JP2005077525A - Image forming apparatus, apparatus unit, and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus used at ease by a user because a device unit replaced in an image forming apparatus main body always works on the optimum condition regardless of sorts whether the device unit is genuine or non-genuine or recyclable or non-recyclable, and to provide the device unit and a control system. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises the device unit having a 1st non-volatile memory to hold recognition information in, and the image forming apparatus main body having a 2nd non-volatile memory to hold 2nd recognition information related to the device unit in. Then, the recognition information held in the 1st non-volatile memory is compared with the 2nd recognition information held in the 2nd non-volatile memory (S5). When the recognition information does not coincide with the 2nd recognition information, as a result, the information is transmitted to the control system (S6 and S7). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof, an apparatus unit that is installed in a replaceable manner, and a management system that monitors the usage status of the image forming apparatus. It is.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many image forming apparatuses such as color copying machines have been developed in which an apparatus unit such as a process cartridge is configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. In such an image forming apparatus, when an existing apparatus unit has reached the end of its life or failure, a maintenance work is performed by an operator such as a user or a service person to replace the existing apparatus unit with a new apparatus unit. It is.

Here, the new equipment unit that is replaced and installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus is recovered after being used in any one of the image forming apparatuses in addition to the one that has been completely newly manufactured in the manufacturing factory. Recycled units that have been reused are also included.
In particular, with the recent increase in awareness of resource saving, the manufacture (reuse processing) of recycling units is often performed by a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-228561 discloses a technique for acquiring a main control program optimum for a process cartridge via a network in accordance with the ID of the process cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus main body in a replaceable manner.
Specifically, first, the version of the main control program corresponding to the process cartridge ID is checked. Then, the main control program corresponding to the version is downloaded to the image forming apparatus via the network.

JP 2002-120438 A (page 2-3, FIG. 1, FIG. 4)

  In the conventional image forming apparatus described above, there is a case where the image quality in the output image is deteriorated by replacing the process cartridge at the time of maintenance.

Details are as follows.
That is, an image forming apparatus manufactured at a manufacturing factory is shipped after various adjustments are made in a state where a process cartridge is installed in the apparatus. Among the adjustments, there is also an elaborate adjustment for ensuring the highest image quality, and there is often a one-to-one correspondence between the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main body. That is, when the process cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus for which adjustment has been completed is replaced with another one, strictly speaking, there are many cases where exactly the same image quality cannot be obtained.

Such a problem becomes apparent when an operator performs maintenance work in an image forming apparatus on the market. In other words, when the existing process cartridge has reached the end of its life or failure and the replacement process cartridge is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the image quality may deteriorate.
The above-described problem hardly causes a difference in image quality if the replacement process cartridge is a genuine one (the quality is controlled by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus). That is, the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge are designed and manufactured based on the know-how that the difference in image quality is minimized even if the process cartridge is replaced. The same applies to a process cartridge recycled by a genuine manufacturer.

On the other hand, the process cartridge for replacement is a non-genuine one (manufactured by a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus and cannot be controlled by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus). In some cases, the above problem may not be negligible. That is, non-genuine ones often do not reflect the above-mentioned know-how. The same is true for process cartridges recycled by non-genuine manufacturers. Non-genuine recycling includes a case where a genuine product is collected and reused by a non-genuine manufacturer, or a case where a non-genuine product is collected and further reused by a non-genuine manufacturer.
The technique of Patent Document 1 described above cannot optimize image quality for various process cartridges that are not sufficiently controlled by the manufacturer.
The above-described problem cannot be ignored particularly in a color image forming apparatus that requires high image quality.

In order to solve such a problem, a technique is disclosed in which non-genuine process cartridges cannot be uniformly installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus (for example, see FIG. 4 of JP-A-2003-29583, (Refer to Fig. 5-6, etc., in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-58003).
However, some non-genuine products should be able to maintain the same good image quality as genuine products by the efforts of the manufacturer. In particular, if a genuine product is collected and recycled, there is a high possibility that a good image can be maintained even if it is recycled by a non-genuine manufacturer. It is not appropriate to make them impossible to install in the image forming apparatus uniformly, because it limits the options for the user of the image forming apparatus.

  Note that the above-described problem is an apparatus unit configured on the premise that the image forming apparatus main body is replaced other than the process cartridge, and an apparatus unit (for example, a photosensitive unit) whose quality may vary depending on the unit difference. This is a problem common to all the body drum, charging unit, developing unit, toner cartridge, cleaning unit, optical unit, transfer unit, paper feeding unit, fixing unit, and the like.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. The apparatus unit exchanged for the image forming apparatus main body can be any type regardless of whether it is genuine / non-genuine or recycled / non-recycled. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an apparatus unit, and a management system that can always operate under optimum conditions and can be used with peace of mind by users.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a first non-volatile memory for holding recognition information and a second unit related to the apparatus unit, wherein the apparatus unit is replaceably installed. An image forming apparatus main body having a second non-volatile memory for holding recognition information, and formed so as to be able to exchange information with a management system for monitoring the use status of the apparatus, and held in the first non-volatile memory The recognized information is compared with the second recognized information held in the second non-volatile memory, and information is transmitted to the management system when the recognized information does not match the second recognized information Is.

  The image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the second recognition information is a plurality of pieces of recognition information related to a plurality of device units, and the first nonvolatile information. The recognition information held in the memory is compared with the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory, and the recognition information does not match any of the plurality of recognition information in the second recognition information. In this case, information is transmitted to the management system.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the information transmitted to the management system includes the recognition information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the management system includes a plurality of third recognition information related to a plurality of device units and the plurality of third recognition information. Control information corresponding to the third recognition information when the third recognition information that matches the recognition information transmitted from the plurality of third recognition information is determined. The transmission information is sent from the management system.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the management system includes a database including the plurality of third recognition information and the plurality of control information. The database is formed so that the database can be supplemented with the third recognition information that matches the recognition information and the control information corresponding to the recognition information by accessing a public database different from the database.

  An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the management system includes a plurality of pieces of third recognition information relating to a plurality of apparatus units. A plurality of control information corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information, and when the third recognition information matching the recognition information transmitted from the plurality of third recognition information is not determined. Is transmitted information, and the transmission information is sent from the management system.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention includes a display unit and an operation unit, and the display unit stores the transmission information related to the mismatch of the recognition information. When the information is sent, a message to that effect and a confirmation display about the continuation of operation are displayed, and the operation unit is formed so as to be able to input whether or not the operation continuation related to the confirmation display is possible.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, wherein the management system includes a plurality of pieces of third recognition information relating to a plurality of apparatus units. A plurality of pieces of control information corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information, and the third recognition information matching the recognition information transmitted from the plurality of third recognition information is not determined. When third recognition information similar to the recognition information is determined, control information corresponding to the third recognition information is used as transmission information, and the transmission information is sent from the management system.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention includes the display unit and the operation unit, and the display unit displays third recognition information similar to the recognition information. When the related transmission information is sent, a display to that effect and a confirmation display about the continuation of operation are performed, and the operation unit is configured to be able to input the availability of the continuation of operation related to the confirmation display It is.

  An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, wherein the transmission information sent from the management system is stored in the first nonvolatile memory. It is something to hold.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects, wherein the transmission information sent from the management system is stored in the second nonvolatile memory. It is something to hold.

  An image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the first nonvolatile memory is detachably formed with respect to the apparatus unit. The IC tag is provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the second nonvolatile memory is connected to a control unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus. And a non-volatile memory that is detachably installed.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the first nonvolatile memory is serially connected to a control unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is formed to exchange information by communication.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the first nonvolatile memory and the second nonvolatile memory are the device. When the unit is replaced, the recognition information is compared with the second recognition information.

  An image forming apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the apparatus unit includes a charging unit that charges an image carrier and the image carrier. A process cartridge in which at least one of a developing unit that develops a latent image formed thereon and a cleaning unit that cleans the image carrier and the image carrier is integrally held.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the apparatus unit is an image carrier and a charging unit that charges the image carrier. A developing unit for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, a transfer unit for transferring a toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer material, and a cleaning unit for cleaning the image carrier. Any one or more of these are unitized.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein the apparatus unit is a toner cartridge containing toner.

  An apparatus unit according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus unit installed in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, wherein the apparatus unit is provided for the main body of the image forming apparatus. And the first non-volatile memory.

  A management system according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is a management system that monitors the use status of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, and is a public communication line or the Internet. The information is exchanged with the image forming apparatus via the.

  A management system according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the twentieth aspect, wherein a plurality of third recognition information relating to a plurality of device units and a plurality of controls corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information. A database including information, and the database is configured to be accessible by an unspecified person.

  The present invention controls between the image forming apparatus and the management system when the apparatus unit exchanged for the image forming apparatus main body is an apparatus unit different from the apparatus unit related to the unit information held by the image forming apparatus. Exchange information such as information. Then, the adjustment control of the image forming apparatus is performed based on the optimal control information for the replaced apparatus unit, the user is notified that there is no optimal control information for the replaced apparatus unit, or the replaced apparatus unit Or provide similar control information that is not optimal. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an apparatus unit, and a management system that operate under optimum image forming conditions and can be used with peace of mind by a user regardless of the type of apparatus unit to be replaced.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an entire image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.
In FIG. 1, 1 is an apparatus main body of a color copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 2 is an optical unit (optical unit) that emits laser light based on image information, and 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK are colors (yellow, magenta, A process cartridge 21 as an apparatus unit installed in an installable position corresponding to cyan and black) in a replaceable manner; a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier housed in each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK; Is a charging unit for charging the photosensitive drum 21, 23 is a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21, and 24 is a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 as a material to be transferred. A transfer roller for transferring to P, a cleaning unit 25 for collecting untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 21, and a reference numeral 30 for a transfer belt unit. A copying belt, 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32BK are toner supply units that supply toner of each color to the developing unit 23 of each process cartridge 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK, and 61 is a storage material P such as transfer paper. A paper feeding unit (paper feeding unit) 66 is a fixing unit (fixing unit) for fixing an unfixed image on the transfer material P, and 80 is detachably installed in each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK. The IC tag 90 is a touch panel type operation unit provided so that a part thereof is exposed on the exterior of the apparatus main body 1, 90 a is a display unit provided integrally with the touch panel type operation unit 90, and 100 is the apparatus main body 1. The control unit 120 is a scanner that optically reads a placed document.

  Here, in each process cartridge 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20BK, a photosensitive drum 21, a charging unit 22, a developing unit 23, and a cleaning unit 25 are integrally held, respectively. Then, image formation of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) is performed on the photosensitive drum 21 in each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK.

Hereinafter, an operation during normal color image formation in the image forming apparatus will be described.
Each of the four photosensitive drums 21 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged at a position facing the charging unit 22 (a charging process). Thereafter, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 21 reaches the irradiation position of each laser beam.

  On the other hand, when a color original is placed on the original placement portion of the scanner 120, image information of the original is optically read by a reading portion (not shown). That is, the original is scanned with an illumination light source, and an original image is formed on a color CCD (not shown). Then, the original image, that is, the reflected light of the light irradiation on the original is photoelectrically converted by the color CCD to generate R, G, and B image signals. These image signals are transmitted to the optical unit 2. Thereafter, in the optical unit 2, laser light corresponding to the image signal is emitted from the LD light source corresponding to each color. The laser light is incident on the polygon mirror 3 and reflected, and then passes through the lenses 4 and 5. The laser light after passing through the lenses 4 and 5 passes through different optical paths for each color component of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (this is an exposure process).

The yellow component laser light is reflected by the mirrors 6 to 8 and then irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 of the first process cartridge 20Y from the right side of the drawing. At this time, the yellow component laser light is scanned in the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 21 by the polygon mirror 3 that rotates at high speed. Thus, an electrostatic latent image of a yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 charged by the charging unit 22.
Similarly, the magenta component laser light is reflected by the mirrors 9 to 11 and then irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 of the second process cartridge 20M from the right side of the paper, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of the magenta component. The The cyan component laser light is reflected by the mirrors 12 to 14 and then irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 of the third process cartridge 20C from the right side of the paper, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component. The black component laser light is reflected by the mirror 15 and then is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 of the fourth process cartridge 20BK from the right side of the drawing to form a black component electrostatic latent image.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 on which the electrostatic latent images of the respective colors are formed further rotates and reaches a position facing the developing unit 23. Then, the toner of each color is supplied from the developing unit 23 onto the photosensitive drum 21, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 is developed (this is a developing step).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the development process reaches a position facing the transfer belt 30. Here, the transfer roller 24 is installed at each facing position so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the transfer belt 30. Then, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 21 are sequentially transferred onto the transfer material P conveyed by the transfer belt 30 at the position of the transfer roller 24 (transfer process).

  In the transfer belt unit (transfer section), the transfer belt 30 is stretched and supported by a driving roller and three driven rollers. Then, the transfer belt 30 travels in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the driving roller. This transfer belt unit is configured as an apparatus unit in which members such as the transfer roller 24 and the transfer belt 30 described above are integrally formed and can be exchanged for the apparatus main body 1.

Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the transfer process reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 25. The untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 is collected by the cleaning unit 25 (this is a cleaning process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 passes through a static elimination unit (not shown), and a series of image forming processes is completed.

On the other hand, the material to be transferred P fed by the paper feed roller 62 is guided from the paper feed unit 61 (paper feed unit) to the position of the registration roller 64 after passing through the transport guide 63. The transfer material P guided to the registration roller 64 is transported toward the contact portion between the transfer belt 30 and the suction roller 27 while the transport timing is controlled.
Thereafter, the transfer material P sequentially passes through the facing positions of the four photosensitive drums 21 while being conveyed to the transfer belt 30 that runs in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. Thus, the toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the transfer material P, and a color image is formed.

Thereafter, the transfer material P on which the color image is formed is separated from the transfer belt 30 of the transfer belt unit and guided to the fixing unit 66 (fixing unit). In the fixing unit 66, the color image is fixed on the transfer material P at the nip portion between the heating roller 67 and the pressure roller 68.
The transferred material P after the fixing process is discharged out of the apparatus main body 1 by the paper discharge roller 69, and a series of operations of the image forming apparatus is completed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the process cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus body 1 in a replaceable manner will be described in detail.
The four process cartridges installed in the apparatus main body 1 have substantially the same structure except that the color of the toner T to be stored is different. Therefore, the four process cartridges are illustrated with the alphabets (Y, M, C, BK) being omitted. To do.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the process cartridge 20 in a new state (a state in which a non-recycled product or a recycled product has never been used in the apparatus main body after manufacturing or after a recycling process).
As shown in the figure, the process cartridge 20 mainly includes a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier, a charging unit 22, a developing unit 23, and a cleaning unit 25, which are integrally housed in a case 26. Has been. The developing unit 23 includes a developing roller 23a, stirring rollers 23b and 23c, a doctor blade 23d, a T sensor 29 (toner density sensor), and the like, and a developer composed of the carrier C and the toner T is accommodated therein. Has been. The cleaning unit 25 includes a cleaning blade 25a, a cleaning roller 25b, and the like.

Here, an IC tag 80 is detachably installed on the case 26 of the process cartridge 20.
Specifically, the IC tag 80 is an IC that can communicate with the control unit 100 of the apparatus main body 1 and is a packaged IC including an external terminal. The external terminal of the IC tag 80 is inserted into the connection terminal of the IC socket 81 fixed to the case 26. This facilitates replacement of the IC tag 80 when the process cartridge 20 fails, and facilitates reuse processing of the IC tag 80 when the process cartridge 20 is recycled.
The form of the IC tag 80 is not limited to the present embodiment, and can be an IC chip having a size of several millimeters square, or an IC chip is mounted on a PCB having external terminals. It can also be. Further, the exchange of information with the control unit 100 of the apparatus main body 1 can be performed as a contact IC tag by wire, or can be performed wirelessly as a non-contact IC tag.

Then, replacement work for the apparatus main body is performed by the operator in units of the process cartridge 20.
That is, referring to FIG. 2B, the process cartridge 20 as an apparatus unit is installed in the installation section of the apparatus main body.
Specifically, after the door (not shown) of the apparatus main body is opened by the operator, the process cartridge 20 is guided by a rail (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body and installed in the apparatus main body.

  When the installation of the process cartridge 20 in the apparatus main body is completed, first, information is compared between the IC tag 80 of the process cartridge 20 and the engine control board 110 of the control unit 100 in the apparatus main body. Information to be compared at this time is stored in the recognition information of the process cartridge 20 stored in the first nonvolatile memory installed in the IC tag 80 and in the second nonvolatile memory 111 installed in the engine control board 110. Second recognition information. The control related to the comparison of information at this time will be described in detail later.

Then, referring to FIG. 2B, after the comparison of the above-described information is completed, information is exchanged with a management system, which will be described later, as necessary, and then normal image formation is performed. This normal image formation is performed as described above with reference to FIG.
Specifically, the developing roller 23a rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. The toner T in the developing unit 23 is mixed with the carrier C together with the toner T supplied from the toner supply unit 32 by the stirring rollers 23b and 23c that rotate counterclockwise in the drawing. The frictionally charged toner T is supplied onto the developing roller 23a together with the carrier C by one stirring roller 23b.
The toner T in the toner bottle 33 is appropriately supplied into the developing unit 23 as the toner T in the developing unit 23 is consumed. The toner T in the developing unit 23 is consumed by a toner concentration sensor 28 (P sensor) as an optical sensor facing the photosensitive drum 21 and a toner concentration sensor 29 (as a magnetic permeability sensor provided in the developing unit 23). T sensor).

Thereafter, the toner T carried on the developing roller 23a passes through the position of the doctor blade 23d and then reaches a position facing the photosensitive drum 21. At the opposite position, the toner T adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Specifically, the toner T adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by an electric field formed by a potential difference between the surface potential of the region irradiated with the laser light L and the developing bias applied to the developing roller 23a.
Most of the toner T adhering to the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the transfer material P. The toner T remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 is collected in the cleaning unit 25 by the cleaning blade 25a and the cleaning roller 25b.

Next, the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the IC tag 80 of the process cartridge 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, the control unit 100 includes a controller board 101 related to the overall control of the apparatus, an operation unit control board 102 that performs control related to the operation unit 90, an HDD 103 that stores image information, and a communication control device 105. Communication control device interface board 104 connected to a public communication line such as an analog telephone line via LAN, LAN interface board 106 connected to LAN, facsimile control unit (FCU) 107 connected to PCI bus, IEEE 1394 board / Wireless LAN board / USB board 108, engine control board 110 connected to controller board 101 via PCI bus 109, and I / O control board connected to engine control board 110 to control I / O of device main body 1 40, consists of the scanner 120 reads the image of the placed copied document on the scanner board (SBU) 122, written on the photosensitive drum 21 to image information as a laser beam LDB130 like.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the color CCD 121 of the scanner 120 is a three-line color CCD, and generates EVENch / ODDch R, G, and B image signals. These image signals are input to the analog ASIC of the SBU 122. Here, the SBU 122 is equipped with a timing generation circuit for generating the driving timing of the analog ASIC and the color CCD 121. The output of the CCD 121 is sampled and held by a sample and hold circuit inside the analog ASIC, and then A / D converted. The A / D converted R, G, B image data is then subjected to shading correction and sent to the IPP (image information processor) of the engine control board 110 via the output I / F (interface).

In the IPP of the engine control board 110, separation generation (determination of whether an image is a character area or a photographic area), background removal, scanner gamma conversion, filter, color correction, scaling, image processing, printer gamma Conversion, gradation processing, etc. are performed. The IPP is a programmable arithmetic processing unit that performs image processing.
The image information transmitted from the SBU 122 to the IPP is written into the frame memory of the controller board 101 after correction for signal deterioration.

The controller board 101 includes a CPU, a ROM that controls the controller board 101, an SRAM that is a working memory used by the CPU, a backup of the SRAM with a built-in lithium battery, an NV-RAM with a built-in clock, and a system bus control. It consists of an ASIC that controls the CPU periphery, such as frame memory control and FIFO, an interface circuit, and the like.
The controller board 101 has application functions as a multifunction machine such as a scanner application, a facsimile application, a printer application, and a copy application, and controls the entire system. That is, the information related to the application input from the operation unit control board 102 is decoded, the system is set, and the state is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 90.

  The controller board 101 is connected to the communication control device 105 via the communication control device interface board 104 so that full duplex asynchronous serial communication can be performed. Note that the communication control device 105 is multidrop-connected in accordance with the RS-485 interface standard. Communication with a management system, which will be described later, is performed via the communication control device interface board 104.

  The controller board 101 is connected to a LAN (Internet) via a LAN interface board 106. The LAN interface board 106 is a standard communication interface of a PHY chip I / F or an I2C bus I / F equipped with a PHY chip. Communication with a management system, which will be described later, is performed via the LAN interface board 106.

  The HDD 103 connected to the controller board 101 functions as a system application program, an application database for storing activation information, and a database for image information. The HDD 103 is connected to the controller board 101 through an interface compliant with ATA / ATAPI-4.

  The operation unit control board 102 connected to the controller board 101 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, LCDC, and the like. Through the communication between the operation unit control board 102 and the controller board 101, key input is performed on the touch panel type operation unit 90, and display necessary for operation is displayed on the display unit 90a. That is, the operator inputs system settings using the operation unit 90, and the display unit 90a notifies the workers of the system settings and system status. The ROM of the operation unit control board 102 holds a control program for controlling input reading and display output. The RAM of the operation unit control board 102 is a working memory used by the CPU.

On the other hand, the engine control board 110 mainly performs control related to the image forming process described above with reference to FIGS. The engine control board 110 includes a CPU 116, I / O / ACIC, IPP, a ROM 115 holding a program necessary for control relating to image formation, an SRAM necessary for the control, a second nonvolatile memory 111, and the like.
Here, the second non-volatile memory 111 is an IC connected to the bus of the CPU 116 and is a packaged EEPROM including an external terminal. Then, an external terminal of the second nonvolatile memory 111 is inserted into a connection terminal of an IC socket 81 fixed to the engine control board 110. This facilitates replacement of the second nonvolatile memory 111 when the engine control board 110 fails, and facilitates reuse processing of the second nonvolatile memory 111 when the engine control board 110 is recycled. Further, by making communication between the CPU 116 of the control unit 100 and the first nonvolatile memory 157 serial communication, the number of pins of the connector for connection is reduced, and the attachment / detachment work is simplified.

The engine control board 110 is connected to the controller board 101 via the PCI bus 109. Here, the PCI bus 109 is an image information bus / control command bus that transmits image information and control commands in a time-sharing manner.
In addition, in the LD board (LDB) 130 connected to the engine control board 110, write signals of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) output from the work memory of the controller board 101 are input to the LD write circuit. . In this LD writing circuit, LD current control (modulation control) is performed and output to each LD light source.

  The I / O • ASIC of the engine control board 110 includes a serial interface that transmits and receives signals to and from the CPU 116. The I / O ASIC controls devices such as counters, fans, solenoids, and motors mounted near the engine control board 110.

The I / O control board 140 connected to the engine control board 110 through a synchronous serial interface includes a CPU, an I / O ASIC, a process cartridge I / F 141, and the like. The CPU of the I / O control board 140 functions as a so-called sub CPU and performs I / O control such as analog control of the toner density sensors 28 and 29 described in FIG.
Here, the detection of the mounting of the new process cartridge 20 to the apparatus main body 1 is performed when the door of the apparatus main body 1 is opened and closed. That is, when the door SW (switch) connected to the I / O control board 140 is off, the process cartridge 20 may be replaced, so that the confirmation is performed and the result is transmitted to the engine control board 110.

The process cartridge I / F 141 is an interface circuit for exchanging information between the engine second nonvolatile memory 111 of the apparatus main body 1 and the first nonvolatile memory of the IC tag 80 mounted on the process cartridge 20. is there.
The communication interface between the first nonvolatile memory and the control unit 100 of the apparatus main body 1 can be an I2C bus. In that case, the parallel signal from the CPU 116 of the control unit 100 is converted into an I2C signal and transmitted to the first nonvolatile memory of the IC tag 80. Similarly, the signal from the first nonvolatile memory is converted into a parallel signal and transmitted to the CPU 116 of the control unit 100. Furthermore, an I2C bus can be provided in the CPU 116 of the control unit 100 to connect both directly.
A PSU 135 as a power source is a unit that supplies power for controlling the image forming apparatus main body 1. By turning on the main SW, commercial power is supplied to the image forming apparatus.

Next, the IC tag 80 detachably installed on the process cartridge 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag 80 is a contact type IC tag, and includes a CPU 152, an I / O port 153, a system control logic 154, a ROM 155, a RAM 156, an EEPROM 157 as a first nonvolatile memory, an E-EEPROM 158, and the like. It is configured.

Here, the first nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 157 holds the recognition information and control information of the process cartridge 20.
The recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory 157 is information such as a recognition code for specifying the type of the process cartridge 20 (manufacturer, presence / absence of recycling, number of times of recycling, version, color, etc.). .

The control information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 157 is information related to the process cartridge 20 necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus, and corresponds to the recognition information of the process cartridge 20. .
As control information, information related to image forming conditions such as “exposure amount”, “charge amount”, “development bias”, “process cartridge lot”, “manufacturing date”, “type (color ID)”, “Retention period”, “Start date of use”, “Number of copies”, “Number of recycling”, “Upper limit of number of recycling”, “Replacement time of component”, “Toner lot”, “Reproduction date”, Information such as “filling amount”, “filling date”, “toner remaining amount”, “T sensor control information”, and “P sensor control information” is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 157.
The image forming conditions relate to the image forming process described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and the exposure amount of the laser beam L in the exposure process, the charge amount of the charging unit 22 in the charging process, and the development process. The development bias of the development unit 23 is information unique to the process cartridge 20 for optimal image formation.

Further, the CPU 152 writes information to the first nonvolatile memory 157 and information held in the first nonvolatile memory 157 in accordance with communication with the outside and commands from the outside by a program stored therein. Is read.
The I / O port 153 is a communication interface compliant with ISO7816-3, and exchanges communication interface signals 181 and 182 with the second nonvolatile memory 111 via the CPU 116 installed on the engine control board 116. To do. The CPU 152 can also exchange the communication interface signal 170 with the apparatus main body CPU other than the CPU 116 of the engine control board 116.

The system control logic 154 is a control circuit related to control in the IC tag 80. The ROM 155 is a program memory, and the RAM 156 is a working memory for executing the program. Further, the E-EEPROM is a memory that holds a dedicated program related to a write operation to the first nonvolatile memory 157.
The CPU 152, the I / O port 153, the system control logic 154, the ROM 155, the RAM 156, the first nonvolatile memory 157, and the E-EEPROM 158 are respectively connected by a control signal 161, a control bus 162, a data bus 163, and an address bus 164. ,It is connected.

In the present embodiment, the IC tag 80 is a contact IC tag, but may be a non-contact IC tag. In this case, the IC tag 80 is provided with a non-contact communication interface connected to the transmission / reception antenna instead of the I / O port of FIG. 4 and a power supply source (power supply). Information is exchanged wirelessly with a CPU provided on the main body side.
The first nonvolatile memory 157 in the IC tag 80 is not limited to the EEPROM of this embodiment, and various types of nonvolatile memories can be applied.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 4, second recognition information and control information corresponding to the second recognition information are held in second nonvolatile memory 111 of control unit 100 in the apparatus main body.
Here, the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory 111 is information such as a recognition code for identifying the type of the process cartridge 20 installed in the apparatus main body 1. That is, assuming that various process cartridges 20 are installed in the apparatus main body 1, the second nonvolatile memory 111 has a plurality of pieces of recognition information corresponding to a plurality of process cartridges that may be replaced. It is held as second recognition information.
The control information stored in the second nonvolatile memory 157 is information related to the process cartridge 20 necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus and corresponds to the second recognition information.

  The second nonvolatile memory 111 holds the second recognition information and the control information corresponding to the second recognition information, so that even if a different type of process cartridge 20 is installed in the apparatus main body 1, it is based on the corresponding control information. The image forming apparatus can be optimally adjusted and controlled.

Next, a management system to which the above-described image forming apparatus is connected will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to be connectable to a public communication line or the Internet.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the management system via a public communication line network, and FIG. 6 is a diagram in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the management system via the Internet. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state which exists. 5 and 6 is equivalent to the image forming apparatus described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the two image forming apparatuses 213 and 214 are connected to the communication control apparatus 210 together with the facsimile 222. The other two image forming apparatuses 223 and 224 are connected to the other communication control apparatus 220 together with the telephone 220. The two communication control devices 210 and 220 are connected to a management system 201 serving as a management center via a public communication line 200.

With such a configuration, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 213, 214, 223, and 224 and the management system 201 that individually monitors their use status (quality state) exchange information via the public communication line 200. Can do.
Specifically, when the recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory 157 in the image forming apparatuses 213, 214, 223, and 224 does not match the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory 111, the public The recognition information is transmitted to the management system 201 via the communication line 200. As a result, the administrator who operates the management system 201 can acquire the recognition information of the process cartridge 20 exchanged and installed in the image forming apparatuses 213, 214, 223, and 224 in real time while being at a distance. In the management system 201 to which the recognition information is transmitted, the transmitted recognition information is collated with a plurality of third recognition information held in the database 201a. Then, the optimal control information corresponding to the third recognition information held in the database 201a is transmitted as transmission information to the image forming apparatuses 213, 214, 223, and 224 via the public communication line 200. Thereafter, the image forming apparatuses 213, 214, 223, and 224 that have received the transmission information perform adjustment control based on the transmission information. Accordingly, an administrator who operates the management system 201 can optimally adjust the usage status of the image forming apparatuses 213, 214, 223, and 224 while at a distance.

As shown in FIG. 5, the management system 201 is configured to be able to access a public database 202 (a database related to process cartridge control information disclosed by a non-genuine manufacturer). Thereby, the information amount of the some 3rd recognition information and the some control information corresponding to it which the database 201a of the management system 201 has can be expanded. That is, the third recognition information and the corresponding control information that are not in the database 201a of the management system 201 can be appropriately supplemented from the public database 202.
Further, the database 201 a of the management system 201 is also connected to the mobile phone 230, the mobile terminal 240, the home phone 250, and the like via the public communication line 200. Thereby, a third party (unspecified person) who uses the process cartridge 20 in another company's image forming apparatus can access the database 201a of the management system 201 and freely utilize the control information.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the two image forming apparatuses 313 and 314 are connected to the router 310 and the firewall 311 together with the terminal 315 to form one LAN. Further, another image forming apparatus 323 is connected to the router 321 and the cable modem 320 together with the terminal 324 to form another LAN. Further, the management system 302 is connected to the router 301 together with the image forming apparatus 303 to form a LAN as a management center. All these LANs are connected by a network to form the Internet 300.

With such a configuration, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 303, 313, 314, and 323 and the management system 302 can exchange information via the Internet 300.
Specifically, when the recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory 157 in the image forming apparatuses 303, 313, 314, and 323 does not match the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory 111, the Internet The recognition information is transmitted to the management system 302 via 300. As a result, the administrator who operates the management system 302 can acquire the recognition information of the process cartridge 20 exchanged and installed in the image forming apparatuses 303, 313, 314, and 323 in real time while being at a distance. In the management system 302 to which the recognition information is transmitted, the transmitted recognition information is collated with the third recognition information held in the database 302a. Then, optimum control information corresponding to the third recognition information held in the database 302a is transmitted as transmission information to the image forming apparatuses 303, 313, 314, and 323 via the Internet 300. Thereafter, the image forming apparatuses 303, 313, 314, and 323 that have received the transmission information perform adjustment control based on the transmission information. As a result, the administrator who operates the management system 302 can optimally adjust the usage status of the image forming apparatuses 303, 313, 314, and 323 while being at a distance.

As shown in FIG. 6, the management system 302 is configured to be able to access the public database 307. Thereby, the information amount of the 3rd recognition information and the control information corresponding to it which the database 302a of the management system 302 has can be expanded. That is, the third recognition information and the corresponding control information that are not in the database 302a of the management system 302 can be appropriately supplemented from the public database 307.
Further, as in FIG. 5, the database 302 a of the management system 302 is configured to be accessible by an unspecified person via the Internet 300.

Next, control in the above-described image forming apparatus and management system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control of the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge 20 is installed in the apparatus main body 1.
As shown in FIG. 7, first, the process cartridge 20 (denoted as “PC” in the figure) is checked, that is, whether or not the process cartridge 20 has been replaced in the apparatus main body 1 (steps S1 and S2). . Details will be described with reference to FIG.

As a result, when it is determined that the process cartridge is not exchanged, this flow is finished and the flow proceeds to another flow (step S3).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the process cartridge is exchanged, the control unit 100 reads the recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory 157 of the process cartridge (step S4).

Next, the recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory 157 is compared with the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory 111 of the apparatus body 1 (step S5). Here, the second recognition information is recognition information relating to one or a plurality of process cartridges as described above.
As a result, when it is determined that the recognition information matches the second recognition information (any one of the second recognition information), this flow is finished and the process proceeds to another flow (step S9). That is, the image forming apparatus is adjusted and controlled based on the control information corresponding to the matched second recognition information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the recognition information and the second recognition information do not match, that is, if there is no information corresponding to the exchanged process cartridge on the apparatus main body 1 side, this is indicated. Information and the management number of the apparatus main body 1 are transmitted to the above-described management system via a public communication line or the Internet (step S6).
Further, the recognition information of the replaced process cartridge is transmitted to the management system (step S7).
Thus, this flow is finished (step S8).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control related to the process cartridge 20 replacement check. Here, the control related to the replacement check (step S2) of the process cartridge 20 described in FIG. 7 will be described in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 8, in order to perform a replacement check of the process cartridge 20, it is first determined whether or not the door of the apparatus main body 1 is opened (steps S31 to S32).

As a result, when it is determined that the door is open, a door open flag is set (step S33).
Then, the time of the clock mounted on the control unit 100 of the apparatus main body is stored in the first nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge (step S34).
Further, the exchange of information between the control unit of the apparatus main body and the first nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge is stopped (step S35), and the power supply to the process cartridge is stopped (step S36).
Thus, this flow is finished (step S37).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the door is closed, it is further determined whether the door open flag is set (step S38).
As a result, when it is determined that the door open flag is set, that is, when it is determined that the door has been opened / closed, power supply to the process cartridge is resumed, and the control unit and the first non-volatile The exchange of information with the memory is resumed (step S39).

Next, the recognition information held in the first non-volatile memory read in step S40 is compared with the second recognition information held in the second non-volatile memory (step S41).
As a result, if the recognition information does not match the second recognition information, the process cartridge has been exchanged, and a flag indicating that fact is set (step S42). Thereafter, the door open flag and the power-on flag are reset (step S43), and this flow is ended (step S44).
Here, the power-on flag is a flag that is set in the initialization routine when the main SW (power switch) in FIG. 3 is turned on.

  On the other hand, if the recognition information matches the second recognition information in step S41, step S42 is skipped, and this flow is terminated through step S43 (step S44).

If it is determined in step S38 that the door open flag is not set, it is further determined whether the power-on flag is reset (step S45).
As a result, when it is determined that the power-on flag has not been reset, that is, when there is power supply, this flow ends (step S46).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the power-on flag is reset, this flow is terminated through the flow after step S39 (step S44).
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, since the recognition information is checked only when the process cartridge is replaced, the control is simplified.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control in the management system described above with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, the management system first determines whether there is information transmitted from the image forming apparatus (steps S11 to S12).
As a result, when it is determined that there is no information transmitted from the image forming apparatus, another flow F is performed (step S13).

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is information transmitted from the image forming apparatus, it is further determined whether the information is information indicating that there is no control information related to the process cartridge (step S14).
As a result, when it is determined that the information transmitted to the management system is not information indicating that there is no control information related to the process cartridge, another check flow C for the transmitted information is performed (step S15). .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the information transmitted to the management system is information indicating that there is no control information related to the process cartridge, the management number of the image forming apparatus as the transmission source is stored in the management system. (Step S16). Further, the second recognition information held in the second non-volatile memory of the transmission source image forming apparatus is stored in the management system (step S17), and the first cartridge of the process cartridge exchanged in the transmission source image forming apparatus is stored. The recognition information held in the nonvolatile memory is stored in the management system (step S18).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the control information corresponding to the recognition information stored in step S18 is held in the management system database (step S19). Specifically, the transmitted recognition information is collated with a plurality of third recognition information related to a plurality of types of process cartridges held in the database of the management system.
As a result, when it is determined that some of the plurality of third recognition information matches the transmitted recognition information and the corresponding control information exists, the source image is transmitted using the control information as transmission information. Transmit to the forming apparatus (step S20).
Thus, this flow in the management system is finished (step S21).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that none of the plurality of third recognition information in the management system matches the transmitted recognition information, the flow F10 related to access to the public database is performed. Is performed (step S27). The flow F10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
Thereafter, it is determined whether control information compatible with the recognition information stored in step S18 is held in the database of the management system (step S22). Specifically, the transmitted recognition information is collated with third recognition information related to a plurality of types of process cartridges held in the management system database.

As a result, some of the plurality of third recognition information does not match the transmitted recognition information but is similar (has similarity to the type of process cartridge), and corresponding control information ( If it is determined that compatible control information exists, the control information is transmitted as transmission information to the transmission source image forming apparatus (step S23).
Thus, this flow in the management system is finished (step S24).

If it is determined in step S22 that none of the third recognition information matches or is similar to the transmitted recognition information, the fact that there is no control information to be transmitted is transmitted as transmission information. Transmission to the original image forming apparatus (step S25).
Thus, this flow in the management system is finished (step S26).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control related to the public database (other company database) search in the management system. Here, the flow F10 (step S27) touched in FIG. 9 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 10, the search control (step S27) of the public database (other company database) first accesses the other company's public database to determine whether there is control information corresponding to the recognition information of the process cartridge of the transmission source. It is determined (steps S111 to S112).

As a result, when it is determined that there is no control information corresponding to the recognition information of the transmission source in the public database, this flow is finished and the flow proceeds to the flow F9 in FIG. 9 (step S11).
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is control information corresponding to the recognition information of the transmission source in the public database, the control information is transmitted as transmission information to the image forming apparatus of the transmission source (step S115).
Further, the control information searched in the public database is stored in the management system database together with the recognition information (step S116).
Thus, this flow in the management system is finished (step S117).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating control when transmission information is sent from the management system in the image forming apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the image forming apparatus, first, it is determined whether there is information (transmission information) sent from the management system (steps S51 to S52).
As a result, when it is determined that there is no transmission information from the management system, this flow ends (step S64).

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is transmission information from the management system, the control information corresponding to the recognition information of the process cartridge with which the transmission information is exchanged (control information related to step S20 in FIG. 9, Alternatively, it is determined whether the information relates to control information related to step S115 of FIG. 10) (step S53).
As a result, when it is determined that the transmission information is related to the control information corresponding to the process cartridge, the control information as the transmission information is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 157 (step S54). Further, the control information as the transmission information is also stored in the second nonvolatile memory 111 of the apparatus main body 1 (step S55), and this flow is ended (step S56).

If it is determined in step S53 that the transmission information is not control information corresponding to the process cartridge, the transmission information is similar to the process cartridge recognition information (related to step S23 in FIG. 9). It is discriminated whether it is related to compatible control information (step S57).
As a result, when it is determined that the transmission information is compatible control information, the compatible control information as the transmission information is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 157 (step S58). Further, compatible control information as the transmission information is also stored in the second nonvolatile memory 111 (step S59), and the process proceeds to another flow F13 shown in FIG. 13 (step S60).

When it is determined in step S57 that the transmission information is not compatible control information, information indicating that there is no control information to be transmitted (information related to step S25 in FIG. 9). Is determined) (step S61).
As a result, when it is determined that the transmission information indicates that there is no control information to be transmitted, the process proceeds to another flow F12 illustrated in FIG. 12 (step S62). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no control information indicating that there is no control information to be transmitted, the process proceeds to another check flow C for the transmission information (step S63).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating control when transmission information is sent from the management system in the image forming apparatus, and is a flowchart relating to operation unit control subsequent to step S62 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, when it is determined that there is no control information to be transmitted in step S61 of FIG. 11 (step S62), the exchanged process is displayed on the display unit 90a of the operation unit 90. A message indicating that there is no control information for the cartridge (not a corresponding PC) is displayed (steps S71 to S72).

Next, a confirmation display for continuation of operation is displayed on the display unit 90a (step S76). That is, there is no control information for the replaced process cartridge, but a display confirming whether image formation (copying operation) may be performed is displayed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the image forming apparatus can be continued (step S77). That is, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the execution key (input key) of the operation unit 90 for image formation.

As a result, when it is determined that the operation can be continued (the operation key operation is performed), the control condition (the control condition of the process cartridge before replacement) held in the second nonvolatile memory 111 is set. Then, it is stored in the second non-volatile memory 111 as it is (step S78).
Further, image formation is performed based on the control conditions stored in step S78 (step S79), and this flow is ended (step S80).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S77 that the operation is not continued (no execution key operation), the display unit 90a displays a message to prohibit image formation and the control unit 100. A flag for prohibiting image formation is set in the work memory (step S81).
Thus, this flow is finished (step S82).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating control when transmission information is sent from the management system in the image forming apparatus, and is a flowchart relating to operation unit control subsequent to step S60 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined in step S57 of FIG. 11 that the transmission information is compatible control information, the display unit 90a of the operation unit 90 is exchanged through steps S58 to S59. A display indicating that there is compatible control information that is not control information that matches the process cartridge is displayed (steps S91 to S92).

Next, a confirmation display for continuation of operation is displayed on the display unit 90a (step S96). That is, a display for confirming whether image formation (copying operation) may be performed based on compatible control information for the replaced process cartridge is displayed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the image forming apparatus can be continued (step S97). That is, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the execution key (input key) of the operation unit 90 for image formation.

As a result, when it is determined that the operation can be continued (the execution key operation is performed), the control condition corresponding to the compatible control information is stored in the second nonvolatile memory 111 (step S98).
Further, image formation is performed based on the control conditions stored in step S98 (step S99), and this flow is terminated (step S100).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S97 that the operation is not continued (no execution key operation), the display unit 90a displays a message that prohibits image formation and the control unit 100. A flag for prohibiting image formation is set in the work memory (step S101).
Thus, this flow is finished (step S102).
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, even when there is no control information that matches the replaced process cartridge, the user knows the state from the display on the display unit 90a, and performs a wide range of subsequent operations based on the notification. You can choose.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 20 having different types such as manufacturer, presence / absence of recycling, number of times of recycling, version, color, and the like is replaced and installed in the apparatus main body 1 and corresponds to this. Even if the control information is not held by the apparatus main body 1, the most suitable control information can be acquired from the management system. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an apparatus unit, and a management system that operate under optimum image forming conditions and can be used with peace of mind by a user regardless of the type of apparatus unit to be replaced.

In the present embodiment, the process cartridge 20 is the apparatus unit that is installed in the apparatus main body 1 in a replaceable manner and includes the first nonvolatile memory. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any apparatus unit that can cause a difference in quality of the image forming apparatus due to the unit difference. Here, in the present application, the “apparatus unit” is defined as a unit that is installed interchangeably with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.
For example, the present invention can be applied to the optical unit 2, the transfer belt units 24 and 30, the fixing unit 66, the paper feeding unit 61, the toner bottle 33 (toner cartridge) in FIG. In an image forming apparatus that does not take the form of a process cartridge, the present invention is applied to a single unit such as a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, and a transfer unit as an apparatus unit related to an image forming process. it can. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a composite unit (a configuration other than a process cartridge) in which a plurality of photosensitive drums, charging units, developing units, cleaning units, and transfer units are unitized. In these cases, a first nonvolatile memory in which necessary information related to image formation quality is held is mounted on the apparatus unit. Then, when the recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory and the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory of the apparatus main body are compared and they do not match, the management system and the control information Communicate. Also in this case, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a color image forming apparatus in which four process cartridges are installed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of image forming apparatuses such as a single process cartridge are installed. The present invention can be applied to the image forming apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the engine control board 110 and the controller board 101 are distinguished from each other and installed in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus main body 1. However, these boards may be integrated.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is apparent that the embodiment can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, other than the one suggested in the embodiment. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be set to a suitable number, position, shape, and the like in practicing the present invention.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a process cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the process cartridge of FIG. 2A is installed in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an IC tag installed in the process cartridge of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 and a management system are connected via a public communication line. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 and a management system are connected via the Internet. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control related to a process cartridge recognition information check in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the control regarding the replacement check of a process cartridge. It is a flowchart which shows the control in the management system of FIG. 5 or FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control regarding the public database search in the management system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows control when transmission information is sent in from a management system. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operation unit control following FIG. 11. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another operation unit control following FIG. 11.

Explanation of symbols

1 image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body), 2 optical section (optical unit),
20, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20BK Process cartridge,
21 photosensitive drum (image carrier), 22 charging unit,
23 developing unit, 24 transfer roller (transfer belt unit, transfer unit),
25 cleaning section, 30 transfer belt (transfer belt unit, transfer section),
32, 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32BK toner supply unit,
33 Toner bottle (toner cartridge),
61 paper feed unit (paper feed unit), 66 fixing unit (fixing unit),
80 IC tag, 90 operation unit, 90a display unit, 100 control unit,
101 controller board, 110 engine control board,
111 second non-volatile memory, 116, 152 CPU,
157 EEPROM (first nonvolatile memory), 200 public communication line,
201, 302 management system, 201a, 302a database,
202, 307 Other companies database (public database),
300 Internet.

Claims (21)

A device unit having a first non-volatile memory for holding recognition information;
The apparatus unit is installed in a replaceable manner, and includes an image forming apparatus main body having a second nonvolatile memory for holding second recognition information related to the apparatus unit,
It is formed so that information can be exchanged with the management system that monitors the usage status of the device,
When the recognition information stored in the first nonvolatile memory is compared with the second recognition information stored in the second nonvolatile memory, and the recognition information does not match the second recognition information, An image forming apparatus that transmits information to the management system. The second recognition information is a plurality of pieces of recognition information related to a plurality of device units,
Comparing the recognition information held in the first nonvolatile memory with the second recognition information held in the second nonvolatile memory, the recognition information is the plurality of recognition information in the second recognition information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is transmitted to the management system when no match is found. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted to the management system includes the recognition information. The management system includes a plurality of third recognition information related to a plurality of device units and a plurality of control information corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information, and is transmitted from the plurality of third recognition information. When the third recognition information that matches the recognition information is determined, the control information corresponding to the third recognition information is set as transmission information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission information is sent from the management system. The management system includes a database including the plurality of third recognition information and the plurality of control information, and performs a search by accessing a public database different from the database to match the recognition information. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed so that information and control information corresponding to the information can be supplemented to the database. The management system includes a plurality of third recognition information related to a plurality of device units and a plurality of control information corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information, and is transmitted from the plurality of third recognition information. When the third recognition information that matches the recognition information is not determined, information indicating that is used as transmission information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission information is sent from the management system. A display unit and an operation unit;
When the transmission unit sends the transmission information related to the discrepancy of the recognition information, the display unit performs a display to that effect and a confirmation display about operation continuation,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the operation unit is configured to be able to input whether or not to continue the operation related to the confirmation display. The management system includes a plurality of third recognition information related to a plurality of device units and a plurality of control information corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information, and is transmitted from the plurality of third recognition information. When the third recognition information that matches the recognition information is not determined and the third recognition information similar to the recognition information is determined, the control information corresponding to the third recognition information is set as transmission information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission information is sent from the management system. A display unit and an operation unit;
The display unit, when the transmission information related to the third recognition information similar to the recognition information is sent, performs a display to that effect and a confirmation display about continuation of operation,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit is configured to be able to input whether or not to continue the operation related to the confirmation display. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission information sent from the management system is held in the first nonvolatile memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission information sent from the management system is held in the second nonvolatile memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first nonvolatile memory is provided in an IC tag that is detachably formed on the apparatus unit. 13. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the second nonvolatile memory is a nonvolatile memory that is detachably attached to a control unit of the image forming apparatus main body. apparatus. The image according to claim 1, wherein the first nonvolatile memory is formed so as to exchange information with a control unit of the image forming apparatus main body through serial communication. Forming equipment. The first non-volatile memory and the second non-volatile memory compare the recognition information with the second recognition information when the device unit is exchanged. Item 15. The image forming apparatus according to Item 14. The apparatus unit includes at least one of a charging unit that charges the image carrier, a developing unit that develops a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning unit that cleans the image carrier, and the image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a process cartridge in which a body is integrally held. The apparatus unit includes an image carrier, a charging unit that charges the image carrier, a developing unit that develops a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a toner image formed on the image carrier. 16. One or more of a transfer unit for transferring to a material and a cleaning unit for cleaning the image carrier are unitized. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus unit is a toner cartridge in which toner is stored. An apparatus unit installed in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An apparatus unit, wherein the apparatus unit is installed in a replaceable manner with respect to the image forming apparatus main body and has the first nonvolatile memory. A management system for monitoring the usage status of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A management system for exchanging the information with the image forming apparatus via a public communication line or the Internet. Comprising a database comprising a plurality of third recognition information relating to a plurality of device units and a plurality of control information corresponding to the plurality of third recognition information;
21. The management system according to claim 20, wherein the database is formed to be accessible by an unspecified person.

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