APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR JUDGING TIME FOR CHANGING PROCESS CARTRIDGE

摘要

PURPOSE: An apparatus and a method for judging an appropriate time for changing a process cartridge are provided to change the process cartridge before the printing quality falls by outputting a change message. CONSTITUTION: A record tape(20) is installed at one side of a process cartridge(10), and records a specific number of the process cartridge and the limit number of printed pieces. A record tape recognizing unit(30) recognizes items recorded at the record tape. A counter(50) counts the number of printed pieces. A control unit(40) receives data of the record tape recognizing unit for judging whether a process cartridge with a new specific number is mounted. If so, the control unit controls to count the number of printed pieces. If the control unit judges that the counted number of the printed pieces is over the limit number, the control part outputs a warning signal. A display unit(60) receives the warning signal for displaying a warning message.