A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.

There is demand to reduce the amount of developing agent fed to a cleaning member. The amount of developing agent that is fed to the cleaning member is decided based on the amount of developing agent recovered by the cleaning member or the amount of use of a process cartridge.

A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.

A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.

A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.

There is demand to reduce the amount of developing agent fed to a cleaning member. The amount of developing agent that is fed to the cleaning member is decided based on the amount of developing agent recovered by the cleaning member or the amount of use of a process cartridge.

A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.

An image forming apparatus comprises a fixing device comprising a heater for heating a sheet on which an image is formed and a non-volatile memory in which characteristic information of the heater is stored. The fixing device is replaceable. In a case where the fixing device is replaced, the image forming apparatus starts to supply power to the heater before completing to read the characteristic information from the fixing device replaced. Due to this, the image forming apparatus can promptly heat the heater of the fixing device than before.

Many devices, such as printers, work with one or more removable unit. Often, the removable units have an electronic circuit that used to communicate with the device. It may be desirable to provide a replacement unit in these devices. The replacement unit must include an electronic circuit that is able to communicate with the original device. Disclosed is a method and apparatus where a replacement unit is provided with a new electronic circuit and a used electronic circuit. The new electronic circuit is electrically connected to the used electronic circuit and uses the used electronic circuit to facilitate communication with the host device.

A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.