JP5167722B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and image forming apparatus control program - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of reading out an attribute of a developing device from a memory, an image forming apparatus control method, The present invention relates to a device control program.

  An image forming apparatus (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), facsimile apparatus, copying machine, printer, etc.) is provided with a developing device. In the case of a color image forming apparatus, each developing device corresponding to a plurality of colors is provided. Each developing device has a memory substrate that records the attributes of the developing device. The image forming apparatus determines the attribute of the developing device by reading the contents.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 discloses a technique for ensuring contact contact by applying a servo lock to a DC motor when a contact comes into contact with a built-in memory electrode in an image forming apparatus equipped with a non-volatile memory inside a developing device. Yes. Data read / write from / to the built-in memory is performed multiple times at the same position, and an error occurs if communication fails at all.
JP 2004-138711 A

  Reading of the memory substrate is performed by bringing a contact point into contact with the electrode of the substrate to make it conductive. If dust or toner adheres to the substrate or contacts and does not conduct properly, detection is defective and rereading is required.

  In the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when re-reading is necessary, re-reading is performed in a state where the electrode and the contact of the substrate are located at the same position, so that dust and toner are attached to the substrate and the contact. In some cases, the detection rate is extremely low.

  If there is no continuity even after re-reading, the user is instructed to remove the developing device and clean the substrate and contacts, which is troublesome for the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and is capable of satisfactorily reading information from the developing device, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control. The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developing device provided in the developing device are recorded. By connecting to the connected electrodes, the memory contacts can be read by relatively moving the contacts for reading information recorded in the memory and the memory electrodes and contacts with voltage applied to the contacts. Search means for searching for a possible position, reading means for reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the search means, and storage means for storing the readable position of the memory searched by the search means And a changing means for changing the reading position of the next memory to the position stored in the storage means .
According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developing device provided in the developing device are recorded, and an electrode connected to the memory; By continuity, a contact point for reading information recorded in the memory and a memory readable position are searched by relatively moving the memory electrode and the contact with a voltage applied to the contact. A search means, and a reading means for reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the search means, storing the readable position of the memory and the position where the reading is impossible, and The reading position is changed to the approximate center of those positions.

  Preferably, the search means searches for a readable position in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact when performing re-reading when the memory electrode and the contact do not conduct in the first reading, and the reading means is At the searched position, information is read from the memory for the second time.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus has a developing unit having a plurality of developing units containing developers of different colors, and a selected developing unit among the plurality of developing units occupies a developing position facing the latent image carrier. Driving means for rotating the developing unit as described above, and the rotation of the developing unit is stopped at the readable position of the memory searched by the searching means.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a moving unit that moves the position of the contact, and stops the contact at a readable position of the memory searched by the search unit.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes display means for displaying error information. When there is no readable position, the image forming apparatus displays an error by the display means and moves the developing device to the replacement position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an image processing apparatus is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developing unit provided in the developing unit are recorded. The device includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by conducting electrical connection with the electrode connected to the memory, and relatively moves the electrode and the contact of the memory with a voltage applied to the contact. A search step for searching for a readable position of the memory, a read step for reading information from the memory at the readable position of the memory searched by the search step, and a readable position of the memory searched for by the search step And a change step for changing the read position of the next memory to the position stored in the storage step .
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an image processing apparatus is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developing unit provided in the developing unit are recorded. The device includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by conducting electrical connection with the electrode connected to the memory, and relatively moves the electrode and the contact of the memory with a voltage applied to the contact. A search step for searching for a readable position of the memory, a read step for reading information from the memory at the readable position of the memory searched by the search step, and a readable position of the memory searched for by the search step And a change step of storing the position where reading is impossible and changing the next reading position to the approximate center of these positions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a control program for an image processing apparatus is a control program for an image forming apparatus that can read information from a memory that records attributes of a developer provided in the developer. The device includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by conducting electrical connection with the electrode connected to the memory, and relatively moves the electrode and the contact of the memory with a voltage applied to the contact. A search step for searching for a readable position of the memory, a read step for reading information from the memory at the readable position of the memory searched by the search step, and a readable position of the memory searched for by the search step a storage step of storing, executes the reading position of the next memory, and changing step of changing the positions stored in the storage step to the computer To.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a control program for an image processing apparatus is a control program for an image forming apparatus that can read information from a memory that records attributes of a developer provided in the developer. The device includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by conducting electrical connection with the electrode connected to the memory, and relatively moves the electrode and the contact of the memory with a voltage applied to the contact. A search step for searching for a readable position of the memory, a read step for reading information from the memory at the readable position of the memory searched by the search step, and a readable position of the memory searched for by the search step And a change step of storing a position where reading is impossible and changing the next reading position to substantially the center of those positions.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus that can satisfactorily read information from the developing device.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when reading of the memory substrate attached to the developing device fails and detection cannot be performed by the first reading and re-reading is performed, a voltage is applied to the contact. A readable position is searched and detection is performed at that position.

  That is, the image forming apparatus searches for a conductive position in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact, and rereads at that position. Thereby, there is an effect that the detection can be surely performed.

  [First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  When a print instruction is sent from the personal computer or the like to the image forming apparatus, the CPU 201 drives each roller to convey the paper 102 and forms an image by the image forming unit (developing unit 109 and latent image carrier 110) and starts printing. To do.

  The paper 102 set on the paper feed tray 101 is transported by a paper feed roller 103, a transport roller 104, a transfer roller 106, a fixing roller 107, and a paper discharge roller 108.

  The developing unit of the selected color in the developing unit 109 moves to the developing position, the developer moves to the latent image carrier 110, an image is formed, and is primarily transferred to the transfer belt 105.

  Unfixed toner on the transfer belt 105 is secondarily transferred to the paper 102 by the transfer roller 106, fixed by the fixing roller 107, and discharged outside the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 108.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a contact 304 is connected to the CPU 201, so that information is read through the electrodes of the memory substrate 303 provided in each developing device of each color.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the developing unit 109 of the image forming apparatus of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state where information on the memory board of the developing device is being read.

  Here, it is assumed that a 4-cycle developing unit is used as the developing unit.

  The developing unit 109 includes four developing units 301 (yellow developing unit 301Y, magenta developing unit 301M, cyan developing unit 301C, and black developing unit 301K) that store developers of respective colors. The developer 301 incorporates developer carriers 302 (yellow developer carrier 302Y, magenta developer carrier 302M, cyan developer carrier 302C, and black developer carrier 302K) for each color.

  The developing device 301 includes a memory substrate 303 (a yellow memory substrate 303Y, a magenta memory substrate 303M, a cyan memory substrate 303C, and a black memory substrate 303K). The memory substrate 303 comes into contact with the contact 304 on the main body side and becomes conductive. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can read the attribute from the developing device and know the attribute of the developing device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the developer carrier 302 (here, black developer carrier 302K) of the color to be printed is at a position facing the latent image carrier 110, it is defined as a “development position”. To do. The figure shows the development position of black.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the memory substrate 303 (magenta memory substrate 303M in this case) and the contact 304 are in a contact position, the “detection position” is defined. The figure shows the detection position of magenta.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the memory substrate 303, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the contact 304.

  Each of the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 is provided with three electrodes (terminals), and information is read by contacting each other.

  The developing unit 109 is rotated by a developing unit drive motor (not shown) and moved to a developing position and a detection position.

  The image forming apparatus performs the first detection (reading of information) by bringing the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 into contact with each other. When the first detection fails, re-reading is executed. Since both the first detection and the re-reading operate in a similar manner, the operation at the time of re-reading will be mainly described here.

  When the first detection is performed at the detection position shown in FIG. 4, there may be a case where dust or toner adheres to the memory substrate 303 or the contact 304 and does not conduct correctly. In this case, detection failure occurs and rereading is required.

  Therefore, it is conceivable that the developing unit 109 is rotated forward by a prescribed pulse and then reversed by the same pulse. In this case, since re-reading is performed at the same position, the detection rate is lowered.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the readable position is searched for while a voltage is applied to the contact. Thereby, the detection rate at the time of rereading the memory substrate can be improved.

  That is, when re-reading is performed, a readable position is searched in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact 304, and the developing unit 109 is stopped at the readable position and detection is performed. Thus, dust and toner at the reading position can be avoided, and the detection rate is improved.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a reading process of the memory substrate in the developing device executed by the image forming apparatus.

  First, in step S101, the first color developing device 301 is moved to the detection position, and in step S103, the first memory substrate is detected.

  If the detection is successful (YES in S105), if all the colors have been detected (YES in S117), the process moves to the print standby position in step S119 and waits for a print instruction.

  If all the colors have not been detected (NO in S117), the process moves to the next color detection position in step S121, and the first memory board is detected for that color (S103).

  When the detection fails (NO in S105), a detectable position is searched for (S109) while a voltage is applied to the contact 304 (S107). If there is a place where there is conduction and can be detected (YES in S111), re-reading is performed at that position (YES in S103 and S105).

  When there is no continuity and there is no detectable portion (NO in S111), the developing device 301 that has failed in detection in step S113 is moved to the replacement position, and an error is displayed in step S115.

  The user takes out the developing device 301 in which detection is defective, and cleans the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a reading operation of the memory substrate in the developing device executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In the figure, the relative positions of the electrodes of the memory substrate 303 and the contacts 304 are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the detection has failed at the first detection position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the developing unit 109 is rotated once from the first detection position until the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are not in contact with each other.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8C, a voltage is applied to the contact 304, and in this state, the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are brought into contact again as shown in FIG. 8D.

  Thereby, the second detection can be performed at a position where detection is possible.

  Note that when the first detection fails, a voltage is applied to the contact 304 from that position, and the developing unit 109 may be moved to search for a detectable position.

  In the case of an image forming apparatus that is a four-cycle color machine, the developing unit 109 rotates with a voltage applied to the contact 304. In the vicinity of the detection position shown in FIG. 4, the contact 304 and the memory substrate 303 are in contact with each other, and are normally conducted at a place where dust and toner are not attached.

  If the development unit 109 is stopped at this position and the memory substrate 303 is read again, the probability of successful reading becomes extremely high.

  Here, an example is shown in which the development unit 109 is stopped once and the memory substrate 303 is read, but the present invention is also applied to an image forming apparatus that performs reading while rotating without stopping the development unit 109. Can be applied.

  [Second Embodiment]

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main body of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is a tandem machine in which four color developing devices are arranged in a line.

  As in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus conveys the paper 102 set on the paper feed tray 101, and feeds a paper feed roller 103, a transport roller 104, a transfer roller 106, a fixing roller 107, and a paper discharge. A roller 108 is provided.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes image carriers 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and a transfer belt 105, respectively.

  Unfixed toner on the transfer belt 105 is secondarily transferred to the paper 102 by the transfer roller 106, fixed by the fixing roller 107, and discharged outside the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 108.

  The developing unit includes four developing units 301 (yellow developing unit 301Y, magenta developing unit 301M, cyan developing unit 301C, and black developing unit 301K) that store developers of respective colors. The developer 301 incorporates developer carriers 302 (yellow developer carrier 302Y, magenta developer carrier 302M, cyan developer carrier 302C, and black developer carrier 302K) for each color.

  As described above, the tandem machine has the latent image carrier 110 corresponding to the developing unit 301 of each color, and the movement during printing is the same as in the first embodiment except that the rotating operation of the developing unit is not necessary. Since it is similar to the image forming apparatus, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Note that the monochrome image forming apparatus includes only the developing unit 301K for one color, but the other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

  In a tandem machine or a monochrome machine, once the developing device 301 is set in the main body, the developing device 301 does not move during printing. Therefore, the image forming apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the contact 304 (or the electrode portion of the memory substrate 303) in order to change the contact position between the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304.

  For example, in the case of a tandem machine or a monochrome machine, the contact 304 is moved while a voltage is applied to the contact 304.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state before the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  In the vicinity of the detection position shown in FIG. 11, the contact 304 and the memory substrate 303 are in contact with each other, and are normally conducted at a place where dust and toner are not attached. If the contact 304 is stopped at such a normally conducting position and the memory substrate is read, the probability of successful reading becomes extremely high.

  [Third Embodiment]

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment stores a position where reading is enabled at the time of re-reading, and a standard stop position (when the power is turned on next time, when JAM processing is restored, etc.) The memory board is stopped at the position stored as the readable position, not at the position where reading was impossible in the previous first reading). As a result, a position where dust or toner is attached can be avoided, and the first reading success probability can be improved.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the reading operation of the memory substrate in the developing device executed by the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  In the figure, the relative positions of the electrodes of the memory substrate 303 and the contacts 304 are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, it is assumed that the detection has failed at the first detection position (standard stop position). At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, the developing unit 109 is rotated once from the first detection position until the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are not in contact with each other.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12C, a voltage is applied to the contact 304, and in this state, the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are brought into contact again as shown in FIG. 12D.

  Thereby, the second detection can be performed at a position where detection is possible.

  When the first detection fails, a voltage is applied to the contact 304 from that position, and the developing unit 109 may be moved.

  In the case of FIG. 12D, the position where reading is possible and the position where reading is impossible are stored in the memory. The memory may be a memory in the CPU 201, a non-volatile memory, a RAM, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 12E, when the next reading is performed (when the power is turned on next time, when JAM processing is restored, etc.), the reading is performed at the standard stop position (the position where reading was impossible for the first time). Instead, as shown in FIG. 12F, reading is performed at the stored position (change stop position). This is because reading at the position shown in FIG. 12E is likely to fail again.

  As a result, it is possible to increase the possibility of successful reading at the first time.

  [Fourth Embodiment]

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the reading operation of the memory substrate in the developing device executed by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the figure, the relative positions of the electrodes of the memory substrate 303 and the contacts 304 are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, it is assumed that the detection has failed at the first detection position (standard stop position). At this time, as shown in FIG. 13B, the developing unit 109 is rotated once from the first detection position until the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are not in contact with each other.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13C, a voltage is applied to the contact 304, and in this state, the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are brought into contact again as shown in FIG. 13D.

  Thereby, the second detection can be performed at a position where detection is possible.

  When the first detection fails, a voltage is applied to the contact 304 from that position, and the developing unit 109 may be moved.

  In the case of FIG. 13D, the area between the position where reading is possible and the position where reading is impossible is stored in the memory as a detectable range. The memory may be a memory in the CPU 201, a non-volatile memory, a RAM, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 13E, when reading is performed next time (when the power is turned on next time, when JAM processing is restored, etc.), reading is performed at the standard stop position (position where reading was impossible for the first time last time). Instead, as shown in FIG. 13 (F), reading is performed at the approximate center position (change stop position) of the stored area. This is because reading at the position in FIG. 13E is likely to fail again.

  As a result, it is possible to increase the possibility of successful reading at the first time.

  In this way, by stopping at the substantially central position of the readable range derived from the readable position and the unreadable position, it is possible to avoid the position where dust and toner adhere, and even if the stop position varies, 1 The probability of successful reading can be improved.

  [Fifth Embodiment]

  Note that the image forming apparatus may be operated as follows.

  When the image forming apparatus performs the first detection, the voltage is applied to the contact 304 in advance from the time when the electrode of the memory substrate 304 is in front of the detection position of the contact 304. In this state, the developing unit 109 is rotated to the detection position. The memory substrate 303 is read at a position where the memory substrate 303 and the contact 304 are in contact with each other and become conductive and detectable.

  In this way, the success rate in the first detection can be increased.

  [Effects of the embodiment]

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to avoid dust and toner by searching for a readable position in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact point, and performing detection at that position, thereby improving the detection rate.

  Further, by storing the detectable position and range and setting it as the next reading position, the first detection rate can be improved.

  [Others]

  The present invention can be implemented for an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

  Further, the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, it should be thought that the said embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a control configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a developing unit 109 of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state in which reading of the information of the memory substrate of a developing device is performed. 3 is a perspective view of a memory substrate 303. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a contact 304. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a reading process of a memory substrate in a developing device executed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reading operation of a memory substrate in a developing device performed by the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state before the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state where the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reading operation of a memory substrate in a developing device performed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reading operation of a memory substrate in a developing device performed by an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Paper feed tray, 102 Paper, 103 Paper feed roller, 104 Conveyance roller, 105 Transfer belt, 106 Transfer roller, 107 Fixing roller, 108 Paper discharge roller, 109 Development unit, 110 Latent image carrier, 201 CPU, 301 Developer , 302 Developer carrier, 303 Memory substrate, 304 Contact point.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developer provided in the developer are recorded,
A contact for reading information recorded in the memory by establishing electrical connection with an electrode connected to the memory;
Search means for searching a readable position of the memory by relatively moving the electrode of the memory and the contact in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact;
Reading means for reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching means ;
Storage means for storing a readable position of the memory searched by the search means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a changing unit that changes a next memory reading position to a position stored in the storage unit. An image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developer provided in the developer are recorded,
A contact for reading information recorded in the memory by establishing electrical connection with an electrode connected to the memory;
Search means for searching a readable position of the memory by relatively moving the electrode of the memory and the contact in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact;
Reading means for reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching means ;
An image forming apparatus that stores a readable position and a non-readable position in a memory, and changes a next reading position to a substantially center of those positions . The searching means searches for a readable position in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact when performing re-reading without conducting electrical connection between the electrode of the memory and the contact in the first reading,
Said reading means, said the search position by the search means performs the second reading of information from the memory, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A developing unit having a plurality of developing units containing developers of different colors;
Drive means for rotating the developing unit so that a selected developing device among the plurality of developing devices occupies a developing position facing the latent image carrier,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the developing unit is stopped at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching unit. A moving means for moving the position of the contact;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact point is stopped at a readable position of the memory searched by the search unit. A display means for displaying error information;
If possible reading position does not exist, an error display by said display means, moving the developing device to the exchange position, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developer provided in the developer are recorded,
The image forming apparatus includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by establishing electrical connection with an electrode connected to the memory,
A search step of searching for a readable position of the memory by relatively moving the electrode of the memory and the contact in a state where a voltage is applied to the contact;
A reading step of reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching step ;
A storage step of storing a readable position of the memory searched in the search step;
A control method for an image forming apparatus , comprising: a changing step of changing a reading position of a next memory to a position stored in the storing step .   A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developer provided in the developer are recorded,
  The image forming apparatus includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by establishing electrical connection with an electrode connected to the memory,
  A search step of searching for a readable position of the memory by relatively moving the electrode of the memory and the contact with a voltage applied to the contact;
  A reading step of reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching step;
  Control of the image forming apparatus comprising: a change step of storing a readable position of the memory searched in the search step and a position where the reading is impossible and changing a next read position to a substantially center of the positions. Method. A control program for an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developer provided in the developer are recorded,
The image forming apparatus includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by establishing electrical connection with an electrode connected to the memory,
A search step of searching for a readable position of the memory by relatively moving the electrode of the memory and the contact with a voltage applied to the contact;
A reading step of reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching step ;
A storage step of storing a readable position of the memory searched in the search step;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a changing step of changing a reading position of a next memory to a position stored in the storing step .   A control program for an image forming apparatus capable of reading information from a memory in which attributes of a developer provided in the developer are recorded,
  The image forming apparatus includes a contact for reading information recorded in the memory by establishing electrical connection with an electrode connected to the memory,
  A search step of searching for a readable position of the memory by relatively moving the electrode of the memory and the contact with a voltage applied to the contact;
  A reading step of reading information from the memory at a readable position of the memory searched by the searching step;
  An image forming apparatus that stores a readable position and a non-readable position of the memory searched in the search step, and causes the computer to execute a changing step of changing a next reading position to a substantially center of the positions. Control program.

Images