Replacement member management method, electronic device replacement member management method, electronic device, image forming apparatus, and replacement member management system

摘要

One of two replaceable components is selectively detachably attached to an apparatus (1). A first component includes first information that includes first lifetime indicative of a lifetime of the first component and is used for managing usage of the first component. A second component includes second information for managing usage of the second component. A controller (19, 19A) determines, based on one of the first and second lifetimes, whether the apparatus should operate. The controller (19, 19A) drives the apparatus to operate based on the first lifetime if a read/write section (17) successfully reads the first lifetime from one of the first and second components that has been attached to the apparatus. The controller (19) drives the apparatus to operate based on the second lifetime if the read/write section (17) fails to read the first lifetime from one of the first and second components that has been attached to the apparatus.