JP4962111B2 - Image forming apparatus, printing control method for image forming apparatus, and printing control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multi-function digital multifunction peripheral in which these functions are integrated, a print control method for the image forming apparatus, and a print control program.

  In the image forming apparatus as described above, a consumable unit such as a toner cartridge or an imaging unit is used. These consumable units have consumables such as toner and a photosensitive drum that are consumed every time a printing operation is performed, and when all the consumables are consumed or when the lifetime is reached, a new consumable unit is obtained. To be exchanged.

  Regarding the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus, there are a genuine product provided by the manufacturer of the image forming device and a non-genuine product provided by a third party called a third party. Non-genuine products are often manufactured by filling in or replacing genuine consumable units with new consumables manufactured by a third party or replacing them with new consumables. Also called a consumable unit.

  In general, the quality of consumables manufactured by a third party may vary, and there may be a problem in matching with an image forming apparatus to be mounted.

Therefore, conventionally, there has been provided a technique for prohibiting printing when a non-genuine consumable unit is mounted on an image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-195705 A

  Incidentally, in recent years, image forming apparatuses have been shipped to many countries and regions, and user preferences, legal regulations, and the like for non-genuine consumable units vary depending on the shipping destination. For example, in the case of a country or region where users tend to prefer genuine products with stable prices even at high prices, use non-genuine consumable units within the scope of the laws and regulations of the country / region. It is preferable to set a restriction such as prohibition of printing operation. This is because there is a risk that the user may be disadvantaged if the user uses a non-genuine product by mistake. On the other hand, in countries and regions where users tend to prefer low-priced products even if there is some instability in the quality, the printing operation using a non-genuine consumable unit is permitted. Are preferably shipped. This is in order not to disturb the user's free selection.

  Furthermore, circumstances such as user preferences and laws and regulations in each country or region are not always constant, and may change in the future.

  However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, regardless of the shipping destination country or region, a setting is made to prohibit printing operation when a non-genuine consumable unit is installed. Whether to allow or restrict printing operations using product units could not be handled for each country or region of the shipping destination.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to respond to each country or region of the shipping destination as to whether to allow or restrict printing operations using non-genuine consumable units. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible image forming apparatus, a print control method for the image forming apparatus, and a print control program.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) Whether or not the consumable unit that has a consumable unit that is exchangeably mounted and is consumed by the repetition of the printing operation is a genuine product and a non-consumable product unit that performs a printing operation for printing data to be printed on paper. The genuine / non-genuine discrimination means for discriminating whether the product is genuine, the storage means for storing the destination information indicating the country or region where the image forming apparatus is shipped, and the wear worn by the genuine / non-genuine discrimination means If it is determined that the product unit is a non-genuine product, the country or region where the image forming apparatus is shipped indicated by the destination information stored in the storage means uses the non-genuine product consumable unit. It is determined whether the printing operation by the image forming means is a restricted country or region, and if it is determined that the country or region is not restricted, the image formation using a non-genuine consumable unit is performed. Mark by means Allow operation, when it is determined that a country or region to be restricted, and a control means for limiting the printing operation by the imaging means using a consumable unit of the non-genuine, further comprising a An image forming apparatus.
(2) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 above, wherein the limitation of the printing operation is prohibition of printing.
(3) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the printing operation is limited to an executable printing mode and / or a printing speed.
(4) The printing operation by the image forming means when a non-genuine consumable unit is installed is set based on the destination information so that one of switching, restriction or permission can be switched. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising setting means for performing the above.
(5) a step of determining whether a consumable unit having a consumable unit that is replaceably mounted and consumed by repeated printing operations is a genuine product or a non-genuine product; When it is determined that the product is a non-genuine product, the country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped, which is stored in the storage unit and is indicated in the destination information indicating the country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped, It is determined whether or not the country or region where printing operations using non-genuine consumable units are restricted. If it is determined that the country or region is not restricted, the non-genuine consumable unit is used. And a step of restricting the printing operation using a non-genuine consumable unit when it is determined that the restricted country or region is permitted. Print control of image forming device Law.
(6) a step of discriminating whether a consumable unit having a consumable that is replaceably mounted and consumed by repeated printing operations is a genuine product or a non-genuine product; When it is determined that the product is a non-genuine product, the country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped, which is stored in the storage unit and is indicated in the destination information indicating the country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped, It is determined whether or not the country or region where printing operations using non-genuine consumable units are restricted. If it is determined that the country or region is not restricted, the non-genuine consumable unit is used. The printing operation using the non-genuine consumable unit is executed on the computer of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the restricted country or region is permitted. To make Printing control program.

According to the invention described in (1) above, when it is determined that the mounted consumable unit is a non-genuine product, the image forming apparatus is shipped as indicated in the destination information indicating the country or region to be shipped. It is determined whether or not the country or region to be printed is a country or region where printing operations using non-genuine consumable units are restricted, and it is determined that the country or region is not restricted. If printing operation using a genuine consumable unit is permitted and it is determined that the country or region is restricted , printing operation using a non-genuine consumable unit is restricted. , By changing the destination information stored in the storage means, it is possible to easily deal with whether to permit or restrict printing operations using non-genuine consumable units for each country or region of the shipping destination. It can be carried out.

  According to the invention described in (2) above, when it is determined that the mounted consumable unit is a non-genuine product, printing is prohibited based on the destination information.

  According to the invention described in item (3) above, when it is determined that the installed consumable unit is a non-genuine product, based on the destination information, restrictions on the available print modes and / or print speed Restrictions are made.

  According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (4), the setting means determines, restricts or permits a printing operation based on destination information when a non-genuine consumable unit is mounted. Since any one of them can be set to be switchable, when there is a change in circumstances in the country or region where the image forming apparatus is shipped, it can be easily handled by switching the setting.

According to the invention described in item (5) above, when it is determined that the mounted consumable unit is a non-genuine product, the image forming apparatus is shipped as shown in the destination information indicating the country or region where the product is shipped. It is determined whether or not the country or region to be printed is a country or region where printing operations using non-genuine consumable units are restricted, and it is determined that the country or region is not restricted. If printing operation using a genuine consumable unit is permitted and it is determined that the country or region is restricted , printing operation using a non-genuine consumable unit is restricted. , By changing the destination information stored in the storage means, it is possible to easily deal with whether to permit or restrict printing operations using non-genuine consumable units for each country or region of the shipping destination. It can be carried out.

According to the invention described in item (6) above, the process of determining whether a consumable unit mounted in a replaceable manner is a genuine product or a non-genuine product, and when it is determined that it is a non-genuine product The country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped indicated in the destination information indicating the country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped is stored in the storage means using the non-genuine consumable unit. Judgment is made on whether or not the country or region is restricted in printing operation. If it is judged that the country or region is not restricted , printing operation using a non-genuine consumable unit is permitted and restricted. If it is determined that the country or region, it is possible to cause the computer of the image forming apparatus to execute processing for restricting the printing operation using the non-genuine consumable unit .

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multifunction digital multi-function peripheral is used as the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, a paper discharge tray 5, and the like.

  The scanner unit 2 includes a CCD sensor 6 and reads a document set on an automatic document feeder or platen glass (both not shown).

  The image forming unit 3 performs a printing operation of printing image data of a document read by the scanner unit 2, print data transmitted from the outside, and the like on a sheet. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 10Y 10M, 10C and 10K, toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C and 8K, an intermediate transfer belt 7, an exposure unit 14, a polygon mirror 15, a transport roller 18, a secondary transfer roller 19, a fixing device 20, and the like.

  The imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are for forming an electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a toner image. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K ) For each color. Each of the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K includes a rotatable photosensitive drum 11, a charger 13 that charges the photosensitive drum 11, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. A developing device 12 or the like for forming a toner image by attaching toner is provided, and these components are configured as one unit.

  The photosensitive drums 11 and the like included in the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are consumables that gradually deteriorate in performance due to repeated printing operations and eventually reach the end of their lives. For this reason, each of the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is a consumable unit that is replaced with a new imaging unit when the consumable reaches the end of its life, and is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 in a replaceable manner. The replacement is performed by opening the front door 21 of the image forming apparatus 1. Each imaging unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is provided with a memory chip 22, and information about the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is registered in the memory chip 22, respectively. .

  The toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K store toners corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Supply to imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K.

  The toner of each color accommodated in the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is a consumable that is consumed by repeating the printing operation. Therefore, each of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is a consumable unit that can be replaced with a new toner cartridge when the toner runs out, and can be replaced by opening the front door 21 of the image forming apparatus 1. It is attached to. Each of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is provided with a memory chip 9 in which information about the toner cartridge is registered, which will be described in detail later.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 primarily transfers the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 11 of the four imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K in a superimposed state. And the driven roller 17 and is driven to rotate in a fixed direction by the rotation of the driving roller 16.

  The exposure unit 14 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 11 of each imaging unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K with laser light.

  The polygon mirror 15 deflects the laser light emitted from the exposure unit 14 and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

  The transport roller 18 transports the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 4 to the secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer roller 19 transfers the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 18, and the fixing device 20 is transferred to the sheet. The toner image is fixed.

  The paper feed unit 4 stores paper for each type, and when a print instruction is given, the paper is taken out from the paper feed unit 4 one by one and conveyed to the secondary transfer position by the conveyance roller 18.

  The recording paper on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 20 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 5.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP controller unit 26, an engine control unit 27, a storage unit 28, a backup memory 29, an operation panel, in addition to the scanner unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the front door 21 described above. A part 30 and a front door opening / closing sensor 31 are provided.

  Since the scanner unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the front door 21 have already been described, description thereof will be omitted.

  The MFP controller unit 26 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, and the like.

  The CPU 261 implements control performed by the MFP controller unit 26 by executing a program stored in the ROM 262. Specifically, in addition to controlling the scanner unit 2, the engine control unit 27, the storage unit 28, the operation panel unit 30 and the like, in this embodiment, the following control is performed. That is, based on the information from the engine control unit 27, the consumable units such as the installed toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C and 8K and the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K are genuine or non-genuine. It is determined whether it is a product. In this embodiment, the genuine product refers to a product provided by a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, and the non-genuine product refers to a product provided by a third party other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus.

  If it is determined that at least one of the mounted consumable units is not a genuine product, the CPU 261 reads the destination information indicating the country and region of the shipping destination stored in the backup memory 29, and uses the read destination information. Based on this, the printing operation for the image forming unit 3 is controlled via the engine control unit 27.

  The ROM 262 stores programs executed by the CPU 261 and other data. In this program, consumable units such as non-genuine imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K and toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are installed in certain predetermined countries and regions. In such a case, an algorithm for restricting a printing operation using the consumable unit is included.

  The engine control unit 27 communicates with the MFP controller unit 26 and controls the printing operation by the image forming unit 3 in accordance with a command from the MFP controller unit 26. In this embodiment, the engine control unit 27 transmits a signal (open / close detection signal) indicating that the front door 21 has been opened / closed from the front door open / close sensor 31 that detects opening / closing of the front door 21. Reproduction information to be described later is read by communicating with the memory chips 9 of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, and further the memory chip 22 of the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, and the read reproduction information is sent to the CPU 261. It is supposed to be.

  The storage unit 28 includes a recording medium such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory, and stores image data of the original read by the scanner unit 2, other data, various programs, and the like.

  The backup memory 29 stores destination information indicating the country or region where the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped.

  The operation panel unit 30 is used by the user to perform input operations and provide various screens and messages to the user. The operation panel unit 30 includes a key input unit including a plurality of keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and a mode setting screen. And a touch panel display (not shown) for displaying messages and the like. In this embodiment, when a consumable unit such as a toner cartridge is a non-genuine product, a warning screen is displayed on the display unit.

  The front door opening / closing sensor 31 is a sensor that detects an opening / closing operation of the front door 21, and transmits an opening / closing detection signal to the engine control unit 27 when the opening / closing operation of the front door 21 is detected.

  Next, address mapping of the memory chip 9 provided in the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the memory address mapping 91 of FIG. 3, the memory chip 9 is composed of three types of storage areas with different addresses, and each can store information of up to 8 bits.

  The storage area of addresses 00h to 1Fh is an area (ROM area) in which subsequent writing is prohibited when data is written at the time of manufacture, and is only readable (ROM area), and is filled with a model identification code indicating the type of the toner cartridge. A color identification code indicating the color of the toner being stored, a filling amount identification code indicating the amount of toner being filled, and the like are stored.

  The storage area at addresses 20h to 2Fh is an area (RAM area) in which the image forming apparatus 1 can be freely written, and is temporarily related to a state during a printing operation, such as a rotation speed of a toner supply screw (not shown). Information is written.

The storage areas at addresses 30h to 3Fh are areas (OTP areas) that can be rewritten only once by the image forming apparatus 1, and the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, or 8K have been exhausted in the past because the stored toner has been consumed. Reproduction information indicating whether or not has been written is written. In this reproduction information, if the toner cartridge has never been emptied in the past, all the bits are set to “1”. On the other hand, if the toner cartridge is emptied once, all bits are set to “0” by the image forming apparatus 1. It is configured to be rewritten. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 reads the reproduction information, and when all the bits are “1”, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the toner cartridge is a genuine product, and all the bits are “0”. In this case, it is considered that the toner cartridge that has been emptied is filled with toner manufactured by a third party and then remounted, so that the toner cartridge is determined to be a non-genuine product. To do. Note that the memory mapping of the memory chip 22 provided in the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is the same as that of the memory chip 9 of the toner cartridge, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.
[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In this embodiment, when the user opens and closes the front door 21, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the consumable unit has been replaced, and the mounted consumable unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. Determine if there is any. If it is determined that the mounted consumable unit is a non-genuine product, the destination information stored in the backup memory 29 is read, and permission / prohibition of the printing operation is determined based on the destination information. It has been made.

  In the following example, only the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are described as determining whether they are genuine products or non-genuine products. However, only the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are described. The determination may be performed, or both the toner cartridge and the imaging unit may be determined.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation from when the user opens / closes the front door 21 to when permission / prohibition of the printing operation is determined.

  When the user opens / closes the front door 21, the opening / closing operation is detected by the front door opening / closing sensor 31 (step S <b> 50), and an opening / closing detection signal is transmitted to the engine control unit 27. The engine control unit 27 that has received the open / close detection signal reads the reproduction information stored in the memory chips 9 of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K (step S51), and sends the reproduction information to the CPU 261 of the MFP controller unit 26. (Step S52).

  The CPU 261 that has received the reproduction information performs the following operation in accordance with a control program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 262. That is, first, based on the reproduction information, it is determined whether the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are genuine products or non-genuine products, and it is also determined whether or not all are genuine products (step S53). .

  If it is determined that all of them are genuine products (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S58 and permission for printing operation is determined.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the toner cartridges is a non-genuine product (NO in step S53), a warning screen to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel unit 30 (step S54).

  As a result, the user can know that a non-genuine toner cartridge is installed.

  Next, the CPU 261 reads the destination information from the backup memory 29 (step S55), and the country or region indicated in the destination information is a country where printing operation using a non-genuine toner cartridge is prohibited. It is determined whether or not it is an area (step S56).

  When the printing operation is not prohibited in the country or region (NO in step S56), the process proceeds to step S58, and permission for the printing operation is determined.

  If the country or region is prohibited from printing operation (YES in step S56), the process proceeds to step S57 to determine prohibition of printing operation.

  When it is determined whether the printing operation is permitted or prohibited, the engine control unit 27 controls the image forming unit 3 according to the determination, and the printing operation is executed or prohibited.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when it is determined that the mounted toner cartridge is a non-genuine product, the non-genuine product toner cartridge is replaced based on the destination information stored in the backup memory 29. Since the printing operation is permitted or prohibited, whether the printing operation using the non-genuine consumable unit is permitted or restricted by changing the destination information stored in the backup memory 29 is determined. It can be easily handled for each country and region of the shipping destination.

In addition, since the printing operation when the toner cartridge is a non-genuine product is determined based on the destination information, there is no need to make a special setting for each country or region during production. It can also be prevented.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, when it is determined that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product, a setting for restricting or permitting the printing operation based on the destination information and a setting for uniformly restricting the printing operation regardless of the destination information. For example, a service man or the like can switch the setting to permit the printing operation uniformly.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a setting switch 32 is provided. The setting switch 32 sets a printing operation by the image forming unit 3 when it is determined that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product. Specifically, any one of the three settings that are determined based on the destination information (first setting), restricted (second setting), or permitted (third setting) is set to be switchable. To do.

  The CPU 261 determines which setting the setting switch 32 is set to, and performs processing according to the setting.

Since the constituent elements other than the setting switch 32 are the same as the constituent elements shown in FIG.
[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  In the following example, only the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are described as determining whether they are genuine products or non-genuine products. However, only the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are described. The determination may be performed, or both the toner cartridge and the imaging unit may be determined.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation from when the user opens / closes the front door 21 to when permission / prohibition of the printing operation is determined.

  In this embodiment, any one of the first to third settings is set in advance by using a setting switch 32 by a serviceman or the like.

  When the user opens / closes the front door 21, the opening / closing operation is detected by the front door opening / closing sensor 31 (step S <b> 80), and an opening / closing detection signal is transmitted to the engine control unit 27. Receiving the open / close detection signal, the engine control unit 27 reads the reproduction information stored in the memory chips 9 of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K (step S81), and sends the reproduction information to the CPU 261 of the MFP controller unit 26. (Step S82).

  The CPU 261 that has received the reproduction information performs the following operation in accordance with a control program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 262. That is, first, based on the reproduction information, it is determined whether the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are genuine products or non-genuine products, and it is also determined whether or not all are genuine products (step S83). .

  If it is determined that all of them are genuine products (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S90 and permission of printing operation is determined.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the toner cartridges is a non-genuine product (NO in step S83), a warning screen to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel unit 30 (step S84).

  As a result, the user can know that a non-genuine toner cartridge is installed.

  Next, the CPU 261 reads the content set by the setting switch 32 (step S85), and the content is determined based on the destination information (first setting), limited (second setting), or permitted (third setting). ) Is determined (step S86).

  If it is the first setting (“first setting” in step S86), the destination information is read from the backup memory 29 (step S87), and the country or region indicated in the destination information uses a non-genuine toner cartridge. It is determined whether or not the country or region is prohibited from printing operations (step S89).

  When the printing operation is not prohibited in the country or region (NO in step S89), the process proceeds to step S90 to determine the printing operation permission.

  If the country or region is prohibited from printing operation (YES in step S89), the process proceeds to step S89 to prohibit printing operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S86 that the setting is the second setting (“second setting” in step S86), the process proceeds to step S89, and the printing operation prohibition is determined regardless of the destination information.

  If it is determined in step S86 that the setting is the third setting (“third setting” in step S86), the process proceeds to step S90, and the printing operation permission is determined regardless of the destination information.

  When it is determined whether the printing operation is permitted or prohibited, the engine control unit 27 controls the image forming unit 3 according to the determination, and the printing operation is executed or prohibited.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation when the non-genuine toner cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 can be switched by the setting switch 32. Accordingly, it is possible to easily cope with a change in circumstances of the shipping destination country or region by switching permission / prohibition of the printing operation when a non-genuine toner cartridge is mounted.

  Note that the above setting may be performed by software based on an operation on the screen of the operation panel unit 30 without using the setting switch 32.

  Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the toner cartridge is determined to be genuine or non-genuine based on whether the toner in the toner cartridge has been emptied at least once in the past. Any standard may be used as long as it can be identified as a non-genuine product.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the front door 21 is opened and closed, it is configured to determine whether the consumable unit is a genuine product and to perform control based thereon, but the timing of determination and control is not limited to this, For example, it may be configured to be performed when the consumable unit is actually mounted.

  In the first and second embodiments, printing is prohibited as a restriction on printing operation for non-genuine consumable units. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, printing in high image quality mode is prohibited. Executable print modes, such as prohibition of printing in the mode and prohibition of printing on non-genuine paper, may be limited, or the configuration may be such that the printing speed is limited.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when it is determined that a non-genuine consumable unit is attached, the destination information and the like are read. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, first, the destination information is read, and it is determined that printing operation using a non-genuine consumable unit is prohibited in the country or region indicated by the destination information. In this case, it may be configured to read out the reproduction information and determine whether or not the mounted consumable unit is a genuine product.

  In the embodiment, the MFP is exemplified as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is applicable to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a printer as long as the image forming apparatus uses a consumable unit. Needless to say.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating address mapping of a memory chip provided in a toner cartridge used in the present embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of the principal part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 2 ... Scanner part 3 ... Image forming part 4 ... Paper feed part 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K ... Toner cartridge 9 ... Memory chip 10Y, 10M, 10C 10K: Imaging cartridge 21 ... Front door 22 ... Memory chip 26 ... MFP controller unit 27 ... Engine control unit 28 ... Storage unit 29 ... Backup memory 30 ... Operation Panel unit 31... Front door opening / closing sensor 32... Setting switch 261.
262 ... ROM

Claims (6)

Image forming means for performing a printing operation for printing print target data on paper;
Genuine / non-genuine discrimination means for discriminating whether a consumable unit having a consumable that is replaceably mounted and consumed by repetition of the printing operation is a genuine product or a non-genuine product;
Storage means for storing destination information indicating a country or region to which the image forming apparatus is shipped;
If the genuine / non-genuine determining means determines that the installed consumable unit is a non-genuine product, the country or country of shipment of the image forming apparatus indicated in the destination information stored in the storage means or It is determined whether or not the region is a country or region in which the printing operation by the image forming means using a non-genuine consumable unit is restricted. When the printing operation by the image forming means using the genuine consumable unit is permitted and it is determined that the country or region is restricted, the image forming using the non-genuine consumable unit is performed. Control means for restricting the printing operation by the means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restriction of the printing operation is prohibition of printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limitation of the printing operation is a limitation of an executable printing mode and / or a limitation of a printing speed.   Setting means for setting one of switching, determining or restricting the printing operation by the image forming means when a non-genuine consumable unit is mounted based on the destination information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Determining whether a consumable unit that is replaceably mounted and has a consumable that is consumed by repeated printing operations is genuine or non-genuine;
If the loaded consumable unit is determined to be the non-genuine ship of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus is shown in destination information indicating the country or region to be shipped It is determined whether the country or region to be printed is a country or region where printing operations using non-genuine consumable units are restricted, and if it is determined that the country or region is not restricted, Permitting the printing operation using the consumable unit of the consumable , and restricting the printing operation using the non-genuine consumable unit when it is determined that the country or region is restricted;
A printing control method for an image forming apparatus. Determining whether a consumable unit that is replaceably mounted and has a consumable that is consumed by repeated printing and printing operations is genuine or non-genuine;
If the loaded consumable unit is determined to be the non-genuine ship of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus is shown in destination information indicating the country or region to be shipped It is determined whether the country or region to be printed is a country or region where printing operations using non-genuine consumable units are restricted, and if it is determined that the country or region is not restricted, Permitting the printing operation using the consumable unit of the consumable , and restricting the printing operation using the non-genuine consumable unit when it is determined that the country or region is restricted;
Is a print control program for causing a computer of the image forming apparatus to execute.

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