CN1831677A - Image forming apparatus and main body of the same - Google Patents
Image forming apparatus and main body of the same Download PDFInfo
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- CN1831677A CN1831677A CN 200510099286 CN200510099286A CN1831677A CN 1831677 A CN1831677 A CN 1831677A CN 200510099286 CN200510099286 CN 200510099286 CN 200510099286 A CN200510099286 A CN 200510099286A CN 1831677 A CN1831677 A CN 1831677A
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Abstract
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a recording medium using consumable items removably attached thereto by at least two operation modes. The image forming apparatus main body comprises a communicating unit that communicates with a consumable item which retains switching information to change the operation mode of the image forming apparatus main body and a controller that switches among the operation modes according to the switching information retained in the consumable item when the consumable item is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and restores the previous operation mode before switching when a predetermined validity condition has fulfilled.
Description
Invention field
The present invention relates to a kind of imaging device, wherein the consumables that are removably connected on it of imaging device main body utilization form image on recording medium.
Technical background
Method as a kind of operator scheme of conversion imaging device, for example duplicating machine, printer or similar device, conventional known conversion method can use maintenance tool (for example, similar devices such as the maintenance mode of control panel, unit clamp, special-purpose PC) to realize by the customer engineer with professional knowledge (CE).When being not desired user when can change operator scheme arbitrarily, just adopt this conversion method.
Yet said method is inconvenient for the user, because they just need make a phone call to CE when needing the conversion operations pattern at every turn.On the other hand, each conversion operations pattern all needs manufacturer or dealer to send the infield of a CE auto levelizer, and this cost for them is very big.
Summary of the invention
The invention provides a kind of imaging device main body, be used for, use the consumables that removably connect thereon on recording medium, to form image by at least two kinds of operator schemes.This imaging device main body comprises: communication unit, it is communicated by letter with the consumables that keep transitional information, to change the operator scheme of this imaging device main body, and controller, when these consumables are connected to this imaging device main body, this controller is changed in this operator scheme according to the transitional information that keeps in these consumables, and when predetermined condition for validity has been realized, recovers conversion previous operator scheme before.
According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a kind of imaging device, be used for by at least two kinds of operator schemes, use the consumables that removably connect thereon on recording medium, to form image, this imaging device comprises: the consumables that keep transitional information are to change the operator scheme of imaging device, and controller, when these consumables are connected to this imaging device, this controller is changed in this operator scheme according to the transitional information that keeps in these consumables, and when predetermined condition for validity has been realized, recover conversion previous operator scheme before.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a kind of imaging device, wherein the consumables that removably connect thereon of imaging device main body utilization form image on recording medium, wherein except Generic Expendable, the consumables that special consumables also are provided and are used for License Info registration are as one of consumables, this special consumables pre-stored be used to use the identifying information of control, this be used for the License Info registration the consumables pre-stored represent the License Info of at least one group of identifying information.When having connected the consumables that are used for the License Info registration, the imaging device main body is taken out identifying information from the consumables that connected, the identifying information of registering then and keeping this to be fetched into, and when having connected special consumables, the imaging device main body is taken out identifying information from the special consumables that connected, determine then this identifying information that is fetched into whether with at least one group of identifying information of representing by License Info registered and that keep in any one coupling, when not determining coupling, apply the intended function restriction, perhaps when determining coupling, do not apply this intended function restriction.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a kind of imaging device main body, it utilizes the consumables that removably connect thereon to form image on recording medium, wherein except Generic Expendable, the consumables of License Info registration that the special consumables that have been used to use the control pre-stored identifying information can also be installed and be used for pre-stored the License Info of representing at least one group of identifying information are as one of consumables.When having connected the consumables that are used for the License Info registration, the imaging device main body is taken out License Info from the consumables that connected, register then and keep this License Info, and when having connected special consumables, the imaging device main body is taken out identifying information from the special consumables that connected, determine then this identifying information whether with at least one group of identifying information of representing by License Info registered and that keep in any one coupling, when not determining coupling, apply the intended function restriction, perhaps when determining coupling, do not apply this intended function restriction.
The accompanying drawing summary
Describe a plurality of embodiment of the present invention in detail according to following accompanying drawing, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows the block diagram according to the imaging device of first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows the synoptic diagram of various types of consumables in first embodiment;
Fig. 3 shows the synoptic diagram that is stored in the information in the consumables storer;
Fig. 4 shows the process flow diagram of the operation steps of controller;
Fig. 5 shows the process flow diagram at the mode standard treatment step;
Fig. 6 shows the process flow diagram at the user model treatment step of a large amount of buyings;
Fig. 7 shows according to the process flow diagram of second embodiment of the invention at the treatment step of the user model of a large amount of buyings;
Fig. 8 shows the block diagram according to the imaging device of third embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 shows the synoptic diagram of various types of consumables in the 3rd embodiment;
Figure 10 shows the synoptic diagram that is stored in the information in the consumables storer; And
Figure 11 shows the process flow diagram of the operation steps of controller.
Detailed Description Of The Invention
Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[embodiment 1]
Fig. 1 shows the block diagram according to the imaging device 1 of first embodiment of the invention.This imaging device 1 for example forms image on the paper at recording medium, and this device for example is to be similar to similar devices such as duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder, digital multifunction apparatus.The print solution of imaging device 1 comprises for example electrophotographic printing method, ink-jet method and other method.
In Fig. 1, imaging device 1 comprises imaging device main body (hereinafter being abbreviated as " apparatus main body ") 10 and is detachably connected to the consumables 20 of apparatus main body 10.Apparatus main body 10 cooperates the formation image with consumables 20.
Apparatus main body 10 is static basically parts in imaging device 1, and the replacement parts that consumables 20 are normally suitably replaced when exhausting comprise for example analogs such as photosensitive unit, toner container, ink cartridge.
Fig. 2 shows the synoptic diagram according to various types of consumables 20 of present embodiment 1.The operator scheme of various types of consumables 20 and apparatus main body 10 is described below with reference to Fig. 2.
In embodiment 1, consumables 20 are offered user's (big bill, main users) of a large amount of buyings with the discounted cost lower than normal price.Therefore, normal price consumables (hereinafter referred to as " normal price article ") 20A that provides with normal price and discount consumables (hereinafter referred to as " discount the article ") 20B that offers the user of a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces are provided consumables 20 as shown in Figure 2.
In the user's who consumables is offered a large amount of buyings with discounted cost sale form, because so long as discount on purchases article 20B in large quantities, discount article 20B is to provide at a low price, and what do not expect for the user's who offers a large amount of buyings discount article 20B is that these discount article are changed hands to other domestic consumer's use.In this embodiment, in order to prevent that discount article 20B from changing hands to domestic consumer, apparatus main body 10 provides a plurality of operator schemes, in mode standard, when having connected discount article 20B, will apply the function restriction, and in the user model of a large amount of buyings, when having connected discount article 20B, will can not apply this function restriction.Here, consider similar problems such as discount rate, it is suitable that the function that limits can be defined as, this function restriction can comprise the function of the imaging device of partly forbidding except imaging capability 1, partly forbidding comprises the function of the imaging device 1 of imaging capability, and all functions of forbidding imaging device 1 fully.
From preventing that discount article 20B from changing hands the viewpoint to domestic consumer, what do not expect is to allow the user at random to be transformed into the user model of a large amount of buyings from mode standard.Yet, wherein be provided with and can make troubles to the user by what CE changed, bring the burden on the cost for simultaneously aforesaid manufacturer or dealer (hereinafter referred to as " dealer etc. ").Therefore, in embodiment 1, the conversion of the user model from mode standard to a large amount of buyings can realize by the operation that connects consumables 20.In other words, consumables 20 are as the crossover tool between the operator scheme.Particularly, as shown in Figure 2, as one of consumables 20, except the Generic Expendable that do not have transfer capability (here, it comprises normal price article 20A and discount article 20B), consumables (hereinafter referred to as " conversion the article ") 20C that also is provided for changing comes the operator scheme of modifier main body 10.
The article 20A of normal price, discount article 20B and conversion article 20C are consumables, the similar articles such as part of the part of certified products, recommendation for example, and its use can be by manufacturer's approval (hereinafter referred to as " approved article ") of apparatus main body 10.On the market of reality, distributing part, third party user's (third party) the part, fakement, counterfeit, imitation or the like of approved article, third party manufacturer (third vendor), they all are that it uses the consumables 20D (hereinafter referred to as " not ratifying article ") without manufacturer's approval of apparatus main body 10.
Refer again to Fig. 1, the structure of imaging device 1 will be described in further detail below.As shown in Figure 1, consumables 20 are equipped with consumables storer 21, and it is a non-volatile memory device.Here, consumables storer 21 is semiconductor memories that are included in RFID (radio-frequency (RF) identification) label, can write data from consumables storer 21 sense datas or to it by radio communication.Further, consumables storer 21 also can be used as a storer, wherein stored control information as the collection value of the unevenness that is used for the compensation product quality, use similar information such as history.
Fig. 3 shows the synoptic diagram that is stored in the information in the consumables storer 21.The consumables storer 21 of normal price article 20A, discount article 20B and conversion article 20C has been stored their consumables code " A ", " B " and " C " separately, represents one type consumables as shown in Figure 3 respectively.The consumables code " C " that is stored in the consumables storer 21 of changing article 20C is used as the transitional information that changes operator scheme.The consumables storer 21 of conversion article 20C has also been stored the quantity of the permission use of discount article 20B, and it is as the condition for validity information of operator scheme after the expression conversion (here, it is a large amount of user models of purchasing) condition for validity.Concrete, this condition for validity information is the term of validity information of the expression conversion back operator scheme term of validity.On the other hand, do not ratify article 20D and be not assigned to its consumables code.In addition, also have a kind of article 20D that do not ratify, it is not similar to the storer of consumables storer 21.
Apparatus main body 10 has mainframe memory 11 and controller 12, as shown in Figure 1.Mainframe memory 11 is memory devices, it maintain the discount article 20B that information (hereinafter " being called operation mode information ") about current operator scheme and representative use in the user models of a large amount of buyings quantity allow quantity count value TN, it can be rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory member, as NVRAM (non-volatile ram), can also be non volatile register or similar device.At factory's loading state of apparatus main body 10, the operation mode information in the mainframe memory 11 is set at mode standard.
The whole imaging device 1 of controller 12 controls, this imaging device comprises unshowned printing mechanism and user interface.In present embodiment 1, when having connected conversion article 20C, controller 12 is changed between operator scheme according to the transitional information that is stored among the conversion article 20C that has connected, when predetermined condition for validity has been realized, recovers conversion former operator scheme before afterwards.More specifically, when connecting conversion article 20C in mode standard, controller 12 is transformed into operator scheme the user model of a large amount of buyings then from the quantity that conversion article 20C obtains consumables item code " C " and allows to use from mode standard according to consumables item code " C ".Then, when the discount article 20B of the quantity that equals to allow to use was used to complete, controller 12 returned to mode standard to operator scheme from the user model of a large amount of buyings.Further, when the user model in a large amount of buyings connects conversion article 20C, controller 12 takes out the quantity that allows use in the conversion article 20C that has connected, between operator scheme, change then, when the use of the discount article 20B of the summation of having finished the quantity that the permission that equals to obtain quantity of using and the permission that obtains use in mode standard in the user models of a large amount of buyings, operator scheme is returned to mode standard afterwards.
Here, controller 12 is the circuit substrates that are equipped with CPU, ROM, RAM etc., and the function of this controller 12 can realize by the program that the CPU operation is stored among storage medium such as the ROM.Yet, realize that the method for the function of controller 12 is not subjected to concrete restriction, for example its function can realize by special-purpose hardware circuit.
Fig. 4 shows the process flow diagram of the operation steps of controller 12.Fig. 5 shows the process flow diagram at the treatment step of mode standard, and Fig. 6 shows the process flow diagram at the treatment step of a large amount of user models of purchasing.With reference to figure 4-6, will describe the operation of imaging device 1 below in detail.Because the common imaging operation of imaging device 1 is a common general knowledge, so hereinafter no longer described.
In Fig. 4, when the replacement of consumables 20 is detected by suitable detecting device (being among the S11), controller 12 is determined current operator scheme (S12) with reference to the operation mode information that remains in the mainframe memory 11.When present operator scheme is defined as mode standard, the treatment step (S13) of the mode standard shown in controller 12 execution graphs 5, perhaps when present operator scheme is defined as the user model of a large amount of buyings, the treatment step (S14) shown in the execution graph 6 at the user models of a large amount of buyings.Follow the treatment step of description standard pattern and the treatment step of a large amount of user models of purchasing below.
[treatment step of mode standard]
In Fig. 5, controller 12 is read consumables code (S21) by the communication unit (not shown) from the consumables storer 21 of consumables 20, then the consumables code (S22) of definite consumables 20 that connected.For example, this communication unit can be readout device/writing station.
If the consumables code is " A " (A among the S22), promptly when having connected normal price article 20A, controller 12 is controlled imaging device 1 in common mode, does not apply function restriction (S23) simultaneously.When as mentioned above when mode standard has connected normal price article 20A, imaging device 1 is operated with all activated function, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
If the consumables code is " B " (B among the S22), promptly when having connected discount article 20B, controller 12 is controlled imaging device 1 subsequently, applies intended function restriction (S24) simultaneously.Here, controller 12 makes imaging capability remain on initiate mode, but the additional function of forbidding except that imaging capability.Consider discount rate etc. and suitably determine the function of forbidding here.Like this, when having connected discount article 20B in mode standard, imaging device 1 is operated with the limited function that activates, and replaces up to the next one of having carried out consumables.
If the consumables code is " C " (C among the S22), promptly when having connected conversion article 20C, controller 12 is ignored the operation mode information (S25) of the user model from mode standard to a large amount of buyings in the mainframe memory 11, and the operator scheme of handle assembly main body 10 is transformed into the user model of a large amount of buyings from mode standard thus.Then, controller 12 takes out the quantity that allows use from consumables storer 21, and the quantity that the permission that will take out is used is given to the count value TN that allows quantity (S26).Therefore, the quantity of using when the permission of stipulating in conversion article 20C for example is " 5 ", and 5 these numerical value just are set at the count value TN that allows quantity in the mainframe memory 11 so.Then, controller 12 is rewritten the consumables code that remains in the consumables storer 21, with " B " replacement " C " (S27).As a result, transitional information and remain on the quantity that the permission among the conversion article 20C uses and become invalid, and conversion article 20C with the restricted number of the number of times of the consumables that act on conversion for once.As long as finished these treatment steps, controller 12 is just controlled imaging device 1 in common mode, and does not apply function restriction (S28).As mentioned above, when having connected conversion article 20C in mode standard, operator scheme is transformed into the user model of a large amount of buyings from mode standard, and imaging device 1 is operated to activate all functions, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
When not being fetched into consumables code (not having among the S22), promptly when having connected when not ratifying article 20D, controller 12 is controlled imaging device 1 subsequently and is applied intended function restriction (S29) simultaneously.Here, controller 12 makes imaging capability remain on initiate mode, but forbids other additional function.Consider to prevent the rough sledding relevant (safe level of the fault of apparatus main body 10, low image quality issues, decline), can suitably determine disabled function here with the use of not ratifying article 20D.The restriction of the function that applies in step S29 can be similar to or be different from the function restriction that applies among the step S24 in front.Like this, when having connected in mode standard when not ratifying article 20D, imaging device 1 is only operated with the function of limited activation, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
[treatment step of the user model of a large amount of buyings]
In Fig. 6, controller 12 is by consumables storer 21 taking-up consumables codes (S31), then the consumables codes (S32) of the definite consumables 20 that connected of unshowned communication unit from consumables 20.
If the consumables code is " A " (A among the step S32), promptly when having connected normal price article 20A, controller is controlled imaging device 1 in common mode subsequently, and does not apply function restriction (S33).When the user model in a large amount of buyings had connected normal price article 20A, imaging device 1 was operated to activate all functions, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
If the consumables code is " C " (C among the S32), promptly when having connected conversion article 20C, controller 12 takes out from consumables storer 21 and allows the quantity used, and the quantity that the permission of taking out is used is added to allow quantity count value TN (S34).For example, be the conversion article 20C of " 5 " if the quantity that keeps allowing to use has been installed, and allow that quantity count value TN is " 5 ", allow that so quantity count value TN just is increased to " 10 ".In other words, five discount article are added on the discount article 20B that can use in the user model of a large amount of buyings.Controller 12 is rewritten the consumables code that remains in the consumables storer 21 then, with " B " replacement " C " (S35).As a result, transitional information and remain on the quantity that the permission among the conversion article 20C uses and become invalid, and conversion article 20C with the restricted number of the number of times of the consumables that act on conversion for once.As long as finished these treatment steps, controller 12 is just controlled imaging device 1 in common mode subsequently, and does not apply function restriction (S36).When the user models in a large amount of buyings had connected conversion article 20C, imaging device 1 increased and allows the quantity used, and imaging device 1 operates to activate all functions, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
If the consumables code is " B " (B among the S32), promptly when having connected discount article 20B, controller 12 reduces to allow quantity count value TN (S37) in the mainframe memory 11.
Then, controller 12 determines to allow whether quantity count value TN is less than or equal to predetermined value n (wherein n is the integer or zero greater than zero) (S38).If allowing quantity count value TN is predetermined value n or littler, the quantity that controller 12 just is reported in the discount article 20B that uses in the user model of a large amount of buyings by screen display, voice, sound or the like is (S39) seldom.On the other hand, if allow quantity count value TN greater than predetermined value n, controller 12 does not provide top report.
Then, controller 12 determines to allow that whether quantity count value TN is more than or equal to zero (S40).If allowing quantity count value TN is zero or bigger, controller 12 is just controlled imaging device 1 in common mode and limitation function (S41) not, and this is because the condition for validity of the user models of a large amount of buyings does not also satisfy.On the other hand, when allowing that quantity count value TN is minus, operation mode information (S42) controller 12 is ignored in the mainframe memory 11 from the user model of a large amount of buyings to mode standard, because the condition for validity of the user model of a large amount of buyings satisfies, the operator scheme of apparatus main body 10 is transformed into mode standard from the user model of a large amount of buyings thus.Afterwards, controller 12 control imaging devices 1 apply and the similar predetermined function restriction of step S24 (S43) simultaneously.
As mentioned above, when in the user model of a large amount of buyings, having connected discount article 20B, should determine whether condition for validity satisfies.When not determining that condition for validity satisfies, imaging device 1 is operated to activate all functions, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.On the other hand, when definite condition for validity will satisfy, operator scheme was transformed into mode standard from the user model of a large amount of buyings, and imaging device 1 is only operated with the function of limited activation then, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
When not being fetched into consumables code (not having among the S32), promptly when having connected when not ratifying article 20D, controller 12 is controlled imaging device 1 subsequently and is applied the predetermined function restriction (S44) that is similar to step S29 simultaneously.Like this, when the user models in a large amount of buyings have connected when not ratifying article 20D, imaging device 1 is only operated with the function of limited activation, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
According to the above embodiments, can obtain following effect.
(1) in present embodiment 1, except Generic Expendable, be provided at the conversion article changed between the operator scheme as one of consumables, and the conversion of the operator scheme of the operation finishing device main body by connecting the conversion article.Therefore, when the user attempted to change between operator scheme, they need obtain the conversion article from dealer or the like.In this way, can be in the conversion between dealer side's control operation pattern, prevent that thus operator scheme from being changed arbitrarily by the user, allow user effort simultaneously and replace like the usual forces gas phase of consumables strength and just can easily between operator scheme, change.Therefore, eliminate the inconvenience that each user makes a phone call to CE need change operator scheme the time, avoided dealer or the like is sent the financial burden of CE simultaneously.As mentioned above, according to the present invention, although limited degree of flexibility aspect the conversion operations of user between operator scheme, it can also allow the user to change in operator scheme.
(2) in operator scheme the conversion after, it is (concrete when predetermined condition for validity has satisfied, when the predetermined term of validity expires), apparatus main body returns to the previous operator scheme before conversion, so the operator scheme before operator scheme can be before automatically being reset to conversion.The needs that dealer or the like sends CE to reset operator scheme have been eliminated in this automatic replacement, and this is favourable aspect cost.On the other hand, the necessity that the user resets operator scheme or makes a phone call to CE has also been eliminated in replacement automatically, and this is very easily concerning the user.In addition, recovery operation pattern more easily, and compare with manually resetting, can regularly recover accurate more by automatic replacement.
(3) conversion article pre-stored condition for validity information, it is illustrated in the condition for validity of operator scheme after the conversion.When having connected the conversion article, apparatus main body takes out condition for validity information from the conversion article that connected, changes in operator scheme, when the condition for validity by the condition for validity information representation of taking out satisfies, returns to the previous operator scheme before conversion then.Concrete, these conversion article store term of validity information in advance, and it is illustrated in the conversion term of validity of operator scheme afterwards.After having connected the conversion article, this apparatus main body is fetched term of validity information from the conversion article of this connection, in operator scheme, change, and when the term of validity of the term of validity information representation of fetching is expired, recover the previous operator scheme before conversion.Because the term of validity of operator scheme or condition for validity are determined by the term of validity that is assigned to the conversion article or condition for validity information after the conversion, so can be at the term of validity or the condition for validity of dealer side's control operation pattern.Particularly, the dealer waits and can distribute what term of validity degree for which user by using the term of validity or condition for validity information Control.
(4) the normal price article except providing with normal price provide to reduce price and supply with a large amount of users' that purchase discount article as one of consumables.Apparatus main body comprises a plurality of operator schemes convertiblely: mode standard wherein will apply the function restriction when having connected the discount article; And the user model of a large amount of buyings, wherein can not apply this function restriction.According to this form, the apparatus main body that is set in mode standard allows normal use normal price article, but forbids normally using the discount article.On the other hand, be set in the normal normal price article and the discount article of using of apparatus main body permission of the user model of a large amount of buyings.In other words, only allow the normal discount article that use in the apparatus main body of the user model that is set in a large amount of buyings.Therefore, according to present embodiment,, can select to forbid or allow the normal use of discount article by the operator scheme of modifier main body.More specifically, be set at the user model of a large amount of buyings by the apparatus main body that the user of a large amount of buyings is had, the apparatus main body that other domestic consumer is had is set at mode standard, can allow the user of a large amount of buyings normally to use the discount article, forbid that simultaneously domestic consumer normally uses the discount article.Therefore, in the user's who consumables is offered a large amount of buyings with the price lower than normal price sale form, can prevent that the used discount article of user of a large amount of buyings from changing hands other user who uses to without approval.
(5) because can realize the conversion of user model by the operation that connects the conversion article from mode standard to a large amount of buyings; at random be transformed into the user model of a large amount of buyings so can forbid the user; can access reliable protection more thus, prevent to use without approval the discount article.
(6) after changing in operator scheme by connection conversion article, the conversion article that connected are transformed into Generic Expendable.In this way, the increase of the quantity that can use the conversion in the operator scheme or by the permission that the conversion article are realized is restricted to once.
(7) after being transformed into the user model of a large amount of buyings, apparatus main body returns to mode standard to operator scheme when predetermined condition for validity satisfies.Therefore, can automatically remove the user model of a large amount of buyings, so just can be easily and the term of validity of the user models of a large amount of buyings of control accurately.In this way, the discount article that can prevent to offer at first another user become without restriction in the imaging device of the user model of setting a large amount of buyings for and use without approval.
(8) in the present embodiment, the conversion article maintain the quantity of the permission use of discount article.When in mode standard, having connected the conversion article, apparatus main body takes out the quantity that allows use from the conversion article that connected, in operator scheme, change, when having finished the discount article that equal to allow the quantity used and use, operator scheme is returned to mode standard then.In this way, can be easily and accurately be controlled at the quantity of the discount article that use in the user model of a large amount of buyings.
(9) when the user model in a large amount of buyings connects the conversion article, apparatus main body takes out the quantity that allows use from the conversion article that connected, in operator scheme, change, when the discount article of having finished the summation that equals the permission usage quantity that is fetched in the user models of mode standard and a large amount of buyings use, operator scheme is returned to mode standard afterwards.Therefore, in the operating process of a large amount of user models of purchasing, the quantity that the permission that newly obtains is used can be increased to the quantity of the discount article that in the user models of a large amount of buyings, use.In other words, in the operating process of a large amount of user models of purchasing, the term of validity that can prolong the user model of a large amount of buyings.
(10) when when connecting the conversion article and increase the quantity that allows to use, the conversion article that connected are transformed into Generic Expendable, and the increase of the quantity that can use the conversion in the operator scheme or by the permission that the conversion article are realized is restricted to once like this.
(11) when the quantity of the discount article that use in the user model of a large amount of buyings is defined as being less than or equal to predetermined value, report that this is definite, thereby allow the user know that the quantity of the discount article that use tails off in the user model of a large amount of buyings, like this can be so that the user takes suitable measure.
[embodiment 2]
Fig. 7 shows according to the process flow diagram of second embodiment of the invention at the treatment step of the user model of a large amount of buyings.With reference to figure 7, below embodiment 2 will be described.The embodiment 1 that should be noted that present embodiment 2 and front much at one, the parts in embodiment 1 adopt identical designated, and no longer repeat the description to it.In addition, when the consumables code was " A ", " C " or " nothing ", the flow process of the treatment step of execution was not shown in Figure 7.
In embodiment 2, and the consumables code " B ' " be stored in the consumables storer 21 of discount article in factory's loading setting.Here, its consumables code discount article of being appointed as " B ' " are represented untapped discount article.
When being connected to untapped discount article on the apparatus main body 10, the class of operation of controller 12 is similar at (S51-S59) shown in the treatment step of the S37-S43 of treatment step S31 and S32 and Fig. 6, rewrite the consumables code in the consumables storer 21 then, and usefulness " B " replacement " B ' " (S60).As a result, made and allowed that the discount article that quantity count value TN reduces once are different from the not use discount article that also do not reduce.Here the discount article that have a consumables code " B " are represented the discount article used.
As shown in Figure 7, when being connected to the discount article with mistake on the apparatus main body 10, controller 12 is not carried out the treatment step that reduces, and controls imaging device 1 in common mode thereafter, and does not apply function restriction (S61).
Should be noted that above-mentioned untapped discount article are as broad as long with the discount article of using in mode standard, is to connect untapped discount article or connect with the discount article of crossing all to apply the function restriction.
Although it is untapped and with the discount article of mistake in the superincumbent description with the difference of consumables codes, but also can according to appropriate information untapped and with the discount article of crossing between distinguished, for example be used to the analogs such as mark of representing whether it was used.
As mentioned above, when allowing that the quantity count value reduces in response to the connection of discount article, in the discount article that connected, store the information that reduces of relevant admissible number amount count value according to the apparatus main body of present embodiment 2, if and connected discount article with this information, just can further not reduce to allow the quantity count value.Therefore, according to embodiment 2, can prevent owing to connection and the removal repeatedly of same discount article makes and allow that the quantity count value reduces repeatedly.
Although described the example of conversion operations pattern between the user model of mode standard and a large amount of buyings in embodiment in front 1 and the present embodiment 2, the conversion between the operator scheme is not limited to described above.For example, operator scheme can be changed between the article Licensing Model not ratifying the article prohibited mode and do not ratify, and wherein bans use of unratified article not ratifying the article prohibited mode, allows to use unratified article not ratifying the article Licensing Model.Perhaps, operator scheme can be forbidden the operator scheme of predetermined additional function therein and wherein enable between the operator scheme of predetermined additional function and changed.
Further, transitional information is not limited to above-mentioned semiconductor memory with the storage that remains on the condition for validity information in the consumables article 20, transitional information and condition for validity information can remain in the consumables 20 that use other suitable storer, for example similar storer such as magnetic storage, optical memory.Can offer consumables 20 itself to a fuse or be used for the storer of consumables 20, and when being rewritten by imaging device, the storer in the consumables 20 can burn fuse, thereby the rewriting of the storer in the consumables 20 is restricted to once, has prevented to use without approval consumables 20.
In addition, can when detecting the conversion article 20C of new connection, make the storer of the procedure stores that is used for controlling imaging device at conversion article 20C imaging device from changing article 20C installation procedure and moving this program with box lunch.For example, can be connected to the conversion article 20C that comprises program on the imaging device that is configured to only in mode standard, operate, reconfigure the imaging device thus and make and operate in its operator scheme of between the user model of mode standard and a large amount of buyings, changing.
In embodiment 1 and 2, predetermined condition for validity is decided to be: after mode transitions, finished the discount article 20B use that equals to allow usage quantity.Should also can suitably be defined as other conditions by predetermined condition for validity, after conversion, through the predetermined time, arrive appointed day, print the paper of predetermined quantity etc. from conversion.In other words, although in embodiment 1 and 2, the time period of having finished the discount article 20B service time that equals to allow the quantity used from being transformed between each operator scheme is set at the predetermined term of validity, but the time period in predetermined time of conversion back, to the time period of setting the date, finished from changing and also can be defined as the predetermined term of validity suitably up to time period of the paper of having printed predetermined quantity or the like.
Further, can set predetermined condition for validity in advance in apparatus main body 10, this term of validity is to determine according to the condition for validity information of setting among the consumables 20C in embodiment 1 and 2.In this case, can omit condition for validity information in the consumables 20.
[embodiment 3]
Fig. 8 shows the block diagram according to the imaging device 101 of third embodiment of the invention.Be similar to similar devices such as duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder, digital multifunction apparatus, this imaging device 101 for example forms image on the paper at recording medium.Can adopt the printing process of electrophotographic printing method, ink jet printing method as imaging device 101.
In Fig. 8, imaging device 101 comprises imaging device main body (hereinafter referred to as " apparatus main body ") 110 and is detachably connected to the consumables 120 of apparatus main body 110.Apparatus main body 110 cooperates the formation image with consumables 120.
Apparatus main body 110 is static basically parts in imaging device 101, and the replacement parts that consumables 120 are normally suitably replaced when exhausting comprise for example analogs such as photosensitive unit, toner container, ink cartridge.
As shown in Figure 8, consumables 120 are equipped with consumables storer 121, and it is a non-volatile memory device.Here, consumables storer 121 is semiconductor memories that are included in RFID (radio-frequency (RF) identification) label, can read or write data from this consumables storer 121 by radio communication.Further, consumables storer 121 also can be used as a storer, wherein stored control information as the corrected value of the unevenness that is used for the compensation product quality, use similar information such as history.
Consumables 120 and the type that is pre-stored in the information in the consumables storer 121 according to present embodiment 3 will be described below.Different with composition according to all kinds of consumables 20 of embodiment 1 and 2, be provided with normal goods 120A, discount article 120B and registration article 120C as the consumables among the embodiment 3 120, as shown in Figure 9.
Normal goods 120A is the Generic Expendable that provides with normal price, and all users allow to use this normal goods 120A.Consumables storer 121 among the normal goods 120A has been stored consumables code " AA ", the type of its expression normal consumption product, as shown in figure 10.
Discount article 120B is the discount consumables that offer user's (big bill, main users) of a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces, and it also is the special consumables that its use is confined to special user (users of a large amount of buyings).Consumables storer 121 among the discount article 120B has been stored consumables code " BB ", the type and the identifying information that is used to use control of its expression discount consumables.Here, the consumables storer 121 among the discount article 120B has been stored one five bit sequence number, and it is unique individual identification information of distributing to each discount article 120B, preceding four identifying informations as use control in the sequence number.Should be noted that numerical digit minimum in the sequence number of giving discount article 120B is any numeral of from 1 to 9, and do not give these discount article 120B the sequence number that at the lowest-order digit place is 0.
Registration article 120C is the consumables of License Info registration, and this License Info registration is used in apparatus main body 110 import admission information so that allow to use the discount article 120B with specific identification information.As shown in figure 10, the consumables storer 121 among the registration article 120C has been stored the License Info of representing at least one group of identifying information that is used to use control and the consumables code " CC " that expression is used for the consumables type of License Info registration.Here, the consumables storer 121 among the registration article 120C has been stored one five bit sequence number, and it is unique individual identification information of distributing to each registration article 120C.This five bit sequence number is as License Info, and its preceding four bit representations are used to use the identifying information of control.Is lowest-order digit that 0 sequence number is given registration article 120C.These registration article 120C and the discount article 120B with identifying information identical with the identifying information of registration article 120C are offered the user of device.
Above-mentioned normal goods 120A, discount article 120B and registration article 120C are consumables, for example true part, recommendation part etc., and its use can be by manufacturer's approval (hereinafter referred to as " approved article ") of apparatus main body 110.On the market of reality, distributing article, third party user's the article, fakement, counterfeit, imitation or the like of approved article, third party manufacturer, they all are that it uses the consumables 120D (hereinafter referred to as " not ratifying article ") without manufacturer's approval of apparatus main body 110.This does not ratify article 120D less than the consumables code to its appointment.In addition, some do not ratify article 120D may not have and consumables storer 121 similar storeies.
Apparatus main body 110 has mainframe memory 111 and controller 112, as shown in Figure 8.Mainframe memory 111 is memory devices, wherein register and maintain the License Info of the identifying information of expression discount article 120B, these discount article can allow to use in apparatus main body 110, mainframe memory can be rewritable nonvolatile memory, as NVRAM (non-volatile ram), can also be non volatile register or similar device.Here, mainframe memory 111 is not included in the License Info (when freighting in factory) in the initial setting.
The whole imaging device 101 of controller 112 controls, this imaging device comprises unshowned printing mechanism and user interface.Especially, when having connected registration article 120C, from the registration article 120C that has connected, take out License Info, register and keep the License Info of this taking-up then according to the controller 112 of embodiment 3.When having connected discount article 120B, controller 112 takes out the identifying information that is used to use control from the discount article 120B that has connected, determine then the identifying information taken out whether with at least one group of identifying information of representing by License Info registered and that keep in any one coupling.When not determining coupling, apply the intended function restriction, and when determining coupling, do not apply the intended function restriction.
More specifically, when having connected registration article 120C, the consumables storer 112 of controller 112 from the registration article 120C that has connected read sequence number, register then in this sequence number of reading preceding four as the permit number in the mainframe memory 111.Here, can be registered to a plurality of permit number in the mainframe memory 111, when being connected to multinomial registration article 120C on the apparatus main body 110, a plurality of permit number are registered in the mainframe memory 111.
On the other hand, when having connected discount article 120B, consumables storer 121 fetch squences of controller 112 from the discount article 120B that has connected number, in the sequence number of determining then to have taken out preceding four whether with the permit number coupling of registration in mainframe memory 111.If do not match, apply the predetermined function restriction, it is forbidden as the record of watermark, in similar functions such as predetermined density or more highdensity records, and when they mate, does not apply the intended function restriction.Here, the function of forbidding can suitably be considered discount rate or the like and determine.The intended function restriction can comprise partly forbids the function of imaging device 101 except imaging capability, and partly forbidding comprises the function of the imaging device 101 of imaging capability, and forbids all functions of imaging device 101 or the like fully.
Controller 112 is the circuit substrates that are equipped with CPU, ROM, RAM and other device thereon, and the function of this controller 112 can realize by the program that the CPU operation is stored among storage medium such as the ROM.Yet, realize that the method for the function of controller 112 is not subjected to concrete restriction, for example the function of controller 112 can realize by special-purpose hardware circuit.
Figure 11 shows the process flow diagram of the treatment step of controller 112.Below, describe the operation of imaging device 101 in detail with reference to Figure 11.Because the imaging operation of common imaging device 101 is common general knowledge, so following no longer described.
In Figure 11, when detecting the alternative of consumables 120 with suitable detecting device (being among the S101), controller 112 is read consumables code (S102) by readout device/writing station (not shown) from the consumables storer 121 that connects consumables 120, so that find the consumables code (S103) of the consumables 120 that connected.
When finding that the consumables code is " AA " (AA among the S103), promptly when having connected normal goods 120A, controller 112 is controlled imaging device 101 in common mode subsequently, and does not apply function restriction (S104).As mentioned above, after having connected normal goods 120A, imaging device 101 is operated to activate all functions, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
When finding that the consumables code is " CC " (CC among the S103), promptly when having connected registration article 120C, controller is read sequence number (S105) 112 from consumables storer 121, registers preceding four permit number as mainframe memory 111 (S106) in this sequence number of reading then.
Then, controller 112 is rewritten the consumables code that remains in the consumables storer 121, with " BB " replacement " CC " (S107).As a result, the License Info that remains among the registration article 120C becomes invalid, thus the restricted number that can use registration article 120C as the number of times of the consumables that are used for the License Info registration is arrived once.Although replaced the consumables code, also can replace this code with " AA " with " BB ".
After the treatment step on finish, controller 112 is controlled imaging device 101 in common mode and is not applied function restriction (S108).
As mentioned above, when having connected registration article 120C, be registered in the License Info of setting among the registration article 120C that has connected in apparatus main body 110, imaging device 101 is operated to activate all functions, up to the replacement next time of having carried out consumables.
When finding that the consumables code is " BB " (BB among the S103), promptly when having connected discount article 120B, controller 112 is read sequence number (S109) from consumables storer 121.Then, in controller 112 sequence number determining to read preceding four whether with the permit number of registration in mainframe memory 111 in any one be complementary (S110).
When determining not match (among the S110 not), controller 112 is controlled imaging device 101 subsequently and is limited intended function (S111) simultaneously.Here, controller 112 keeps imaging capability but forbids other additional function.Here, the function of forbidding can suitably be considered discount rate etc. and determine.
On the other hand, when determining coupling (being among the S110), controller 112 is controlled imaging device 101 in common mode and limitation function (S112) not subsequently.
As mentioned above, when having connected discount article 120B, whether preceding four in the sequence number of definite discount article 120B that has connected mate with the permit number of registration in apparatus main body 110.When determining not match, imaging device 101 is only operated with the function of limited activation, will be replaced subsequently up to these consumables.On the other hand, when determining coupling, imaging device 101 is operated with all activated function, will be replaced subsequently up to these consumables.
When not taking out the consumables code (nothing among the S103), promptly when having connected when not ratifying article 120D, controller 112 is controlled imaging device 101 subsequently, limits intended function (S113) simultaneously.Here, controller 112 is forbidden other additional function when making imaging capability remain on initiate mode.Consider to prevent the rough sledding relevant (safe level of the fault of apparatus main body 110, lower image quality issues, decline), can suitably determine disabled function here with the use of not ratifying article 120D.The restriction of the function that applies in step S113 can be similar to or be different from the function restriction that applies among the step S111 in front.As mentioned above, when having connected when not ratifying article 120D, imaging device 101 is only operated with the function of limited activation, will be replaced subsequently up to these consumables.
Because executable operations as mentioned above, so but according to present embodiment 3 as described below in imaging device 101 control forbid the perhaps normal use of discount article 120B.Particularly, because there is not registration permission number in the apparatus main body 110 that is in initial setting (when freighting), so when connecting each discount article 120B, apply the function restriction in factory.In other words, forbid the normal use of discount article 120B.
When having sequence number when being connected on the apparatus main body 110 that is in initial setting as the registration article 120C of " 12340 ", permit number " 1234 " just is registered in the apparatus main body 110.
The discount article 120B that the apparatus main body 110 of wherein having registered permit number " 1234 " allows to have the sequence number from " 12341 " to " 12349 " normally uses.
According to the above embodiments 3, can obtain following effect.
(1) in present embodiment 3, except the normal consumption product, the consumables that also provide special consumables and be used for License Info registration are as consumables, wherein this special consumables pre-stored be used to use the identifying information of control, be used for the License Info registration the consumables pre-stored represent the License Info of at least one group of identifying information.When having connected the consumables that are used for License Info registration, the License Info of this acquisition is registered and kept to apparatus main body then from the consumables that connected the information that secures permission.On the other hand, when having connected special consumables, apparatus main body obtains identifying information from the special consumables that connected, the identifying information of determining this acquisition then whether with at least one group of identifying information of representing by License Info registered and that keep in any one coupling, when not determining coupling, the restriction intended function perhaps when determining coupling, does not limit intended function.In this way, according to this embodiment, the normal use of special consumables is forbidden and is allowed in the enough simple structure controls of energy.In other words, can enough simple structures realize the use of special consumables is controlled.
(2) utilize and thisly wherein be used for the structure of the consumables of License Info registration in apparatus main body registration permission information by connection, the user can with the similar plain mode registration permission information of normal mode of replacing consumables.
(3) because when having connected the consumables that are used for the License Info registration, just in apparatus main body, registered License Info, so in order to register this License Info, the user need this be used for the consumables of License Info registration from acquisitions such as dealers.Therefore, can prevent any registration permission information of user.
(4) because when having connected the consumables that are used for License Info registration, just registered License Info, in the special consumables which who use so dealer etc. just can easily control permission.
(5) because in the user's who consumables is offered a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces sale form, so long as make a big purchase in large quantities, the discount consumables provide with the price that reduces, and are not changed hands to other domestic consumer and use so do not expect to offer the user's of a large amount of buyings discount consumables.Consider this point, the above-mentioned discount consumables that offer the user of a large amount of buyings are defined as special consumables, and it will use control as target in this embodiment.Therefore, the discount consumables that can prevent to offer the user of a large amount of buyings are changed hands the domestic consumer that uses without approval to other.
(6) when the consumables that are used for License Info registration by connection and during registration permission information, just ignore and remain on the License Info that connects consumables that is used for registering.Therefore, the License Info registration of being carried out by the consumables that are used for the License Info registration is restricted to only once.
Should note, be used for using the identifying information of control to be not limited to preceding four of above-mentioned sequence number, any information can be used as identifying information, as long as this information can provide the identification of the discount article sequence of forming to concrete discount article 120B or by multinomial concrete discount article 120B.
Further, License Info is not limited to sequence number, and it can be the information of any kind of, as long as can be used to use at least one group of identifying information of control by this information Recognition.Revise example for one that will describe this License Info below.In the example of this modification, the License Info of being made up of the setting of initial number and article counting is as identifying information, and its expression is from the initial number number of number [=(initial number)+(setting of article is counted)-1] to the end.For example, have initial number for the setting counting of " 12341 " and article for the License Info of " 100 " represent from initial number for " 12341 " to the end number be that the number of " 12440 " is all as identifying information.Therefore, the apparatus main body 110 of wherein having registered this License Info allows normal 100 discount article 120B of use, and these discount article have the sequence number from " 12341 " to " 12440 ".
The storage that is used for using the identifying information of control and remaining on the License Info of consumables 120 is not limited to above-mentioned semiconductor memory, be used for using the identifying information of control and License Info can be stored in the consumables 120 that use other suitable storer, for example similar storer such as magnetic storage, optical memory.In consumables 120 itself or storer, provide a fuse, and when being rewritten by apparatus main body 110, the storer in the consumables 120 can burn fuse, thereby the rewriting of the storer in the consumables of being carried out by apparatus main body 110 120 is restricted to once, has prevented to use without approval consumables 120.
In addition, can be the storer of the procedure stores that is used for control device main body 110 at registration article 120C, when detecting the registration article 120C of new connection with box lunch, apparatus main body 110 can and move this program from registration article 120C installation procedure.For example, be configured to forbid normally to use the registration article 120C that comprises program in the apparatus main body 110 of discount article 120B by setting always, just can reconfigure apparatus main body 110, so that register and be kept for allowing normally to use the License Info of concrete discount article 120B.
Further, can use the consumables 120E (not shown) of other type, be used for when detecting the identifying information of consumables 120E, make apparatus main body 110 all License Infos of in apparatus main body 110, registering of deletion.In this way, can be with the storer in the effective and efficient manner operative installations main body 110.Further, when apparatus main body 110 detects the identifying information of consumables 120E, can be from apparatus main body 110 Unloading Control programs, handle assembly main body 110 returns to standard state when the duration of the contract about the discount consumables expires thus.
Further, be used to use the special consumables of control to be not limited to above-mentioned discount consumables, this use control can be applied to the consumables of other type, and these consumables use for the special user.
Should be appreciated that, the invention is not restricted to its specific embodiment, under the condition that does not break away from the spirit or scope of the present invention, can carry out variations and modifications.
With the Japanese patent application case No.2005-067031 of application on March 10th, 2005 and the No.2005-086025 of application on March 24th, 2005, comprise that the full text of its instructions, claims, accompanying drawing and summary is incorporated herein by reference at this.
Claims (14)
1. an imaging device main body is used for by at least two kinds of operator schemes, uses the consumables that removably connect thereon to form image on recording medium, and this imaging device main body comprises:
Communication unit, it is communicated by letter with the consumables that keep transitional information, to change the operator scheme of this imaging device main body; And
Controller, when these consumables were connected to this imaging device main body, this controller was changed in operator scheme according to the transitional information that keeps in these consumables, and when predetermined condition for validity has satisfied, recovered conversion previous operator scheme before.
2. imaging device main body according to claim 1, wherein:
These consumables maintain the condition for validity information of expression conversion back operator scheme condition for validity; And
When having connected the consumables that are used to change, this controller takes out this condition for validity information from these consumables that connected, between operator scheme, change, and when the predetermined condition for validity by this condition for validity information representation of taking out has satisfied, recover conversion this previous operator scheme before.
3. imaging device main body according to claim 1, wherein:
This imaging device main body has: mode standard, wherein apply the function restriction when offering user's the discount consumables of a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces when having connected, and the user model of a large amount of buyings, wherein when having connected these discount consumables, do not apply this function restriction; And
When having connected these consumables that are used to change, this controller is transformed into the user model of these a large amount of buyings from this mode standard in operator scheme, and when predetermined condition for validity has satisfied, operator scheme is returned to this mode standard from these a large amount of user models of purchasing.
4. imaging device main body according to claim 3, wherein:
These consumables that are used to change maintain the quantity of the permission use of these discount consumables, as condition for validity information; And
In this mode standard, when having connected these consumables that are used to change, this controller is transformed into operator scheme the user model of these a large amount of buyings from this mode standard, take out the quantity that allows use from these consumables that are used to change, and when finishing the use of these discount consumables that equate with this permission usage quantity, recover this previous operator scheme.
5. imaging device main body according to claim 4, wherein:
After conversion, when in the user model of these a large amount of buyings, this controller takes out the quantity that this permission is used from these consumables that are used to change, and, when having finished the use of these discount consumables that equate with the summation of permission usage quantity that is obtaining under this mode standard and the permission usage quantity that under user models of these a large amount of buyings, obtains, recover this previous operator scheme.
6. an imaging device is used for by at least two kinds of operator schemes, uses the consumables that removably connect thereon to form image on recording medium, and this imaging device comprises:
Consumables, it keeps transitional information, to change the operator scheme of this imaging device; And
Controller, when these consumables were connected to this imaging device, this controller was changed in operator scheme according to the transitional information that keeps in these consumables, and when predetermined condition for validity has satisfied, recovered conversion previous operator scheme before.
7. ask 6 described imaging devices according to right, wherein:
The condition for validity information of this operator scheme condition for validity after these consumables maintain and represent to change; And
When having connected these consumables that are used to change, this controller takes out this condition for validity information from these consumables that connected, between operator scheme, change, and, when the predetermined condition for validity by this condition for validity information representation of taking out has satisfied, recover conversion this previous operator scheme before.
8. ask 6 described imaging devices according to right, wherein:
This imaging device has: mode standard, wherein apply the function restriction when offering user's the discount consumables of a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces when having connected, and the user model of a large amount of buyings, wherein when having connected these discount consumables, do not apply this function restriction; And
When having connected these consumables that are used to change, this controller is transformed into the user model of these a large amount of buyings from this mode standard in operator scheme, and, when predetermined condition for validity has satisfied, operator scheme is returned to this mode standard from these a large amount of user models of purchasing.
9. ask 8 described imaging devices according to right, wherein:
These consumables that are used to change maintain the quantity of the permission use of these discount consumables, as this condition for validity information; And
In this mode standard, when having connected these consumables that are used to change, this controller is transformed into operator scheme the user model of these a large amount of buyings from this mode standard, take out the quantity that this permission is used from these consumables that are used to change, and, when having finished the use of these discount consumables that equate with this permission usage quantity, recover this previous operator scheme.
10. imaging device according to claim 9, wherein:
After conversion, when in the user model of these a large amount of buyings, this controller takes out the quantity that this permission is used from these consumables that are used to change, and, when having finished the use of these discount consumables that equate with the summation of permission usage quantity that is obtaining under this mode standard and the permission usage quantity that under user models of these a large amount of buyings, obtains, recover this previous operator scheme.
11. an imaging device, wherein the consumables that removably connect thereon of imaging device main body utilization form image on recording medium, wherein:
Except Generic Expendable, the consumables that special consumables also are provided and are used for License Info registration are as one of consumables, wherein these special consumables are pre-stored with the identifying information that is used to use control, and these consumables that are used for the License Info registration are pre-stored with the License Info of at least one group of this identifying information of expression;
When having connected these consumables that are used for the License Info registration, this imaging device main body is taken out this License Info, this License Info of registering then and keeping taking out from the consumables that this that is connected is used for the License Info registration; And
When having connected these special consumables, this imaging device main body is taken out this identifying information from these special consumables that connected, this identifying information that determine to take out whether with at least one group that represents by the License Info of this registration and maintenance this identifying information in any one coupling, when not determining coupling, apply the intended function restriction, perhaps when determining coupling, do not apply this intended function restriction.
12. imaging device according to claim 11, wherein these special consumables are the discount consumables that offer the user of a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces.
13. an imaging device main body, it utilizes the consumables that removably connect thereon to form image on recording medium, wherein:
Except Generic Expendable, the consumables that also are connected with special consumables and are used for License Info registration are as one of consumables, wherein these special consumables are pre-stored with the identifying information that is used to use control, and these consumables that are used for the License Info registration are pre-stored with the License Info of at least one group of this identifying information of expression, and this imaging device main body comprises:
When having connected these consumables that are used for the License Info registration, the consumables that are used for the License Info registration from this that is connected take out this License Info, and this License Info of registering then and keeping taking out; And
When having connected these special consumables, take out this identifying information from these special consumables that connected, this identifying information that determine to take out whether with at least one group that represents by the License Info of this registration and maintenance this identifying information in any one coupling, when not determining coupling, apply the intended function restriction, perhaps when determining coupling, do not apply this intended function restriction.
14. imaging device main body according to claim 13, wherein these special consumables are the discount consumables that offer the user of a large amount of buyings with the price that reduces.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP067031/2005 | 2005-03-10 | ||
| JP2005067031A JP2006251302A (en) | 2005-03-10 | 2005-03-10 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP086025/2005 | 2005-03-24 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1831677A true CN1831677A (en) | 2006-09-13 |
| CN100587624C CN100587624C (en) | 2010-02-03 |
Family
ID=36994021
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN200510099286A Expired - Fee Related CN100587624C (en) | 2005-03-10 | 2005-09-15 | Image forming apparatus and main body of the same |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2006251302A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN100587624C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109557784A (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2019-04-02 | 富士施乐株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2008281802A (en) * | 2007-05-11 | 2008-11-20 | Murata Mach Ltd | Image forming apparatus and recording material cartridge |
| JP5326260B2 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2013-10-30 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus, process execution restriction method, and process execution restriction program |
-
2005
- 2005-03-10 JP JP2005067031A patent/JP2006251302A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-09-15 CN CN200510099286A patent/CN100587624C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109557784A (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2019-04-02 | 富士施乐株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| CN109557784B (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2022-05-13 | 富士胶片商业创新有限公司 | Image forming apparatus with a toner supply device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2006251302A (en) | 2006-09-21 |
| CN100587624C (en) | 2010-02-03 |
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