 and the third remaining value W3.

[0161] On the other hand, if in step S43 the controller 61 determines that the "main unit toner amount" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is less than the remaining amount threshold TH, the controller 61 proceeds from NO in step S43 to the process in step S45. In step S45, the controller 61 reads the "cartridge toner amount" stored as "toner amount information" corresponding to the toner ID read in step S42 from the toner information in the main unit memory 62.

[0162] Before the predetermined period has elapsed, the "cartridge toner level" is the "second remaining amount value W2" stored in the main unit memory 62 and toner memory 42 as "toner level information" when the controller 61 performs a print operation. After the predetermined period has elapsed, the "cartridge toner level" is the "fifth remaining amount value W5" stored in the main unit memory 62 and toner memory 42 as "toner level information" when the controller 61 performs a print operation.

[0163] For example, as shown in Figure 9, when the first print job is completed after a predetermined period has elapsed since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 reads the "fifth remaining amount value W5" as "toner remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. In other words, the controller 61 reads the "fifth remaining amount value W5" stored in the main unit memory 62 as "toner remaining amount information" in the second storage process described above, as "cartridge toner remaining amount" when a predetermined period has elapsed since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0164] Next, in step S46, the controller 61 reads the "cartridge toner remaining amount" stored as "toner remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. The controller 61 then determines whether the "cartridge toner remaining amount" is "0" or greater. If the controller 61 determines that the "cartridge toner remaining amount" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is "0" or greater, it proceeds from YES in step S46 to the process in step S47.

[0165] In step S47, the controller 61 reads the "cartridge toner remaining amount" as "toner remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. The controller 61 subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the read "cartridge toner remaining amount".

[0166] Next, in step S48, the controller 61 stores the "cartridge toner remaining amount" as toner remaining amount information in the main unit memory 62. The "cartridge toner remaining amount" stored in the main unit memory 62 in step S48 is the remaining toner amount obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "cartridge toner remaining amount" read by the controller 61 in step S47. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "cartridge toner remaining amount" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0167] Furthermore, the controller 61 stores the "cartridge toner remaining amount" as toner remaining amount information in the toner memory 42. The "cartridge toner remaining amount" stored in the toner memory 42 in step S48 is the toner remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "cartridge toner remaining amount" read by the controller 61 in step S47. After processing in step S48, the controller 61 proceeds to the processing in step S56, which will be described later.

[0168] On the other hand, if in step S46 the controller 61 determines that the "remaining cartridge toner amount" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is less than "0", the controller 61 proceeds from NO in step S46 to the process in step S49.

[0169] In step S49, the controller 61 reads the "main unit toner amount" stored as "main unit remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. The controller 61 subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the read "main unit toner amount". The controller 61 stores the "main unit toner amount" as main unit remaining amount information in the main unit memory 62. The "main unit toner amount" stored in the main unit memory 62 in step S49 is the remaining toner amount obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "main unit toner amount" read by the controller 61 in step S49. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "main unit toner amount" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. After processing in step S49, the controller 61 proceeds to the processing in step S56, which will be described later.

[0170] Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 preferentially subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the fifth remaining value W5 indicated by the toner remaining information in the main unit memory 62 each time printing is completed. In other words, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the toner cartridge 4 was installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 prioritizes updating the fifth remaining value W5 indicated by the toner remaining information in the main unit memory 62 over the fourth remaining value W4 indicated by the main unit information. When the toner remaining information becomes "0", the controller 61 updates the fourth remaining value W4 by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the fourth remaining value W4 indicated by the main unit information.

[0171] In other words, if the controller 61 performs printing after the second storage process described above, the controller 61 prioritizes updating the fifth remaining value W5 or the fourth remaining value W4 so that the fifth remaining value W5 indicated by the toner remaining information is greater than the fourth remaining value W4 indicated by the main unit remaining value information. The update process of the fifth remaining value W5 or the fourth remaining value W4 by the controller 61 in steps S47 to S49 is an example of the second update process. Note that in steps S47 and S48, the controller 61 may update the fourth remaining value W4 so that the fifth remaining value W5 is greater than the fourth remaining value W4, or it may update both the fourth remaining value W4 and the fifth remaining value W5.

[0172] On the other hand, if in step S41 the controller 61 determines that the toner type information indicates that toner cartridge 4 is a "normal cartridge", the controller 61 proceeds from step S41 NO to step S50. In step S50, the controller 61 reads the toner ID from the toner memory 42. Then, the controller 61 reads the "cartridge toner remaining amount" which is stored as "toner remaining amount information" corresponding to the read toner ID from the toner information in the main memory 62.

[0173] For example, as shown in Figure 10, when the first print job is completed after the toner cartridge 4 has been installed in the main unit casing 10, the controller 61 reads the seventh remaining amount value W7 as "toner remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. In other words, the controller 61 reads the "seventh remaining amount value W7" stored in the main unit memory 62 as "toner remaining amount information" in the third storage process described above, when the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit casing 10, as "cartridge toner remaining amount".

[0174] Next, in step S51, the controller 61 determines whether the "toner level information," or "cartridge toner level," read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is "0" or greater. If the controller 61 determines that the "cartridge toner level" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is "0" or greater, the controller 61 proceeds from YES in step S51 to processing in step S52.

[0175] In step S52, the controller 61 reads the "cartridge toner remaining amount" as "toner remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62. Then, the controller 61 subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the read "cartridge toner remaining amount".

[0176] Next, in step S53, the controller 61 stores the "cartridge toner remaining amount" as toner remaining amount information in the main unit memory 62. The "cartridge toner remaining amount" stored in the main unit memory 62 in step S53 is the remaining toner amount obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "cartridge toner remaining amount" read by the controller 61 in step S52. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "cartridge toner remaining amount" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0177] Furthermore, the controller 61 stores the "cartridge toner remaining amount" as toner remaining amount information in the toner memory 42. The "cartridge toner remaining amount" stored in the toner memory 42 in step S53 is the toner remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "cartridge toner remaining amount" read by the controller 61 in step S52. After processing in step S53, the controller 61 proceeds to the processing in step S56, which will be described later.

[0178] On the other hand, if in step S51 the controller 61 determines that the "cartridge toner remaining amount" read from the toner information in the main unit memory 62 is less than "0", the controller 61 proceeds from NO in step S51 to the process in step S54. In step S54, the controller 61 reads the "main unit toner remaining amount" stored as "main unit remaining amount information" from the toner information in the main unit memory 62.

[0179] Next, in step S55, the controller 61 subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the "main unit toner level" that it read. The controller 61 stores the "main unit toner level" as main unit toner level information in the main unit memory 62. The "main unit toner level" stored in the main unit memory 62 in step S55 is the toner level obtained by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the "main unit toner level" that the controller 61 read in step S54. The controller 61 also stores in the main unit memory 62 that the "main unit toner level" corresponds to the toner ID stored in the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 installed in the main unit housing 10. After processing in step S55, the controller 61 proceeds to processing in step S56.

[0180] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, after the toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit housing 10, the controller 61 preferentially subtracts the amount of toner used for printing from the 7th remaining value W7 indicated by the toner remaining information in the main unit memory 62 each time printing is completed. When the toner remaining information becomes "0", the controller 61 updates the 6th remaining value W6 by subtracting the amount of toner used for printing from the 6th remaining value W6 indicated by the main unit remaining value information.

[0181] In other words, if the controller 61 performs printing after the third storage process described above, the controller 61 prioritizes updating the seventh remaining value W7, indicated by the toner level information, so that the seventh remaining value W7 is greater than the sixth remaining value W6, indicated by the main unit's remaining value information. The updating process of the seventh remaining value W7 and the sixth remaining value W6 by the controller 61 in steps S52 to S55 is an example of the third update process. Note that in steps S52 and S53, the controller 61 may update the sixth remaining value W6 so that the seventh remaining value W7 is greater than the sixth remaining value W6, or it may update both the sixth remaining value W6 and the seventh remaining value W7.

[0182] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 8, in step S56, the controller 61 reads from the main unit memory 62 the "cartridge toner remaining amount" stored as toner remaining amount information and the "main unit toner remaining amount" stored as main unit remaining amount information. Then, the controller 61 calculates the total toner remaining amount WA by adding the "cartridge toner remaining amount" and the "main unit toner remaining amount".

[0183] Next, in step S57, the controller 61 determines whether the calculated total toner remaining amount WA is "0" or less. In other words, the controller 61 determines whether all the toner initially contained in the toner cartridge 4 has been used for printing. If the controller 61 determines that the calculated total toner remaining amount WA is not "0" or less, that is, if the answer in step S57 is NO, the controller 61 terminates the third calculation process. In other words, if the controller 61 determines that there is toner remaining in the toner cartridge 4, the controller 61 terminates the third calculation process.

[0184] On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the calculated total toner remaining amount WA is "0" or less, that is, if it determines that all the toner initially contained in the toner cartridge 4 has been used for printing, it proceeds from step S57 YES to step S58. In step S58, the controller 61 notifies via the display 64 that there is no more toner left in the toner cartridge 4, and then terminates the third calculation process.

[0185] [Variation] [Variation 1] 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.

[0186] [Variation 2] 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.

[0187] [Variation 3] 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.

[0188] [Variation 4] 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.

[0189] [Variation 5] 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.

[0190] [Variation 6] 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.

[0191] [Variation 7] 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 each 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 black ink cartridge.

[0192] 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, a new cartridge flag, and capacity information.

[0193] 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 product flag and capacity information are information equivalent to the information with the same name in the information relating to toner cartridge 4 in the above embodiment, with "toner" replaced by "ink" and "toner cartridge" replaced by "ink cartridge" in the information relating to toner cartridge 4.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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. Also, 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.

[0196] Furthermore, when the ink cartridge is installed in the main unit housing, a small amount of ink may move from the ink cartridge to the main unit housing. By the controller 61 executing steps S25 and S27 above, even if a small amount of ink moves to the main unit housing, the ink level information in the ink memory can be made to approximate the actual amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge.

[0197] [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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] [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]

[0202] 1 Image forming apparatus, 4 Toner cartridges, 10 Main unit housing, 42 Toner memory, 61 Controller, 62 Main unit memory

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A consumable used in the aforementioned image forming apparatus and containing consumables, the consumable having a consumable memory that stores a first remaining amount information representing a first remaining amount value which is the current remaining amount of consumables in the consumable, The main unit housing with the aforementioned consumables attached, Main memory and Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, If the consumable is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, the first storage process is performed to store a second remaining amount, which is a part of the first remaining amount stored in the consumable memory, as the first remaining amount information in the consumable memory, and to store a third remaining amount, which is the first remaining amount minus the second remaining amount, in the main unit memory. Image forming apparatus.

2. The aforementioned controller, After the first storage process is performed and a predetermined period has elapsed, a second storage process is performed in which a fourth remaining amount, which is a part of the remaining amount obtained by adding the third remaining amount stored in the main memory to the second remaining amount, is stored in the main memory in place of the third remaining amount, and a fifth remaining amount, obtained by subtracting the fourth remaining amount from the remaining amount, is stored in the consumable memory as the first remaining amount information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned consumable memory is The system stores type information indicating whether the consumables are the dedicated consumables or ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract. The aforementioned controller, A first determination process is performed to determine whether the type information represents the dedicated consumable item. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned controller, If the first determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, the first storage process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned consumable memory is The system stores status information indicating whether the consumable is new or an old product representing a used item. The aforementioned controller, A second determination process is performed to determine whether the aforementioned status information indicates that the item is new. The aforementioned controller, If the first determination process determines that the type information represents the dedicated consumable, and the second determination process determines that the state information represents the new condition, then the first storage process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned controller, In the first storage process, the second remaining value is reduced from the first remaining value so that the third remaining value is greater than the second remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned controller, If printing is performed between the first storage process and the second storage process, the first update process is performed to update at least one of the second remaining value and the third remaining value. The aforementioned controller, In the first update process, update at least one of the second remaining value and the third remaining value so that the third remaining value is greater than the second remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The aforementioned controller, In the first update process, the third remaining value is updated with priority over the second remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned controller, An acceptance process is performed to receive an instruction to execute the second storage process from an external device that communicates with the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned controller, In the aforementioned reception process, if an instruction to execute the second storage process is received from the external device, the second storage process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

10. The aforementioned controller, In the second storage process, the fourth remaining value is reduced from the remaining value so that the fifth remaining value is greater than the fourth remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

11. The aforementioned controller, If printing is performed after the second storage process, a second update process is performed to update at least one of the fourth remaining value and the fifth remaining value. The aforementioned controller, In the second update process, at least one of the fourth remaining value and the fifth remaining value is updated so that the fifth remaining value is greater than the fourth remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned controller, In the second update process, the fifth remaining value is updated with priority over the fourth remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned controller, If the consumables are ordinary consumables that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the contract, a third storage process is performed in which a sixth remaining amount, which is a part of the first remaining amount stored in the consumable memory, is stored in the main unit memory, and a seventh remaining amount, which is obtained by subtracting the sixth remaining amount from the first remaining amount, is stored in the consumable memory as first remaining amount information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The aforementioned controller, In the third storage process, the sixth remaining value is reduced from the first remaining value so that the seventh remaining value is greater than the sixth remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned controller, If printing is performed after the third storage process, a third update process is performed to update at least one of the sixth remaining value and the seventh remaining value. The aforementioned controller, In the third update process, at least one of the sixth remaining value and the seventh remaining value is updated so that the seventh remaining value is greater than the sixth remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The aforementioned controller, In the third update process, the seventh remaining value is updated with priority over the sixth remaining value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.

17. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, If a consumable used in the aforementioned image forming apparatus and containing consumables, and which has a consumable memory that stores a first remaining amount information representing a first remaining amount value which is the current remaining amount of consumables in the consumable, is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract for the aforementioned image forming apparatus has been concluded, A storage step in which a second remaining amount, which is a part of the first remaining amount stored in the consumable memory, is stored in the consumable memory as first remaining amount information, and a third remaining amount, which is obtained by subtracting the second remaining amount from the first remaining amount, is stored in the main memory of the image forming apparatus. A control method including

Images