IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING DEVICE MAIN BODY AND CONSUMABLE ATTACHABLE THERETO AND INCLUDING CONSUMABLE MEMORY FOR STORING RECYCLING HISTORY INFORMATION

An image forming apparatus includes a device main body, a consumable, and a controller. The consumable is attachable to the device main body. The consumable includes a consumable memory for storing therein recycling history information indicating a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written and a second storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. The controller is configured to perform a determining process to determine, based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

BACKGROUND ART

There is an upper limit on the number of writes that a control unit can perform to write information to nonvolatile memory. Write operations degrade the nonvolatile memory. If the number of write operations exceeds the upper limit, information can no longer be written to the memory, or the quality of the written information can no longer be guaranteed. In other words, the upper limit for the number of writes denotes the maximum number of writes for which the quality of information stored in the nonvolatile memory is guaranteed. Nonvolatile memory having such an upper limit on the number of writes is used as consumable memory for managing the service life of a consumable and the like.

There has been known an image forming apparatus to which a consumable part including a storage unit for storing therein information is detachably attachable. The conventional image forming apparatus includes a counting unit, a measuring unit, and a control unit. The counting unit counts the number of times the storage unit is accessed. The measuring unit measures a usage amount of the consumable part. The control unit controls the frequency of accesses to the storage unit based on the number of accesses and the usage amount of the consumable part.

Consumables such as toner cartridges attached to a printer are preferably recyclable.

SUMMARY

However, a problem with the conventional technology is that when the consumable is refilled with printing material, information related to the consumable can no longer be written to the consumable memory once the number of rewrites for information stored in the consumable memory reaches the upper limit.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an image forming apparatus that can suppress the number of rewrites to a consumable memory from reaching an upper limit when a consumable is refilled with printing material without replacing the consumable memory.

In order to attain the above and other objects, according to one aspect, the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus including a device main body, a consumable, and a controller. The consumable is attachable to the device main body. The consumable includes a consumable memory for storing therein recycling history information. The recycling history information indicates a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area is a storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written. The second storage area is a storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. The controller is configured to perform a determining process to determine, based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a consumable memory for use by a consumable. The consumable memory is for storing therein recycling history information. The recycling history information indicates a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area is a storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written. The second storage area is a storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. Based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area can be determined as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

According to still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a recycling method of recycling a consumable. The consumable includes a consumable memory for storing therein recycling history information. The recycling history information indicates a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area is a storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written. The second storage area is a storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. The recycling method includes determining, based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

In the above configurations, the number of rewrites to the consumable memory can be suppressed from reaching an upper limit when the consumable is refilled with printing material without replacing the consumable memory.

The image forming apparatus according to the above aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program for implementing the image forming apparatus with the computer by controlling the computer to operate as the various parts (software elements) of the image forming apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium that stores this control program also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

Below, an image forming apparatus1according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment will describe an example in which the image forming apparatus1is a laser printer and the image formation is printing. However, the image forming apparatus1may be a printer other than a laser printer. For example, the image forming apparatus1may be an inkjet printer.

<Overall Structure of Image Forming Apparatus1>

FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus1.FIG.2illustrates the internal structure of the image forming apparatus1, which includes drum cartridges20and developing cartridges4.

As shown inFIG.1, the image forming apparatus1is configured of a main body casing10, and a cover11.

The image forming apparatus1includes a temperature and humidity sensor66. The temperature and humidity sensor66is an example of the sensor of the present disclosure. The temperature and humidity sensor66is a sensor configured to measure at least one of temperature and humidity inside the main body casing10. The temperature and humidity sensor66is electrically connected to a controller61. The temperature and humidity sensor66is configured to output measurement results to the controller61. There are no particular restrictions on the type of the temperature and humidity sensor66and the output format of the measurement results. The temperature and humidity sensor66in the present embodiment is assumed to measure both temperature and humidity and output the measurement results to the controller61. However, the temperature and humidity sensor66may be configured to measure only one of either temperature or humidity and output the measurement results to the controller61.

In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor66of the image forming apparatus1may periodically measure temperature and humidity and output the measurement results to the controller61. In this case, the temperature and humidity sensor66may autonomously measure temperature and/or humidity based on a real-time clock or the like in the image forming apparatus1without being triggered by an instruction from the controller61.

The image forming apparatus1may also include a density sensor. The density sensor is an example of the sensor provided in the image forming apparatus1. The density sensor is a sensor configured to measure print density. The density sensor is electrically connected to the controller61. The density sensor is configured to output measurement results to the controller61. In this embodiment, the density sensor of the image forming apparatus1may periodically measure density (e.g., once a day) and output the measurement results to the controller61.

The main body casing10is an example of the device main body of the present disclosure. The developing cartridges4are attached to the main body casing10of the image forming apparatus1. As will be described later in detail, each developing cartridge4is integrated with the drum cartridge20when attached to the drum cartridge20. In other words, in a state where the developing cartridge4is attached to the drum cartridge20, the developing cartridge4is attached to the main body casing10together with the drum cartridge20.

Note that four developing cartridges4are attached to the image forming apparatus1of the present embodiment. In other words, four drum cartridges20and four developing cartridges4are attachable to the image forming apparatus1according to the present embodiment. However, the numbers of drum cartridges20and developing cartridges4which are attachable to the image forming apparatus1are not limited to the example ofFIG.1. For example, the image forming apparatus1may be a monochrome printer to which a single drum cartridge20and a single developing cartridge4are attachable.

The developing cartridges4accommodate toner. The image forming apparatus1is configured to consume the toner accommodated in the developing cartridges4to perform printing. In other words, the developing cartridges4are consumables used in the image forming apparatus1. Further, each drum cartridge20includes a photosensitive drum21. The image forming apparatus1uses the photosensitive drums21when performing printing. The drum cartridges20are also examples of consumables used in the image forming apparatus1.

The main body casing10has a rectangular box shape, for example. The image forming apparatus1includes the four drum cartridges20, the four developing cartridges4, a transfer belt70, the controller61, a main body memory62, a communication unit63, an operating unit64, and a display65. The four drum cartridges20, four developing cartridges4, transfer belt70, controller61, main body memory62, communication unit63, operating unit64, and display65are accommodated in the main body casing10. In a case where hardware buttons are employed as the operating unit64, the pressing surfaces of the operating unit64may be located at the outer surface of the main body casing10so as to be operable by the user. The display surface of the display65may also be provided at the outer surface of the main body casing10so that the user can view displayed information. The display65may be integrally configured with a touchscreen so as to function also as an operating unit. Accordingly, the display65is an example of the operating unit of the present disclosure.

The main body casing10includes four cartridge holding parts13. The cartridge holding parts13are formed as recesses and have openings. The drum cartridges20and developing cartridges4are attached to the main body casing10by being held in the corresponding cartridge holding parts13.

The cover11of the image forming apparatus1includes a light source unit50for each of the drum cartridges20. That is, the image forming apparatus1includes four light source units50. The cover11is movable between an open position (depicted with a solid line inFIG.1) in which the cover11opens an opening10A provided in the top end portion of the main body casing10, and a closed position (depicted with a two-dot dash line inFIG.1) in which the cover11closes the opening10A. More specifically, the cover11is pivotally movable about a rotational shaft11A between the open position and the closed position. The rotational shaft11A extends in a first direction. The opening10A is opened and closed by the pivotal movement of the cover11.

The openings of the cartridge holding parts13are opened when the cover11is in the open position and are covered by the cover11when the cover11is in the closed position.

A closure sensor (not shown) may be provided in the opening10A of the main body casing10. The closure sensor is a sensor configured to detect that the cover11is in the closed position. The closure sensor may be a contact-type sensor or an optical sensor, for example.

Each developing cartridge4includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body can accommodate therein a developing roller41and developer (e.g., toner) as an example of the printing material. The cartridge body is attachable to the main body casing10. The four developing cartridges4accommodate developer in mutually different colors (e.g., the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as the material used for performing image formation. The developer is material that is consumed by use. When the developing cartridge4is attached to the drum cartridge20, the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum21comes in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller41.

As shown inFIG.2, each developing cartridge4also includes a toner memory42(a consumable memory). The toner memory42is disposed at the outer surface of one end portion of the developing cartridge4in the first direction. The toner memory42is a memory that is readable and writable for information. For example, the toner memory42may be flash read-only memory (flash ROM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). “EEPROM” is a registered Japanese trademark of Renesas Electronics Corporation.

The toner memory42stores therein toner cartridge information420, which is information related to the developing cartridge4. The data structure of the toner cartridge information420will be described later with reference toFIG.3.

Each drum cartridge20includes a cartridge body. The drum cartridge20also includes the photosensitive drum21as a part used in performing image formation. The photosensitive drum21is a replacement part that requires replacement because degradation such as its surface becoming worn occurs through use. The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum21is covered with a photosensitive material.

The drum cartridge20also may include a drum memory22(a consumable memory). The drum memory22is a memory that is readable and writable for information. The drum memory22is flash ROM or EEPROM, for example.

As shown inFIG.2, the drum memory22stores therein drum cartridge information220, which is information related to the drum cartridge20. The data structure of the drum cartridge information220will be described later with reference toFIG.4.

(Cartridge Attachment and the Printing Mechanism)

As shown inFIG.1, the drum cartridges20and developing cartridges4are attached to the main body casing10in a state where the cover11is in the open position. In this state, the drum cartridges20and developing cartridges4are inserted through the opening10A into the corresponding cartridge holding parts13.

The four light source units50are assembled at the inner surface of the cover11. In a state where the drum cartridges20are attached to the main body casing10and the cover11is in the closed position, each light source unit50is arranged to face the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum21. Each light source unit50has a plurality of light sources aligned in the first direction. The light sources can irradiate light onto the outer circumferential surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum21. The light sources are light-emitting diodes (LEDs), for example.

Each light source unit50is electrically connected to the controller61. The controller61is configured to control the light sources of each light source unit50to emit light based on inputted image data. The light sources irradiate light toward the outer circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums21. As a result, the photosensitive material on the outer circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums21is exposed to light in accordance with the image data.

The transfer belt70is a part that transfers developer (e.g., toner) present on the surface of each photosensitive drum21onto printing paper. The transfer belt70is a replacement part that requires replacing because degradation such as its surface becoming worn occurs through use. The transfer belt70is a belt having an annular shape (an endless belt) that can contact each of the photosensitive drums21. The outer circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums21can contact the outer surface of the transfer belt70. During a printing process, printing paper is conveyed between the transfer belt70and the photosensitive drums21.

The transfer belt70is stretched around a drive roller71and a follow roller72. The drive roller71is configured to drive the transfer belt70. The controller61is configured to rotate the drive roller71. The follow roller72rotates along with the movement of the transfer belt70associated with the drive of the drive roller71.

(Internal Structure of Main Casing)

The controller61includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), for example. The controller61is electrically connected to both the main body memory62and the communication unit63provided in the main body casing10of the image forming apparatus1. Although not shown inFIG.2, the operating unit64and display65are also electrically connected to the controller61. The controller61executes various operations to cause the image forming apparatus1to perform various printing-related processes.

The controller61may also include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). In this case, a control program for implementing a control method of the image forming apparatus may be stored in the main body memory62and the processor may operate according to the control program so that the controller61will cause the image forming apparatus1to perform the various processes.

The controller61may include a computer-readable storage medium, such as the main body memory62, that stores therein the control program. A “non-transitory, tangible medium,” such as read-only memory (ROM), as well as tapes, discs, cards, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuits can be employed as the storage medium. Random-access memory (RAM) or the like may also be used for developing the control program. The control program may also be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (a communication network, broadcast waves, etc.) capable of transmitting the control program. Note that one embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the form of data signals embedded in a carrier wave that is the resultant of embodying the control program through electronic transmission.

As shown inFIG.2, the image forming apparatus1includes connectors101and connectors102. When each drum cartridge20is inserted into the corresponding cartridge holding part13shown inFIG.1, the corresponding connector101becomes electrically connected to the drum memory22of the inserted drum cartridge20, enabling the controller61to communicate with that drum memory22. In other words, the controller61can execute a read process to read information from the drum memory22, and a write process (including a rewrite process) to write information to the drum memory22.

When each developing cartridge4is attached to the main body casing10, the corresponding connector102becomes electrically connected to the toner memory42of the attached developing cartridge4, enabling the controller61to communicate with that toner memory42. In other words, the controller61can execute a read process to read information from the toner memory42, and a write process (including a rewrite process) to write information to the toner memory42.

The main body memory62is a memory that is readable and writable for information. The main body memory62is flash ROM or EEPROM, for example. The main body memory62has one or more storage areas. Each area stores therein various information, as in the following example.

Cartridge information621is information related to cartridges that are attached to the image forming apparatus1. Specifically, the cartridge information621includes toner cartridge information420read from the toner memory42of each color of developing cartridge4such that the cartridge information420can be identified for each individual developing cartridge4. The cartridge information621also includes drum cartridge information220read from the drum memory22of each drum cartridge20such that the drum cartridge information220can be identified for each individual drum cartridge20. The toner cartridge information420includes usage amount information indicating the amount of usage of the developing cartridge4, for example. The drum cartridge information220includes usage amount information indicating the amount of usage of the drum cartridge20, for example. The data structures of the toner cartridge information420and drum cartridge information220stored as the cartridge information621will be described later in detail with reference toFIGS.3and4.

In the following description, “recycling a cartridge” refers to restoring a cartridge to a condition that is suitable for use in printing by replacing or replenishing only those components of the cartridge that need replacing. In other words, recycling a cartridge includes not only the act of replenishing a consumed material, but also the act of replacing a degraded replacement part with a new part. Hereinafter, cartridges (consumables) that have been recycled by replenishing materials or replacing parts will be referred to as recycled cartridges (recycled products).

Usage history information624specifies the history of using recycled cartridges on the image forming apparatus1. For example, the usage history information624may be information indicating the number of recycled cartridges that have been attached to the image forming apparatus1up to the present moment (how many recycled cartridges have been attached to the image forming apparatus1up to the present moment). As another example, the usage history information624may be a table storing therein a combination of the cartridge ID and the recycle count (the number of times that the cartridge has been recycled) for each recycled cartridge. As yet another example, the usage history information624may be a flag indicating whether a recycled cartridge has been attached at least once to the image forming apparatus1or never.

Specification information628indicates specifications of the image forming apparatus1. For example, the image forming apparatus1and consumables in this embodiment have been manufactured to specifications conforming to circumstances of the country in which they are to be used. For example, the image forming apparatus1and consumables may have one of three different specifications intended for the EU (Europe), the U.S. (America), and JP (Japan), respectively. The specification information628indicates one of the above specifications.

In addition to the information described above, the main body memory62may have an area for storing the cumulative number of sheets printed on the image forming apparatus1, and an area for storing error conditions occurring in the image forming apparatus1, for example.

<Data Structures of Cartridge Information>

FIG.3illustrates an example of the data structure of the toner cartridge information420stored in the toner memory42. As an example, the toner cartridge information420includes a toner ID421, capacity information422, color information423, genuine product information424, upper limit information425, set period information431, printable sheet count information432, environment information433, the number of writes434, usage amount information, and initialization information.

The usage amount information indicates the usage amount of the consumable. The usage amount information is an example of the usage amount of the present disclosure. As an example, the usage amount information includes at least one of consumption information for identifying the extent to which the consumable has been used, and remaining amount information for identifying the amount of material remaining in the consumable. Examples of the consumption information include, but are not limited to, the number of printed sheets (the printed sheet count), the dot count, the usage amount of printing material, the number of developing roller rotations (the developing roller rotation count), and the number of drum rotations (the drum rotation count). Examples of the remaining amount information include, but are not limited to, the remaining amount of printing material such as the remaining toner amount or the remaining ink amount.

As examples of the usage amount information, the toner cartridge information420of the developing cartridge4includes a printed sheet count426, a developing roller rotation count427, a remaining toner amount428(amount of remaining printing material), and a dot count429. The initialization information indicates whether at least some of the information stored in the consumable memory has been initialized according to user instructions. An example of the initialization information is a recycle count430. The recycle count430indicates the number of times the toner memory42has been initialized for recycling.

The various information described above is merely an example of the toner cartridge information420. Other information may be added to this information and some of the various information described above may be omitted as needed.

The toner ID421is identification information for uniquely identifying the developing cartridge4. As an example, the toner ID421is a serial number unique to the developing cartridge4.

The capacity information422specifies the capacity of the toner cartridge4that can be refilled with printing material. For example, when recycling the developing cartridge4in the present embodiment, one of three levels can be selected as the capacity of the developing cartridge4. More specifically, the developing cartridge4can be recycled as a cartridge having a capacity selected from one of the three levels “small capacity”, “standard capacity”, and “large capacity” in order from least to greatest. That is, the capacity information422includes small capacity information, standard capacity information, and large capacity information. Put another way, the capacity information422includes first capacity information and second capacity information indicating a capacity smaller than the first capacity information.

The color information423indicates the color of printing material accommodated in the developing cartridge4. In the example of the present embodiment, the developing cartridges4hold one of the four colors cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK). The color information423indicates one of the above colors.

The genuine product information424indicates whether the developing cartridge4is genuine or non-genuine. For example, each developing cartridge4is classified as either “genuine” or “non-genuine”, and the genuine product information424indicates one of these classifications.

The upper limit information425specifies an upper limit on the number of writes to the toner memory42. More specifically, the upper limit on the number of writes to the tone memory42is the maximum number of writes within which the quality of information stored in the toner memory42is guaranteed.

The printed sheet count426indicates the cumulative number of sheets printed by the image forming apparatus1using the developing cartridge4. The printed sheet count426is an example of the printed sheet count information of the present disclosure. In other words, this information specifies the number of sheets of paper that have been printed by the image forming apparatus1since the attachment of the developing cartridge4to the image forming apparatus1.

The developing roller rotation count427indicates the number of times the developing roller41of the developing cartridge4has rotated due to executions of printing since the developing cartridge4was attached to the image forming apparatus1.

The remaining toner amount428indicates the remaining amount of toner in the developing cartridge4. For example, the remaining toner amount428may be configured of a value corresponding to one of a plurality of levels from full to empty. The remaining toner amount428may be configured of a character string, or a numerical value, or a combination of a character string and a numerical value. For example, the remaining toner amount428may be configured of one of the character strings “full” to “empty”, or one of the numeral values “100%” to “0%”.

The initial value of the remaining toner amount428is equivalent to the amount of toner with which the capacity corresponding to the capacity information422is fully filled. For example, a sensor (not shown) may optically measure the developing cartridge4as toner is consumed through use. The controller61may write the remaining toner amount obtained through the above measurements in the toner memory42as the remaining toner amount428.

As another example, the controller61may monitor the amount of toner discharged and consumed from the developing cartridge4and may calculate a remaining toner amount based on the capacity information422stored in the toner memory42and the monitored toner consumption. The controller61may then write the calculated remaining toner amount to the toner memory42as the remaining toner amount428.

The dot count429indicates the cumulative number of dots printed by the image forming apparatus1using the developing cartridge4. The dot count429is an example of the dot count information of the present disclosure. In other words, this information indicates the cumulative number of dots that have been printed in the image forming apparatus1since the developing cartridge4was attached to the image forming apparatus1.

The recycle count430is information indicating the number of times that at least some of the information stored in the toner memory42of the developing cartridge4has been initialized in accordance with user instructions (an initialization count).

The set period information431indicates a set guarantee period, which is set for the developing cartridge4. More specifically, this information indicates a guarantee period in years as a time-based threshold for the developing cartridge4after recycling. The set period can be freely set to any year, such as 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, or the like. In other words, the set period information431specifies a value such as 2, 3, 5, or 10.

The printable sheet count information432indicates the number of sheets that can be printed by the image forming apparatus using the amount of printing material specified by the capacity information. The printable sheet count information432is stored in association with the capacity information422. The printable sheet count information432includes information indicating the number of printable sheets corresponding to the large capacity information as a first printable sheet count. The printable sheet count information432further includes information indicating the number of printable sheets corresponding to the standard capacity information as a second printable sheet count. The printable sheet count information432further includes information indicating the number of printable sheets corresponding to the small capacity information as a third printable sheet count.

The environment information433is information periodically obtained by sensors provided in the image forming apparatus1.

The number of writes434is information indicating the cumulative number of writes to a prescribed area of the toner memory42.

FIG.4illustrates an example of the data structure of the drum cartridge information220stored in the drum memory22. As one example, the drum cartridge information220includes a drum ID221, genuine product information222, usage amount information, and initialization information. The drum cartridge information220may include the capacity information422, set period information431, printable sheet count information432, environment information433, and number of writes434described in the section on the toner cartridge information.

As an example of the usage amount information, the drum cartridge information220of the drum cartridge20includes a printed sheet count224, a drum rotation count225, a dot count226, and the like. As with the developing cartridge4, the initialization information for the drum cartridge20is a recycle count227, for example.

The various information described above is merely one example of the drum cartridge information220. Other information may be added to this information, and some of the various information described above may be omitted as needed.

The drum ID221is identification information for uniquely identifying the drum cartridge20. As one example, the drum ID221is a serial number unique to the drum cartridge20.

The genuine product information222specifies whether the drum cartridge20is a genuine or non-genuine product. For example, the drum cartridge20is classified as either “genuine” or “non-genuine”, and the genuine product information222specifies one of these classifications.

The printed sheet count224is information indicating the cumulative number of sheets printed by the image forming apparatus1using the drum cartridge20. In other words, the printed sheet count224is information indicating the number of sheets of paper that have been printed on the image forming apparatus1since the drum cartridge20was attached to the image forming apparatus1.

The drum rotation count225is information specifying the number of times the photosensitive drum21in the drum cartridge20has rotated due to executions of printing since the drum cartridge20was attached to the image forming apparatus1.

The dot count226is information indicating the cumulative number of dots printed by the image forming apparatus1using the drum cartridge20. In other words, this information indicates the cumulative number of dots printed in the image forming apparatus1since the drum cartridge20was attached to the image forming apparatus1.

The recycle count227is information indicating the number of times at least some of the information stored in the drum memory22of the drum cartridge20has been initialized in accordance with user instructions.

Hereinafter, a description will be made of an example configuration that can suppress the number of rewrites to the consumable memory from reaching the upper limit when the consumable is refilled with printing material without replacing the consumable memory.

(Example of Memory Maps for the Toner Memory42)

FIG.5illustrates an example of the memory maps used in the toner memory42. The toner memory42is a consumable memory for use in the developing cartridge4(a consumable).FIG.5illustrates an example of maps M1-M4as memory maps of the toner memory42, but the memory maps of the toner memory42are not limited to the example inFIG.5.

InFIG.5, the toner memory42includes five storage areas42A-42E. Storage area42A is a 16-byte storage area with addresses 0x0000-0x000F. The storage area42A is a management information area for storing management information in the maps M1-M4. Management information is used for managing the toner memory42and includes recycling history information indicating the recycling history of the toner memory42. For example, the recycling history information is the recycle count430for the toner memory42. In other words, the toner memory42stores recycling history information indicating the recycling history of the developing cartridge4.

The management information also includes at least one of the capacity information422, color information423, genuine product information424, recycle count430, and a recycling in-progress flag, for example. The genuine product information424indicates whether the developing cartridge4is a genuine product or not. For example, a “1” value for the genuine product information424indicates that the developing cartridge4is a genuine product, and a “0” value indicates that the developing cartridge4is not a genuine product. The recycling in-progress flag indicates whether a recycle process for the developing cartridge4is currently underway. A recycle process includes various processes such as an initialization process for recycling the developing cartridge4. The details of the recycle process will be described later. A “1” value for the recycling in-progress flag indicates that a recycle process for the developing cartridge4is currently underway, while a “0” value indicates that a recycle process for the developing cartridge4is not underway.

In this example of the maps M1-M4, the storage area42A stores the 1-byte capacity information422at address 0x0000, the 1-byte color information423at address 0x0001, the 1-byte genuine product information424at address 0x0002. The storage area42A also stores the 1-byte recycle count430at address 0x0003 and the 1-byte recycling in-progress flag at address 0x0004. In this case, addresses 0x0005-0x000F are unused areas.

Storage areas42B-42E in the maps M1-M4are each an example of the first storage area and an example of the second storage area of the present disclosure, to which usage amounts of consumables can be written. In other words, the toner memory42has a first storage area to which usage amounts of the developing cartridge4can be written, and a second storage area to which the usage amounts of the developing cartridge4can be written. In the toner memory42, based on the recycling history information (the recycle count430), one of the first storage area and second storage area can be determined as the storage area to which the usage amounts are to be written.

In a state where the developing cartridge4has not been recycled, the map M1is used as the memory map for the toner memory42. In the map M1, usage amounts are written to the storage area42B among the storage areas42B-42E, and information other than the usage amounts is stored in the other storage areas42C-42E. For convenience in the following description, the storage area among the storage areas42B-42E to which the usage amounts are written will be sometimes called a “read/write area,” and each of the storage areas to which the usage amounts are not written will be sometimes called a “read only area.” In the map M1, the storage area42B is a read/write area, while the three storage areas42C-42E are read only areas.

The usage amounts of the developing cartridge4(a consumable) that are written to the read/write area include at least one of the printed sheet count426, the developing roller rotation count427, the remaining toner amount428, the dot count429, and the number of memory writes, for example. The number of memory writes is the number of times data has been written to the read/write area.

Four counters (first through fourth counters) are written to the read/write area as the usage amounts, for example. More specifically, the area of 0x0010-0x0013 in the storage area42B of the map M1is used for storing a 32-bit first counter, the area of 0x0014-0x0017 is used for storing a 32-bit second counter, the area of 0x0018-0x001B is used for storing a 32-bit third counter, and the area of 0x001C-0x001F is used for storing a 32-bit fourth counter, for example. The first through fourth counters respectively store one of the printed sheet count426, developing roller rotation count427, remaining toner amount428, and dot count429, for example. However, the first through fourth counters are not limited to storing this information but may store other information representing usage amounts of the developing cartridge4.

The read only areas store information related to the developing cartridge4other than the usage amounts. For example, the information other than the usage amounts includes at least one of the toner ID421identifying the developing cartridge4, and vendor information. The vendor information is information related to the manufacturer of the developing cartridge4(a toner cartridge). For example, the vender information includes the name of the manufacturer. In the map M1, the storage areas42C-42E are read only areas. As an example, the toner ID421is stored in the storage area42C at addresses 0x0020-0x002F, and the vendor information for the developing cartridge4is stored in the storage areas42D and42E at addresses 0x0030-0x004F. In this example, the vendor information includes first vendor information stored in the storage area42D and second vendor information stored in the storage area42E.

The controller61sets the memory map of the toner memory42to one of the maps M1-M4based on the recycle count430. The process of determining the memory map will be described later.

Next, steps in processes executed by the controller61of the image forming apparatus1will be described with reference to flowcharts. Processes described below that are executed by the image forming apparatus1include a recycle preparation process, a recycle process, a toner memory update process, and a printing material amount identification process. The recycle preparation process, recycle process, toner memory update process, and printing material amount identification process are an example of a recycling method for recycling consumables according to the present disclosure.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example of steps in the recycle preparation process executed by the image forming apparatus1. The controller61executes the series of steps shown inFIG.6. The following example describes a case of recycling the developing cartridge4having the memory maps illustrated inFIG.5. For example, execution of the process inFIG.6is triggered by the cover11being opened and closed or by the power to the image forming apparatus1being turned on.

In step S701the controller61reads the management information from the management information area of the toner memory42. In step S702the controller61references the recycling in-progress flag contained in the management information to determine whether a recycle process for the developing cartridge4is currently underway. When the recycling in-progress flag is “1”, the controller61determines that a recycle process is in progress. On the other hand, when the recycling in-progress flag is “0”, the controller61determines that a recycle process is not in progress. The controller61advances to the process of step S712when determining that a recycle process is in progress and advances to the process of step S703when determining that a recycle process is not in progress.

In step S703the controller61references the recycle count430to determine whether the recycle count exceeds a predetermined upper limit. When the recycle count exceeds the upper limit, the controller61advances to the process of step S713. However, when the recycle count430does not exceed the upper limit, the controller61advances to the process of step S704.

In steps S704-S708, the controller61performs a determining process (the determining step) to determine one of the storage areas42B-42E as the read/write area based on the recycle count430(recycling history information) updated through the recycle process described later. In this embodiment, based on the recycle count430, the controller61determines the storage area42B as the read/write area when the developing cartridge4has not been recycled and determines one of the storage areas42B-42E as the read/write area when the developing cartridge4has been recycled.

In particular, the controller61in the present embodiment determines one of the storage areas42B-42E as the storage area corresponding to the recycle count430.

First, in step S704the controller61determines whether the recycle count430is 4N, 4N+1, 4N+2, or 4N+3 (where N is an integer of 0 or greater). The controller61advances to the process of step S705when the recycle count430is 4N, advances to the process of step S706when the recycle count430is (4N+1), advances to the process of step S707when the recycle count430is (4N+2), and advances to the process of step S708when the recycle count430is (4N+3).

In this example, the memory map of the toner memory42is set to the map M1when the recycle count430is 4N and is set to the maps M2, M3, and M4when the recycle count430is (4N+1), (4N+2), and (4N+3), respectively.

When the recycle count430is 4N, in step S705the controller61sets addresses corresponding to the map M1as the read addresses for reading the first through fourth counters, the toner ID421, and the vendor information. Specifically, the controller61assigns address 0x0010 to a pointer variable for the first counter as the read address for reading the first counter. The controller61also assigns address 0x0014 to a pointer variable for the second counter, assigns address 0x0018 to a pointer variable for the third counter, and assigns address 0x001C to a pointer variable for the fourth counter. The controller61also assigns address 0x0020 to a pointer variable for the toner ID421. The controller61also assigns addresses 0x0030 and 0x0040 to a pointer variable for the first vendor information and a pointer variable for the second vendor information, respectively. After completing the process in step S705, the controller61advances to the process of step S709.

When the recycle count430is (4N+1), in step S706the controller61sets addresses corresponding to the map M2as the read addresses for reading the first through fourth counters, the toner ID421, and the vendor information. Specifically, the controller61assigns address 0x0020 to the pointer variable for the first counter, assigns address 0x0024 to the pointer variable for the second counter, assigns address 0x0028 to the pointer variable for the third counter, and assigns address 0x002C to the pointer variable for the fourth counter. The controller61also assigns address 0x0010 to the pointer variable for the toner ID421. The controller61also assigns addresses 0x0030 and 0x0040 to the pointer variable for the first vendor information and the pointer variable for the second vendor information, respectively. After completing the process in step S706, the controller61advances to the process of step S709.

When the recycle count430is (4N+2), in step S707the controller61sets addresses corresponding to the map M3as the read addresses for reading the first through fourth counters, the toner ID421, and the vendor information. Specifically, the controller61assigns address 0x0030 to the pointer variable for the first counter, assigns address 0x0034 to the pointer variable for the second counter, assigns address 0x0038 to the pointer variable for the third counter, and assigns address 0x003C to the pointer variable for the fourth counter. The controller61also assigns address 0x0010 to the pointer variable for the toner ID421. The controller61also assigns addresses 0x0020 and 0x0040 to the pointer variable for the first vendor information and the pointer variable for the second vendor information, respectively. After completing the process in step S707, the controller61advances to the process of step S709.

When the recycle count430is (4N+3), in step S708the controller61sets addresses corresponding to the map M4as the read addresses for reading the first through fourth counters, the toner ID421, and the vendor information. Specifically, the controller61assigns address 0x0040 to the pointer variable for the first counter, assigns address 0x0044 to the pointer variable for the second counter, assigns address 0x0048 to the pointer variable for the third counter, and assigns address 0x004C to the pointer variable for the fourth counter. The controller61also assigns address 0x0010 to the pointer variable for the toner ID421. The controller61also assigns addresses 0x0020 and 0x0030 to the pointer variable for the first vendor information and the pointer variable for the second vendor information, respectively. After completing the process in step S708, the controller61advances to the process of step S709.

In step S709the controller61uses the pointer variable for the toner ID421set in one of steps S705-S708to read the toner ID421from the read only area.

In step S710, the controller61uses the pointer variables for the first vendor information and second vendor information set in one of steps S705-S708to read the vender information from the read only areas. As an example, the controller61reads 16 bytes of vendor information from storage areas indicated by a first address stored in the pointer variable for the first vendor information, the first address+1, the first address+2, the first address+3, a second address stored in the pointer variable for the second vendor information, the second address+2, and the second address+3.

In step S711the controller61uses the pointer variables for the first through fourth counters to read the first through fourth counters from the read/write area. Through the process in steps S709-S711, the controller61reads information on the usage amounts and the like for the developing cartridge4.

In step S712, the controller61issues an error notification. When the recycle preparation process for the developing cartridge4is initiated despite the recycling in-progress flag being set to “1”, the controller61assumes that the recycle process has not been completed normally. In such cases, the controller61reports an error in step S712in order that the user can know the occurrence of an abnormality.

In step S713the controller61outputs nonrecyclable information indicating that the developing cartridge4(the consumable) cannot be recycled. In other words, the controller61executes an output process to output the nonrecyclable information when the recycle count430has reached the predetermined upper limit (step S703: YES).

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example of steps in the recycle process executed by the image forming apparatus1for recycling the developing cartridge4(a consumable). The controller61executes the series of steps shown inFIG.7. The following example describes a case in which the developing cartridge4is recycled in the recycle process.

In step S801the controller61determines whether an instruction to recycle the developing cartridge4has been received. For example, the user inputs a recycle instruction into the image forming apparatus1by operating the operating unit64in response to a screen displayed on the display65. When an instruction is received, the controller61advances to the process of step S802. However, while an instruction has not been received, the controller61waits until an instruction is received. Step S801is an example of a reception process according to the present disclosure.

In step S802the controller61executes the recycle preparation process shown inFIG.6(steps S701-S711). In step S803the controller61writes a “1” to the recycling in-progress flag.

In step S804, in response to the received instruction, the controller61updates the recycling history information by incrementing the recycle count430by 1 and writing the new value to the recycle count430. In other words, in step S804the controller61stores the recycle count430, which is used for determining one of the storage areas42B-42E as the read/write area to which the usage amounts are to be written, in the toner memory42.

By updating the recycle count430, the memory map for the toner memory42is changed in the order of the maps M1, M2, M3, and M4so that the read/write area and read only areas are rotated among the storage areas42B-42E each time the recycle count430is updated. For example, when the memory map is the map M1prior to the update, the memory map becomes the map M2after the update. In this case, the read only areas are switched from the storage areas42C,42D, and42E to the storage areas42B,42D, and42E.

In step S805the controller61writes the toner ID421and vendor information to the new read only areas, which correspond to the recycle count430updated in step S804. In other words, the controller61stores the toner ID and vendor information in the storage areas among the storage areas42B-42E (read only areas) different from the storage area determined as the read/write area.

In step S806the controller61initializes the first through fourth counters. That is, based on the recycle count430(recycling history information) updated in step S804, the controller61determines the read/write area to which the usage amounts are to be written and initializes this determined read/write area.

In step S807the controller61writes a “0” to the recycling in-progress flag. After completing the process of step S807, the controller61ends the recycle process. When the recycle process does not end normally and the controller61does not execute step S807, the value of the recycling in-progress flag remains at “1”.

Recycling operations such as refilling the developing cartridge4with printing material or replacing parts in the developing cartridge4are performed before or after the image forming apparatus1executes the recycle process inFIG.7. Once the recycling operations, such as the refilling of printing material and the replacement of parts, and the recycle process performed by the image forming apparatus1are complete, the developing cartridge4can be used as a recycled product.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an example of steps in the toner memory update process executed by the image forming apparatus1for updating the toner memory42. The controller61executes the series of steps shown inFIG.8. In the example ofFIG.8, the image forming apparatus1performs an image forming process and updates the usage amounts stored in the toner memory42based on the executed image forming process. The usage amounts stored in the toner memory42in the example ofFIG.8are the printed sheet count426, the dot count429, and the number of writes.

In step S901the controller61performs a printing operation for one page. In step S902the controller61increments the printed sheet count426stored in the read/write area of the toner memory42by 1 and re-stores the incremented printed sheet count426in the read/write area.

In step S903the controller61increments the dot count429stored in the read/write area of the toner memory42by a number equivalent to the number of dots printed in the printing operation and re-stores the incremented dot count429in the read/write area. In step S904the controller61also increments the number of writes stored in the read/write area of the toner memory42by 1 and re-stores the incremented number of writes in the read/write area.

In steps S902-S904described above, the controller61writes the usage amounts for the developing cartridge4in the read/write area. The addresses used for writing are the addresses set according to the recycle count430in steps S705-S708ofFIG.6described above. Specifically, when the recycle count430is 4N, the read/write area is the storage area42B, as shown in the map M1. When the recycle count430is (4N+1), the read/write area is the storage area42C, as shown in the map M2. When the recycle count430is (4N+2), the read/write area is the storage area42D, as shown in the map M3. When the recycle count430is (4N+3), the read/write area is the storage area42E, as shown in the map M4.

In other words, when the recycle count430indicates that the developing cartridge4has not been recycled, in steps S902-S904the controller61executes writing processes for writing the usage amounts of the developing cartridge4to the first storage area. Further, when the recycle count430(the recycling history information) indicates that the developing cartridge4(the consumable) has been recycled, the controller61executes writing processes to write the usage amounts to the second storage area.

In the example ofFIG.5, the read/write area is changed in the order of storage areas42B,42C,42D, and42E each time the recycle count430is updated. For example, when the developing cartridge4is recycled four times, the read/write area in the toner memory42is changed in the order of storage areas42B,42C,42D, and42E each time the developing cartridge4is recycled. Therefore, the number of times the usage amounts are rewritten to each of the storage areas42B-42E is one-fourth compared to a configuration in which the read/write area is not changed. Thus, the present embodiment can easily suppress the number of rewrites to the toner memory42from reaching the upper limit when the developing cartridge4is refilled with printing material without replacing the toner memory42.

<Printing Material Amount Identification Process>

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating an example of steps in the printing material amount identification process executed by the image forming apparatus1during image formation to identify an amount of printing material. The controller61executes the series of steps shown inFIG.9. For example, the series of steps inFIG.9are executed prior to recycling operations for refilling the developing cartridge4with printing material.

In step S1101, the controller61calculates the difference between the number of writes stored in the read/write area and the predetermined upper limit. In step S1102the controller61identifies the amount of printing material with which the developing cartridge4can be refilled. In the present embodiment, based on the difference between the number of writes to the read/write area and the upper limit on the number of writes to the toner memory42, the controller61identifies, as the amount of printing material with which the developing cartridge4can be refilled, an amount corresponding to the difference. In other words, based on at least one of a difference between the number of writes to the first storage area and the upper limit on the number of writes to the toner memory42and a difference between the number of writes to the second storage area and the upper limit on the number of writes to the toner memory42, the controller61identifies, as the amount of printing material with which the developing cartridge4can be refilled, an amount corresponding to the at least one of the differences. For example, the controller61may identify the amount of printing material corresponding to the identified difference by referencing a table that maps capacity types of the developing cartridge4for accommodating printing material (small capacity, standard capacity, large capacity, etc.) to ranges of differences between the number of writes and the upper limit. As another example, the controller61may identify the amount of printing material with which the developing cartridge4can be refilled by executing the process of steps S304-S309inFIG.13of a second embodiment described later.

In step S1103the controller61outputs information representing the amount identified in S1102. For example, the controller61outputs information representing the identified amount by displaying the information on the display65.

Effects of the Present Embodiment

According to the embodiment described above, the toner memory42, which is a consumable memory, includes the first storage area and second storage area to which the usage amounts can be written. Based on the recycle count430(the recycling history information), the image forming apparatus1determines the storage area to which the usage amounts are to be written. Since the storage area to which the usage amounts of the developing cartridge4are written changes according to the recycle count430, the number of writes to each storage area is less than a configuration in which the storage area to which the usage amounts are written is not changed. This configuration can provide the image forming apparatus1that can suppress the number of rewrites to the toner memory42from reaching the upper limit when the developing cartridge4is refilled with printing material without replacing the toner memory42.

According to the present embodiment, depending on whether the developing cartridge4is a recycled cartridge, the image forming apparatus1determines different storage areas as the storage area to which the usage amounts are to be written. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to each storage area compared to a configuration in which the storage area to which the usage amounts are to be written is not changed according to whether the developing cartridge4has been recycled.

According to the present embodiment, the usage amounts are written to the first storage area when the developing cartridge4is not a recycled cartridge. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to each storage area compared to a configuration in which the writing area is not changed according to the recycle count430.

According to the present embodiment, the usage amounts are written to the second storage area when the developing cartridge4is a recycled cartridge. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to each storage area compared to a configuration in which the writing area is not changed according to the recycling history information.

According to the present embodiment, in a case where the developing cartridge4is recycled a plurality of times, the number of times the usage amounts are written are distributed among a plurality of storage areas by changing the storage area to which the usage amounts are written according to the recycle count. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to each storage area compared to a configuration in which the storage area for writing the usage amounts is not varied according to the recycle count, even when the developing cartridge4is recycled a plurality of times.

According to the present embodiment, the recycling history information is updated when the developing cartridge4is recycled. By determining the storage area to which the usage amounts are written based on the recycling history information, the image forming apparatus1can distribute the number of writes among a plurality of storage areas.

According to the present embodiment, the toner ID identifying the developing cartridge4and the vendor information are stored in read only areas different from the read/write area. The toner ID and vendor information are not updated as image forming processes are performed. Accordingly, the number of writes to read only areas in which the toner ID and vendor information are stored do not increase as image forming processes are executed. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to each storage area and effectively utilize the read only areas other than the read/write area.

According to the present embodiment, the storage area to which the usage amounts of the developing cartridge4are to be written is initialized when the developing cartridge4is recycled. This configuration can suppress the usage amounts of the developing cartridge4stored in the toner memory42from becoming inconsistent with the actual values due to recycling.

The present embodiment can provide the image forming apparatus1that enables recycling in which the number of times the printed sheet count information or the dot count information is rewritten to the toner memory42does not reach the upper limit.

The present embodiment can provide the image forming apparatus that enables recycling in which the number of times the usage amount of printing material in the developing cartridge4after recycling is rewritten to the toner memory42does not reach the upper limit.

According to the present embodiment, the controller61outputs nonrecyclable information when the recycle count exceeds the upper limit count. This ensures that the user knows when recycling is no longer possible.

According to the present embodiment, the amount of printing material with which the developing cartridge4can be refilled is identified based on the number of writes to the toner memory42. In this way, the toner memory42can continue to be used until the number of writes to the toner memory42have reached the upper limit.

According to the present embodiment, the user can input a recycling instruction via the operating unit64provided in the image forming apparatus1.

According to the present embodiment, the toner memory42includes the first storage area and the second storage area to which the usage amounts can be written. Since the storage area to which the usage amounts of the consumable are written changes according to the recycling history information, the number of writes to each storage area is less than a configuration in which the writing area is not changed. This configuration can suppress the number of rewrites to the toner memory42from reaching the upper limit when the developing cartridge4is refilled with printing material without replacing the toner memory42.

According to the present embodiment, the toner memory42includes the first storage area and the second storage area to which the usage amounts can be written. The recycling method includes storing the recycling history information, which is used for determining which to use the first storage area or the second storage area as the storage area to which the usage amounts are to be written, in the consumable memory. Since the storage area to which the usage amounts of the developing cartridge4are written changes according to the recycle count430, the number of writes to each storage area is less than a configuration in which the storage area for writing the usage amounts is not changed. This configuration can suppress the number of rewrites to the toner memory42from reaching the upper limit when the consumable is refilled with printing material without replacing the toner memory42.

The above first embodiment describes a case where the image forming apparatus1to which the consumables (the developing cartridges4) are attached executes the recycle process (recycling method) shown inFIG.7. The consumable recycling method according to the present disclosure may be performed by the image forming apparatus1or by a device other than the image forming apparatus1. For example, a dedicated device for recycling consumables may perform the recycling method according to the present disclosure. An example of the dedicated device may be a jig used for recycling toner cartridges or other consumables. In a case where a device other than the image forming apparatus1performs the recycling method according to the present disclosure, the reception process shown in step S801ofFIG.7for receiving a recycle instruction may be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the recycle count430is used as the recycling history information indicating the recycling history of the consumable, but the recycling history information is not limited to the recycle count430and may be other information. As an example, the recycling history information may be a flag indicating whether the consumable has been recycled.

The first embodiment described above gives an example of the toner memory42having the four storage areas42B-42E as the areas to which the usage amounts can be written, but the number of storage areas provided in the toner memory42to which the usage amounts can be written may be more or less than four.

The image forming apparatus1may be an inkjet printer. In a case where the image forming apparatus1is an inkjet printer, ink cartridges are attached to the cartridge holding parts13of the image forming apparatus1instead of the drum cartridges20and developing cartridges4described in the first embodiment. Note that there is no particular restriction on the number of ink cartridges attached to the image forming apparatus1. For example, a total of four ink cartridges corresponding to the four colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black may be attached to the image forming apparatus1, or only a single ink cartridge for the single color black may be attached to the image forming apparatus1.

Each ink cartridge includes a cartridge body that is filled with ink, as the printing material, and an ink memory storing ink cartridge information. The ink cartridge information includes an ink ID, capacity information, color information, genuine product information, upper limit information, a printed sheet count, a remaining ink amount, a recycle count, set period information, printable sheet count information, environment information, and the number of writes, for example.

The ink ID is identification information for the ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the toner ID421in the first embodiment. The remaining ink amount is information specifying the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge and is included in the ink cartridge information in place of the remaining toner amount428of the first embodiment. The capacity information, the color information, the genuine product information, the upper limit information, the printed sheet count, the recycle count, the set period information, the printable sheet count information, the environment information, and the number of writes each corresponds to information of the same name in the toner cartridge information420of the first embodiment, wherein the terms “toner” and “toner cartridge” in the toner cartridge information420are replaced with “ink” and “ink cartridge”, respectively.

The flow of steps shown in each flowchart described in the first embodiment is the same when the image forming apparatus1is an inkjet printer. Specifically, in a case where the image forming apparatus1is an inkjet printer, the terms “developing cartridge4”, “toner memory42”, and “toner cartridge information420” in the first embodiment should be read as “ink cartridge”, “ink memory”, and “ink cartridge information”, respectively. Further, the various information included in the toner cartridge information420of the first embodiment should be replaced by corresponding information in the ink cartridge information. Since the developing roller rotation count427is not included in the ink cartridge information, the image forming apparatus1may omit all processes related to the developing roller rotation count427in this variation. The image forming apparatus1of this variation obtains the same effects as the image forming apparatus1in the first embodiment.

The image forming apparatus1may also be a multifunction printer (MFP) possessing other functions besides a printing function, such as a scanner or a facsimile machine. Even in a case where the image forming apparatus1is an MFP, the image forming apparatus1may perform the same processes described in the first embodiment in the same manner as the image forming apparatus1according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus1of this variation obtains the same effects as the image forming apparatus1in the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For convenience of description, members having the same functions as members described in the above embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals to avoid duplicating description.

The following is a description of a sample configuration that enables a consumable memory to continue to be used until the number of writes to the consumable memory reaches an upper limit in a case where the consumable is refilled with toner or other printing material without replacing the consumable memory.

(Example of Memory Map for Toner Memory42)

FIG.10illustrates an example of a memory map for the toner memory42. The toner memory42has a management information area42F, a first area42G, a second area42I, a third area42H, and a fourth area42J.

The management information area42F is an area in which information related to the developing cartridge4(the toner cartridge) can be stored. For example, in the management information area42F of the present embodiment, the capacity information422indicating “small capacity”, “standard capacity”, or “large capacity” is stored at address 0x0000. The color information423indicating “cyan (C)”, “magenta (M)”, “yellow (Y)”, or “black (BK)” is stored at address 0x0001; the genuine product information424specifying “genuine” or “non-genuine” is stored at address 0x0002; the recycle count430is stored at address 0x0003; and addresses 0x0004-0x000F are unused areas or store other information.

The first area42G is an area in which information related to the developing cartridge4(the toner cartridge) can be stored. For example, in the first area42G in the present embodiment, addresses 0x0010-0x0013 are a page count area for storing the printed sheet count426; addresses 0x0014-0x0017 are a dot count area for storing the dot count429; addresses 0x0018-0x001B are a developing roller count area for storing the developing roller rotation count427; and addresses 0x001C-0x001F may be an unused area.

The second area42I is an area in which the number of writes to the first area42G is stored.

The third area42H is an area in which various information related to the image forming apparatus1can be stored. For example, in the third area42H of the present embodiment, addresses 0x0020-0x0021 store measurement results of the density sensor; addresses 0x0022-0x0023 store the developing bias applied to the developing roller during the most recent print; address 0x0024 stores the ambient temperature; and address 0x0025 stores the ambient humidity. The ambient temperature and ambient humidity are each an example of the environment information433in the present disclosure.

The fourth area42J is an area in which the number of writes to the third area42H is stored.

Next, the steps in the processes executed by the controller61of the image forming apparatus1will be described with reference to flowcharts.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating steps in the process executed by the controller61during a print. The process shown inFIG.11will be described using the example of the controller61executing the process for the toner memory42. However, the controller61can also execute the process shown inFIG.11for the drum memory22.

The controller61starts a print upon receiving a print instruction via the display65. In step S101the controller61executes printing for one page and in step S102increments the value of the printed sheet count426stored in the page count area of the toner memory42by 1. In step S103the controller61also adds the number of dots used for printing the single page to the value of the dot count429stored in the dot count area of the toner memory42. The controller61may execute the processes in steps S102and S103in parallel or may execute the process of step S102after the process of step S103.

In other words, each time the image forming apparatus1has performed printing for one page, the controller61stores the printed sheet count426and dot count429in the first area42G.

In step S104the controller61increments the number of writes stored in the second area42I of the toner memory42by 1. That is, in the present embodiment, when the values of the printed sheet count426and dot count429are updated in the toner memory42, the controller61increments the number of writes stored in the second area42I by 1. In other words, each time performing printing for one page, the controller61updates the values of the printed sheet count426and dot count429and increments the number of writes stored in the second area42I by 1.

<Process for Measuring Ambient Temperature>

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating steps in a process executed by the controller61for measuring ambient temperature. A description of the process shown inFIG.12will be made using the example process that the controller61executes when acquiring the ambient temperature from the temperature and humidity sensor66. However, the controller61may execute the process shown inFIG.12when acquiring the ambient humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor66. Moreover, the following description of the process inFIG.12will assume the consumable memory referenced by the controller61is the toner memory42, but the consumable memory referenced by the controller61may be the drum memory22.

The temperature and humidity sensor66periodically measures the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is an example of the environment information433. In the present embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor66measures the ambient temperature once every 30 minutes. Therefore, the controller61obtains the ambient temperature from the temperature and humidity sensor66once every 30 minutes. In step S201the controller61determines whether 30 minutes have elapsed since the last measurement of ambient temperature by the temperature and humidity sensor66. For example, the controller61makes this determination by starting a timer from the time of acquiring the ambient temperature.

When the controller61determines that 30 minutes have not elapsed since the last measurement of ambient temperature, the controller61follows the NO branch of step S201and repeats the process of step S201. On the other hand, when the controller61determines that 30 minutes have elapsed since the last measurement of ambient temperature, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S201to the process of step S202.

In step S202the controller61controls the temperature and humidity sensor66to measure the ambient temperature. The temperature and humidity sensor66transmits the measured ambient temperature to the controller61. The controller61stores the ambient temperature acquired from the temperature and humidity sensor66in the main body memory62.

In step S203the controller61determines whether the ambient temperature stored in the main body memory62in step S202matches an ambient temperature for comparison stored in the main body memory62. The ambient temperature for comparison may be the ambient temperature previously measured by the temperature and humidity sensor66. The ambient temperature currently acquired by the controller61and the ambient temperature for comparison may be stored in separate areas of the main body memory62. When the controller61determines that the ambient temperature stored in the main body memory62in step S202matches the ambient temperature for comparison, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S203to the process of step S204.

In step S204the controller61stores the ambient temperature stored in the main body memory62in step S202in the main body memory62as the ambient temperature for comparison. In other words, the controller61overwrites the ambient temperature for comparison stored in the main body memory62with the currently acquired ambient temperature.

When the controller61determines in step S203that the ambient temperature stored in the main body memory62in step202does not match the ambient temperature for comparison, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S203to the process of step S205. In step S205the controller61writes the ambient temperature stored in the main body memory62in step S202to the third area42H of the toner memory42. In other words, when the ambient temperature newly acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor66differs from the ambient temperature previously acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor66, the controller61writes the newly acquired ambient temperature to the third area42H. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to the third area42H.

In step S206the controller61increments the number of writes stored in the fourth area42J of the toner memory42by 1. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the ambient temperature stored in the third area42H of the toner memory42is updated, the controller61increments the number of writes stored in the fourth area42J by 1.

FIG.13is a flowchart illustrating steps in a process executed by the controller61for determining recyclability.

In step S301the controller61displays a recycle selection screen on the display65. The recycle selection screen includes a user interface component (hereinafter referred to as a “UI component”) prompting the user to select whether to recycle the cartridge, for example. As an example, the UI component is configured of a button corresponding to the option “Recycle”, which signifies the user's desire to recycle the cartridge, and a button corresponding to the option “Do not recycle”, which signifies the user's desire not to recycle the cartridge.

In step S302the controller61determines which of the buttons of the UI component has been selected in the recycle selection screen. When the controller61determines that the “Recycle” button has been selected, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S302to the process of step S303. When the controller61determines that the “Do not recycle” button has been selected, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S302and ends the process. From the NO branch in step S302, the controller61may also return to step S301and redisplay the recycle selection screen on the display65.

In step S303the controller61reads the upper limit information425from the toner memory42. The controller61also reads the number of writes to the first area42G of the toner memory42from the second area42I of the toner memory42. The number of writes to the first area42G is an example of the number of writes434according to the present disclosure. The controller61then performs a calculation process to calculate the number of remaining writes to the first area42G based on the upper limit information425and the current number of writes to the first area42G that have been read from the toner memory42. In the present embodiment, the controller61calculates the number of remaining writes to the first area42G by subtracting the number of writes of the first area42G from the upper limit information425.

After the process in step S303, the controller61reads the printable sheet count information432associated with the capacity information422from the toner memory42. The controller61then determines whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled based on the number of remaining writes calculated in step S303and the printable sheet count information432read from the toner memory42. With the above configuration, the controller61can determine whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled based on the number of remaining writes to reach the upper limit and the number of printable sheets corresponding to the refillable amount of printing material.

In the present embodiment, the controller61determines whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled based on the number of printable sheets associated with each of the capacity information422specifying a large capacity, the capacity information422specifying a medium capacity, and the capacity information422specifying a small capacity. Hereinafter, the number of printable sheets associated with the capacity information422specifying a large capacity will be called a “first number of printable sheets”, the number of printable sheets associated with the capacity information422specifying a medium capacity will be called a “second number of printable sheets”, and the number of printable sheets associated with the capacity information422specifying a small capacity will be called a “third number of printable sheets”.

Specifically, in step S304the controller61determines whether the number of remaining writes is greater than or equal to two times (twice) the first number of printable sheets. The process of step S304is an example of the first determination process for determining whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled.

When the controller61determines that the number of remaining writes is two times the first number of printable sheets or more, the controller61determines that the developing cartridge4can be recycled and proceeds along the YES branch of step S304to the process of step S305. In step S305the controller61stores information in the main body memory62specifying the large capacity, medium capacity, and small capacity as selectable capacities that the user can select as the capacity information422.

When the controller61determines that the number of remaining writes is less than two times the first number of printable sheets, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S304to the process of step S306. In step S306the controller61determines whether the number of remaining writes is greater than or equal to two times the second number of printable sheets. The process of step S306is an example of the first determination process for determining whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled. That is, when the controller61determines that the developing cartridge4cannot be recycled in the first determination process using the capacity information422indicating a large capacity, in step S306the controller61re-executes the first determination process using the capacity information422indicating a medium capacity.

When the controller61determines that recycling is not possible at a large capacity, the controller61can make a determination as to whether recycling is possible at a smaller capacity than this. In this way, a capacity corresponding to the number of remaining writes to the consumable memory can be selected as the capacity of the cartridge after recycling. This allows the consumable to be recycled while effectively utilizing the lifetime of the consumable memory. The capacity information422indicating a large capacity is an example of the first capacity information, and the capacity information422indicating a medium capacity is an example of the second capacity information.

When the controller61determines that the number of remaining writes is two times the second number of printable sheets or more, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S306to the process of step S307. In step S307the controller61stores information indicating a medium capacity and small capacity in the main body memory62as selectable capacities that the user can select as the capacity information422of the developing cartridge4being recycled.

When the controller61determines that the number of remaining writes is less than two times the second number of printable sheets, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S306to the process of step S308. In step S308the controller61determines whether the number of remaining writes is greater than or equal to two times the third number of printable sheets. The process in step S308is an example of the first determination process for determining whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled. In other words, when the controller61determines that the developing cartridge4cannot be recycled in the first determination process using the capacity information422indicating a medium capacity, in S308the controller61re-executes the first determination process using the capacity information422specifying a small capacity. The capacity information422indicating a medium capacity is an example of the first capacity information, and the capacity information422indicating a small capacity is an example of the second capacity information.

When the controller61determines that the number of remaining writes is two times the third number of printable sheets or more, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S308to the process of S309. In step S309the controller61stores information indicating a small capacity in the main body memory62as the selectable capacity that the user can select as the capacity information422for the developing cartridge4being recycled.

When the controller61determines that the number of remaining writes is less than two times the third number of printable sheets, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S308to the process of step S310. In step S310the controller61displays an image on the display65specifying that the developing cartridge4is not recyclable. The controller61then ends the process for determining recyclability.

Thus, in steps S304, S306, and S308the controller61executes the first determination process based on the upper limit on the number of writes, the number of writes to the first area42G, and the capacity information422to determine whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled.

The image forming apparatus1has the second area42I that stores the number of writes to the first area42G. Therefore, when the developing cartridge4is to be recycled, the controller61can determine whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled based on the upper limit information425, the number of writs to the first area42G, and the capacity information422. This enables the consumable memory to continue to be used until the number of writes to the toner memory42reaches the upper limit in a case where the developing cartridge4is refilled with toner while the toner memory42is not replaced.

The controller61ends the first determination process after completing step S305, S307, or S309.

The process in steps S301and S302is an example of the reception process to receive an instruction to recycle the developing cartridge4in accordance with the present disclosure. The controller61executes the first determination process in response to the received instruction. In this case, the controller61receives an instruction to recycle the developing cartridge4via the display65in the reception process.

Further, while the threshold for comparing the number of remaining writes in steps S304, S306, and S308is set to two times the number of printable sheets, the threshold for comparing the number of remaining writes may be set to any value greater than or equal to the number of printable sheets.

<Another Process for Determining Recyclability>

FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating steps in another process executed by the controller61for determining recyclability. In the present embodiment, the controller61executes the process inFIG.14after the process described inFIG.13.

In step S401the controller61reads the upper limit information425from the toner memory42. The controller61also reads the number of writes to the third area42H of the toner memory42from the fourth area42J of the toner memory42. The number of writes to the third area42H is an example of the number of writes434according to the present disclosure. Next, the controller61calculates the number of remaining writes to the third area42H based on the upper limit information425and the number of writes to the third area42H that have been read from the toner memory42. In the present embodiment, the controller61calculates the number of remaining writes to the third area42H by subtracting the number of writes to the third area42H from the upper limit on the number of writes.

In S402the controller61reads the set period information431from the toner memory42. The controller61then determines a specific value obtained by dividing the number of remaining writes calculated in step S401by the maximum number of writes to the third area42H per year and determines whether this specific value is greater than or equal to the value specified by the set period information431. In other words, the controller61executes a second determination process to determine whether the developing cartridge4can be recycled based on the upper limit on the number of writes, the number of writes to the third area42H, and the set period information431for the developing cartridge4.

The image forming apparatus1has the fourth area42J. Accordingly, the controller61can count the number of writes to the third area42H, which stores therein information periodically acquired. Thus, the number of writes, which is consumed over time, can be counted. Further, when the developing cartridge4is recycled, the controller61can determine whether the developing cartridge4is recyclable considering the guarantee period that has been set for the developing cartridge4.

In the present embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor66measures ambient temperature every 30 minutes. Hence, the temperature and humidity sensor66measures the ambient temperature48times per day. Therefore, the controller61may write the ambient temperature to the third area42H a maximum of 48 times per day. In other words, the controller61may write ambient temperature to the third area42H a maximum of 48×365 times per year. Further, the set period for the developing cartridge4in the present embodiment is set to two years, i.e., the set period information431indicates a value of 2. In step S402of the present embodiment, the controller61determines whether the ambient temperature can be written to the third area42H for at least the set period, which is two years, even if the ambient temperature is written the maximum number of times per year. The two-year threshold is merely an example, and the threshold should be set in consideration for usage conditions of the developing cartridge4and the like.

When the controller61determines that the specific value is greater than or equal to two, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S402to the process of step S403. In step S403the controller61displays a capacity selection screen on the display65.

The capacity selection screen includes a UI component prompting the user to select a capacity for the developing cartridge4after recycling. The capacity selection screen displays the selectable capacity(ies) stored by the controller61in the main body memory62in step S305, S307, or S309ofFIG.13. When the selectable capacities are stored in step S305, for example, the capacity selection screen displays the large capacity, medium capacity, and small capacity as selectable capacities for the developing cartridge4after recycling. When the selectable capacities are stored in step S307, the capacity selection screen displays the medium capacity and small capacity as selectable capacities for the developing cartridge4after recycling. When the selectable capacity is stored in step S309, the capacity selection screen displays the small capacity as the selectable capacity for the developing cartridge4after recycling. Through the capacity selection screen, the user can select a capacity for the developing cartridge4after recycling.

In step S404the controller61determines whether the user has selected a capacity via the capacity selection screen. When the controller61determines that the user has not selected a capacity, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S404and repeats the process in step S404. However, when the controller61determines that the user has selected a capacity, the controller61proceeds along the YES branch of step S404to the process of step S405.

In step S405the controller61writes the user-selected capacity to the toner memory42as the capacity information422. In this way, the capacity information422for the developing cartridge4after recycling is set to the user-selected capacity. After the capacity information422has been written, in step S406the controller61initializes the information stored in the first area42G. For example, the controller61initializes the printed sheet count426, developing roller rotation count427, and dot count429. Subsequently, the controller61ends the process for determining recyclability.

Further, when the controller61determines in step S402that the specific value is less than 2, the controller61proceeds along the NO branch of step S402to the process of step S407. In step S407the controller61displays an image on the display65indicating that the developing cartridge4is not recyclable. Subsequently, the controller61ends the process for determining recyclability.

In the second embodiment, control performed by the controller61possessed by the image forming apparatus1has been described. However, control by the controller61may be realized with an IC chip possessed by the developing cartridge4. The IC chip is an example of the controller according to the present disclosure.

In this case, the address of the first area42G is set as a specific area at the time of factory shipment. When some type of write command to the toner memory42is issued, the IC chip determines whether the writing area specified in the write command is within the specific area. When the write area specified by the write command falls within the specific area, the IC chip increments the number of writes stored in the second area42I by 1.

The functions of the image forming apparatus1can be implemented by a program that controls a computer to function as the image forming apparatus1and that controls the computer to function as the controller61of the image forming apparatus1.

In this case, the image forming apparatus1includes, as a hardware for executing the program, a computer possessing at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory). Each function described in the above embodiments is implemented by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

The program may be recorded on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. These storage media may be provided in the image forming apparatus1but need not be. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the image forming apparatus1through any wired or wireless transmission medium.

All or some of the functions of the controller61can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit having logic circuits that function as the controller61falls within the scope of this disclosure.

All or some of the functions of the controller61can also be implemented by a microprocessor built into an IC chip.

The present disclosure contains the following aspects.

(Aspect 1) According to Aspect 1, an image forming apparatus includes a device main body, a consumable, and a controller. The consumable is attachable to the device main body. The consumable includes a consumable memory for storing therein recycling history information. The recycling history information indicates a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area is a storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written. The second storage area is a storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. The controller is configured to perform a determining process to determine, based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

(Aspect 2) In the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 1, when the consumable is not a recycled consumable based on the recycling history information, in the determining process the controller determines the first storage area as the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written, whereas when the consumable is a recycled consumable based on the recycling history information, in the determining process the controller determines the second storage area as the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

(Aspect 3) In the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 1 or 2, the controller is configured to further perform a writing process when the recycling history information indicates that the consumable is not a recycled consumable. The writing process is a process to write the usage amount to the first storage area.

(Aspect 4) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the controller is configured to further perform a writing process when the recycling history information indicates that the consumable is a recycled consumable. The writing process is a process to write the usage amount to the second storage area.

(Aspect 5) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the recycling history information indicates a recycle count for the consumable, and the determining process is a process to determine one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area corresponding to the recycle count indicated by the recycling history information.

(Aspect 6) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the controller is configured to further perform a reception process to receive an instruction to recycle the consumable. The controller is configured to further perform, in response to the received instruction, an update process to update the recycling history information.

(Aspect 7) In the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 6, in the determining process the controller determines, based on the recycling history information updated by the update process, the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written. In the determining process the controller writes identification information to one of the first and second storage areas that is different from the storage area determined by the determining process. The identification information is information for identifying the consumable.

(Aspect 8) In the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 6 or 7, in the determining process the controller determines, based on the recycling history information updated by the update process, the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written, and in the determining process the controller initializes the storage area determined by the determining process.

(Aspect 9) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, the usage amount includes at least one of a printed sheet count information and a dot count information. The printed sheet count information indicates a cumulative number of sheets printed by the image forming apparatus using the consumable. The dot count information indicates a cumulative number of dots printed by the image forming apparatus using the consumable.

(Aspect 10) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, the consumable is a cartridge accommodating printing material, and the usage amount is a usage amount of the printing material.

(Aspect 11) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, the recycling history information indicates a recycle count for the consumable, and the controller is configured to further perform an output process when the recycle count indicated by the recycling history information reaches a predetermined upper limit. The output process is a process to output nonrecyclable information indicating that the consumable is not recyclable.

(Aspect 12) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, the usage amount is a usage amount of printing material, and the controller is configured to further perform an identification process based on at least one of a difference between the number of writes to the first storage area and an upper limit on the number of writes to the consumable memory and a difference between the number of writes to the second storage area and the upper limit. The identification process is a process to identify an amount corresponding to the at least one of the differences as an amount of the printing material with which the consumable can be refilled.

(Aspect 13) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Aspects 6 to 8, further includes an operating unit through which the controller receives the instruction in the reception process.

(Aspect 14) According to Aspect 14, there is provided a consumable memory for use by a consumable. The consumable memory is for storing therein recycling history information. The recycling history information indicates a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area is a storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written. The second storage area is a storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. Based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area can be determined as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

(Aspect 15) According to Aspect 15, there is provided a recycling method of recycling a consumable. The consumable includes a consumable memory for storing therein recycling history information. The recycling history information indicates a recycling history of the consumable. The consumable memory includes a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area is a storage area to which a usage amount of the consumable can be written. The second storage area is a storage area to which the usage amount of the consumable can be written. The recycling method includes determining, based on the recycling history information, one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

(Aspect 16) In the recycling method according to Aspect 15, when the consumable is not a recycled consumable based on the recycling history information, the determining determines the first storage area as the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written, whereas when the consumable is a recycled consumable based on the recycling history information, the determining determines the second storage area as the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

(Aspect 17) The recycling method according to Aspect 15 or 16, further includes writing the usage amount to the first storage area when the recycling history information indicates that the consumable is not a recycled consumable.

(Aspect 18) The recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 17, further includes writing the usage amount to the second storage area when the recycling history information indicates that the consumable is a recycled consumable.

(Aspect 19) In the recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 18, the recycling history information indicates a recycle count for the consumable, and the determining determines one of the first storage area and the second storage area as a storage area corresponding to the recycle count indicated by the recycling history information.

(Aspect 20) The recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 19, further includes receiving an instruction to recycle the consumable, and updating the recycling history information in response to the received instruction.

(Aspect 21) In the recycling method according to Aspect 20, the determining determines, based on the recycling history information updated by the updating, the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written, and the determining writes identification information to one of the first and second storage areas that is different from the storage area determined as the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written. The identification information is information for identifying the consumable.

(Aspect 22) In the recycling method according to Aspect 20 or 21, the determining determines, based on the recycling history information updated by the updating, the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written, and the determining initializes the storage area determined as the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written.

(Aspect 23) In the recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 22, the usage amount includes at least one of a printed sheet count information and a dot count information. The printed sheet count information indicates a cumulative number of sheets printed by an image forming apparatus using the consumable. The dot count information indicates a cumulative number of dots printed by the image forming apparatus using the consumable.

(Aspect 24) In the recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 23, the consumable is a cartridge accommodating printing material, and the usage amount is a usage amount of the printing material.

(Aspect 25) In the recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 24, the recycling history information indicates a recycle count for the consumable. The recycling method further includes outputting nonrecyclable information when the recycle count indicated by the recycling history information reaches a predetermined upper limit. The nonrecyclable information indicates that the consumable is not recyclable.

(Aspect 26) In the recycling method according to any one of Aspects 15 to 25, the usage amount is a usage amount of printing material. The recycling method further includes identifying, based on at least one of a difference between the number of writes to the first storage area and an upper limit on the number of writes to the consumable memory and a difference between the number of writes to the second storage area and the upper limit, an amount corresponding to the at least one of the differences as an amount of the printing material with which the consumable can be refilled.

(Aspect 27) In the recycling method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 22, the receiving receives the instruction through an operating unit of an image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 1 can suppress the number of rewrites to the consumable memory from reaching an upper limit when the consumable is refilled with printing material without replacing the consumable memory.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 2 requires fewer rewrites to each storage area than a configuration in which the storage area to which the usage amount is to be written is not changed based on whether the consumable is a recycled consumable or not.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 3 requires fewer rewrites to each storage area than a configuration in which the writing area is not changed based on the recycling history information.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 4 requires fewer rewrites to each storage area than a configuration in which the writing area for the usage amount is not changed based on the recycling history information.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 5 requires, even when the consumable is recycled a plurality of times, fewer rewrites to each storage area than a configuration in which the storage area for writing the usage amount is not changed based on the recycle count.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 6 can distribute the number of rewrites to a plurality of storage areas by determining the storage area for writing the usage amount based on the recycling history information.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 7 can reduce the number of rewrites to each storage area and effectively utilize the storage area other than the storage area to which the usage amount is written.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 8 can suppress the usage amount of the consumable stored in the consumable memory from becoming inconsistent with the actual value due to recycling.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 9 can suppress the number of times the printed sheet count information or dot count information is rewritten to the consumable memory from reaching the upper limit.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 10 enables recycling in which the number of times the usage amount of printing material in the cartridge after recycling is written to the consumable memory does not reach the upper limit.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 11 can let the user know when recycling is not possible.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 12 identifies, based on the number of writes to the consumable memory, the amount of printing material with which the consumable can be refilled. Accordingly, the consumable memory can continue to be used until the number of rewrites to the memory reach the upper limit.

The image forming apparatus according to Aspect 13 enables the user to input a recycling instruction via the operation unit (e.g., a touchscreen) provided in the image forming apparatus.

The consumable memory according to Aspect 14 can suppress the number of rewrites to the consumable memory from reaching the upper limit when the consumable is refilled with printing material without replacing the consumable memory.

Each of the recycling methods according to Aspects 15 to 27 obtains the same effects as the image forming apparatus according to a corresponding one of Aspects 1 to 13.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with various example structures outlined above and illustrated in the figures, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example embodiments of the disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative of the invention, and not limiting the invention. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. Accordingly, an embodiment obtained by suitably combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments also falls within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Further, the present disclosure includes the phrases “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and the like as alternative expressions that mean one or more of A and B, and one or more of A, B, and C, and the like, respectively. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means “(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C)”.