Counter apparatus for an image forming apparatus for counting and managing the number of image forming operations

A counter apparatus for an image forming apparatus, for counting and managing the number of image forming operations, comprising:

• an EEPROM capable of reading and writing data;
• a RAM capable of reading and writing data;
• signal generating means for generating an execution signal of one image forming operation each time the execution of one image forming cycle for forming one image on one sheet is completed;
• arithmetic operation means for repeating a predetermined number of arithmetic operations corresponding to the image forming operations using data read out from said EEPROM as an initial value, in response to a signal from said signal generating means, said arithmetic operation means including:
• means for storing said initial value read out from said EEPROM into said RAM,
• means for performing said arithmetic operations on said initial value stored in said RAM to produce a result value, and
• means for storing said result in said RAM;
• and
• processing means connected between said EEPROM and said RAM for (a) supplying an instruction for reading out data stored in said EEPROM and applying said read out data to said storing means and (b) supplying a further instruction for writing the calculated result obtained by said arithmetic operation means and stored into said RAM into said EEPROM.