Patent ID: 6546211
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image processing apparatus for supplying toner to process an image, comprising:a toner cartridge, on which a temperature-sensitive sticker that irreversibly changes color at a predetermined temperature is disposed, the toner cartridge being set in the image processing apparatus to supply toner; a detecting section which detects the color of the temperature-sensitive sticker disposed on the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is set in the image processing apparatus; a first control section which determines that the toner cartridge is new to control a toner supplying operation in the image processing apparatus when the color is detected as indicating a sticker that has not been temperature-sensed; and a second control section which determines that the toner cartridge has already been used to stop the toner supplying operation in the image processing apparatus when the color is detected as indicating a sticker that has been temperature-sensed.