JP2023012238A - Image forming apparatus and method for authenticating consumable unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To apply authentication to a consumable unit mounted on an image forming apparatus, the authentication with different required time according to the magnitude of risk when a consumable unit with lower performance than a genuine product is mounted.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a mounting section on which a consumable unit is removably mounted; a risk determination section that, based on the history of use or the use environment of the apparatus, estimates the magnitude of risk when image formation is performed by using a consumable unit with lower performance than a genuine product; an authentication section that performs authentication processing on the mounted consumable unit; and a printing section that performs image formation by using the authenticated consumable unit. The authentication section applies different level of authentication to the mounted consumable unit or omits the authentication according to the estimated magnitude of risk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a consumable unit authentication method for authenticating an attached consumable unit.

Image forming apparatuses such as multifunction machines and printers are often provided in the form of detachable units in which consumables such as toner and photoreceptors for electrophotography and ink for inkjet systems can be attached to and detached from the main body. They are detachable because they need to be replenished or replaced in a short period of time compared to the life of the main body.
By providing consumables in the form of a unit, users can manually replenish or replace consumables, which in turn contributes to a reduction in running costs. However, not only users but also specialized maintenance companies may replenish or replace them.

Providing the consumables as a unit has the advantages described above, but there is an aspect that a third party different from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus body can easily provide the consumables unit. In this specification, a consumable unit manufactured by the manufacturer of the main unit or provided by a person licensed from the manufacturer is called a genuine consumable unit (genuine product), and other third parties provide A consumable unit is called a non-genuine consumable unit (non-genuine product). The image forming apparatus determining whether the attached consumable unit is a genuine product is called authentication.

Even if it is a non-genuine consumable unit, there is no need to exclude its use if there is no performance problem.
However, some non-genuine products may have performance inferior to genuine products. If a consumable unit with inferior performance is used, the user's dissatisfaction may be directed not at the consumable unit but at the main body of the image forming apparatus. In addition, it may not be easy to determine whether the cause of the performance failure is the consumable unit or the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Furthermore, if a consumable unit with inferior performance is used, the main body of the image forming apparatus may be damaged. For example, because there is a problem in matching the non-genuine toner with the main body of the image forming apparatus, the photoreceptor, which is a consumable item different from the toner, may be damaged. Alternatively, the use of non-genuine toner may cause the toner to scatter in the image forming apparatus, staining the paper, or contaminating the optical system to degrade the image quality.

However, it is not easy to judge whether the performance of the non-genuine consumable unit installed is good or bad.
Therefore, even if the consumable unit is determined to be a non-genuine product, it is not immediately prohibited to use it, but the printing operation is restricted when the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds the reference value. (See Patent Document 1, for example).

JP 2008-265111 A

As described above, excluding the use of the attached consumable unit only because it is a non-genuine product hinders the user's free choice.
On the other hand, consumable units with inferior performance that are provided without sufficient consideration of matching with the main body of the image forming apparatus are properly eliminated to avoid damage to the main body of the image forming apparatus and cause user dissatisfaction. It is desirable to have a mechanism to prevent this from happening.
Therefore, it is conceivable to try image quality adjustment or the like in order to ascertain the characteristics of the mounted consumable unit to some extent. Alternatively, it is conceivable to determine more reliably that at least the attached consumable unit is a genuine product. However, it takes time to authenticate such consumable units.

One of the basic performances required of an image forming apparatus is shortening the time required for printing. The time required for printing includes not only the time required from the start of printing to the end of printing, but also the time required from starting up the image forming apparatus until printing can be started. The latter is called the ready arrival time.
For example, the ready arrival time from when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on until it becomes ready to start printing is also called warm-up time.
Ready arrival time is not limited to power-on. For example, when the image forming apparatus is powered on, the door is opened, the consumable unit is installed (replaced), and the door is closed until it becomes ready for printing. This ready arrival time is particularly relevant to operations involving consumable units.

However, as described above, as the authentication of the attached consumable unit becomes more complicated, the influence of the consumable unit authentication process on the ready arrival time cannot be ignored.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and the danger of installing a consumable unit that is inferior in performance to the genuine product is large. Authentication with different required time is applied depending on the situation.

The present invention provides a mounting portion to which a consumable unit is detachably mounted, and a consumable unit having performance inferior to that of a genuine product based on the usage history or usage environment of the apparatus. a risk determination unit for estimating the degree of risk; an authentication unit for performing authentication processing of the mounted consumable unit; and a printing unit for performing image formation using the authenticated consumable unit, The department provides an image forming apparatus that applies different levels of authentication to attached consumable units or omits authentication depending on the magnitude of the inferred risk.

Further, from a different point of view, the present invention provides a step in which a controller of an image forming apparatus detects attachment of a consumable unit, and a consumable unit having performance inferior to that of a genuine product based on the usage history or usage environment of the image forming apparatus. a step of estimating a degree of risk when image formation is to be performed using a consumable unit; a step of performing authentication processing for the mounted consumable unit; and applying different levels of authentication or omitting authentication to the mounted consumable unit according to the estimated degree of risk.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the degree-of-risk judging section determines, based on the history of use or environment of use of the apparatus, the degree of risk when image formation is performed using a consumable unit with performance inferior to that of a genuine product. The authentication unit applies different levels of authentication to the installed consumable unit or omits the authentication according to the estimated degree of risk, so the performance is inferior to that of the genuine product. Authentication processing with different required time can be applied according to the degree of risk when the device is attached.
The method for authenticating a consumable unit according to the present invention also has the same effect.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a multifunction machine as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a main body portion of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the MFP shown in FIG. 1; 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front door of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1 is open; FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an operation when replacing the toner storage unit shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a toner storage unit attached to the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing executed by a control unit regarding authentication of a toner containing unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of elements and criteria used for risk determination in Embodiment 1; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing processing relating to authentication of a toner containing unit in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing related to authentication of a toner containing unit in Embodiment 3 (an example in which risk determination is performed first); FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing related to authentication of a toner containing unit in Embodiment 3 (an example in which simple level authentication is performed first). FIG.

The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
(Embodiment 1)
<<Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus>>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a digital multi-function peripheral which is one embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the mechanical configuration of the main body of the MFP 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the MFP 100. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 100 has an image reading unit 111 for reading a document, an operation unit 105 for receiving user's operation, and a printing unit 115 for forming an image. Furthermore, a paper feed tray 18a is provided below the printing unit 115 . An ejection tray 39a is provided above the printing section 115 and below the image reading section 111, and an ejection tray 39b is provided on the right side. A front door 31 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side.
A document conveying unit 103 for conveying a document to a reading section is provided on the main body. Underneath the main body is a paper feed desk consisting of three paper feed trays 18b, 18c and 18d for containing print sheets.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the multifunction device 100 further includes an environment sensor 43 that detects ambient temperature and humidity, and a control unit 101 that controls the operation of the multifunction device 100 .

Here, the internal configuration of the main body of the multifunction machine 100 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
The multifunction device 100 forms four-color toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) by an electrophotographic process and superimposes them to print a color image on a print sheet. . Alternatively, a monochrome image using a single color (for example, black) is printed on the print sheet. Therefore, four developing units 12, four photosensitive drums 13, chargers 14, drum cleaners 15, and the like are provided. The photoreceptor drum 13, charger 14, and drum cleaner 15 are integrally configured as a detachable process unit. Below the process unit 30, an optical scanning unit 11 is arranged as an exposure unit that exposes and scans the photosensitive drum 13 corresponding to each color with a laser beam.

The multifunction machine 100 has process units 30y, 30m, 30c, and 30k for each color. In FIG. 2, only the components of the process unit 30y for yellow are denoted by reference numerals, and the other colors are omitted. A process unit may also be denoted as process unit 30 using a representative code. Descriptions using representative symbols should be understood to apply to each of the colors Y, M, C, and K.

A toner storage unit 27 corresponding to each color is arranged above the process unit 30 . Like the process unit 30, the developing unit 12 and the toner storage unit 27 also have units for each color, but only the yellow unit is labeled and the other colors are omitted.
In this embodiment, at least the toner storage units 27 for each color correspond to consumable units. However, for example, the process unit 30 may be configured as a consumable unit separate from the toner containing unit 27 or integrated with the toner containing unit 27 . This is because the photosensitive drum 13 can be easily replaced.

The MFP 100 further includes an image processing circuit 41 that generates an input signal to the optical scanning unit 11 (see FIG. 3). The image processing circuit 41 processes the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 111 to generate exposure data related to the exposure pattern of the photosensitive drum 13 . The exposure data corresponds to the pattern of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 13 .
Under the control of the image formation control unit 133 shown in FIG. , M, C, and K toner images are formed.

More specifically, the image formation control section 133 controls the voltage of the charger 14, the exposure pattern and exposure intensity of the optical scanning unit 11, the voltage and driving of the developing roller 12r, and the like. Further, the developing unit 12 performs two-component development using a developer consisting of toner and carrier, and the image formation control unit 133 supplies toner corresponding to the amount used in development through a supply path (not shown). It controls replenishment from the accommodation unit 27 . Then, the toner in the developing unit 12 is made to maintain a predetermined density.

A primary transfer roller 16 is arranged at a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 13 of the process unit 30 via the intermediate transfer belt 21 . The image formation control unit 133 drives the intermediate transfer belt 21 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drums 13 of each color. That is, the primary transfer roller 16 is controlled to rotate in the same direction and at the same speed as the photosensitive drum 13 at the location where the two come into contact with each other. A voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 16 to superimpose and transfer the Y, M, C, and K toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 13 onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 . Send to contact position. The image formation control unit 133 drives the secondary transfer unit and applies a voltage to transfer the toner image onto a print sheet fed from the paper feed tray 18a or the like. The belt cleaner 22 cleans residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 21 .

The primary transfer roller 16 of each color, the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the belt cleaner 22 may be configured as an integrally detachable primary transfer unit, in which case the primary transfer unit may be configured as a consumable unit. . This is because the intermediate transfer belt 21 can be easily replaced. Also, the secondary transfer unit may be configured as a consumable unit detachable from the main body. This is because the transfer belt used in the secondary transfer unit 23 can be easily replaced.

A density reading sensor (not shown) is arranged facing the intermediate transfer belt 21 between the black process unit 30 k and the secondary transfer unit 23 . It is a reflective photosensor that detects the level of reflection of the density detection toner patch transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 .
The image formation control unit 133 forms density detection toner patches (test patches) for each color and transfers them to the intermediate transfer belt 21 . At the timing when these density detection toner patches pass the density reading sensor, the reflection level of each gradation of each density detection toner patch is detected. By feeding back the voltages of the charger 14 and the developing roller 12r, the aforementioned exposure data, etc., stable image quality can be achieved with respect to changes in ambient temperature and humidity, changes in characteristics due to use, variations in initial characteristics, and the like. control to obtain

In addition to the density reading sensor described above, the charging device 14 can also be detected based on, for example, the ambient temperature and humidity detected by the environment sensor 43, the history of the photosensitive drum 13 in the process unit 30, the history of the developer accommodated in the developing unit 12, and the like. , developing roller 12r, primary transfer roller 16, secondary transfer unit voltage, exposure data, and the like.
Further, the image forming control unit 133 feeds and conveys print sheets from the main body feed tray 18a, the feed trays 18b, 18c, and 18d of the feed desk (not shown in FIG. 2), and the manual feed tray 19. do. As shown in FIG. 1, the manual feed tray 19 can be folded and stored in the main body when not in use.

The image formation control section 133 conveys the print sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred by the secondary transfer unit 23 to the fixing unit 17 . The heat roller 24 and pressure roller 25 of the fixing unit 17 heat and press the print sheet passing therebetween to fix the toner image transferred to the print sheet to the print sheet. The image formation control section 133 drives the fixing unit 17 and controls the heating temperature of the heating roller 24 .
Note that the fixing unit 17 may be configured as a consumable unit detachable from the main body. This is because the heating roller 24 and the pressure roller 25 can be easily replaced.

The image formation control section 133 discharges the print sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 17 to the discharge tray 39a. Alternatively, the sheet is once switched back by the discharge roller 36 to be discharged to the discharge tray 39b on the right side surface. Alternatively, the switchbacked print sheet is guided to the double-sided conveying path 37 and returned to the secondary transfer unit 23 . Then, the toner image is transferred to the back side of the print sheet, and the print sheet is discharged through the fixing unit 17 to the discharge tray 39a or 39b.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 101 includes devices such as a processor 121, a RAM 122, and a nonvolatile memory 123 as hardware resources. The processor 121 executes a control program pre-stored in the non-volatile memory 123 and cooperates with hardware resources to realize the functions of the authentication unit 131, the risk determination unit 132, and the image formation control unit 133. FIG.

The authentication unit 131 performs authentication processing for the attached consumable unit.
The risk determination unit 132 estimates the degree of risk when image formation is performed using a consumable unit with performance inferior to that of a genuine product.
In this embodiment, processing performed by the authentication unit 131 and the risk determination unit 132 will be described for each color toner storage unit 27 as a representative example of the consumable unit. However, the consumable unit is not limited to the toner storage unit 27 . For example, each color process unit 30 may be configured as a consumable unit. Also, the developing unit 12 for each color may be configured as a consumable unit. Others may be configured as consumable units. If there is a consumable unit other than the toner storage unit 27, that consumable unit preferably has a non-volatile memory similar to the toner unit memory 27m. It is preferable that authentication unit 131 and risk determination unit 132 use the data stored in the nonvolatile memory to perform authentication processing at a level corresponding to the degree of risk in the same manner as the authentication processing for toner storage unit 27. .

The image formation control unit 133 controls some elements as shown in FIG. 3 in addition to the control objects shown in FIGS.
The printing unit 115 has a front door opening/closing sensor 33 that detects opening/closing of the front door 31, and the image formation control unit 133 recognizes the detected state.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 31 of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1 is opened. As shown in FIG. 4, when the front door 31 is opened, one end portion (rear end portion 27R shown in FIG. 6) of each color toner storage unit 27 and the waste toner collecting container 29 are exposed and detachable. The waste toner collection container 29 is a container that stores waste toner collected by the drum cleaner 15 and the belt cleaner 22 . When the waste toner collecting container 29 is removed, one ends of the developing unit 12 and the process unit 30 behind it are exposed. Furthermore, one end of the primary transfer unit, secondary transfer unit and fixing unit may be exposed. These units may be detachable by the user, or may be detachable by a service engineer.
5A and 5B are explanatory views showing an operation when replacing the toner storage unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the printing section 115 is provided with a mounting section 28 having guide rails (not shown in FIG. 5) for guiding the toner storage units 27 of each color. A user can attach and detach the toner storage unit 27 by inserting and withdrawing it along the guide rail.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the toner storage unit 27 attached to the multifunction machine 100. As shown in FIG.
The toner storage unit 27 has a drawer connector 27c and a toner unit memory 27m at the tip portion 27T when inserted into the mounting portion 28 (not shown in FIG. 6). In addition, guide portions 27g guided by the guide rails of the mounting portion 28 are provided on the upper edge portions of both left and right sides. The drawer connector 27c is fitted with the drawer connector on the side of the mounting portion 28 when the toner storage unit 27 is mounted all the way along the guide rail of the mounting portion 28 . In the fitted state, the controller 101 can read and write to the toner unit memory 27m. A serial EEPROM, for example, can be applied as the toner unit memory 27m.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the toner unit memory 27m is pre-written with information specific to each type of toner containing unit 27 at the time of shipment.

The control section 101 identifies the type of the attached toner containing unit 27 based on the specific information read from the toner unit memory 27m. Furthermore, whether or not the toner storage unit 27 is a genuine product may be determined based on its unique information.
Furthermore, the control section 101 writes and updates information related to the history of the toner containing unit 27 in the toner unit memory 27m. An example of the information related to the history includes the number of sheets printed using the corresponding color while the toner containing unit 27 is attached, and the period after the attachment.

The controller 101 stores the unique information read from the toner unit memory 27m in the nonvolatile memory 123 of the controller 101 . Upon recognizing that the front door 31 has changed from the open state to the closed state, the unique information is read from the toner unit memory 27m of the toner storage unit 27 installed. Then, the risk determining section 132 determines the degree of risk, and the authentication section 131 determines at which level the authentication processing of the toner containing unit 27 is to be performed based on the determined degree of risk. This processing is for the possibility that the front door 31 has been opened and the toner storage unit 27 has been replaced, removed, or newly installed.

<<Authentication process for consumable unit>>
Authentication processing for a consumable unit will be described using the toner storage unit 27 as an example.
Authentication of the consumable unit is a process of determining whether or not the attached consumable unit can be used. If an inappropriate consumable unit is installed, not only will the original performance not be exhibited, but there is a risk that the main body will be damaged.
From this point of view, it can be said that the authentication should be performed based on the performance of the toner in the attached toner storage unit 27 . However, it is substantially difficult to accurately and quickly determine multifaceted toner performance. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the product is a genuine product designed to match the performance of the MFP 100 .

According to this embodiment, when there is a possibility that the toner storage unit 27 has been replaced or newly installed, the control unit 101 performs image formation using a consumable unit with performance inferior to that of the genuine product. Estimate the magnitude of the risk of As a basis for the inference, the usage history and usage environment of the MFP 100 are used. Then, the mode of authentication is changed according to the estimated degree of risk.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing processing executed by the control section 101 as the authentication section 131 regarding authentication of the toner containing unit 27 .
As shown in FIG. 7, when the control unit 101 recovers from the power-down state (Yes in step S11) or when it recognizes that the front door 31 is closed from the open state (Yes in step S13), authentication is performed. I do. That is, when there is a possibility that a new toner storage unit 27 has been attached to the attachment portion 28, simple level authentication of the toner storage unit 27 is performed (step S15).

In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that there are two levels of authentication, simple level authentication and high level authentication.
Simple authentication completes authentication in a shorter period of time than high-level authentication. Ready arrival time is not extended for authentication processing. As a specific example of simple authentication, for example, data stored in a predetermined storage area of the toner unit memory 27m is read, and it is determined whether the content matches predetermined content or falls within a predetermined range. processing to determine. More specifically, for example, the data indicates the compatible model of the toner containing unit 27, and it is a process of determining whether the MFP 100 corresponds to the compatible model. Alternatively, it is a process of determining whether or not the manufacturing date of the toner containing unit 27 is within a predetermined quality assurance period.

If the simple level authentication of the toner containing unit 27 is unsuccessful (No in step S17), the control unit 101 warns that there is a risk that the intended performance will not be exhibited if the mounted toner containing unit 27 is used for printing. is notified to the user (step S103). Specifically, for example, by displaying a warning message on the operation unit 105 or outputting a message by voice, the user is notified and prompted to replace the toner storage unit 27 with an appropriate toner storage unit 27 . If the authentication is unsuccessful, a predetermined action is taken (step S105), and the process ends.

An example of a response determined when authentication fails is to prohibit image formation using the toner storage unit 27 when the toner storage unit 27 has been used for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined amount after the warning is issued. It is.
Another example is to issue a warning and at the same time prohibit image formation using the toner containing unit 27 .
As another example, only when the risk category of any of the determination factors is γ, image formation using the toner containing unit 27 is permitted, and in other cases, image formation is prohibited as already described. It is.

On the other hand, if the simple level authentication is successful (Yes in step S17), then the control unit 101 as the risk determination unit 132 determines the risk estimated from the history and usage environment of the MFP 100 and the toner storage unit 27. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard (step S19). Since the newly installed toner storage unit 27 is normally unused, the degree of danger is estimated based on the usage history and usage environment of the multifunction machine 100 .

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of elements and criteria used by the risk determination unit 132 to determine the risk. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the risk is determined based on multiple factors (decision factors).
The determination factors include the printing rate and the number of printed sheets per month regarding the amount of toner used by the MFP 100 per unit period (usage trend). The coverage rate is provided by the image processing circuit 41 . The number of printed sheets per month is based on data stored in the nonvolatile memory 123 after the image formation control unit 133 counts the number of printed sheets.

The determination factors further include ambient temperature and ambient humidity regarding the environment in which the MFP is used. The ambient temperature and humidity are provided by the environment sensor 43 .
Further, the determination factors include the number of rotations of the developing roller (which may be the rotation time) and the number of rotations of the photoreceptor (which may be the rotation time). These values may be counted by the image formation control unit 133 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 123 . Alternatively, when the process unit 30 is configured as a consumable unit, the image formation control section 133 may count and store in the unit memory of the process unit 30 . These values are factors related to the life of consumables associated with toner. Here, the unit memory of the process unit 30 is a non-volatile memory of the process unit 30 corresponding to the toner unit memory 27m of the toner storage unit 27. FIG.

Risk determination is performed, for example, as follows.
In the first example, the risk is determined to be high when there are one or more determination factors in accordance with the risk category α, or when there are three or more items of β.
In the second example, weight values are assigned in advance to α, β, and γ, respectively, and the sum of the weights of the risk categories of each decision factor is calculated. If the total value is, for example, 10 or more, it is determined that the degree of risk is high.
In the third example, if a certain item, for example life, is of the risk category γ, it is determined that the risk is low. If the life item is α or β, the degree of risk is determined as in the first or second example.

Returning to the description of the flowchart shown in FIG.
As a result of the risk determination in step S19, if the risk is determined to be equal to or higher than the predetermined standard (Yes in step S19), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs the high level authentication in addition to the simple level authentication performed in step S15. Authentication is performed (step S21).
An example of high-level authentication is, for example, using encrypted data to determine whether or not the attached toner storage unit 27 is a genuine product. The reason for using encrypted data is that unique information (authentication information) indicating that the unit is genuine can be easily deciphered and illegally used. However, if the multifunction machine 100 is not a model with a very high printing speed, the processing capability of the control unit 101 is limited compared to a high-speed machine, and complex encryption processing takes time. There is an aspect that it can cause a delay in the ready arrival time.

As another example of high-level authentication, a process of forming a test patch and reading it with a density reading sensor to confirm whether appropriate density and color can be obtained can be considered. However, the process of forming and reading test patches is time consuming. There is an aspect that delays the ready arrival time.
If high-level authentication is successful (Yes in step S23), image formation using the attached toner containing unit 27 is allowed (step S101), and the process ends.
Even if it is determined in step S19 that the degree of risk is low, high-level authentication is not performed, image formation using the attached toner storage unit 27 is allowed (step S101), and the process ends.

Further, if the high-level authentication of the toner containing unit 27 is unsuccessful in the judgment of step S23 (No in step S23), the controller 101 determines that printing using the mounted toner containing unit 27 will achieve the desired performance. is notified to the user that there is a risk that is not exhibited (step S103). This prompts replacement of the toner storage unit 27 with an appropriate toner storage unit 27 . If the authentication is unsuccessful, a predetermined action is taken (step S105), and the process ends.
In this way, when there is a possibility that a new toner storage unit 27 has been installed, at least simple level authentication that does not affect the ready arrival time is executed. Furthermore, when it is determined that the degree of risk is high, high-level authentication is performed.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, at least simple authentication is performed when there is a possibility that a new toner containing unit 27 has been installed.
In contrast, in this embodiment, when there is a possibility that a new toner storage unit 27 has been installed, the controller 101 first determines the degree of risk. Then, if the determined degree of risk does not meet a predetermined standard, authentication is omitted or only simple level authentication is performed.
If the degree of risk is equal to or higher than a predetermined standard, simple level authentication and high level authentication are performed.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing processing related to authentication executed by the control unit 101 in this embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same processes as in FIG. 7 in Embodiment 1 (steps S11, S13, S101, S103 and S105). Duplicate descriptions of these processes are omitted.
In FIG. 9, when there is a possibility that a new toner storage unit 27 has been installed, the control unit 101 as the risk determination unit 132 determines the risk estimated from the history and usage environment of the MFP 100 and the toner storage unit 27. is greater than or equal to a predetermined standard (step S31). A specific example of the risk determination process is described in the first embodiment.

As a result of the risk determination, if the risk is determined to be equal to or higher than the predetermined standard (Yes in step S31), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs simple level authentication and high level authentication (step S33). Specific examples of simple level authentication and high level authentication are described in the first embodiment.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the degree of risk does not meet the predetermined standard (No in step S31), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs only simple level authentication (step S35). Alternatively, image formation using the attached toner containing unit 27 may be allowed without authentication.

If the authentication succeeds in step S33 or S35 described above (Yes in step S37), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 permits image formation using the attached toner storage unit 27 (step S101), and starts the process. finish. The same applies to the case where the simple level authentication in step S35 described above is omitted.
On the other hand, if the authentication in step S33 or S35 is unsuccessful (No in step S37), a warning is issued (step S103), a predetermined response is executed (step S105), and the process ends. In the above step S33, the same applies not only when the simple level authentication is unsuccessful, but also when the simple authentication is successful but the high level authentication is unsuccessful.
In this embodiment, a configuration example has been shown in which even the simple authentication can be omitted by prioritizing the ready arrival time.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, the control unit 101 promptly performs high-level authentication when determining that the degree of risk is high, but postpones execution of high-level authentication when determining that the degree of risk is low. Execution of high-level authentication, which can delay the ready arrival time, is performed, for example, until the arrival of a standby state in which the MFP 100 does not perform image formation. In this way, the user is preferably not penalized for the time required for high-level authentication.

10 and 11 are flow charts showing the process for authenticating the toner storage unit in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a modified example in which risk determination is performed prior to simple level authentication, similar to the process shown in FIG. On the other hand, FIG. 11 shows a modified example in which risk determination is performed after simple level authentication is performed.
The processing procedure will be described along the flowchart shown in FIG. Similar to FIG. 9, descriptions of overlapping processes are omitted.
When there is a possibility that a new toner storage unit 27 has been installed, the control unit 101 as the risk determination unit 132 determines that the risk estimated from the history and usage environment of the MFP 100 and the toner storage unit 27 is a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than the reference (step S41).

As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the degree of risk is equal to or higher than the predetermined standard (Yes in step S41), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs simple level authentication and high level authentication (step S47). This flow is the same as in FIG.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the degree of risk does not meet the predetermined standard (No in step S41), the control unit 101 acting as the authentication unit 131 temporarily permits image formation using the attached toner containing unit 27 ( step S43). Then, it waits for the arrival of a predetermined timing (step S45). The predetermined timing is the standby state as described above, for example, when a state in which no operation is accepted continues for a certain period of time. Also, when the multifunction machine 100 has a human sensor that detects people around, it is in a standby state and there are no people around.
When a predetermined time has come (Yes in step S45), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs simple level authentication and high level authentication (step S47).

In step S47 described above, if both the simple level authentication and the high level authentication are successful (Yes in step S49), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 permits image formation using the attached toner storage unit 27 ( Step S101), the process ends.
On the other hand, if either the simple level authentication or the high level authentication in step S47 is unsuccessful (No in step S49), a warning is issued (step S103), a predetermined response is executed (step S105), and the process ends. do.
The flow of the authentication processing shown in FIG. 10 has been described above.

Next, the processing shown in FIG. 11 will be described. In the process shown in FIG. 11, if there is a possibility that a new toner storage unit 27 has been installed, simple level authentication is performed (step S51).
If the simple level authentication of the toner containing unit 27 is unsuccessful (No in step S53), a warning is issued (step S103), a predetermined action is taken (step S105), and the process ends.
On the other hand, if the simple level authentication is successful (Yes in step S53), then the control unit 101 as the risk determination unit 132 determines whether or not the risk is equal to or higher than a predetermined standard (step S55).
When it is determined that the degree of risk is equal to or higher than the predetermined standard (Yes in step S55), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs high level authentication in addition to the simple level authentication performed in step S51 (step S61).
If it is determined that the degree of risk does not meet the predetermined standard (No in step S55), the control unit 101 acting as the authentication unit 131 temporarily permits image formation using the attached toner containing unit 27 (step S57). ). Then, it waits for the arrival of a predetermined timing (step S59). The predetermined timing is as described with reference to FIG.
When a predetermined time has come (Yes in step S59), the control unit 101 as the authentication unit 131 performs high-level authentication in addition to the simple level authentication performed in step S51 (step S61).

If the high-level authentication in step S61 succeeds (Yes in step S63), the control section 101 as the authentication section 131 permits image formation using the attached toner storage unit 27 (step S101), and ends the process.
On the other hand, if the high-level authentication in step S63 is unsuccessful (No in step S63), a warning is issued (step S103), a predetermined action is taken (step S105), and the process ends.
The flow of the authentication processing shown in FIG. 11 has been described above.

As mentioned above,
(i) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention uses a mounting section to which a consumable unit is detachably mounted, and a consumable unit having performance inferior to that of a genuine product based on the usage history or usage environment of the apparatus. A risk determination unit that estimates the degree of risk when forming is performed, an authentication unit that performs authentication processing for the attached consumable unit, and printing that performs image formation using the authenticated consumable unit , wherein the authentication unit applies different levels of authentication to the attached consumable unit or omits authentication according to the estimated degree of risk.

In the present invention, the mounting portion is a portion where the consumable unit is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. A specific aspect thereof is, for example, a mechanism for fixing a consumable unit to a predetermined position in the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, a mechanism and/or circuit may be included to detect when the consumable unit is locked in place.
Also, the risk determination unit and the authentication unit may be implemented by a processor executing processing based on programs and data stored in a memory.
Furthermore, different levels of authentication refer to different accuracy, complexity, and/or time required for the authentication process. In general, high-precision authentication is a complex process and therefore takes a long time. It can be said that the high accuracy of authentication means that the probability of erroneously determining whether or not the product is genuine is low.

Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(ii) the authentication unit omits the authentication process or applies simple level authentication in which the time required for authentication is relatively short when the risk does not meet a predetermined standard; Or if it exceeds it, you may apply the high level certification|authentication which takes a relatively long time for certification|authentication.
In this way, at least two levels of authentication with different processing times can be applied according to the estimated degree of risk.

(iii) If the degree of risk does not meet a predetermined standard, the authentication section does not perform the authentication process until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the consumable unit was attached. may be permitted, and after the predetermined period has elapsed, the authentication may be performed to determine whether or not to permit the image formation to continue.
In this way, when the risk is less than the third threshold, image formation using the consumable unit is permitted until the predetermined period has passed, and authentication is performed after the predetermined period has passed. can determine whether to allow continued use of the consumable unit.

(iv) The authentication unit authenticates the consumable unit by applying simple level authentication, which takes a relatively short time for authentication, and performs a predetermined period after the consumable unit with the simple level authentication is mounted. After elapses, it may be determined whether or not to allow the image formation to continue by applying high-level authentication requiring a relatively long time for authentication.
In this manner, simple level authentication is first applied to simply determine whether or not the use of the consumable unit is permitted, and after the predetermined period has elapsed, high level authentication is further performed to obtain the consumable item. A determination can be made as to whether or not to allow the unit to continue to be used over an extended period of time.

(v) The usage history may relate to at least one of a set life span of the consumable, a usage amount of the consumable after being installed, or a usage frequency.

(vi) When the authentication of the consumable unit is unsuccessful, the authentication unit issues a warning related to the consumable unit, and the consumable unit is used for a predetermined period or amount after issuing the warning. It may be arranged to prohibit image formation using it when it is detected.
In this way, even if the user arranges a replacement consumable unit after the warning is issued, image formation using the installed consumable unit is permitted for a while until delivery.

(viii) According to one aspect of the present invention, a control unit of an image forming apparatus detects attachment of a consumable unit, and based on the usage history or usage environment of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus has a performance inferior to that of a genuine product. a step of estimating the degree of risk when image formation is to be performed using a consumable unit; a step of performing authentication processing for the attached consumable unit; and an image formation using the authenticated consumable unit. and applying different levels of authentication or omitting authentication to the attached consumable unit according to the inferred degree of risk.

Aspects of the present invention also include combinations of any of the aspects described above.
Various modifications of the present invention are possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. Those modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims, the meaning of equivalents, and the scope.

11: Optical scanning unit 12: Developing unit 12r: Developing roller 13: Photoreceptor drum 14: Charger 15: Drum cleaner 16: Primary transfer roller 17: Fixing unit 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d: paper feed tray 19: manual feed tray 21: intermediate transfer belt 22: belt cleaner 23: secondary transfer unit 24: heating roller 25: pressure roller 27: toner storage unit 27c: drawer Connector 27T: Tip 27g: Guide 27m: Toner unit memory 27R: Rear end 28: Mounting part 29: Waste toner collection container 30, 30y, 30m, 30c, 30k: Process unit 31 : Front door 33: Front door open/close sensor 36: Ejection roller 37: Double-sided transport path 39a, 39b: Ejection tray 41: Image processing circuit 43: Environment sensor 100: MFP 101: Control unit 103 105: operation unit 111: image reading unit 115: printing unit 121: processor 122: RAM 123: non-volatile memory 131: authentication unit 132: risk determination unit 133: image Formation control unit

Claims (7)

a mounting part to which the consumable unit is detachably mounted;
a risk determination unit for estimating the degree of risk when image formation is performed using a consumable unit having performance inferior to that of a genuine product based on the usage history or usage environment of the device;
an authentication unit that performs authentication processing for the attached consumable unit;
a printing unit that forms an image using an authenticated consumable unit,
The authentication unit applies different levels of authentication to the attached consumable unit or omits authentication according to the estimated degree of risk. The authentication unit omits the authentication process or applies simple level authentication in which the time required for authentication is relatively short when the risk does not meet a predetermined standard, and the risk meets the standard or exceeds the standard. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the time limit is exceeded, high-level authentication requiring a relatively long time for authentication is applied. The authentication unit uses the consumable unit without performing the authentication process until a predetermined period has elapsed since the consumable unit was attached when the degree of risk does not meet a predetermined standard. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image formation is permitted, and when said predetermined period has elapsed, said authentication processing is performed to determine whether or not said image formation is permitted to continue. The authentication unit authenticates the consumable unit by applying simple level authentication, which takes a relatively short time for authentication, and after a predetermined period of time has passed since the simple level authenticated consumable unit was mounted, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not to allow the image formation to continue by applying high-level authentication, which requires a relatively long time for authentication. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage history relates to at least one of a set life span of the consumable, an amount of usage of the consumable after installation, and a frequency of use. The authentication unit issues a warning regarding the consumable unit if authentication of the consumable unit fails, and if the consumable unit has been used for a predetermined period or amount after issuing the warning. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image formation using a is prohibited. The control unit of the image forming apparatus
detecting attachment of the consumable unit;
a step of estimating the degree of risk when image formation is performed using a consumable unit having performance inferior to that of a genuine product based on the usage history or usage environment of the image forming apparatus;
performing an authentication process for the mounted consumable unit;
imaging with the authenticated consumable unit;
A consumable unit authentication method that applies different levels of authentication to attached consumable units or omits authentication according to the magnitude of an inferred degree of risk.

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