| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging system for consumables of an image forming apparatus, in which a proper amount of money for a used quantity of consumables is charged on a user. <P>SOLUTION: The system has: a printer for forming an image, a cartridge containing developer which is consumed in an image forming process; a means for calculating a quantity of developer used, or consumed; and a means for recording a developer use status. The recording means for a developer use status is provided on a cartridge, a printer to which the cartridge is attached, a personal computer to which the printer is connected, or a personal computer managed by a cartridge distributor. The cartridge distributor has at least a means for reading information recorded on the means which records a developer use status. The number of pixels of formed image information recorded by the recording means and a quantity of developer used per pixel are calculated. A charge for the developer used is determined according to the quantity of the developer used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO |
