FIELD: information technology.
SUBSTANCE: image forming apparatus comprises: a main housing and a detachable unit. The main housing has a main controller which controls operation of the image forming apparatus. The detachable unit is connected to the main housing and is configured to perform the image forming operation with the main housing. The detachable unit comprises: a memory unit and a central processing unit (CPU). The memory unit stores an initialisation program, unique information associated with the detachable unit, and status information on use of the detachable unit. The CPU performs initialisation using the initialisation program independent of the main housing. The main controller carries out a process of authenticating the detachable unit.
EFFECT: high reliability of data stored in the memory unit built into image forming apparatus; users are protected from use of an uncertified unit.
42 cl, 7 dwg
