Image forming device including discriminating unit and attached with replacement unit

Respective operation mode histories are stored in the main body NVM of an image forming device. The main body NVM stores an operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply. When the power supply of the image forming device is turned on, a CPU discriminates whether a replacement unit having been attached is a genuine type or one other than the genuine type. When an operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply differs from an operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit having been attached, such a fact is displayed on a UI device. When a user confirms the display on the UI device, the image forming device is controlled by the operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming device and, more in detail, relates to an image forming device in which a replacement unit is attached to a device main body in an exchangeable manner.

2. Background Art

An image forming device is known which is arranged to be able to easily exchange a unit containing expendable material etc. by a user.

On the other hand, when a unit exchanged by a user is a unit other than a genuine type for an image forming device, there may arise such a problem that the efficiency of the image forming device can not be exerted sufficiently such that image quality is degraded, the operation of the device can not be guaranteed or a failure occurs. This is because the image forming device controls the image forming process in view of the characteristics of toner, the characteristics of image carrier, the charging voltage, the cleaning characteristics, the fixing characteristics etc.

Thus, in order to maintain the image quality and prevent the occurrence of the problems in the image forming device, JP-A-10-133528 discloses a method that a replacement part of a genuine type is provided with a data carrier for holding used amount data of expendable material, and a used amount detected by a used amount detection unit provided within a device main body is compared with used amount data held by the data carrier thereby to determine whether or not the expendable material is supplied to the replacement part of the genuine type.

Further, JP-A-6-149051 discloses that a toner cartridge is provided with a storage unit for storing predetermined code data, and a copying operation is inhibited when a duplicator main body side can not read the predetermined code data from the storage unit.

Further, JP-A-2001-100598 discloses a method that in a case where shortage of toner is detected, when empty information written in a cartridge is read from the cartridge in which toner is supplemented, an alarm is displayed and a printing operation is inhibited.

Further, Japanese Patent No. 2602341 discloses a method that the count of images having been formed is stored in the memory of a cartridge, and the cartridge is made to be unusable hereinafter when a preset end count representing an image number capable of forming by the cartridge is equal to the count of images having been formed.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 3476704 discloses a method that when a supplementary toner bottle having been attached is determined to be incompatible and the continuation of the supplemental processing is selected by a selection input unit by ignoring this determination through a bi-directional communication between the container end communication unit of the supplementary toner bottle and the main body end communication unit of a device main body, an image forming condition which is lowered in its level than the suitable image forming condition is set thereby to make it facilitate to find that the supplementary toner bottle is incompatible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide an image forming device and an image forming system each of which can use a replacement unit other than a genuine type unit according to the intension of a user even when the replacement unit other than the genuine type unit is attached. A second object of the invention is to provide an image forming device and an image forming system each of which can, even when a replacement unit is attached in a state where the power source of a device main body is turned off, perform the control in correspondence to the attached replacement unit when the power source is turned on. A third object of the invention is to provide an image forming device which can use a replacement unit other than a genuine type even when it is not detected that a replacement unit has been replaced.

In order to attain the aforesaid object, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming device including: a device main body; at least one replacement unit attached to the device main body in an exchangeable manner; a discriminating unit for discriminating at a time of turning-on of a power supply whether the replacement unit is a genuine type or one other than the genuine type; a storage unit for storing a status of the replacement unit upon turning-off of the power supply as to whether the replacement unit is the genuine type or one other than the genuine type; and a comparison unit for comparing storage content of the storage unit with discrimination result of the discriminating unit. Accordingly, even when a replacement unit is attached in a state where the power supply of the device main body is turned off, it can be detected at the time of the turning-on of the power supply of the device main body as to whether or not the replacement unit having been attached is a replacement unit attached before the turning-off of the power supply of the device main body.

Preferably, the image forming device further includes a display unit for displaying the status of the replacement unit according to comparison result of the comparison unit. Thus, a user can recognize information concerning a replacement unit having been attached in the turning-off state of the power supply.

Further, preferably, the image forming device further includes a control unit for performing a control in accordance with an operation mode according to the comparison result of the comparison unit. Thus, when the power supply of the device main body is turned on, the control can be performed in accordance with the operation mode corresponding to a replacement unit having been attached even when the replacement unit is attached in the turning-off state of the power supply of the device main body.

In this case, the operation mode unit the control mode of the image forming device which includes not only a program and a control parameter for forming an image but also an input condition and an output condition and further includes a display mode for a display device not directly related to the image forming.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming device including: a device main body; at least one replacement unit attached to the device main body in an exchangeable manner; a discriminating unit for discriminating at a time of turning-on of a power supply whether the replacement unit is a genuine type or one other than the genuine type; an input unit for selecting a first operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type and another operation mode different from the first operation mode; a storage unit for storing a status of the replacement unit upon turning-off of the power supply as to whether the replacement unit is the genuine type or one other than the genuine type; a comparison unit for comparing storage content of the storage unit with discrimination result of the discriminating unit; and a control unit for performing a control in accordance with the operation mode selected by the input unit. Accordingly, even when a replacement unit is attached in a state where the power supply of the device main body is turned off, the control can be performed with the operation mode selected by a user at the time of the turning-on of the power supply. Thus, a user can use a replacement unit other than a genuine type by the intent of the user.

Preferably, the image forming device further includes a display unit for displaying the status of the replacement unit according to comparison result of the comparison unit. Thus, a user can recognize information concerning a replacement unit having been attached in the turning-off state of the power supply.

In order to attain the aforesaid object, according to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an image forming device including: a device main body; at least one replacement unit attached to the device main body in an exchangeable manner; a reading unit for reading information relating to the replacement unit from the replacement unit; a discriminating unit for discriminating whether the replacement unit is a genuine type or one other than the genuine type in accordance with the information read from the reading unit; an input unit for selecting one operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type or another operation mode different from the one operation mode; and a control unit for controlling in accordance with the operation mode selected by the input unit.

That is, since the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit from the replacement unit, a user can select one operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type or another operation mode different from the one operation mode, so that a replacement unit other than the genuine type can be used according to the intension of a user.

In this respect, the operation mode unit a control mode of the image forming device, and includes not only a program and a control parameter for forming images but also an input condition and an output condition and further includes a display mode for a display device not directly related to the image forming.

Preferably, the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit in accordance with at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined time. Thus, even when it is not detected that a replacement unit has been exchanged, since the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit from the replacement unit, a user can select one operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type or another operation mode. Thus, a replacement unit other than the genuine type can be used according to the intension of a user.

Further, preferably, the reading unit includes a setting unit for setting at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined time each for reading the information relating to the replacement unit, and the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit in accordance with at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined time set by the setting unit. That is, a user can set at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined time each for reading the information relating to the replacement unit, so that a user can select one operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type or another operation mode in accordance with the setting.

Further, preferably, the image forming device further includes a display unit for displaying in accordance with the discrimination result of the discriminating unit. Thus, a user can select one operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type or another operation mode after confirming the discrimination result of the discriminating unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an image forming device including: a device main body; at least one replacement unit attached to the device main body in an exchangeable manner; a reading unit for reading information relating to the replacement unit from the replacement unit; a discriminating unit for discriminating whether the replacement unit is a genuine type or one other than the genuine type in accordance with the information read from the reading unit; a switching unit for switching a current operation mode into one operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit of the genuine type or another operation mode different from the one operation mode in accordance with the discrimination result of the discriminating unit, wherein the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit in accordance with at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined time.

That is, the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit in accordance with at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined time, and it is discriminated whether the replacement unit is the genuine type or one other than the genuine type in accordance with the information thus read. Thus, a user can use the replacement unit other than the genuine type even when the user does not select the operation mode.

Preferably, the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit in accordance with at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined time. Further, preferably, the reading unit includes a setting unit for setting at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined time each for reading the information relating to the replacement unit, and the reading unit reads the information relating to the replacement unit in accordance with at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined time set by the setting unit.

According to the invention, even when a replacement unit other than a genuine type is attached, a replacement unit other than a genuine type can be used by the intent of a user. Further, according to the invention, when the power supply of the device main body is turned on, the control can be performed in accordance with a replacement unit having been attached even when the replacement unit is attached in the turning-off state of the power supply of the device main body.

Further, according to the invention, a replacement unit other than the genuine type can be used according to the intension of a user even when the replacement unit other than the genuine type is attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

An embodiment of the invention will be explained based on accompanying drawings.

An image forming system1according to an embodiment of the invention is shown inFIG. 1. The image forming system1is configured in a manner that a host device2such as a PC (personal computer) is coupled to a plurality of image forming devices10, for example, through a network3. The host device2includes a control device such as an MCU (micro controller unit), an input/output device such as a touch panel and a communication device for transmitting and receiving a signal through the network3. The host device may be a terminal other than a PC. The network3may be a wired network or a wireless network. Further, a plurality of the host devices2may be coupled to the network3.

In this manner, the image forming system1is configured in a manner that the host device2can control the image forming device10through the network3.

FIG. 2shows the schematic configuration of the image forming device10. The image forming device10has an image forming device main body12. An open/close cover16is provided at the upper portion of the image forming device main body12so as to be freely rotatable around a rotation fulcrum14. A user interface (UI) device18such as a touch panel is provided at the front face side (the left side inFIG. 2) of the open/close cover16. The UI device18displays control information and instruction information etc. of the image forming device10and receives instruction information etc. inputted by a user. That is, a user can operate the image forming device10through the UI device18. Incidentally, the UI device18may be configured to perform only the reception of an input from a switch etc. or to perform only the delivery of output such as a display output or to perform both the reception and delivery.

Near the rotation fulcrum14, an open/close detection sensor19is provided which is arranged to be made in contact and separate in accordance with the opening/closing operation of the open/close cover16thereby to detect the opening/closing of the open/close cover16, for example.

A sheet feed unit20with one shelf, for example, is provided at the lower portion of the image forming device main body12. The sheet feed unit20includes a paper feed unit main body22and a paper feed cassette24in which papers are housed. At the upper portion near the inner end of the paper feed cassette24, there are disposed a feed roller26for feeding papers from the paper feed cassette24and a retard roller28for handling papers to be fed one by one. Further, at the upper portion of the paper feed cassette24, there are provided with a temperature sensor30for detecting a temperature within the image forming device main body12and a humidity sensor32for detecting a humidity within the image forming device main body12.

A transport path34is a paper path from the feed roller26to an ejection port36. The transport path34is formed in an almost vertical direction so as to extend from the sheet feed unit20to a fusing device100described later, near the rear side (the right side surface inFIG. 2) of the image forming device main body12. A secondary transfer roller88and a secondary transfer backup roller82described later are disposed at the upper stream side of the fusing device100of the transport path34. A resist roller38is disposed at the upper stream side of the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82. Further, an ejection roller40is disposed near the ejection port36of the transport path34.

Thus, sheets of paper sent out by the feed roller26from the paper feed cassette24of the sheet feed unit20are handled by the retard roller28and so only a sheet of paper at the uppermost position is introduced on the transport path34and temporarily stopped by the resist roller38. Then, the sheet of paper is passed between the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82described later at a suitable timing and so a toner image is transferred on the sheet of paper. The toner image thus transferred is fixed on the sheet of paper by the fusing device100, then the sheet of paper is ejected from the ejection port36by the ejection roller40and placed on an ejection portion42provided at the upper portion of the open/close cover16. The ejection portion42is arranged in a manner that the surface thereof near the ejection port forms the lowest surface and the surface is inclined upward gradually toward the front direction (the left direction inFIG. 2).

A developing unit44such as a rotary developing device is disposed at almost the center portion of the image forming device main body12, for example. The developing unit44has a developing unit main body46. Four developers48ato48dfor forming a toner image are attached to the developing unit main body46. These developers48ato48drotate counterclockwise (inFIG. 2) around a rotation shaft50together with the developing unit main body46. Cylindrical toner cartridges52ato52dfor housing toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (B) are attached to the developers48ato48d, respectively. When the toner cartridges52ato52dare attached to the developing unit main body46through the developers48ato48d, respectively, the outer surfaces of the toner cartridges are almost made coincide with the outer periphery of the developing unit main body46.

An image carrier54made of photosensitive material, for example, is disposed so as to abut against the developing unit44from the rear surface side (the right side inFIG. 2) of the image forming device10. That is, the developing unit44is provided with four colors Y, M, C, K for the full color development. The developers48ato48dare rotated and sequentially positioned at the position opposing to the image carrier54and serve to develop a latent image on the image carrier54with yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (B) sequentially.

A radio communication portion56is disposed near a position of the developing unit44almost opposing to the image carrier54through the rotation shaft50. The radio communication portion56has an antenna58and performs radio communication with a memory chip170.

A charging device60constituted by a charger roller, for example, for uniformly charging the image carrier54is provided at the lower end portion of the image carrier54. An image carrier cleaner62abuts against the image carrier54at a position on the upstream side than the charging device60in the rotation direction of the image carrier. The image carrier cleaner62is constituted by a cleaning blade64for scraping toners remained on the image carrier54after the primary transfer, for example, and a remaining toner collection bottle66for collecting toner scraped by the cleaning blade64.

Incidentally, a rib etc., for example, is formed at the rear surface side (the right side inFIG. 2) of the remaining toner collection bottle66in a manner that the rib is formed in a curved surface shape so that sheets of paper are transported thereon smoothly and it forms a part of the transport path34.

An exposure device68for writing a latent image by using a light ray such as a laser light on the image carrier54charged by the charging device60is disposed beneath the rear surface side of the developing unit44. An unuse detection sensor70such as a reflection type photo sensor, for example, for detecting whether or not the toner cartridges52ato52dattached to the developing unit44is in an unuse state is disposed above the developing unit44. Above the developing unit44and the unuse detection sensor70, an intermediate transfer device72is provided which is arranged to, after primarily-transferring one color by one color the toner image visualized by the developing unit44on an intermediate transfer member at a primary-transfer position at every one revolution of the intermediate transfer member74thereby to overlap the four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer member74, collectively transfer the four-color toner images on a sheet of paper at a secondary transfer position described later.

The intermediate transfer device72is constituted by the intermediate transfer member74such as an intermediate transfer belt, a primary transfer roller76, a wrap-in roller78, a wrap-out roller80, the secondary transfer backup roller82, a scraper backup roller84and a brush backup roller86. The intermediate transfer member74has elasticity, for example, and is extended in an almost flat shape so as to have long sides and short sides above the developing unit44. The long side of the upper surface side of the intermediate transfer member74is extended so as to be almost in parallel to the ejection portion42provided at the upper portion of the image forming device main body12. Further, the intermediate transfer member74has a primary transfer portion (image carrier wrap area) which abuts against the image carrier54in a wrapped manner between the wrap-in roller78disposed at the upstream side of the primary transfer roller76in the long side of the lower surface side and the wrap-out roller80disposed at the downstream side of the primary transfer roller76. The intermediate transfer body is wound at the primary transfer portion around the image carrier54by a predetermined area and so driven in accordance with the rotation of the image carrier54.

Further, a flat portion (short side) is formed at the rear surface side (the right surface side inFIG. 2) of the intermediate transfer member74by the wrap-out roller80and the secondary transfer backup roller82in a manner that the flat surface portion forms a secondary transfer portion and faces on the transport path34.

In this manner, the intermediate transfer member74primarily-transfers a toner image formed on the image carrier54onto the intermediate transfer member in an overlapping manner in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan and black, for example, and transports the toner image thus primarily-transferred toward the secondary transfer portion.

The scraper backup roller84assists the scraping operation performed by a scraper94described later which scraps residual toner on the intermediate transfer member74after the secondary transfer. The brush backup roller86assists the scraping operation performed by a brush roller96described later which scraps residual toner on the intermediate transfer member74after the secondary transfer.

A secondary transfer roller88is opposed to the secondary transfer backup roller82of the intermediate transfer device72through the transport path34. That is, the secondary transfer position of the secondary transfer portion is formed between the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82. The secondary transfer roller88secondarily-transfers on a sheet of paper the toner image having been primarily-transferred on the intermediate transfer member74at the secondary transfer position by the assistance of the secondary transfer backup roller82. In this case, the secondary transfer roller88is arranged to separate from the intermediate transfer member74during the three revolutions of the intermediate transfer member74, that is, while the intermediate transfer member transports three-color toner images of yellow, magenta and cyan and to abut against the intermediate transfer member74when a black toner image is transferred. The secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82are arranged to cause a predetermined voltage difference therebetween. For example, when the secondary transfer roller88is set to have a high voltage, the secondary transfer backup roller82is coupled to the ground (GND) etc.

An image density sensor90such as a reflection type photo sensor is disposed so as to oppose to the intermediate transfer member74through the transport path34. The image density sensor90reads the patch of toner formed on the intermediate transfer member74to detect the density of an image formed on the intermediate transfer member74.

An intermediate transfer member cleaner92is provided so as to abut against the intermediate transfer member at one end side of the intermediate transfer member74in opposite to the image carrier side. The intermediate transfer member cleaner92is configured by the scraper94for scraping toner remained on the intermediate transfer member74after the secondary transfer, for example, to clean the intermediate transfer member, the brush roller96for further scraping toner remained after the cleaning of the scraper94, and a used toner collection bottle98for collecting the toner scraped by the scraper94and the brush roller96. The scraper94is formed by a thin plate of stainless, for example, and applied with the voltage of a polarity opposite to that of toner. The brush roller96is formed by a brush of acrylic subjected to the electric conductivity processing, for example. Both the scraper94and the brush roller96are separated from the intermediate transfer member74while the intermediate transfer member74transports a toner image and abut integrally against the intermediate transfer member74at a predetermined timing.

The fusing device100is disposed above the secondary transfer position. The fusing device100has a heat roller102and a pressure roller104and serves to fix the toner image secondarily-transferred on a sheet of paper by the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82onto the sheet of paper and transfer the sheet of paper thus fixed toward the ejection roller40.

Further, a control portion106for controlling the respective portions constituting the image forming device10is disposed within the image forming device main body12.

An image carrier unit108is configured by integrating the image carrier54, the charging device60and the image carrier cleaner62. Further, an image forming unit110is configured by integrating the image carrier unit108, the intermediate transfer device72and the intermediate transfer member cleaner92. Furthermore, a fixing unit112is configured by integrating the fusing device100and the ejection roller40.

As also shown inFIG. 3, the image forming unit110is arranged to be freely detachable with respect to the image forming device main body12and can be made detachable by opening the open/close cover16. Further, the image carrier unit108is arranged to be freely detachable with respect to the image forming unit110.

The toner cartridges52ato52dare arranged to be freely detachable with respect to the developers48ato48dattached to the developing unit main body46, respectively, when the open/close cover16is opened and the toner cartridge is positioned at the front side (the open/close cover16side). The developers48ato48dare arranged to be freely detachable with respect to the developing unit main body46when the open/close cover16is opened and the developer is positioned at the front side (the open/close cover16side).

The fixing unit112is arranged to be freely detachable with respect to the image forming device main body12when a not-shown upper cover is removed. Further, other units such as the developing unit44and the sheet feed unit20are made detachable with respect to the image forming device main body12.

In this manner, each of the units is made exchangeable by a user. In the case where a user attaches a replacement unit to the image forming device10, when a unit other than a genuine type for the image forming device10is attached, there may arise such a problem that good image quality can not be maintained or the operation of the device can not be guaranteed. This is because the image forming device10controls the image forming process in view of the characteristics of the members etc. used in the image forming device10. Thus, a sensor(s) for detecting a predetermined condition(s) etc. is provided at the unit exchangeable by a user etc.

Hereinafter, a constituent element configured by a plurality of constituent portions such as the developers48ato48dwill may be abbreviated merely as “the developer48”, for example, when arbitrary one of these constituent portions is referred to.

Next, the explanation will be made as to an example of a replacement unit having sensors for detecting the predetermined conditions etc.

FIGS. 4 and 5show the configuration of the developer48as a replacement unit.

The developer48has a developing roller116, a first auger118, a second auger120, a third auger122and a layer thickness restriction member124as developing agent carrier disposed on the image carrier54side of a developer housing (developer main body)114and houses therein developing agent of two component system constituted by non-magnetic toner and magnetic carrier, for example.

The developer housing114has a shutter126for opening and closing a toner receiving port134and a developing agent exhaust port140described later, a take-in transport path128of a cylindrical shape for transporting toner taken from the toner cartridge52, and developing agent transport paths130,132of cylindrical shapes each for stirring and transporting toner and carrier.

The take-in transport path128has the toner receiving port134for receiving toner from the toner cartridge52and a toner sending port136for sending toner to the developing agent transport path130. The first auger118is disposed within the take-in transport path128. The first auger118transports, toward the developing agent transport path130, toner having been received by the take-in transport path128from the toner cartridge52. Further, an amount of toner supplied to the developer48from the toner cartridge52is adjusted by adjusting the rotation of the first auger118. Thus, a CPU202described later may accumulate the driving time or rotation number of the first auger118thereby to calculate a used amount of toner (a used amount of the toner cartridge52). Further, a used amount of toner may be calculated in a manner that a current flowing at the time where the exposure device68writes an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier54is accumulated in a capacitor as electric charges and the CPU202counts the number of times where the accumulated electric charges reaches a predetermined amount thereby to calculate the used amount.

In the take-in transport path128, a toner presence/non-presence detection sensor138is provided between the toner receiving port134and the toner sending port136. The toner presence/non-presence detection sensor138detects the change of a resistance value depending on the presence or non-presence of toner between two points within the take-in transport path128, for example, thereby to detect the presence or non-presence of toner within the take-in transport path128. Further, the toner presence/non-presence detection sensor138may be a piezo-electric element.

The developing agent transport path130has the developing agent exhaust port140for exhausting excessive developing agent to the toner cartridge52. The second auger120is disposed within the developing agent transport path130. The second auger120stirs and mixes toner transported through the take-in transport path128and carrier and then transports the toner and carrier thus mixed to the developing agent transport path132.

The third auger122is disposed within the developing agent transport path132. The third auger122stirs and transports the developing agent transported through the developing agent transport path130and supplies the developing agent thus stirred to the developing roller116.

A partitioning plate143is provided between the developing agent transport path130and the developing agent transport path132. A path (not shown) for coupling the developing agent transport path130and the developing agent transport path132is provided at the both ends of the partitioning plate143. Thus, when the second auger120and the third auger122transport the developing agent in opposite directions to each other, toner is rubbed and charged to a predetermined charging amount of a predetermined polarity by carrier and then circulated within the developer housing114. Further, since deteriorated developing agent is exhausted from the developing agent exhaust port140to the toner cartridge52at a predetermined timing, the total life time of developing agent can be elongated (trickle developing method).

The shutter126has opening portions144and146. The opening portion144is overlapped on the toner receiving port134to form a path for toner to the developer48from the toner cartridge52. The opening portion146is overlapped on the developing agent exhaust port140to form a path for excessive developing agent to the toner cartridge52from the developer48.

The developing roller116carries toner and abuts against the image carrier54thereby to develop an electrostatic latent image carried by the image carrier54by means of toner. The layer thickness restriction member124restricts the layer thickness of toner carried by the developing roller116.

The configuration of the toner cartridge52as a replacement unit is shown inFIGS. 6 and 7.

The toner cartridge52has a toner cartridge main body150and a rotation portion152provided at the one end in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge main body150.

The toner cartridge main body150is formed in a tubular shape and is configured by integrally forming a portion of an almost cylindrical shape within which a stirring transport member154is disposed and a portion which extends and is gradually narrowed in a direction almost orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal direction of the almost cylindrical portion from the almost cylindrical portion. Further, the toner cartridge main body150is arranged in a manner that the outer periphery thereof almost fits to the outer periphery of the developing unit main body46when the toner cartridge52is attached to the developing unit main body46through the developer48.

A toner housing space156for housing toner to be supplied to the developer48is formed within the toner cartridge main body150. The aforesaid stirring transport member154is provided within the toner housing space156. The stirring transport member154is wound in a spiral manner, for example, and stirs toner within the toner housing space156and transports the toner toward the toner receiving port134of the developer48.

The rotation portion152has a rotation portion main body154and a tubular portion156of a cylindrical shape which is provided within the rotation portion main body154and formed integrally with the toner cartridge main body150. The tubular portion156is sealed by a tubular portion side wall160at the side surface portion158of the rotation portion main body154and is provided with a separation wall162therein. A developing agent collection space164for collecting excessive developing agent from the developer48is formed on the tubular portion side wall160side of the separation wall162. The aforesaid toner housing space156is formed in an extended manner on the tubular portion side wall160side of the separation wall162.

The rotation portion main body154has a window portion166of a window shape covered by a transparent member and is arranged to be a cylindrical shape in its inside and rotate along the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the tubular portion156. Further, a reflection member168such as a white tape is attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the tubular portion156. The reflection member168is arranged to be exposed through the window portion166when the toner cartridge52is attached to the developer48and the rotation portion main body154rotates. Furthermore, when the developing unit44to which the toner cartridge52is attached rotates within the image forming device main body12, the reflection member168thus exposed passes a position opposing to the unuse detection sensor70fixed to the image forming device main body12. As described above, the unuse detection sensor70is a reflection-type photo sensor, for example. When the reflection member168of the toner cartridge52attached to the developing unit44passes the position opposing to the unuse detection sensor70, the reflection member168detects a light reflection amount which changes depending on the degree of contamination due to toner thereby to detect whether or not the toner cartridge52is a unused one.

A memory chip170is attached to the side surface portion158of the rotation portion main body154. The memory chip170has an antenna172thereby to radio-communicate with the radio communication portion56provided on the image forming device main body12side.

Next, the explanation will be made as to the respective circuit configurations of the radio communication portion56and the memory chip170and also as to the communication performed therebetween.

FIG. 8is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the radio communication portion56.FIG. 9is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the memory chip170.

As shown inFIG. 8, the circuit of the radio communication portion56is configured by a transceiver control portion174, a modulation circuit176, a transmission circuit178, a receiving circuit180, a demodulation circuit182and the antenna58. In the radio communication portion56, the transceiver control portion174controls the operations of the respective constitutional portions of the radio communication portion56. The transceiver control portion174outputs data having been inputted from the control portion106to the modulation circuit176. Further, the transceiver control portion174outputs data which was received by the receiving circuit180and modulated by the demodulation circuit182to the control portion106. The modulation circuit176modulates data inputted from the transceiver control portion174and outputs the data thus modulated to the transmission circuit178. The transmission circuit178outputs a radio wave signal including data to be stored in the memory chip170, a clock signal etc. to the memory chip170through the antenna58.

The receiving circuit180receives a signal transmitted from the memory chip170through the antenna58and outputs the signal thus received to the demodulation circuit182. The demodulation circuit182demodulates data transmitted from the memory chip170based on the change of the signal inputted from the receiving circuit180and outputs the demodulated data to the transceiver control portion174.

As shown inFIG. 9, the circuit of the memory chip170is configured by a unit NVM (Non Volatile Memory)184, a transmission logic circuit186, a receiving logic circuit188, a transmission circuit190, a receiving circuit192, a clock reproducing circuit194, a power supply portion196and the antenna172.

When the radio wave signal is transmitted to the memory chip170from the radio communication portion56, the receiving circuit192, the clock reproducing circuit194and the power supply portion196receive this radio wave signal through the antenna172. In the memory chip170, when the power supply portion196receives the radio wave signal, the power supply portion rectifies a current generated by the electromagnetic induction due to the radio wave signal and supplies to each of the constitutional portions of the memory chip170an electric power necessary for the operations thereof. The memory chip170may be configured to be supplied with an electric power from the main body portion40when a voltage higher than that generated by the power supply portion196is necessary, for example. For example, the memory chip170may be further provided with a coil etc. for the power supply so that an electric power is supplied through an a.c. power supplied to the developing unit44in a non-contact manner.

The clock reproducing circuit194generates the clock signal when receives the radio wave signal and supplies the clock signal to the respective circuits constituting the memory chip170. The receiving circuit192outputs, when receives the radio wave signal, to the receiving logic circuit188a signal such as data contained in the radio wave signal in synchronism with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproducing circuit194. The receiving logic circuit188demodulates a signal such as data inputted from the receiving circuit192in synchronism with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproducing circuit194and outputs the demodulated signal to the unit NVM184.

The unit NVM184is a non volatile memory capable of being written therein. When a signal inputted from the receiving logic circuit188represents data writing, the unit NVM writes (stores) the data therein in synchronism with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproducing circuit194. In contrast, when a signal inputted from the receiving logic circuit represents data reading, the unit NVM outputs the data stored in the unit NVM184to the transmission logic circuit186in synchronism with the clock signal. The non volatile memory contained in the unit NVM184may be a flash ROM, EEPROM, or FeRAM (ferroelectric memory) etc.

The transmission logic circuit186modulates data inputted from the unit NVM184in synchronism with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproducing circuit194and outputs the modulated data to the transmission circuit190. The transmission circuit190transmits the signal inputted from the transmission logic circuit186to the radio communication portion56through the antenna172as a radio wave signal in synchronism with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproducing circuit194.

Incidentally, a signal to be transmitted and received as a radio wave signal may be encrypted, then converted into a radio wave signal and transmitted or received. Further, a permitted user etc., for example, may be able to rewrite the contents of the unit NVM184from the device other than the control portion106by using the encrypted radio wave signal.

FIG. 10shows the positional relation between the radio communication portion56and the memory chip170between which the radio communication is performed. As described above, the toner cartridges52are respectively attached to the developers48and move when the developing unit44(FIG. 2) rotates around the rotation shaft50. The radio communication portion56is fixed to the image forming device main body12near the side portion of the developing unit44so that the radio communication portion almost opposes sequentially to the memory chips170which move in accordance with the rotation of the developing unit44. The radio communication portion communicates with the corresponding one of the memory chips170in a state where the corresponding developer48is controlled in its movement and stopped at the position almost opposing to the radio communication portion so that the radio communication portion is able to communicate with the corresponding memory chip. Further, the radio communication portion56is arranged to acknowledge the start of the transmission/reception of data by receiving an acknowledge signal sent from the corresponding memory chip170in response to the radio wave signal outputted from the radio communication portion56, for example.

FIG. 11shows the configuration of the image carrier unit108which is a replacement unit.

As described above, the image carrier unit108is configured by integrating the image carrier54, the charging device60and the image carrier cleaner62. For example, the image carrier unit has a used toner full state sensor198provided at the upper portion within the image carrier cleaner62and a float200disposed beneath the used toner full state sensor198. The used toner full state sensor198has an optical path which is arranged in a manner that light emitted from a light emitting portion provided on one side is received at a light receiving portion provided on the other side and outputs information as to whether or not the light receiving portion has received light to the control portion106. The float200is arranged to move upward when used toner collected within the remaining toner collection bottle66from the image carrier54exceeds a predetermined amount and to shield the optical path of the used toner full state sensor198when the remaining toner collection bottle66is filled with used toner. In this manner, the image carrier unit108detects whether or not the remaining toner collection bottle66is filled with used toner by using the used toner full state sensor198and the float200and outputs the detection result to the control portion106.

Alternatively, the used toner full state sensor198and the float200may be provided at the intermediate transfer member cleaner92thereby to detect whether or not the used toner collection bottle98is filled with used toner.

In this manner, the replacement unit having a sensor for detecting a predetermined condition etc. is arranged to output the result detected by the sensor etc. to the control portion106, and the control portion106is arranged to control the respective portions constituting the image forming device10based on the detection result thus inputted.

Next, the configuration of the control portion106will be described in detail.

FIG. 12is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control portion106and respective portions connected to the control portion106.

The control portion106has a CPU202, a storage portion204, a sensor interface (sensor I/F) circuit206, a radio communication portion control circuit208, a communication interface (communication I/F) circuit210, a user interface (UI) control circuit212, an image drawing circuit214, a process control circuit216, an image forming portion interface (image forming I/F) circuit218and a paper transport portion control circuit220etc. These constituent elements of the control portion are arranged to input/output a signal through a system bus222.

The CPU202transmits a signal to and receives a signal from each of the portions constituting the control portion106through the system bus222thereby to control the respective portions constituting the control portion106.

The storage portion204has a program ROM224, a RAM226and a main body NVM (Non Volatile Memory)228and stores information necessary for the control of the image forming device10etc. The program ROM224may be configured by a flash ROM etc., for example, so that its storage contents can be updated. The RAM226is configured by a SRAM, for example, and stores temporal information such as drawing data inputted from the image drawing circuit214. The main body NVM228is configured by an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM, for example. Incidentally, the main body NVM228may be a SRAM back-upped by a power supply such as a battery, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an optical memory so long as it is a rewritable storage device which can hold data even when the power supply of the image forming device10is turned off.

The sensor I/F circuit206receives detection results from the open/close detection sensor19, the temperature sensor30, the humidity sensor32, the unuse detection sensor70, the toner presence/non-presence detection sensor138, the image density sensor90and the used toner full state sensor198and outputs the detection results to the CPU202through the system bus222. The radio communication portion control circuit208transmits signals to and receives signals from the four memory chips170respectively provided at the toner cartridges52ato52dthrough the radio communication portion56, and also transmits signals to and receives signals from the CPU202and the storage portion204etc. through the system bus222. The radio communication portion control circuit couples with the memory chips170, the CPU202and the storage portion204etc.

The communication I/F circuit210transmits signals to and receives signals from the host device2through the network3and also transmits signals to and receives signals from the CPU202etc. through the system bus222. The communication I/F circuit couples with the host device2and the CPU202etc. The UI control circuit212transmits signals to and receives signals from the UI device18and also transmits signals to and receives signals from the CPU202etc. through the system bus222. The UI control circuit couples with the UI device18, the CPU202etc.

The image drawing circuit214draws an image based on an image forming signal inputted from the host device2etc. and outputs the image to the CPU202and the RAM226. The process control circuit216refers, together with the CPU202, setting values etc. described later stored in the storage portion204and controls an image forming portion230having the exposure device68, the image forming unit110, the developing unit44etc. The paper transport portion control circuit220controls, together with the CPU202, a paper transport portion232including the feed roller26, the retard roller28, the resist roller38etc.

The CPU202compares data stored in the storage portion204with data stored in the unit NVM184thereby to determine the state of the toner cartridge52attached to the memory chip170, so that the memory chip170constitutes a part of the detection unit although the memory chip does not have a sensor.

Next, explanation will be made in detail as to data stored in the program ROM224, the main body NVM228and the unit NVM184.

FIG. 13shows an example of data stored in the program ROM224, the main body NVM228and the unit NVM184.

The program ROM224is provided with a program area234, a setting value area236etc. The program area234stores an execution program238for operating the image forming device10. The setting value area236stores respective life time threshold values240, respective life time threshold values reaching setting numbers242, a temperature parameter group244, a humidity parameter group246, a toner density parameter group248, determination timing setting values252etc.

The life time threshold values240include life times (life time threshold values) of the respective replacement units of the image forming device10. The life time threshold values reaching setting numbers242include the number of times by which the respective replacement units of the image forming device10are allowed to reach the life time threshold values thereof, respectively. The temperature parameter group244includes respective parameters relating to the control for the temperature of the image forming device10. The humidity parameter group246includes respective parameters relating to the control for the humidity of the image forming device10. The toner density parameter group248includes respective parameters relating to the control for the toner density within the developers48. The determination timing setting values252include time periods (determination timings) at which the CPU202starts the determination as to whether the respective replacement units of the image forming device10are genuine type units or not in the processing such as the printing preparation (FIG. 15) etc. matched to the operation mode performed by the image forming device10.

The main body NVM228is provided with a corresponding unit information area254, a main body side update area256etc.

The main body side update area256stores attachment histories262of the respective units, respective life count values264on the main body side, respective life time threshold values reaching numbers266on the main body side, respective detection histories268, respective operation mode histories270etc. The respective unit attachment histories262include attachment histories of the respective replacement units of the image forming device10. The attachment histories262store data that genuine type units are attached as initial states (initial values). The respective life count values264on the main body side include life count values (used amounts from the start of usage to the current time point) of the respective replacement units of the image forming device10. In this respect, the used amount of the each unit may be calculated from the accumulated operation times of the each unit etc. The respective life time threshold values reaching numbers266on the main body side include the life time threshold value reaching number of times of each of the respective replacement units of the image forming device10. The respective detection histories268include histories of detection results detected by the sensors provided at the image forming device10. The respective operation mode histories270include the histories of the operation modes having been applied to the respective replacement units of the image forming device10. The respective operation mode histories270are updated (including the overwriting) when the operation mode is changed and stores an operation mode at the time of the turning-off of the power supply for the apparatus main body even when the power supply for the apparatus main body is turned off.

The unit NVM184is provided with a unit information area272, a unit side update area274etc.

The unit information area272stores a machine type code276representing the machine type, a nation code278representing a nation(s) as to which the specification is designated, a production number280peculiar to the unit, a manufactured date282, a lifetime threshold value284representing the life time of the unit, a process parameter286for the process control etc.

The unit side update area274stores a life count value288representing the used amount of the toner cartridge52from the start of the usage to the current time, a life time threshold values reaching number290representing the number of times by which the unit has reached the life time threshold value, related history information292etc. The related history information292includes the history of the related information such as the rotation speed of the image carrier54usable for grasping the state of the toner cartridge52.

When an image forming signal is transmitted to the image forming device10thus configured, the image carrier54is charged uniformly by the charging device60and a light beam is irradiated on the image carrier54thus charged from the exposure device68based on an image signal. The light beam from the exposure device68exposes the surface of the image carrier54to form a latent image.

The latent image thus carried by the image carrier54is developed by the developing unit44at the developing position. In the developing unit44, the developers48ato48dare supplied with toners of yellow, magenta, cyan and black from the toner cartridges52ato52d, respectively. The developing agent having been excessively supplied to the developers48ato48dis collected by the toner cartridges52ato52d, respectively. The toner images developed with the respective colors by the developers48ato48dof the developing unit44are primarily-transferred on the intermediate transfer member74in a superimposed manner. In the primary transfer, the used toner remained on the image carrier54is scraped and collected by the image carrier cleaner62.

On the other hand, sheets of paper housed within the paper feed cassette24are sequentially sent out by the feed roller26in accordance with a paper feed signal etc., then treated by the retard roller28and introduced to the transport path34, then temporarily stopped by the resist roller38and introduced into a gap between the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82at a suitable timing. When a sheet of paper is introduced into a gap between the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82, the toner image of four colors having been superimposed on the intermediate transfer member74by the primary transfer is secondarily transferred on a sheet of paper by the secondary transfer roller88and the secondary transfer backup roller82. After the secondary transfer, the used toner remained on the intermediate transfer member74is scraped and collected by the intermediate transfer member cleaner92.

The sheet of paper thus transferred with a toner image is introduced into the fusing device100and the toner image is fixed on the sheet of paper by the thermal pressure between the heat roller102and the pressure roller104. The sheet of paper thus fixed with the toner image is ejected to the ejection portion42from the ejection port36by the ejection roller40. The control portion106stores the life count values etc. of the toner cartridges52in the unit NVM184and the main body NVM228.

FIG. 14is a graph showing changes of charging ability of the developing agent with respect to the used amount of the developing agent (life count value) stored in the main body NVM228.

FIG. 15is a graph showing the setting for correcting the changes of the charging ability of the developing agent and also showing the setting of an image density with respect to the used amount of the developing agent.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bare graphs showing the results corrected by the setting shown inFIG. 15, whereinFIG. 16Ashows the corrected toner density andFIG. 16Bis a graph showing the corrected image density.

Toner housed within the toner cartridge52is rubbed and charged to the predetermined charging amount of the predetermined polarity by carrier within the developer48. When the developing agent is used, the charging ability of the developing agent degrades in accordance with the used amount of the developing agent like the characteristics of toner P of genuine type shown inFIG. 14.

Thus, even if the trickle developing method is employed, the image forming device10is arranged to correct the setting of the toner density within the developer48and the setting of the image density on the intermediate transfer member74in order to maintain the image quality of an image formed on a sheet of paper to a predetermined level.

For example, when the image density detected by the image density sensor90is high, the CPU202controls the rotation of the first auger118to reduce an amount of toner supplied within the developer48to reduce the toner density thereby to reduce the image density. In contrast, when the image density is low, the CPU controls the rotation of the first auger118to increase an amount of toner supplied within the developer48to increase the toner density thereby to increase the image density. Usually, a pattern having a halftone density is used as the pattern for detecting the image density.

However, when the charging ability of toner is degraded, the developing efficiency is improved and so the image density increases. Thus, if the control is executed in this state, the toner density is too reduced thereby to reduce the maximum image density.

In view of this matter, the setting value for the density control of toner within the developer48stored in the toner density parameter group248used for the toner density control based on the image density detection result by the image density sensor90is corrected so as to be increased in accordance with the used amount of the developing agent so that the maximum image density of an image to be transferred on a sheet of paper does not reduce even if the charging ability of the developing agent reduces. The CPU202rotates the first auger118in accordance with the corrected setting value (the setting S corresponding to the toner P inFIG. 15) thereby to maintain the toner density so that the toner density does not reduce to the desired predetermined value or less as shown inFIG. 16A.

As a result, the image density can be maintained so as not to be below the predetermined value of the specification as shown inFIG. 16B.

On the other hand, when a toner cartridge other than a genuine type is attached which has almost the same configuration as the toner cartridge52housing toner X or toner Y that is other than a genuine type for the image forming device10, the toner is expected to exhibit the characteristics different from that of the toner P of genuine type shown inFIG. 14. Thus, it is necessary to provide a corrected setting value different from the setting S corresponding to the toner P in order to improve the image quality of an image formed on a sheet of paper. Therefore, for example, when a toner cartridge is other than a genuine type which houses the toner X or toner Y, the correction for the using amount of the developing agent is modified in combination of such correction conditions as the decrease or increase of the changing amount (inclination) of the setting value of the toner density (m1, m2inFIG. 15), the decrease or increase of the limiting value (m1, m2), the changing of the initial value (using amount=0) (m3), not-changing the setting value in accordance with the using amount (m4) and not-changing the setting value in accordance with the using amount by changing the initial value, for example (m5). This modification is performed in a manner that a user selects through the UI device18an operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to a genuine type toner cartridge.

Next, the explanation will be made as to the control of the image forming device10based on the data stored in the storage portion204and the unit NVM184.

The image forming device10controls the display performed by the UI device18etc. based on the data stored in the storage portion204and the unit NVM184. For example, when the toner cartridge52is a genuine type, the UI device18displays a remaining amount of toner under the control of the CPU202, whilst a used amount of toner is displayed when the toner cartridge52is one other than the genuine type. This is because, when the toner cartridge is one other than the genuine type, a remaining amount of toner can not be calculated since the total amount of toner is not known.

Next, the explanation will be made as to the control method when the power supply of the image forming device10is turned on.

FIG. 17is a flowchart (S10) showing a starting processing in which the image forming device10performs the preparation of the printing operation in accordance with an operation mode in the case where the power supply of the image forming device10is turned on after the toner cartridge52is exchanged during the turning-off state of the power supply. As shown inFIG. 17, in step100(S100), when the power supply of the image forming device10is turned on, the CPU202reads the machine type code276and the nation code278from the unit NVM184.

In step102(S102), the CPU202reads the corresponding machine type code258and the corresponding nation code260from the main body NVM228.

In step104(S104), the CPU202collates the machine type code276with the corresponding machine type code258and also collates the nation code278with the corresponding nation code260. When it is determined that the toner cartridge52thus exchanged is the genuine type, the process proceeds to step S106, whilst the process proceeds to step S116when it is determined that the toner cartridge52thus exchanged is one other than the genuine type.

In step106(S106), the CPU202reads the respective operation mode histories270from the main body NVM228and specifies the operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply.

In step108(S108), the CPU202compares the operation mode read from the main body NVM228with the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type. When the operation mode read from the main body NVM228is the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type, the process proceeds to step S110, whilst the process proceeds to step S112when the operation mode read from the main body NVM228is the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type.

In step110(S110), the CPU202continues to control the image forming device10with the operation mode read from the main body NVM228, that is, the operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply, and the process proceeds to step S126.

In step112(S112), the CPU202changes the operation mode into that corresponding to the genuine type and controls the image forming device10with the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type.

In step114(S114), the CPU202updates (including overwriting) the respective operation mode histories270of the main body NVM228thereby to store that the operation mode has been changed from the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type to the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type, and the process proceeds to step S126.

In step116(S116), the CPU202reads the respective operation mode histories270from the main body NVM228and specifies the operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply.

In step118(S118), the CPU202compares the operation mode read from the main body NVM228with the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type. When the operation mode read from the main body NVM228is the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type, the process proceeds to step S120, whilst the process proceeds to step S122when the operation mode read from the main body NVM228is the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type.

In step120(S120), the CPU202continues to control the image forming device10with the operation mode read from the main body NVM228, that is, the operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply, and the process proceeds to step S126.

In step122(S122), the CPU202changes the operation mode into the operation mode different from that corresponding to the genuine type and controls the image forming device10with the operation mode different from that corresponding to the genuine type.

In step124(S124), the CPU202updates (including overwriting) the respective operation mode histories270of the main body NVM228thereby to store that the operation mode has been changed from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type to the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type, and the process proceeds to step S126.

In step126(S126), the CPU202performs the preparation of the printing operation matching to the selected operation mode contained in the newest respective operation mode histories270and terminates the processing. Incidentally, in the preparation of the printing operation in step S118, the fact whether the toner cartridge52being attached is a genuine type or not may be displayed, for example.

In this manner, when the replacement unit is attached in a state where the power supply of the device main body is turned off, the operation mode corresponding to the replacement unit having been attached is selected when the power supply is turned on, the image quality can be improved even when the replacement unit having been attached is different from the replacement unit attached just before the turning-off of the power supply.

Next, the explanation will be made as to a modified example of the image forming device according to the embodiment of the invention. The modified example of the image forming device is arranged in a manner that the operation mode just before the turning-off of the power supply is compared with the operation mode corresponding to a replacement unit having been attached in a state that the power supply of the device main body is turned off. When the operation modes thus compared are different to each other, the comparison result is displayed on the UI device18and the image forming device is controlled by an operation mode selected by a user.

FIG. 18is a flowchart (S20) showing a starting processing in which the image forming device10performs the preparation of the printing operation in accordance with an operation mode selected by a user in the case where the power supply of the image forming device10is turned on after the toner cartridge52is exchanged during the turning-off state of the power supply. In the processings S20shown inFIG. 18, processings substantially same as those of the processings S10shown inFIG. 17are referred to by the common symbols.

As shown inFIG. 18, in step108(S108), the CPU202compares the operation mode read from the main body NVM228with the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type. When the operation mode read from the main body NVM is the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type, the process proceeds to step S110, whilst the process proceeds to step S112when the operation mode read from the main body NVM228is the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type.

In step200(S200), the CPU202displays a switching confirmation screen300illustrated inFIG. 20Aon the UI device18. The switching confirmation screen300includes a confirmation message302for making a user confirm that the operation mode is to be switched, an YES button304for selecting that a user switches the operation mode after the user recognizes the switching of the operation mode, and a NO button306for selecting that a user does not switch the operation mode.

In step202(S202), the CPU202discriminates whether the YES button304or the NO button306is pushed among the buttons displayed on the switching confirmation screen300shown inFIG. 20A. When the YES button304is pushed, the process proceeds to step S112, whilst the process proceeds to step S120when the NO button306is pushed. That is, when the NO button306is pushed, the CPU202controls the image forming device10with the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type despite that the toner cartridge52having been exchanged is the genuine type.

In step204(S204), the CPU202displays the switching confirmation screen300illustrated inFIG. 20Aon the UI device18like the processing of step S200.

In step206(S206), the CPU202discriminates whether the YES button304or the NO button306is pushed among the buttons displayed on the switching confirmation screen300shown inFIG. 20A. When the YES button304is pushed, the process proceeds to step S122, whilst the process proceeds to step S208when the NO button306is pushed.

In step208(S208), the CPU202displays a replacement request screen310illustrated inFIG. 20Bon the UI device18. The replacement request screen310includes a request message312for requesting a user to exchange a genuine-type toner cartridge for the toner cartridge52having been attached. The replacement request screen310is displayed when a user does not admit to switch the operation mode into the operation mode different from the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type despite that the toner cartridge52having been attached in the state where the power supply is turned off is other than the genuine type. In this case, since the preparation of the printing operation in step S126is not performed, a user is required to exchange the genuine-type toner cartridge for the toner cartridge52having been attached.

A user can select an automatic switching where the operation mode is switched automatically when the power supply is turned on or a manual switching where the operation mode is switched manually and the confirmation procedure of a user is also performed manually.

FIG. 19is a flowchart (S30) showing an automatic/manual selecting processing performed by the image forming device in order for a user to select the automatic switching of the operation mode or the manual switching of the operation mode.

When a user operates the UI device18to input data for staring the selection of the automatic switching or the manual switching, the process proceeds to step300(S300ofFIG. 19). In this step, as shown inFIG. 20C, the UI device18displays a switching selection screen320including an automatic switching button322for selecting that the image forming device10is controlled so as to automatically switch the operation mode upon turning-on of the power supply and a manual switching button324for selecting that the image forming device10is controlled so as to manually switch the operation mode and also manually perform the confirmation procedure of a user upon turning-on of the power supply.

In step302(S302), the CPU202discriminates whether or not the automatic switching button322displayed on the switching selection screen320is selected. When the automatic switching button322is selected, the process proceeds to step S304, whilst the process proceeds to step S306when the manual switching button324is selected.

In step304(S304), the CPU202sets the operation so that the operation mode is switched automatically when the power supply is turned on.

In step306(S306), the CPU202sets the operation so that the operation mode is switched manually and also the confirmation procedure of a user is performed manually when the power supply is turned on.

In the aforesaid embodiment, although the display unit for displaying the status of the replacement unit upon turning-on of the power supply is provided at the image forming device10, the display unit may be provided at the host device2as another embodiment. Further, although in the aforesaid embodiment, the input unit for selecting the operation mode is provided at the image forming device10, the input unit may be provided at the host device2as another embodiment.

Second Embodiment

An image forming apparatus of the second embodiment includes configurations of the first embodiment that are explained byFIGS. 1 to 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, explanations of the overlapped configurations are omitted.

FIG. 21is a diagram showing memory maps exemplarily showing data stored in a program ROM, a main body NVM and a unit NVM.

The explanation will be made as to the printing operation preparing processing for the toner cartridge52performed by the image forming device10in accordance with the operation mode.

FIG. 22is a flowchart (S1010) showing the printing operation preparing processing for the toner cartridge52performed by the image forming device10in accordance with the operation mode.

FIG. 23is a flowchart (S1020) showing the processing for setting the start of the communication (determining time) performed by the control portion106in accordance with the input of a user.

FIG. 24is a flowchart (S1030) showing the operation mode shifting processing for the genuine type unit performed by the image forming device10.

FIG. 25is a flowchart (S40) showing the operation mode shifting processing for a unit other than the genuine type performed by the image forming device10.

As shown inFIG. 22, in step1100(S1100), the CPU202determines whether or not an input for starting the setting of the determining time for determining whether the toner cartridge is the genuine type or one other than the genuine type has been inputted through the UI device18etc. When the input for starting the setting of the determining time has been inputted, the CPU202proceeds the process to step S1020. When there has not been such an input, the CPU waits until the input for starting the setting of the determining time is inputted.

In step1202(S1202), the CPU202determines whether or not the polling is set and input via the UI device18. When it is determined that the polling is set and input, the process proceeds to the processing of step204, whilst when it is determined that the polling is not set nor input, the process proceeds to the processing of step206.

In step1204(S1204), the CPU202stores the setting of the polling inputted via the UI device18as the setting value271of the NVM228.

In step1206(S1206), the UI device18displays a setting input screen300for designating the time of the communication shown inFIG. 26B. The setting input screen300is arranged so that a user can set and input the time (including the repeating operation started at the same time) at which the toner cartridge52and the radio communication portion56start the communication for determining whether the toner cartridge52having been attached is the genuine type or not. This setting input screen has a key button302for receiving a user's determined input and a key button304for receiving an input representing that the time is not set.

In step1208(S1208), the CPU202determines whether or not the time is set and input via the UI device18. When it is determined that the time is set and input, the process proceeds to the processing of step210, whilst when it is determined that the time is not set nor input, the process is terminated

In step1210(S1210), the CPU202stores the set time inputted via the UI device18as the setting value271of the NVM228.

In step1102(S1102ofFIG. 22), the CPU202determines whether or not it is the time for starting the determination (time for starting the communication) as to whether the toner cartridge52having been attached is the genuine type or not with reference to the setting of the polling and the time stored as the setting values271. When it is determined that it is the time for starting the determination as to whether the toner cartridge having been attached is the genuine type or not, the CPU202proceeds the process to step104, whilst when it is determined that it is not the time for determining, the CPU waits for the determining time.

In step1104(S1104), the CPU202determines whether or not it is possible to communicate between the radio communication portion56and the toner cartridge52in accordance with the fact whether or not the radio communication portion56has received the acknowledge signal sent from the memory chip170of the toner cartridge52. When it is determined that it is possible to communicate between the radio communication portion56and the toner cartridge52, the CPU202proceeds the process to step106. In contrast, when it is determined that it is not possible to communicate, the CPU202determines that the toner cartridge52is a toner cartridge other than the genuine type and proceeds the process to step40.

In step1106(S1106), the CPU202reads the machine type code276and the nation code278from the unit NVM184.

In step1108(S1108), the CPU202reads the corresponding machine type code258and the corresponding nation code260from the main body NVM228.

In step1110(S110), the CPU202collates the machine type code276with the corresponding machine type code258and also collates the nation code278with the corresponding nation code260. As the result of the collations, when it is determined that the toner cartridge52having been exchanged is not the genuine type (that is, a toner cartridge other than the genuine type), the process proceeds to step40.

In step1300(S1300ofFIG. 24), the CPU202determines whether or not the current operation mode stored in the operation mode histories270corresponds to the toner cartridge52. When it is determined that the current operation mode does not correspond to the toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step302, whilst when it is determined that the current operation mode corresponds to the toner cartridge, the process is terminated.

In step1302(S1302), the UI device18displays that the toner cartridge52of the genuine type has been attached.

In step1304(S1304), the UI device18displays a selection screen308for the operation mode shown inFIG. 27. The selection screen308has key buttons310ato310efor selecting the operation mode, for example, and a key button312for receiving an input representing the determination of the setting of the operation mode corresponding to one of the key buttons310ato310edisplayed in a highlight manner. In the selection screen308, the operation mode a which is the operation mode corresponding to the toner cartridge52of the genuine type is highlighted as the default, for example.

The steps1302and1304may be executed simultaneously by the UI device18.

In step1306(S1306), the CPU202determines whether or not the inputting operation for selecting the operation mode via the UI device18is completed. When it is determined that the inputting operation is completed, the process proceeds to step308, whilst when it is determined that the inputting operation is not completed yet, the CPU waits for a user's inputting operation for selecting the operation mode.

In step1308(S1308), the CPU202updates (including the overwriting by the same operation mode) the operation mode histories270of the main body NVM228by the operation mode selected by the step306.

In step400(S400ofFIG. 25), the CPU202determines whether or not the current operation mode stored in the operation mode histories270corresponds to the toner cartridge52. When it is determined that the current operation mode does not correspond to the toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step402, whilst when it is determined that the current operation mode corresponds to the toner cartridge, the process is terminated.

In step402(S402), the UI device18displays that the toner cartridge52other than the genuine type has been attached.

In step404(S404), the UI device18displays the selection screen308for the operation mode shown inFIG. 27.

The steps402and404may be executed simultaneously by the UI device18.

In step406(S406), the CPU202determines whether or not the inputting operation for selecting the operation mode via the UI device18is completed. When it is determined that the inputting operation is completed, the process proceeds to step408, whilst when it is determined that the inputting operation is not completed yet, the CPU waits for a user's inputting operation for selecting the operation mode.

In step408(S408), the CPU202updates (including the overwriting by the same operation mode) the operation mode histories270of the main body NVM228by the operation mode selected by the step406.

In step1112(S1112ofFIG. 22), the CPU202performs the printing operation preparing processing according to the operation mode contained in the newest operation mode histories270.

In step1114(S1114), the CPU202determines with reference to the setting values271whether or not there is any determining time having not been executed yet. When it is determined that there is a determining time having not been executed yet, the process proceeds to step102, whilst when it is determined that there is no determining time having not been executed yet, the process is terminated.

Next, the explanation will be made as to a modified example of the printing operation preparing processing (S1010) for the toner cartridge52performed by the image forming device10in accordance with the operation mode.

In the printing operation preparing processing (S1010) performed by the image forming device10in accordance with the operation mode, the operation mode shifting processing (S1030) for the genuine type unit may be replaced by a modified example of the printing operation preparing processing (S50) for the genuine type unit shown inFIG. 28, and also the operation mode shifting processing (S40) for a unit other than the genuine type may be replaced by a modified example of the printing operation preparing processing (S60) for a unit other than the genuine type shown inFIG. 29.

As shown inFIG. 28, in step500(S500), the CPU202determines whether or not the current operation mode stored in the operation mode histories270corresponds to the toner cartridge52. When it is determined that the current operation mode does not correspond to the toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step502, whilst when it is determined that the current operation mode corresponds to the toner cartridge, the process is terminated.

In step502(S502), the UI device18displays that the toner cartridge52of the genuine type has been attached.

In step504(S504), the CPU202updates the operation mode histories270of the main body NVM228by the operation mode corresponding to the genuine type unit.

As shown inFIG. 29, in step600(S600), the CPU202determines whether or not the current operation mode stored in the operation mode histories270corresponds to the toner cartridge52. When it is determined that the current operation mode does not correspond to the toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step602, whilst when it is determined that the current operation mode corresponds to the toner cartridge, the process is terminated.

In step602(S602), the UI device18displays that the toner cartridge52other than the genuine type has been attached.

In step604(S604), the CPU202changes the current operation mode into one of the operation modes other than the operation mode corresponding to the toner cartridge52of the genuine type which is stored in the program ROM224, for example.

In step606(S606), the CPU202forms a patch at the intermediate transfer member74to detect the image density in the changed operation mode.

In step608(S608), the CPU202determines whether or not the image density detected in the step606is within a predetermined range. When it is determined that the image density is within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step618, whilst when it is determined that the image density is not within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step610.

In step610(S610), the CPU202determines with reference to the program ROM224, for example, whether or not there is any operation mode having not been examined yet as to the image density. When it is determined that there is an operation mode having not been examined yet, the process proceeds to step612, whilst when it is determined that there is no operation mode having not been examined yet, the process proceeds to step616.

In step612(S612), the CPU202stores the detection result of the image density detected in step606into the RAM226together with the operation mode.

In step614(S614), the CPU202changes the current operation mode into one of the operation modes having not been examined yet As to the image density and proceeds the process to step606.

In step616(S616), the CPU202selects the operation mode which image density is closest to the predetermined value based on the detection result of the image density stored in the RAM226.

In step618(S618), the CPU202updates the operation mode histories270of the main body NVM228by the operation mode which image density is determined to be within the predetermined range by the processing of step608or the operation mode selected by the processing of step616.

In this manner, according to the modified example in which the image forming device10performs the printing operation preparing processing matching to the operation mode, even when a user does not select the operation mode, the operation mode corresponding to a replacement unit of the genuine type is set when a replacement unit of the genuine type is attached. In contrast, the operation mode other than the operation mode corresponding to a replacement unit of the genuine type is set when a replacement unit other than the genuine type is attached. In this respect, even when anyone of the aforesaid operation modes is set, a user can confirm through the display as to which one of a replacement unit of the genuine type and a replacement unit other than the genuine type is attached.