Patent ID: 7792439
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: an image formation unit including at least one replacement member and a nonvolatile memory, said nonvolatile memory storing recycle information related to the at least one replacement member, said recycle information being referred to when the image formation unit is recycled; a first life detecting device configured to detect an end of life of the image formation unit; a second life detecting device configured to detect an end of life of the at least one replacement member; a usage inhibition code writing device configured to write a usage inhibition code in the nonvolatile memory when the first life detecting device detects the end of life of the image formation unit or when the second life detecting device detects the end of life of the at least one replacement member, said usage inhibition code notifying inhibition of reuse of the image formation unit when the first life detecting device detects an end of life of the image formation unit, and said usage inhibition code notifying inhibition of reuse of the image formation unit when the second life detecting device detects an end of life of the at least one replacement member; and a replacement member code writing device configured to write a code identifying the at least one replacement member in the nonvolatile memory when the second life detecting device detects the end of life of the at least one replacement member, wherein said nonvolatile memory stores a usable date of the at least one replacement member, and wherein said second life detecting device detects the end of life of the at least one replacement member by comparing current date information with the usable date.