Method and device for displaying an exchange message for a process cartridge with a process cartridge comprising a non-volatile memory for storing data values

摘要

A device for displaying an exchange message for a process cartridge installed within a body of an image forming apparatus provides a user with an indication that the process cartridge should be exchanged for a new process cartridge. The device includes the process cartridge which combines a non-volatile memory for storing data values, a photosensitive drum, a toner sensor for detecting a remaining quantity of toner, a cleaning blade and a waste toner receptacle as a unitary structure capable of being installed within and removed from the body of the image forming apparatus. A toner cartridge stores the toner and is capable of being attached to and detached from the process cartridge. A display device displays predetermined messages regarding the states of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge. A video controller receives a print command from a host computer and controls a printing operation performed by the image forming apparatus by incrementing the data values according to the remaining quantity of toner detected by the toner sensor. The video control also enables the display device to display the exchange message indicating that the process cartridge should be exchanged for a new process cartridge when one of the data values representative of a number of times the toner cartridge has required exchange for a new toner cartridge equals a predetermined value.