Image processing apparatus capable of using replacement component, image forming apparatus capable of using replacement component, and method of administrating replacement component

An image processing apparatus capable of using a replacement component, comprising:

• a storage unit for storing self apparatus identification information;
• an obtaining unit for obtaining component apparatus identification information and component administrator identification information registered in a data carrier disposed in the replacement component;
• an input unit for inputting self administrator identification information;
• a control unit including a first comparing unit for comparing the self apparatus identification information stored in the storage unit with the component apparatus identification information obtained with the obtaining unit, said control unit further including a second comparing unit for comparing the self administrator identification information input through the input unit with the component administrator identification information obtained with the obtaining unit;
• and
• a determining unit for determining that the replacement component is allowed to use when the self apparatus identification information matches the component apparatus identification information,
• wherein said control unit is configured to write the self apparatus identification information in the data carrier as the component apparatus identification information when the replacement component is attached to the image processing apparatus,
• said determining unit is configured to determine that the replacement component is allowed to use when the component apparatus identification information is not registered in the data carrier,
• said determining unit is configured to determine that the replacement component is not allowed to use when the self apparatus identification information does not match the component apparatus identification information,
• said control unit is configured to make the self administrator identification information be input through the input unit when the self apparatus identification information does not match the component apparatus identification information, and the component administrator identification information is registered in the data carrier, and
• said determining unit is configured to determine that the replacement component is allowed to use when the self administrator identification information is input through the input unit, and the self administrator identification information matches the component administrator identification information.