Image output device having function for judging installation of genuine cartridge and method for determining authenticity of the cartridge

摘要

A printer and a toner cartridge detachably provided in a printer body. The toner cartridge is provided with a specific uneven pattern or logo mark at an outer surface thereof. The printer has first and second detection switches for identifying the uneven pattern. Co-relation is established between a specific position of the uneven pattern and height of the specific position, and each detection switch is set so as to confront with the specific position. The first and second detection switches serve to detect the projected part, and the recessed part, respectively. If the first detection switch detects the recessed part, or if the second detection switch detects the projected part, the installed cartridge is judged to be a pirated cartridge.