Image forming system with exchange unit mounted therein

It is judged whether or not an exchange unit mounted in an image forming apparatus is a genuine one. If judged that a nongenuine unit is mounted there, it is judged at the next step whether not a control parameter is optimized. If judged that the control parameter is optimized, it is judged at the next step whether or not the control parameter is optimized in a local environment. If not optimized in the local environment, an optimal parameter is downloaded from a website.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming system having an image forming apparatus in which an exchange unit is exchangeably mounted in a main body thereof.

2. Background Art

An image forming apparatus adapted to allow a user to easily exchange a unit containing consumables or the like has been known.

Meanwhile, in a case where the unit exchanged by the user is other than genuine ones produced by an original manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, the following problems may occur. That is, the capability of the image forming apparatus cannot fully be exerted. For example, picture quality is degraded. Proper operations cannot be ensured. Alternatively, a failure may occur. This is because the image forming apparatus controls the process of forming an image in view of characteristics of toners, those of an image carrier, charging characteristics, cleaning characteristics, and fixing characteristics.

Thus, to maintain the picture quality of an image forming apparatus and to prevent occurrence of problems, JP-A-10-133528 discloses a method of providing in a genuine exchange part a data carrier for holding consumed-amount data of a consumable and of comparing a consumed amount, which is detected by a consumed-amount detection portion provided in a main body of the apparatus, with the consumed-amount data, which is held by the data carrier, to thereby judge whether or not the consumable is supplied to the genuine exchange part.

Further, JP-A-6-149051 discloses the techniques of providing in a toner cartridge storage unit for storing predetermined code data and of inhibiting, when a main body of a copier cannot read predetermined code data from the storage unit, from copying.

Furthermore, JP-A-2001-100598 discloses a method of performing an alarm display and inhibition of printing when empty information written to a cartridge at the detection of a run-out of toner is read from a cartridge replenished with toner.

Also, Japanese Patent No. 2602341 discloses a method of storing the count of generated images in a memory of a cartridge and of making, when a preset termination count representing the number of images, which can be generated by using the cartridge, is equal to the count of generated images, the cartridge unusable thereafter.

Additionally, Japanese Patent No. 3476704 discloses a method of facilitating the detection of nonconformity of a toner replenishment container by setting image forming conditions, which are deteriorated as compared with proper image forming conditions, in a case where it is detected by two-way communication between a container-side communication unit of the toner replenishment container and a main-body-side communication unit of the main body of the apparatus that the toner replenishment container is inadequate, and where it is selected by a selection input unit that a replenishing operation is continued by ignoring the nonconformity of the toner replenishment container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide an image forming system adapted so that even when an exchange unit, which is other than genuine ones, is mounted therein, such an exchange unit can be used by a user's will. Also, a second object of the invention is to provide an image forming system enabled to perform an optimal control operation even when an exchange unit, which is other than genuine ones, is mounted therein.

To achieve the aforementioned objects, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus, which includes an apparatus main body, at least one exchange unit, exchangeably mounted in the main body, and a control unit for performing a control operation by selecting one of a first operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is a genuine unit, and a second operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is other than genuine units, and a providing unit for providing a control parameter, which are applied to the second operation mode, to the control unit.

Preferably, the control parameter provided by the providing unit relates to a consumed amount of an exchange unit or to an environment of the image forming apparatus.

The providing unit may provide the control parameter directly to the image forming apparatus manually. However, preferably, the providing unit is provided in a host apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, and the control parameter is provided from this host apparatus. Alternatively, the providing unit is provided in a Web server, and provides the control parameter through the Internet.

Also, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus, which includes an apparatus main body, at least one exchange unit, exchangeably mounted in the main body, and a control unit for performing a control operation by selecting one of a first operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is a genuine unit, and a second operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is other than genuine units, and a host apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. The host apparatus includes a providing unit for providing a control parameter, which is applied to the second operation mode, to the control unit.

Also, according to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus, which includes an apparatus main body, at least one exchange unit, exchangeably mounted in the main body, and a control unit for performing a control operation by selecting one of a first operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is a genuine unit, and a second operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is other than genuine units, a host apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, and a providing unit for providing a control parameter, which is applied to the second operation mode, to the control unit through the host apparatus.

Also, according to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming system that includes an apparatus main body, at least one exchange unit, exchangeably mounted in the main body, a control unit for performing a control operation by selecting one of a first operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is a genuine unit, and a second operation mode, which is associated with an exchange unit that is other than genuine units, an optimal control parameter generating unit for generating an optimal control parameter, which is applied to the second operation mode, and a providing unit for providing an optimal parameter, which is generated by the optimal control parameter generating unit, to the control unit through the host apparatus.

According to the invention, the image forming system is operable even when a device, which is other than genuine ones, is provided therein as an exchange unit. Even in such a case, optimal control thereof is possible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, an embodiment of the invention is described hereinbelow with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1illustrates an image forming system1according to the embodiment of the invention. The image forming system1is configured by connecting a host apparatus, such as a PC (Personal Computer)2, is connected through a network3to, for example, plural image forming apparatuses10. The host apparatus2may be a terminal other than a PC, which has a control unit, for example, a MCU (Micro Controller Unit), an input/output apparatus, such as a touch panel, and a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving signals through the network3. The network3may be either a wired one or a wireless one. Further, plural host apparatuses2may be connected to the network3. One or both of the host apparatus2and the image forming apparatus10are connected to the Internet.

FIG. 2illustrates an outline of the image forming apparatus10. The image forming apparatus10has a main body12thereof. An opening/closing cover16is provided at an upper portion in such a way as to be able to turn around a turn support point14. For instance, a user interface (UI) apparatus18is provided in front (at the left side, as viewed inFIG. 2) of an opening/closing cover16. The UI apparatus18displays control information and designation information concerning the image forming apparatus10, and receives the designation information inputted by a user. For example, a user can select a monochrome mode, in which the image forming apparatus10forms a monochrome image, or a color mode, in which the image forming apparatus10forms a full color image, through the UI apparatus18. That is, a user can operate the image forming apparatus10through the UI apparatus18. Incidentally, the UI apparatus18may be adapted to either only receive input from a switch or the like, or only output indication. Alternatively, the UI apparatus18may perform the combination thereof.

Also, an opening/closing detection sensor19for detecting the opening and closing of the opening/closing cover16by, for instance, being separated therefrom and contacted thereto in response to the opening and closing thereof is provided in the vicinity of the turn support point14.

For example, a single-tier paper feed unit20is disposed at a lower portion of the main body12of the image forming apparatus. The paper feed unit20has a body22thereof and a paper feed cassette24, which accommodates sheets of paper. A feed roll26for supplying sheets of paper from the paper feed cassette24, and a retard roll28for handling the supplied sheets of paper sheet by sheet are disposed at an upper part in the vicinity of the rear end of the paper feed cassette24. Further, a temperature sensor30for detecting the temperature in the main body12of the image forming apparatus, and a humidity sensor32for detecting the humidity in the main body12thereof are provided above the paper feed cassette24.

A conveying path34is a path for paper from a feed roll26to a discharge port36. This conveying path34is formed in the vicinity of the back side (the right side surface, as viewed inFIG. 2) of the main body12of the image forming apparatus in such a way as to substantially vertically extend from the paper feed unit20to the fixing device100(to be described later). A secondary transfer roll88and a secondary transfer backup roll82, which will be described later, are disposed at an upstream side from the fixing device100of this conveying path34. A resist roll38is disposed at the upstream side of the secondary transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82. Furthermore, a discharge roll40is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port36

Therefore, sheets of paper fed by the feed roll26from the paper feed cassette24of the paper feed device20are handled by the retard roll28so that only the topmost sheet of paper is led to the conveying path34and then temporarily stopped by the resist roll38. Subsequently, this sheet of paper is passed between the secondary transfer roll88and the second transfer backup roll82, which will be described later, with appropriate timing, so that a toner image is transferred. This transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device100. Then, this sheet of paper is discharged by the discharge roll40from the discharge port36to a discharge portion42provided at an upper part of the opening/closing cover16. This discharge portion42is gradually upwardly inclined from the discharge port, which is low, to the front (that is, in the leftward direction, as viewed inFIG. 2).

For example, a developing device unit44, such as a rotary developing device, is disposed substantially at the central portion of the main body12of the image forming apparatus. The developing device unit44has a body46thereof, in which four developing devices48ato48dfor forming toner images are mounted. These developing devices48ato48drotate around a rotation shaft50counterclockwise (that is, anticlockwise, as viewed inFIG. 2) together with the body46thereof. Cylindrical toner cartridges52ato52d, which accommodate yellow toner (Y), magenta toner (M), cyan toner (C), and black toner (K), are mounted in the developing devices48ato48d, respectively. The toner cartridges52ato52dare adapted so that when mounted in the body46through the developing devices48ato48d, the outer surface thereof coincides with the outer periphery of the body46.

An image carrier54constituted by, for instance, a photoreceptor is disposed in such a manner as to abut against the developing device unit44from the rear side (the right-hand side, as viewed inFIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus10. That is, the developing device unit44is adapted so that four colors Y, M, C, K are available for full color developing, that the developing devices48ato48dare rotation-moved to and positioned at places opposed to the image carrier54, respectively, and that the developing devices48ato48ddevelop a latent image formed on the image carrier54color by color by using yellow toner (Y), magenta toner (M), cyan toner (C), and black toner (K).

Also, a wireless communication section56is disposed in the proximity of a place substantially opposed to the image carrier54across the rotation shaft50of the developing device unit44. The wireless communication section56has an antenna58and makes wireless communication with a memory chip170(to be described later).

A charging device60constituted by, for instance, a charging roll for uniformly charging this image carrier54is provided under the image carrier54. Further, an image carrier cleaner62abuts against the upstream side from the charging device60placed in the direction of rotation of the image carrier54. The image carrier cleaner62is constituted by a cleaning blade64, which rakes out residual toner on the image carrier54after first transfer, and a waste toner collection bottle66for collecting the toner raked out by the cleaning blade64.

Incidentally, for examples, a rib or the like is formed on the rear side (the right-hand side, as viewed inFIG. 2) of the waste toner collection bottle66. Thus, the rear side thereof is formed like a curved surface in such a way as to smoothly convey the paper, and constitutes a part of the conveying path34.

An exposure device68for writing a latent image on the image carrier54charged by the charging device60by using light rays, such as laser light rays, is disposed under the rear side of the developing device unit44. Further, an unused-state detection sensor, such as a reflection type photosensor,70for detecting whether or not the toner cartridges52ato52dmounted in the developing device unit44are unused is disposed above the developing device unit44. An intermediate transfer device72for collectively transferring toner images onto a sheet of paper at a secondary transfer position (to be described later) after superposing four color toner images on an intermediate transfer member74by primary-transferring the toner image, which is visualized by the developing device unit44, at a primary transfer position every perimeter of the intermediate transfer member74color by color is provided above the developing device unit44and the unused-state detection sensor70.

The intermediate transfer device72includes the intermediate transfer member, such as an intermediate transfer belt,74, a primary transfer roll76, a wrap-in roll78, a wrap-out roll80, a secondary transfer backup roll82, a scraper backup roll84, and a brush backup roll86. The intermediate transfer member74has, for instance, elasticity, and is stretched substantially flat in such a manner as to have long sides and short sides above the developing device unit44. The long side at the top-side of the intermediate transfer member74is stretched in such a way as to be substantially parallel to the discharge portion42provided at the upper part of the main body12of the image forming apparatus. Further, the intermediate transfer member74has a primary transfer portion (an image carrier wrap area), which abuts against the image carrier54like a wrap between the wrap-in roll78disposed at the upstream-side of the primary transfer roll76on the long side at the bottom surface side thereof, and the wrap-out roll80disposed downstream from the primary transfer roll76. The intermediate transfer member74winds around the image carrier54only within a predetermined range and is driven by the rotation of the image carrier54.

Furthermore, a planar portion (corresponding to the short side) is formed by the wrap-out roll80and the secondary transfer backup roll82on the back side (the right-hand side surface thereof, as viewed inFIG. 2) of the intermediate transfer member74. This planar portion is adapted to serve as the secondary transfer portion and to face the conveying path34.

Thus, the intermediate transfer member74, on which the yellow, magenta, cyan and black toner images formed on the image carrier54are primary-transferred in that order in the order by the primary transfer roll76, conveys the toner image to the secondary transfer portion.

The scraper backup roll84assists a scraper94in raking out the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member74after the secondary transfer. The brush backup roll86assists a brush roll96in raking out the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member74after the secondary transfer.

The secondary transfer backup roll82of the intermediate transfer device72faces the secondary transfer roll88across the conveying path34. That is, a position between the second transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82is set to be a secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer roll88is assisted by the secondary transfer backup roll82in secondary-transferring the toner images, which are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer member74, onto the sheet of paper at the secondary transfer position. Incidentally, the secondary transfer roll88is adapted to be separated from the intermediate transfer member74during three revolutions of the intermediate transfer member74, that is, during the three color toner images, namely, the yellow toner image, the magenta toner image, and the cyan toner image are conveyed, and also adapted to abut against the intermediate transfer member74when the black toner image is transferred. Additionally, a predetermined difference in potential is caused between the secondary transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82. For example, in a case where the secondary transfer roll88is set at a high voltage, the secondary transfer backup roll82is connected to the ground (GND).

An image density sensor90, for example, a reflection type photosensor is disposed upstream from the secondary transfer position in such a way as to face the intermediate transfer member74across the conveying path34. The image density sensor90reads a patch of toner formed on the intermediate transfer member74and detects the density of an image formed on the intermediate transfer member74.

An intermediate transfer member cleaner92is provided at an inverted-image carrier side end of the intermediate transfer member74in such a way as to abut thereagainst. The intermediate transfer cleaner92includes, for example, a scraper94for raking out the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member74after the secondary transfer, the brush roll96for further raking out the residual toner still left after the cleaning by the scraper94, and the waste toner collection bottle98for collecting the toner raked by the scraper94and the brush roll96. The scraper94is constituted by, for instance, a stainless thin plate. A voltage, whose polarity is opposite to that of the voltage applied to the toner, is applied thereto. The brush roll96is constituted by, for example, an acrylic brush subjected to conductive treatment. Additionally, during the intermediate transfer member74conveys the toner image, the scraper94and the brush roll96are separated from the intermediate transfer member74, and made to integrally abut thereagainst with predetermined timing.

The fixing device100is disposed above the secondary transfer position. The fixing device100has a heating roll102and a pressure roll104and is operative to fixing the toner images, which are secondary-transferred onto a sheet of paper by the secondary transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82, onto the sheet of paper and to convey the fixed toner image to a discharge roll40.

Further, the control portion106for controlling constituent portions of the image forming apparatus10is disposed in the main body12thereof.

An image carrier unit108is formed by integrating the image carrier54, the charging device60, and the image carrier cleaner62with one another. Furthermore, an image forming unit110is formed by integrating the image carrier unit108, the intermediate transfer device72, and the intermediate transfer member cleaner92with one another. Additionally, the fixing unit112is formed by integrating the fixing device100and the discharge roll40with one another.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the image forming unit110is detachably mounted on the main body12of the image forming apparatus and detached therefrom by opening the opening/closing cover16. Further, the image carrier unit108is detachably mounted on the image forming unit110.

The toner cartridges52ato52dare adapted to be detached from the developing devices48ato48dmounted in the body46of the developing device in a case where the opening/closing cover16is opened and the toner cartridges52ato52dare positioned at the front side (that is, the side of the opening/closing cover16). The developing devices48ato48dare detached from the body46of the developing device in a case where the opening/closing cover16is opened and the developing devices48ato48dare placed at the front side (that is, the side of the opening/closing cover16).

The fixing unit112is adapted to be detached from the main body12of the image forming apparatus by detaching an upper cover (not shown). Further, other units, such as the developing device unit44and the paper feed unit20, are detachably mounted in the main body12of the image forming apparatus.

Thus, each of the units can be exchanged by a user. Meanwhile, in a case where an exchangeable unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus10by a user, when a unit other than genuine ones produced by a manufacture of the image forming apparatus10is mounted therein, the following problems may occur. That is, favorable picture quality cannot be maintained. Alternatively, a proper operation cannot be ensured. This is because the image forming apparatus10is controlled according to the characteristics of a member used in the image forming apparatus10. Thus, sensors for detecting predetermined conditions are provided in the units, which can be exchanged by a user.

Hereinafter, in a case where plural constituent portions, such as the developing devices48ato48d, are designated without being specified, abbreviations, such as “the developing device48”, may be used.

Next, an example of the exchangeable unit having a sensor for detecting predetermined conditions is described hereinbelow.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate the configuration of the developing device48that is an exchangeable unit.

The developing device48has a developing roll116serving as a developer carrier disposed at side of the image carrier54in the developing device housing (the body of the developing device)114, and also has a first auger118, a second auger120, a third auger122, and a layer thick regulating member124, and accommodates a binary developer including, for example, non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier.

The developing device housing114has a shutter126for opening and closing a toner receiving port134and a developer discharging port140, a cylindrical intake conveying path128for conveying toner taken from the toner cartridge52, and cylindrical developer conveying paths130and132for agitating and conveying the toner and the carrier.

The intake conveying path128has the toner receiving portion134for receiving toner from the toner cartridge52, and a toner feeding portion136for feeding toner to the developer conveying path130. The first auger118is disposed in the intake conveying path128. The first auger118is operative to convey toner, which is received from the toner cartridge52to the intake conveying path128, to the developer conveying path130. Further, the amount of toner supplied from the toner cartridge52to the developing device48is adjusted by adjusting the rotation of the first auger118. Thus, the consumed amount of toner (that is, the consumed amount of the toner cartridge52) may be calculated by accumulating the driving time or the number of revolutions of the first auger118by the use of the CPU202. Alternatively, the consumed amount of toner may be calculated as follows. That is, electric current, which flows when an electrostatic latent image is written by the exposing device68to the image carrier54, is stored in a capacitor or the like as electric charges. Then, the CPU202counts the number of times of occurrence of an event in which the stored charges reach a predetermined amount.

A toner presence/absence detection sensor138is provided between the toner receiving port134and the toner feeding port136on the intake conveying path128. This toner presence/absence detection sensor138is adapted to detect the presence/absence of toner on the intake conveying path128by, for example, detecting change in the resistance value due to the presence/absence of toner between the two points thereon. Further, the toner presence/absence detection sensor138may be a piezoelectric element.

The developer conveying path130has a developer discharge port140for discharging excessive developer to the toner cartridge52. The second auger120is disposed in the developer conveying path130. The second auger120agitates and mixes the toner, which is conveyed through the intake conveying path128, and the carrier and conveys the mixture to the developer conveying path132. A toner concentration sensor142is provided in the developer conveying path130. This toner concentration sensor142detects the concentration of toner by, for instance, detecting change in the magnetic permeability according to the concentration of toner in the developer as change in the voltage.

A third auger122is disposed in the developer conveying path132. The third auger122is operative to agitate and convey the developer conveyed through the developer conveying path130and to supply the developer to the developing roll116.

Incidentally, a partition plate143is provided between the developer conveying paths130and132. Passages (not shown) for connecting the developer conveying paths130and132are provided at both ends of the partition plate143. Thus, the second auger120and the third auger122convey the developer in the opposite directions. Consequently, the toner is friction-charged by the carrier in such a way as to have predetermined polarity and a predetermined amount of charge. Then, the toner is circulated in the developing device housing114. Moreover, degraded developer is discharged from the developer discharge port140to the toner cartridge52. Thus, a total lifetime of the developer can be increased (a trickle developing method).

The shutter126has opening portions144and146. The opening portion144is superimposed on the toner receiving port134to thereby form a passage for toner from the toner cartridge52to the developing device48. The opening portion146is superimposed on the developer discharge port140to thereby form a passage for excessive developer from the developing device48to the toner cartridge52.

The developing roll116carries toner and abuts against the image carrier54to thereby develop an electrostatic latent image, which is carried by the image carrier54, with the toner. The layer thickness regulating member124regulates the thickness of a layer of toner carried by the developing roll116.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate the configuration of the toner cartridge52, which is an exchangeable unit.

The toner cartridge52has a body50of the toner cartridge and a turning portion152provided at an end in the longitudinal direction of the body150thereof.

The body150of the toner cartridge is formed like a cylinder so that a substantially cylindrical portion, in which an agitating/conveying member154is disposed, and a portion, which extends from this substantially cylindrical portion in a substantially perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction in such a way as to gradually reduce in width, are integral with each other. Further, the body150of the toner cartridge is adapted so that the outer surface thereof substantially coincides with the body46of the developing device unit when the toner cartridge52is mounted in the body46of the driving unit through the developing device48.

A toner accommodating space156for accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing device48is formed in the body150of the toner cartridge. This agitating/conveying member154is wound like, for instance, a spiral, and agitates the toner in the toner accommodating space156and conveys this toner to the toner receiving port134of the developing device48.

The turning portion152has a body154thereof and a cylinder portion156, which is provided in this body154thereof and formed integrally with the body150of the toner cartridge. The cylinder portion156is adapted so that a side surface portion158of the body154of the turning portion154is hermetically-sealed by a sidewall thereof, and that a separation wall162is provided therein. A developer collection space164for collecting excessive developer from the developing device48is formed, while the toner accommodating space156is formed at a side opposite to the cylindrical side wall160by being extended.

The body154of the turning portion has a window-like window portion166covered with a transparent material. The inner part of the body154is formed like a cylinder and adapted to turn along the outer surface of the cylindrical part of the cylinder portion156. Further, a reflection member, for example, white tape168is mounted on the outer surface of the cylindrical part of the cylinder portion156. When the toner cartridge52is mounted in the developing device48and the body154of the turning portion turns, the reflection member168is exposed through the window portion166. Further, when the developing device unit44, in which the toner cartridge52is mounted, rotates in the main body12of the image forming apparatus, the exposed reflection member168is passed through a position opposed to the unused-state detection sensor70. As described above, the unused-state detection sensor70is, for instance, the reflection type photosensor and detects an amount of reflection light from the reflection member168, which is changed by stain due to the toner when the reflection member168of the toner cartridge52passes through the position opposed to the unused-state detection sensor70. Consequently, the unused-state detection sensor70detects whether or not the toner cartridge52is unused.

A memory chip170is attached to a side surface portion158of the body154of the turning portion. The memory chip170has an antenna172and makes wireless communication with a wireless communication portion56provided at the side of the main body12of the image forming apparatus12.

Next, the circuit configurations of the wireless communication portion56and the memory chip170and the communication performed therebetween are described hereinbelow.

FIG. 8is a block view illustrating the circuit configuration of the wireless communication portion56.FIG. 9is a block view illustrating the circuit configuration of the memory chip170.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the circuit of the wireless communication portion56includes a transmission/reception control section174, a modulation circuit176, a transmission circuit178, a reception circuit180, a demodulation circuit182, and an antenna58. In the wireless communication portion56, the transmission/reception control section174controls an operation of each of constituent portions. Further, the transmission/reception control section174outputs data, which is inputted from the control portion106, to the demodulation circuit176. Furthermore, the transmission/reception control section174outputs data, which is received by the reception circuit180and then demodulated by the demodulation circuit182, to the control portion106. The modulation circuit176modulates data inputted from the transmission/reception control section174and outputs modulated data to the transmission circuit178. The transmission circuit178outputs electric wave signals, which include data to be stored in the memory chip170and clock signals, to the memory chip170through the antenna58.

The reception circuit180receives signals transmitted from the memory chip170through the antenna58and outputs the signals to the demodulation circuit182. The demodulation circuit182demodulates data transmitted from the memory170according to change in a signal inputted from the reception circuit180and outputs the demodulated data to the transmission/reception control section174.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the circuit of the memory chip170includes the unit NVM (Non-Volatile Memory)184, a transmission logic circuit186, a reception logic circuit188, a transmission circuit190, a reception circuit192, a clock reproduction circuit194, a power supply portion196, and an antenna172.

When an electric wave signal is transmitted from the wireless communication section56to the memory chip170, the reception circuit192, the clock reproduction circuit194and the power supply portion196receive this electric wave signal through the antenna172. When the power supply section196receives the electric wave signal in the memory chip170, the power supply section196rectifies electric current generated by electromagnetic induction due to the electric wave signal and supplies each of constituent portions of the memory chip170with electric power needed for an operation thereof. In a case where a voltage higher than the voltage generated by the power supply section196is needed, the memory chip170may be supplied with electric power from the body40thereof. For example, a coil or the like for power supply may be provided in the memory chip170, so that electric power may be contactlessly supplied from AC power supplied to the developing device unit44.

When receiving the electric wave signal, the clock reproduction circuit194reproduces a clock signal and outputs the clock signal to each of circuits constituting the memory chip170. When receiving the electric wave signal, the reception circuit192outputs a signal, which represents data included by the electric wave signal to the reception logic circuit188in synchronization with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproduction circuit194. The reception logic circuit188outputs a signal, which represents data inputted from the reception circuit192, to the unit NVM184in synchronization with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproduction circuit194.

The unit NVM184is a writable non-volatile memory. In a case where a signal inputted from the reception logic circuit188in synchronization with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproduction circuit194designates the writing of data, the unit NVM184performs the writing (or storing) of this data. In a case where the signal inputted from the reception logic circuit188designates the reading of data, the data stored in the unit NVM184is outputted to the transmission logic circuit186. The non-volatile memory included in the unit NVM184may be, for example, a flash ROM, an EEPROM, or a FeRAM (ferroelectric memory).

The transmission logic circuit186modulates data inputted from the unit NVM184in synchronization with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproduction circuit194and outputs the modulated signal to the transmission circuit190. The transmission circuit190transmits the signal, which is inputted from the transmission logic circuit186, as an electric wave signal through the antenna172to the wireless communication section56in synchronization with the clock signal inputted from the clock reproduction circuit194.

Incidentally, a signal to be transmitted and received as an electric wave signal may be converted into an electric wave signal after encrypted. Then, the converted signal may be transmitted and received. Alternatively, for example, the apparatus may be adapted so that an authorized user can rewrite the data stored in the unit NVM from a device other than the control portion106.

FIG. 10illustrates the positional relation between the wireless communication portion56and the memory chip170, which make wireless communication with each other. As described above, the toner cartridge52is mounted in each of the developing devices48. The developing device unit44(FIG. 2) rotates around a rotation shaft50serving as an axis of rotation, so that the toner cartridge52moves. The wireless communication section56is fixed to the main body12of the image forming apparatus in the vicinity of the side of the developing device unit44in such a way as to be substantially opposed to the memory chips170that are moved by the rotation of the developing device unit44. The wireless communication section56performs wireless communication in a stopped state in which the developing device48is controlled in such a way as to move a place substantially opposed thereto and as to be able to make wireless communication with one of the memory chips170. Further, the wireless communication section56is adapted to confirm the start of the transmission and reception of data by receiving an acknowledge signal that is transmitted by the memory chip170in response to, for example, the electric wave signal outputted by the wireless communication section56.

FIG. 11illustrates the configuration of an image carrier unit108, which is an exchangeable unit.

As described above, the image carrier unit108is constituted by integrating the image carrier54, the charging device60, and the image carrier cleaner62. The image carrier unit108has a waste toner fullness sensor198disposed at an upper part of the image carrier cleaner62and also has a float200disposed below the waste toner fullness sensor198. The waste toner fullness sensor198has an optical path adapted so that light emitted from a light emitting portion provided at one end thereof is received by a light receiving portion provided at the other end thereof. The waste toner fullness sensor198outputs to the control portion106a signal indicating whether or not the light receiving portion receives the light. The float200is adapted to rise when an amount of waster toner collected from the image carrier54to a waste toner collection bottle66exceeds a predetermined amount, and interrupts the optical path in the waste tone fullness sensor198when the waste toner collection bottle66is filled with waste toner to capacity thereof. Thus, the image carrier unit108detects by means of the waste toner fullness sensor198and the float200whether or not the waste toner collection bottle66is filled to the capacity thereof. Then, the image carrier unit108outputs a signal indicating a result of the detection.

Further, the waste toner fullness sensor198and the float200may be provided on the intermediate transfer cleaner92and adapted to detect whether or not the waste toner collection bottle98is filled to capacity thereof.

Thus, the exchangeable unit having a sensor or the like, which detects a predetermined condition, outputs to the control portion106a signal representing a result of detection performed by the sensor or the like. The control portion106is adapted to control each of the constituent sections of the image forming apparatus10according to the inputted result of the detection.

Next, the configuration of the control portion106is described in detail hereinbelow.

FIG. 12is a block view illustrating the configuration of the control portion106and also illustrating each of sections connected to the control portion106.

The control portion106has a CPU202, a storage section204, a sensor interface (a sensor I/F) circuit206, a wireless communication section control circuit208, a communication interface (a communication I/F) circuit210, a user interface (UI) control circuit212, an image drawing circuit214, a process control circuit2126, an image forming section interface (image forming section I/F) circuit218, and a sheet conveying section control circuit220. These constituents are adapted to be able to input and output signals through a system bus222.

The CPU202transmits signals to and receives signals from the constituents of the control portion106through the system bus222and controls the constituents of the control portion106.

The storage section204has a program ROM224, a RAM226, and a main body NVM (Non-Volatile Memory)228and stores information needed for controlling the image forming apparatus10. The program ROM224is constituted by, for example, a flash ROM, so that data stored therein can be updated. The RAM226is constituted by, for example, an SRAM, and stores temporary data, such as drawing data inputted from the image drawing circuit214. The main body NVM228is constituted by, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM. Incidentally, the main body NVM228may be an SRAM, to which power is backed-up by a battery or the like, or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an optical memory, as long as the memory is a rewritable storage and can hold data even when the power for the image forming apparatus10is turned off.

The sensor I/F circuit206receives results of detection from the opening/closing detection sensor19, the temperature sensor30, the humidity sensor32, the unused-state detection sensor70, the toner presence/absence detection sensor138, the toner concentration sensor142, the image density sensor90, and the waste toner fullness sensor198. The sensor I/F circuit206outputs the results to the CPU202through the system bus222. The wireless communication section control circuit208transmits signals to and receives signals from the four memory chips170respectively provided at the toner cartridges52ato52dthrough the wireless communication section56, and also transmits signals to and receives signals from the CPU20and the storage section204through the system bus222to thereby connect the memory chips170, the CPU202, and the storage section204to one another.

The communication I/F circuit210transmits signals to and receives signals from the host apparatus2through the network3and also transmits signals to and receives signals from the CPU202and so forth through the system bus222to thereby connect the host apparatus2and the CPU202to each other. The UI control circuit212transmits signals to and receives signals from the UI apparatus18and also transmits signals to and receives signals from the CPU202through the system bus222to thereby connect the UI apparatus and the CPU202to each other.

The image drawing circuit214draws an image according to an image forming signal inputted from the host apparatus2and so on and outputs signals to the CPU202and the RAM226. The process control circuit216refers to set values (to be described later) stored in the storage section204together with the CPU202and controls the image forming section230, which includes the exposing device68, the image forming unit110and the developing device unit44, through the image forming I/F circuit218. The sheet conveying section control circuit220controls the sheet conveying section232, which includes the feed roll26, the retard roll28, and the resist roll38, together with the CPU202.

Incidentally, the CPU202compares data, which is stored in the storage section204, with data, which is stored in the unit NVM184. Thus, the state of the toner cartridge52, in which the memory chip170is mounted, can be determined. The memory chip170constitutes a part of the detection unit, even when this memory chip has no sensor.

Next, the detail of data stored in the program ROM224, the main body NVM228and the unit NVM184are described hereinbelow.

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

In the program ROM224, a program area234and a set value area236are provided. In the program area234, an execution program238for operating the image forming apparatus10is stored. In the set value area236, respective lifetime threshold values240, set numbers of times of achievement of respective threshold values242, a temperature-related parameter group244, a humidity-related parameter group246, a toner-concentration-related parameter group248, an image-density-related parameter group250, and a set value of a judgment time252are stored.

The lifetime threshold values240include the values of a lifetime (the lifetime threshold values) of the respective exchangeable units of the image forming apparatuses10. The set numbers of times of achievement of the respective threshold values242include the numbers of times at which the exchangeable units of the image forming apparatus10can reach the lifetime threshold values. The temperature-related temperature parameter group244includes the respective parameters concerning the control of temperature of the image forming apparatus10. The humidity-related temperature parameter group246includes the respective parameters concerning the control of humidity of the image forming apparatus10. The toner concentration parameter group248includes the respective parameters concerning the control of the toner concentration in the developing device48. The image density parameter group250includes the respective parameters concerning the control of density of an image formed on the intermediate transfer member74. The set value of the judgment time252includes that of a time period (a judgment time) required by the CPU202to start judgment on whether or not each of the exchangeable units of the image forming apparatus10is a genuine unit.

In the main body NVM228, an associated unit information area254and a main body side update area256are provided.

In the associated unit information area254, an associated model code258and an associated country code260are stored. An area for the associated model code258stores a model table (or data) indicating models that are compatible with the image forming apparatus10. An area for the associated country code260stores a country table (or data) representing countries, which are associated with and have different specifications set for each of the exchangeable units of the image forming apparatus10.

In the main body side update area256, the mounting histories of the units262, the main-body-side life count values thereof264, the numbers of times of achievement of threshold values thereof266, the detection histories thereof268, and the operation mode histories thereof270are stored. The mounting histories262of the units include those of the exchangeable units of the image forming apparatus10. Further, it is stored as the initial states (or the initial values) of the mounting histories262of the units that a genuine one is mounted therein. The main-body-side life count values thereof264include the life count values (that is, consumed amounts from the commencement of use to a current time) of the respective units. Incidentally, the consumed amount of each of the units may be calculated according to the accumulated operation time thereof. The numbers266of times of achievement of lifetime threshold values at the main body side include the numbers of times of achievement of lifetime threshold values of the respective exchangeable units. The detection histories268include the histories of detection results detected by the sensors provided in the image forming apparatus10. The operation mode histories270include the operation mode histories applied to the respective exchangeable units.

A unit information area272and a unit-side update area274and so on are provided in the unit NVM184.

The unit information area272stores a mode code276representing the model thereof, a country code278representing a country in which the specification is set, a manufacturing serial number280unique thereto, a date282of manufacture thereof, a lifetime threshold value284representing the lifetime thereof, and a process parameter286for process control, and so on.

The unit-side update area274stores a life count value288representing a consumed amount of the toner cartridge from the commencement of use thereof to the current time, the number290of times of achievement of the lifetime threshold value of each of the units, which represents the number of times of occurrences of an event that the associated unit reaches the lifetime threshold value, and related history information292, and so forth. Incidentally, the related history information292includes history of related information, such as the number of revolutions of the image carrier54, which is available for grasping the situation of the toner cartridge52.

The image forming apparatus10of the aforementioned configuration is adapted so that when an image forming signal is sent thereto, the image carrier54is uniformly charged by the charging device60, that light rays are outputted from the exposing device68to this charged image carrier54according to an image signal, and that the light rays outputted from the exposing device68exposes the surface of the image carrier54to thereby form a latent image.

The latent image carried by the image carrier54is developed by the developing device unit44at a developing position. In the developing device unit44, the developing devices48ato48dare supplied with yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner from the toner cartridges52ato52d, respectively. Further, developers excessively supplied to the developing devices48ato48dare collected by the toner cartridges52ato52d, respectively. Toner images respectively corresponding to colors developed by the developing devices48ato48dof the developing device unit44are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer member47by being superimposed. Waste toner left on the image carrier54by the first transfer is raked out by the image carrier cleaner62and collected.

Meanwhile, a sheet of paper accommodated in the paper feed cassette24is fed by the feed roll26in response to a paper feeding signal or the like. Then, the sheets of paper are handled by the retard roll28thereby to be led to the conveying path34. Subsequently, the sheet of paper is temporarily stopped by the resist roll38. Then, the sheet of paper is led between the secondary transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82with appropriate timing. When the sheet of paper is introduced between the secondary transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82, the four color toner images superimposed by the primary-transfer are secondary-transferred to the sheet of paper by the secondary transfer roll88and the secondary transfer backup roll82. After the secondary transfer, the waste toner left on the intermediate transfer member74is raked out by the intermediate transfer member cleaner92and collected.

The sheet of paper, to which the toner images are transferred, is introduced to the fixing device100, and then fixed by a thermal pressure due to the heating roll102and the pressure roll104. The sheet of paper, on which the toner images are fixed, is discharged by the discharge roll40from the discharge port36to the discharge portion42. The control portion106causes the unit NVM184and the main body NVM228to store the life count values of the toner cartridge52and so on.

FIG. 14is a graph illustrating change in the charging ability of the developer versus the consumed amount (the life count value) stored in the main body NVM.

FIG. 15is a graph illustrating the setting for correcting the change in the charging ability of the developer and also illustrating the setting of the image density versus the consumed amount of the developer.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bare graphs illustrating results of correction performed according to the setting illustrated inFIG. 15.FIG. 16Aillustrates the corrected toner concentration.FIG. 16Bis a graph illustrating the corrected image density.

The toner, which is accommodated in the toner cartridge52and a genuine toner for the image forming apparatus10, is friction-charged by the carrier in such a way as to have predetermined polarity and a predetermined amount of charge. When the developer is used, the charging ability thereof is lowered according to the consumed amount thereof, as the characteristic of toner P, which is genuine toner, changes shown inFIG. 14.

Thus, even when employing a trickle developing method, the image forming apparatus10is adapted to correct the setting of the concentration of toner in the developing device48and that of the density of an image formed on the intermediate transfer member74so as to maintain the picture quality of an image formed on paper.

For example, the CPU202detects an image density by the image density sensor90. If the density is high, the CPU202controls rotation driving of the first auger118to thereby reduce the amount of toner supplied to the developing device48, so that the toner concentration is decreased, and that the image density is lowered. Conversely, if the density is lowered, the CPU202controls rotation driving of the first auger118to thereby increase the amount of toner supplied to the developing device48, so that the toner concentration is increased, and that the image density is raised. Usually, a pattern having a halftone density is used as a pattern for detecting the image density.

However, if the charging ability of toner is lowered, the developing performance is enhanced, so that the image density rises. Therefore, if the aforementioned control is performed without being modified, the toner concentration is excessively lowered to thereby lower the maximum image density.

Thus, the CPU202corrects the set value used for toner concentration control, which is based on the result of the image density detection by the image density sensor90and stored in an area for the toner concentration parameter group248and set in the developing device48, in such a way as to increase according to the consumed amount of the developer so as not to reduce the maximum density of an image, which is to be transferred on to paper, from being lowered even when the charging ability of the developer is degraded. The CPU202rotates the first auger118according to the corrected set value (in accordance with the setting S associated with the toner P as shown inFIG. 15) thereby to maintain the toner concentration in such a manner as not to become less than a desired and predetermined value, as illustrated inFIG. 16A.

Consequently, the image density can be maintained in such a way as not to become equal to or less than a value predetermined according to the specification, as illustrated inFIG. 16B.

Meanwhile, in a case where a toner cartridge, which is other than genuine ones and has substantially the same configuration as that of the toner cartridge52accommodating the toner X or Y that is other than genuine toner produced by an original manufacturer of the image forming apparatus10, is mounted therein, the toner X or Y exhibits a characteristic differing from the characteristic of the toner P, which is genuine, as illustrated inFIG. 14. Therefore, a set value, which is corrected and differs from the value set according to the setting S associated with the toner P is necessary for improving the picture quality of an image formed on the paper. Thus, for example, in a case where the toner cartridge accommodates toner X or toner Y and is other than genuine ones, a correction made to the consumed amount of the developer is changed according to the combination of the following change conditions:

an amount (or gradient) of change in the set value of the toner concentration is increased or decreased (m1, m2inFIG. 15);

a limit value is increased or decreased (m1, m2);

an initial value (the consumed amount=0) is changed (m3);

the set value according to the consumed amount is not changed (m4); and

the set value according to the consumed amount is not changed by changing, for example, the initial value. This change is performed by the user's selection of an operation mode through the UI apparatus18as an operation mode differing from a mode corresponding to the genuine one.

Next, control according to an environment of the image forming apparatus10is described hereinbelow.

FIG. 17illustrates change in the charged amount of a toner A, which is a genuine one, and change in the developing amount (or image density) thereof versus change in the humidity (that is, the relative humidity) thereof. In a case where the toner concentration is constant, the charged amount of the toner, which is a two-component developer accommodated in the developing device48, changes when environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, change. For instance, when the humidity rises, an amount of water absorption of the toner increases, while the charged amount of the toner decreases (in a case where the toner is negatively charged, the absolute value of a negative value thereof decreases). When the charged amount of the toner decreases, the electrostatic adsorbing force acting between toner and the carrier is reduced, so that an amount of the developer (that is, the developing amount thereof) transferred to the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier54increases, and that the density of a toner image (that is, the image density thereof) carried by the intermediate transfer member74becomes high. Meanwhile, when the humidity becomes low, the amount of water absorption of the toner decreases, and the charged amount of the toner increases (in the case where the toner is negatively charged, the absolute value of a negative value thereof increases). When the charged amount of the toner increases, the electrostatic adsorbing force acting between the toner and the carrier is strengthened. The amount of the developer transferred to the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier54decreases, so that the density of the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer member74becomes low.

To maintain the density of an image, which is formed on the paper, at a predetermined level, the image forming apparatus10is adapted so that plural control operations according to the characteristics of constituent portions of the image forming apparatus10are performed by the control portion106. For example, the image forming apparatus10is adapted so that the image density sensor90detects the concentration of the patch of the toner, which is formed on the intermediate transfer member74, that a charged amount of the toner in the developing device48is maintained according to a result of the detection by the image density sensor90, that the CPU202of the control portion106controls the rotation of the first auger118in such a way as to maintain the concentration of the patch to thereby adjust the amount of the toner to be supplied to the developing device48(a control function performed by feedback of the result of the detection by the image density: an image density control).

FIG. 18is a graph illustrating the humidity characteristic of the toner concentration adjusted by the image density control. As described above, when the (relative) humidity is low, the charged amount of the toner becomes high, while the density of an image formed on the intermediate transfer member74becomes low. When the density of the image formed on the intermediate transfer member74becomes low, the CPU202increases the amount of the toner to be supplied to the developing device48by the control according to which the result of the detection of the image density is fed back to the determination of the toner concentration. Thus, when the humidity is low, the toner concentration is high. Meanwhile, when the (relative) humidity is high, the charged amount of the toner is low, while the density of an image formed on the intermediate transfer member74becomes high. When the density of the image formed on the intermediate transfer member74becomes high, the CPU202reduces the amount of the toner to be supplied to the developing device48by the control according to which the result of the detection of the image density is fed back to the determination of the toner concentration. Thus, when the humidity is high, the toner concentration is high.

When the humidity becomes less than about 20%, the toner A, which is a genuine one, causes problems due to a high toner concentration, such as a problem in that the toner A scatters in the main body12of the image forming apparatus, so that the inside of the main body12thereof is stained. Further, when the humidity becomes higher than about 70%, the toner A causes problems due to a low toner concentration, such as a problem in that the efficiency in transferring an image is reduced.

The concentration of a toner B, which is other than genuine ones, changes more by the control, according to which the result of the detection of the image density is fed back to the determination of the toner concentration, more largely than that of the toner A. Even when the concentration of a toner C, which is other than genuine ones, changes by the control, according to which the result of the detection of the image density is fed back to the determination of the toner concentration, the toner C causes no problems due to the toner concentration. Incidentally, a nongenuine toner is used as the toner C because of the facts that problems due to the toner concentration are not caused, and that the cleanability of the residual toner on the image carrier54is less than that of the toner A.

FIG. 19shows the toner concentrations of the toners A, B, and C versus the (relative) humidity thereof in the case of performing the image density control corrected in a default mode.

When the default mode is selected for the toner A, the toner concentration thereof changes with the humidity thereof in a range in which the change in the concentration thereof causes no problems. Even when the default mode is selected for the toner B, the change in the toner concentration of the toner B for the humidity thereof is set within a range in which the change in the toner concentration thereof causes no problems. Further, when the default mode is selected for the toner C, the concentration of the toner C becomes high in the case of high humidity, while that of the toner C becomes low in the case of low humidity. Thus, in a certain range, the change in the toner concentration for the change in the humidity becomes large, so that the adjustment of the concentration thereof is needed.

As described above, the control parameter associated with the genuine toner is set as the initial value. Thus, in the case where the exchange unit is a genuine one, no problems occur in the default mode. However, in the case where the exchange unit is other than genuine ones, it is necessary to change the control parameters of the control parameter groups244to250in such a way as to correspond to the nongenuine unit.

FIG. 20is a block view illustrating the entire image forming system enabled to adjust the control parameters.

The image forming apparatus10has a genuine-unit/nongenuine-unit discriminating section300, which is implemented by the execution program238stored in the program ROM224, for discriminating whether or not the exchange unit is a genuine one. Whether or not the exchange unit is a genuine one is judged, for example, according to the following plural kinds of information (1) to (5):

In a case where information, which represents whether or not the exchange unit is a genuine one, can be inputted from the aforementioned host apparatus2or the UI apparatus (that is, an operation panel)18of the image forming apparatus10, it is determined according to the inputted information whether or not the exchange unit is a genuine one.

(2) The Presence/Absence of Memory Chip

Although a genuine unit has a memory chip170, some nongenuine unit does not have the memory chip170. Thus, in a case where even when the wireless communication section56requests a response, the exchange unit offers no response, it is judged that the exchange unit is other than genuine ones.

(3) Code Information

The model code276, the country code278and so on of the unit NVM184are compared with the associated model code258, the associated country code260and so forth, respectively. Then, it is judged whether or not there is a match between the codes276,278and the associated codes258,260. This judgment may be performed in a case where there is a certain allowable range of the match therebetween (that is, in cases that the model code is similar to the associated one, and that the country code is similar to the associated one), in addition to the case of a complete match therebetween.

(4) Consumed Amount

In a case where the life count value of the memory chip170exceeds, for instance, the lifetime threshold value of the program ROM224, it can be judged that the exchange unit is other than genuine ones.

(5) Detection of Control State

As described above, the genuine unit and the nongenuine unit may differ from each other in the charging characteristic of the toner according to the consumed amount thereof. Thus, even in a case where the toner concentration does not reach a predetermined even when a predetermined correction is performed, it can be judged that a nongenuine unit is mounted.

Further, the area for the execution program238has an information control section (a control parameter setting section)302for controlling whether or not information is printed on paper. This information control section302is used for setting control parameters. The control parameters can be inputted from a Web server304through the UI apparatus18, the host apparatus2, or the Internet. The image forming section230is controlled and images are printed on paper according to the control parameters set in this information control section302.

The Web server304is enabled to also intercommunicate with the host apparatus2through the Internet. Further, this Web server304can exchange information with a database306. This database306stores information on the main body of the apparatus (for example, information on fixing temperature characteristics, transfer bias characteristics and so on), which is inputted from the manufacturer thereof. Also, the database306stores information on the exchange unit (for instance, information on the humidity characteristic and the temperature characteristic and so on of the toner), which is inputted from the maker of the exchange unit.

FIG. 21is a flowchart (S10) illustrating a control flow of the image forming apparatus10in a case where an exchange unit is mounted therein.

When the exchange unit is mounted therein, first, it is judged at step100(S100) whether or not the exchange unit is a genuine one. If judged that the exchange unit is a genuine one, control proceeds to step102(S102), whereupon printing is performed in the default mode. Then, the process is finished.

If it is judged at step100(S100) that the exchange unit is not genuine, namely, that the exchange unit is a nongenuine one, it is judged at the next step104(S104) whether or not the control parameters are manually optimized. The judgment at this step104(S104) is performed according to a user's selection inputted to the UI apparatus18.

If it is judged at step104(S104) that the control parameters are not optimized manually (N), control proceeds to step106(S106), whereupon printing is performed in a nongenuine-unit mode. Then, the processing is finished. Conversely, if it is judged at step104(S104) that the control parameters are optimized manually (Y), control proceeds to the next step108(S108), whereupon it is judged whether or not the control parameters are optimized in a local environment. The judgment at this step108(S108) is performed according to the user's selection, which is inputted to the UI apparatus18. If it is judged at this step108(S108) that the control parameters are not optimized in the local environment (N), control advances to step110(S110), whereupon information is outputted to a Web and optimal parameters are downloaded therefrom, as will be described later. Conversely, if it is judged at step108(S108) that the control parameters are optimized in the local environment (Y), control proceeds to step112(S112), whereupon optimal parameters are generated according to information inputted from a driver and a utility, which are installed in the UI apparatus18and the host apparatus2. Then, when processing at step110(S110) or at step112(S112) is finished, control proceeds to step114(S114), whereupon the control parameters are set at the information control section302. Subsequently, control advances to step106(S106), whereupon printing is performed in the nongenuine-unit mode.

FIG. 22is a flowchart (S20) illustrating a control flow of a Web server304, which is performed upon a user request.

At a user request, first, user information representing a current situation, which is notified by a user or the control portion106of the image forming apparatus10, is acquired at step200(S200). The user information includes an apparatus main body maker name, an apparatus main body model name, an exchange unit maker name, an exchange unit model name, an average number of printed sheets, an average printing density for each color, serial numbers of the apparatus main body and the exchange units and so on. At the next step202(S202), a database306is searched according to the user information. Thus, information on the characteristics of an associated apparatus main body is acquired. The information on the characteristics of the associated apparatus main body includes information on fixing temperature characteristics and transfer bias characteristics thereof. At the next step204(S204), the database306is searched according to the user information. Thus, information on the characteristics of an associated exchanged unit is acquired. The information on the characteristics of the associated exchange unit includes information on humidity characteristics and temperature characteristics of the toner. Then, at the next step206(S206), optimal parameters are generated according to the user information acquired at step200(S200), the information on the characteristics of the apparatus main body, which is acquired at step S202(S202), and the information on the characteristics of the exchange unit, which is acquired at step204(S204). At the next step208(S208), the optimal parameters are transmitted.

Incidentally, although the foregoing description of the embodiment has described the case where the exchange unit is the toner cartridge, the invention is not limited thereto. The invention can be applied to cases of employing other exchange units.