Patent ID: 11934144
Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Field: Optics (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G | IPC G

Claim 10:
11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising a toner cartridge and a replaceable part for use with the toner cartridge in an image-formation, information being previously assigned to the replaceable part, the replaceable part including a replaceable part memory storing the information therein,
the method comprising:
storing, in an apparatus body memory, life information indicating remaining life of the replaceable part attached to the apparatus body; and
determining, based on the information, whether restricting an extended use of the replaceable part or allowing the extended use of the replaceable part, the extended use being defined as use of the replaceable part even after the replaceable part exceeds the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the apparatus body memory, the information stored in the replaceable part memory indicating whether the extended use of the replaceable part should be allowed or restricted.