IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, UNIVERSAL INTERFACE DEVICE, AND METHOD OF USING OPTION UNIT

摘要

An image forming apparatus includes a control unit to identify a type of an option unit using pre-stored ID information including information regarding a universal interface to which at least one type of option unit can be connected, a power supply unit, and an option unit connected to the universal interface. A plurality of switches is located along a power supply path between the option unit and the power supply unit. The pre-stored ID information includes the type of the option unit and level of power allowed for the type of option unit. The control unit controls on/off states of the plurality of switches so that power corresponding to the identified type of option unit can be supplied to the option unit. Accordingly, possible damage to the image forming apparatus due to inappropriate connection between the option unit and the image forming apparatus is prevented.