JP2008028921A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program for controlling image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An easy-to-use image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus capable of executing an image forming function based on a color image under a predetermined condition while suppressing consumption of a colorant used for forming a color image An image forming apparatus control program is provided.
Image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. In the image forming system, when the aggregation number (N) in the Nin1 mode set by the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, image formation with a color image is executed based on the image data output from the image data output means. An image forming system.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program for controlling the image forming apparatus.

In image forming apparatuses such as color copiers and color printers, various proposals have been made so far in order to reduce the consumption of colorants (color toner, etc.) used for color printing +.
For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when it is determined that the total number of printed sheets at a predetermined time exceeds a preset upper limit, Shift to "Expense saving mode" and execute monochrome printing. As a result, the total number of printed sheets of color images is reduced, so that the colorant consumption can be reduced.
JP 2005-181736 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if the total number of printed sheets exceeds the preset upper limit value and shifts to the “expense saving mode”, color printing cannot be performed thereafter. . In this case, the color printing function, which can be said to be one of the basic functions of the image forming apparatus, is lacking, which makes it extremely user-friendly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can perform an image forming function based on a color image under predetermined conditions while suppressing consumption of a colorant used for forming a color image. An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus control program.

Means for solving the problems are the following inventions.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and an image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. The image forming system includes a determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when the aggregate number (N) in the Nin1 mode set by the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and determines that color printing is not possible when the number is less than the predetermined value. The image forming unit executes image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. System.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. The image forming system includes: a determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when a scale ratio set by a user is equal to or less than a predetermined value; In the image forming system, when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible, the image formation by the color image is executed based on the image data output from the image data output unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. In the image forming system, the color printing is determined to be possible when the occupation amount or the occupation ratio of the image formed on the recording medium is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, and the color printing is determined to be impossible when the predetermined value is exceeded. And the image forming unit executes image formation with a color image based on the image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. An image forming system.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image forming system further comprises setting means capable of arbitrarily setting the predetermined value. System.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image forming unit outputs the image data when the determination unit determines that color printing is impossible. An image forming system that performs image formation with a monochrome image based on image data output from the means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fifth aspect, a notification means for notifying a user that image formation with a monochrome image is executed before execution of image formation with a monochrome image, and a monochrome image. An image forming system comprising: an input unit that allows a user to input whether or not execution of image formation with a monochrome image is allowed before execution of image formation.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the number of pages constituting the image data exceeds a first reference value set in advance, An image forming system that determines that color printing is not possible.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the number of pages constituting the image data is less than a second reference value set in advance, An image forming system that determines that color printing is possible.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the remaining amount of the colorant used for forming a color image by the image forming means is detected. The image forming system is characterized in that when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit falls below a third reference value set in advance, it is determined that color printing is not possible.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the remaining amount of the colorant used for forming a color image by the image forming unit is detected. The image forming system is characterized in that when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit exceeds a preset fourth reference value, it is determined that color printing is possible.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the user can select whether or not to execute the color printing enable / disable determination process by the determination unit. An image forming system comprising a selection unit.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, when the user designates color printing, a user interface screen for inputting the designation can be displayed. A display unit, and when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible, the user interface screen is displayed on the display unit in a manner in which color printing can be specified, and color determination is not possible by the determination unit In the image forming system, the user interface screen is displayed on the display unit in such a manner that color printing cannot be specified.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. The image forming apparatus includes a determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when the aggregation number (N) set in the Nin1 mode set by the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and determines that color printing is not possible when the number is less than the predetermined value. The image forming unit executes image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. Device.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. The image forming apparatus includes: a determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when a scale ratio set by a user is equal to or less than a predetermined value; The image forming apparatus is configured to execute color image formation based on the image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. In an image forming apparatus comprising And the image forming unit executes image formation with a color image based on the image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. An image forming apparatus.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, wherein the aggregation number in the Nin1 mode (N ) Is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that color printing is possible, and if it is less than the predetermined value, a determination process is performed to determine that color printing is not possible. Is a program for controlling an image forming apparatus, which causes image formation by a color image to be executed.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data, wherein a scale ratio set by a user is a predetermined value or less. In this case, it is determined that color printing is possible, and when a predetermined value is exceeded, a determination process is performed to determine that color printing is not possible. An image forming apparatus control program that executes image formation.

  The invention according to claim 18 is a program for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on the image data, and occupies the image formed on the recording medium. When the amount or occupancy is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that color printing is possible, and when it exceeds a predetermined value, a determination process is performed to determine that color printing is not possible. An image forming apparatus control program that causes an image forming apparatus to perform image formation using a color image.

<Invention of Claims 1, 13, and 16>
According to the image forming system according to claim 1, the image forming apparatus according to claim 13, and the image forming apparatus control program according to claim 16, a color image when the aggregation number N in the so-called Nin1 mode is a predetermined value or more. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the total number of printed sheets or the total printing area of color images. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the colorant used for forming the color image while enabling the image forming function based on the color image to be executed under a predetermined condition.

<Inventions of Claims 2, 14, and 17>
According to the image forming system according to claim 2, the image forming apparatus according to claim 14, and the image forming apparatus control program according to claim 17, the color image is used when the scale ratio set by the user is a predetermined value or less. Since image formation can be executed, the total print area of color images can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the colorant used for forming the color image while enabling the image forming function based on the color image to be executed under a predetermined condition.

<Invention of Claims 3, 15 and 18>
According to the image forming system according to claim 3, the image forming apparatus according to claim 15, and the image forming apparatus control program according to claim 18, the occupation amount or the occupation ratio of the image formed on the recording medium is increased. Since the image formation with the color image can be executed when the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the total printing area with the color image can be suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the colorant used for forming the color image while enabling the image forming function based on the color image to be executed under a predetermined condition.

<Invention of Claim 4>
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming system further includes setting means capable of arbitrarily setting the predetermined value. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to significantly reduce the consumption of the colorant, the predetermined value can be set larger (or smaller). On the other hand, when the consumption of the colorant does not need to be reduced so much, the predetermined value can be set smaller (or larger).

<Invention of Claim 5>
According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect, even when the determination unit determines that color printing is not possible, the image formation with the monochrome image is executed. Therefore, since the user can acquire a printed material using a monochrome image instead of a printed material using a color image, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a printed material cannot be acquired at all.

<Invention of Claim 6>
According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to leave the final decision to execute the image formation with the monochrome image to the user's judgment. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming system that is easier to use.

<Invention of Claim 7>
According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, in order to determine that color printing is not possible when the number of pages constituting the image data exceeds a preset first reference value, color is not applied to a printed matter having a large number of pages. Execution of image formation by an image can be restricted.

<Invention of Claim 8>
According to the image forming system of the eighth aspect, since it is determined that color printing is possible when the number of pages constituting the image data is less than a preset second reference value, color is printed on a printed matter with a small number of pages. It is possible to allow execution of image formation by an image.

<Invention of Claim 9>
According to the image forming system of the ninth aspect, in order to determine that the color printing is impossible when the remaining amount of the colorant used for forming the color image is lower than the preset third reference value, When the amount is small, it is possible to limit the execution of image formation with a color image.

<Invention of Claim 10>
According to the image forming system of the tenth aspect, in order to determine that color printing is possible when the remaining amount of the colorant used for forming the color image exceeds a preset fourth reference value, When the amount is large, it is possible to allow execution of image formation with a color image.

<Invention of Claim 11>
According to the image forming system of the eleventh aspect, the user can select whether or not to execute the color print enable / disable determination process. Thereby, it is possible to execute the determination process according to the convenience and situation of the user, for example, it is possible to execute the determination process when it is particularly desired to limit the consumption of the colorant.

<Invention of Claim 12>
According to the image forming system of the twelfth aspect, the user cannot perform the color printing if the user cannot see the color printing by looking at the user interface screen displayed on the display unit. It is possible to easily recognize that color printing can be executed if it is an aspect in which color printing can be designated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of printing system)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printing system 100.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 is configured by connecting a personal computer 110 and a multifunction peripheral 1 via, for example, a LAN cable 102. When the multifunction device 1 receives the image data output from the personal computer 110, the multifunction device 1 selectively executes image formation using a color image or a monochrome image based on the received image data. In the present embodiment, the printing system 100 corresponds to the “image forming system” of the present invention. The personal computer 110 corresponds to the “image data output means” of the present invention. The multi function device 1 corresponds to the “image forming unit” or “image forming apparatus” of the present invention.

(Personal computer)
As shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer 110 as an example of an image data output unit includes an operation unit 111 (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) that accepts an input operation from the outside, a preview screen of an image to be printed, and a user interface. A display unit 112 (for example, a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal monitor) capable of displaying a screen, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a CPU 115, a hard disk (HDD) 116, and a network interface (network I / F) 117 is configured. Has been. The hard disk 116 stores application software and a printer driver for creating image data to be output to the multifunction device 1. The CPU 115 reads application software, a printer driver, and the like from the hard disk 116 and executes them based on a start command or the like input from the operation unit 111. As will be described later, the CPU 115 can execute a determination process for determining whether or not to perform color printing in the multifunction device 1. The CPU 115 corresponds to the “determination means” of the present invention.

  The ROM 113 stores in advance various control programs for controlling the personal computer 110, various set values, initial values, and the like.

The RAM 114 temporarily stores various control programs read from the ROM 113 by the CPU 115, various setting values, initial values, and the like.
In the RAM 114, various designations input by the user operating the operation unit 111 (designation of the number of prints, designation of the print scale ratio, designation of the Nin1 mode, designation of the number N of aggregates, print density, etc. Designation, color printing / monochrome printing, etc.) or various designations input by the user operating the operation unit 39 of the multifunction device 1 (designation of the number of prints, designation of the print scale ratio, Nin1 mode , Designation of the number of aggregation N, designation of printing darkness, designation of color printing / monochrome printing, etc.) are temporarily stored.
Further, the RAM 114 temporarily stores image data created by application software or a printer driver in the personal computer 110.

  When the user performs a predetermined operation, a print request command is output from the operation unit 111 to the CPU 115. When the CPU 115 receives a print request command from the operation unit 111, the image data created by the application software is transferred to the printer driver, and the printer driver converts (decompresses) the image data into, for example, PDL data. Processing is executed. Next, the image data is output to the multifunction device 1 via the network interface 117 and the LAN cable 102.

(Multifunction machine)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the multifunction device 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the multifunction device 1 in a state where the document cover 35 is lifted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction machine 1 as an example of an image forming unit is an apparatus that integrally includes a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. An image forming unit 10 for forming an image on a sheet 5 as an example of a recording medium is accommodated in the main body 2 of the multifunction device 1. A document reading unit 3 for reading a facsimile document or a copy document is provided on the upper part of the main unit 2 of the multifunction machine 1.

(Configuration of MFP)
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the main body 2 of the multifunction machine 1. In the following description, the left side in FIG.
The main body 2 includes a substantially box-shaped casing 4, and a paper feed tray 6 is provided at the bottom of the casing 4 so as to be drawn forward. A plurality of sheets 5 can be accommodated in the sheet feeding tray 6 in a stacked state. A paper feed roller 7 is provided above the front end portion of the paper feed tray 6, and a single sheet 5 stacked on the top of the paper feed tray 6 by the rotation of the paper feed roller 7 is fed. It is sent out to a registration roller 8 provided above the roller 7. The registration roller 8 feeds the paper 5 onto the rear belt unit 11 at a predetermined timing.

  An image forming unit 10 is provided above the paper feed tray 6 in the casing 4. The image forming unit 10 includes a belt unit 11, four process units 12 </ b> M, 12 </ b> C, 12 </ b> Y, and 12 </ b> K, four exposure units 13, and a fixing device 14.

  The belt unit 11 has a conveying belt 18 installed horizontally between a pair of front and rear support rollers 16, 17. The belt unit 11 circulates and moves when the rear support roller 17 is driven to rotate, and the paper 5 placed on the upper surface thereof. To the rear. Inside the transport belt 18, four transfer rollers 19 are provided in the front and rear side so as to face each photosensitive drum 26 included in each of the process units 12M, 12C, 12Y, and 12K.

  The exposure unit 13 emits laser light L corresponding to one color of image data from the light source, and the laser light L is rotated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 via a polygon mirror or the like that is rotationally driven by the polygon motor 21. Irradiate with high-speed scanning.

  The process units 12M, 12C, 12Y, and 12K respectively include a toner storage chamber 23 that stores magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) toner, a supply roller 24, and a development roller 25. A photosensitive drum 26, a scorotron charger 27, and the like. The M, C, and Y toners stored in the toner storage chamber 23 correspond to the “colorant” of the present invention. The four toner storage chambers 23 for storing the M, C, Y, and K toners are provided with a remaining amount detection unit 22 for detecting the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner storage chamber 23. . The remaining amount detection unit 22 includes a light projecting element and a light receiving element that are disposed so as to sandwich the toner storage chamber 23 from both left and right sides, and windows provided on both side walls of the toner storage chamber 23. Light emitted from the light projecting element passes through the window and is received by the light receiving element to detect the remaining amount of toner. This remaining amount detecting unit 22 corresponds to the “remaining amount detecting means” of the present invention.

  The toner stored in the toner storage chamber 23 is supplied to the developing roller 25 by the rotation of the supply roller 24. The toner supplied to the developing roller 25 is positively charged by friction between the supply roller 24 and the developing roller 25. As the photosensitive drum 26 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 is first uniformly charged positively by the scorotron charger 27 and then exposed by the laser light L from the exposure unit 13. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed on the paper 5 is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 26. Next, the toner on the developing roller 25 is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 by the rotation of the developing roller 25, the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image, the electrostatic latent image is visualized, and a toner image is formed. The toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 26 is transferred onto the paper 5 by the transfer bias voltage applied to the transfer roller 19 while the paper 5 passes between the photosensitive drum 26 and the transfer roller 19. Is done.

  The fixing device 14 includes a heating roller 28 having a heat source, and a pressure roller 29 that presses the paper 5 toward the heating roller 28. As the sheet 5 passes between the pressure roller 29 and the heating roller 28, the toner image carried on the sheet 5 is thermally fixed to the sheet surface. Then, the sheet 5 on which the toner is thermally fixed by the fixing device 14 is conveyed upward and discharged onto a discharge tray 30 provided on the upper surface of the casing 4.

(Original reading section)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the document reading unit 3 includes a document placement unit 33 made of a transparent glass plate. An original is placed on the original placement portion 33 when the original is read by a so-called flat bed method. Further, the upper surface of the document placing portion 33 is covered with a document cover 35 having an ADF 34 so as to be opened and closed. The ADF 34 includes a document tray 36 on which a plurality of documents can be stacked. The document tray 36 is provided with a document detection sensor (not shown) using a photo sensor or the like for detecting whether or not a document is placed. The ADF 34 conveys the originals placed on the original tray 36 one by one, and discharges the originals after they are read by a CCD image sensor (not shown) described below.

  A CCD image sensor is provided below the document placing portion 33. This CCD image sensor is composed of photodiodes arranged in a line in the front-rear direction, and the reflected light when the strong light emitted from the light source is applied to the document is received by the individual photodiodes. The light intensity (brightness) of the reflected light is detected for each pixel and converted into an electrical signal. The document reading unit 3 can read an image formed on the surface of the document as image data by converting this electrical signal into digital data by an A / D converter (not shown). The image data read by the document reading unit 3 is temporarily stored in the RAM 43 or directly output to the image forming unit 10. Based on the image data output from the document reading unit 3, image formation in the image forming unit 10 is executed.

  An operation unit 39 is provided on the upper surface of the document reading unit 3. The operation unit 39 includes various buttons, a touch panel screen, and the like. The user can input a print start command or the like for starting printing by the multifunction device 1 by operating the operation unit 39. In addition, the user operates the operation unit 39 to specify the number of copies to be printed, to specify the printing scale ratio, to specify the Nin1 mode, to specify the aggregation number N, to specify the printing density, and to specify color printing / monochrome printing. It is possible to input various specifications such as.

(Electric configuration of the multifunction device)
FIG. 1 shows a simplified electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 includes an operation unit 39, an image forming unit 10, a ROM 41, a RAM 43, a CPU 42, a document reading unit 3, a remaining amount detection unit 22, a network interface 40, It has.

  The ROM 41 stores in advance various control programs, various setting values, initial values, and the like for controlling the multifunction machine 1.

The RAM 43 temporarily stores various control programs read by the CPU 42 from the ROM 41, various set values, initial values, and the like.
In the RAM 43, various designations input by the user operating the operation unit 39 (designation of the number of prints, designation of the print scale ratio, designation of the Nin1 mode, designation of the number N of aggregates, and print density are also provided. Designation, color printing / monochrome printing, etc.) or various designations input by the user operating the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110 (designation of the number of prints, designation of the print scale ratio, Nin1 mode , Designation of the number of aggregation N, designation of printing darkness, designation of color printing / monochrome printing, etc.) are temporarily stored.
Further, the RAM 43 temporarily stores image data output from the document reading unit 3 or image data output from the personal computer 110.

  The CPU 42 controls each component of the multifunction device 1 according to various control programs and various setting values read from the ROM 41. Further, the CPU 42 performs control for executing image forming processing based on the image data read from the RAM 43 in the image forming unit 10. Further, as will be described later, the CPU 42 can execute a determination process for determining whether or not to perform color printing in the multifunction device 1. The CPU 42 corresponds to “determination means” in the present invention.

  The multi-function device 1 is connected to the personal computer 110 via the network interface 40. As a result, it is possible to output image data created by application software or a printer driver in the personal computer 110 to the multi function device 1. Also, various designations (designation of the number of prints, designation of the print scale ratio, designation of the Nin1 mode, designation of the number of aggregations N, designation of the printing density, color printing / Monochrome printing designation etc.) can be output to the multifunction device 1.

The multifunction device 1 can execute printing in a so-called Nin1 mode.
The Nin1 mode is a mode in which images for N pages are printed on one sheet of paper 5. That is, one sheet of paper 5 is divided into N, and an image for one page is printed in each of the divided areas. For example, when the aggregation number N is 4, images for four pages are printed in the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right areas on one sheet of paper 5, respectively. By executing this Nin1 mode, the total number of printed sheets can be reduced.

  When printing in the Nin1 mode, the designation of the Nin1 mode is input by operating the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110, or the designation of the Nin1 mode is performed by operating the operation unit 39 of the multifunction device 1. Enter.

  When specifying the aggregation number N in the Nin1 mode, the aggregation number N is input by operating the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110 or the operation unit 39 of the multifunction machine 1 is operated. Enter. The aggregation number N can be selected and input from numerical values prepared in advance, such as 2, 4, 9, 16, and the like.

In addition, the multifunction device 1 can specify the scale of printing.
In other words, the scale ratio is a printing magnification. The scale ratio is input by operating the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110 or by operating the operation unit 39 of the multifunction machine 1. The scale ratio can be arbitrarily specified within a range of 25% to 400%, for example.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 can specify color printing / monochrome printing. However, depending on the result of the determination process described below, it is impossible to specify color printing. The designation of color printing / monochrome printing can be input by operating the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110 or operating the operation unit 39 of the multifunction machine 1.

  It should be noted that the Nin1 mode designation, the aggregation number N designation, the scale ratio designation, the color printing / monochrome printing designation, and the like are input by the user via the user interface screen displayed on the display unit 112 of the personal computer 110. It is possible to configure. Alternatively, it is possible to configure the user to input via a touch panel screen as an example of the operation unit 39.

(Color printing start processing)
Hereinafter, “color printing start processing” for causing the multifunction device 1 to start color printing will be described in detail. The “color printing start process” can be executed by the CPU 115 of the personal computer 110 or the CPU 42 of the multifunction machine 1. Below, the example performed in CPU115 of the personal computer 110 is demonstrated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the color printing start process.
When the user inputs a color printing start command, the CPU 115 executes “color printing start processing” shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when a monochrome printing start command is input by the user, the “color printing start process” shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is not executed (normal monochrome printing is executed).

In the color printing start process, first, it is determined whether or not to execute the “determination process” in step S12 (step S10).
That is, the user can arbitrarily select whether or not the CPU 115 executes “determination processing” for determining whether or not color printing is possible. For example, when selecting to execute “determination process”, a command meaning “execute determination process” is input by the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110. On the other hand, when selecting not to execute the “determination process”, an instruction that means “do not execute the determination process” is input by the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110. These commands input by the user are stored in advance as set values in the RAM 114, the hard disk 116, or the like. Then, the CPU 115 reads out these set values stored in the RAM 114, the hard disk 116, etc., so that it can be determined whether or not to execute “determination processing” (step S10).
The operation unit 111 for the user to select whether or not to execute “determination processing” by the CPU 115 corresponds to the “selecting means” of the present invention.

If it is determined in step S10 that “execute the determination process (YES)”, the process proceeds to the next step S11.
If it is determined in step S10 that “determination processing is not executed (NO)”, color printing based on the image data is executed (step S14), and the color printing start processing ends.

  In step S11, the CPU 115 reads out various setting values stored in the RAM 114, the hard disk 116, and the like.

In step S11, for example, the following set values are read out.
(A) Setting value for setting whether to execute determination processing based on the number of aggregation N (b) Setting value for setting whether to execute determination processing based on the scale factor K (c) Occupancy rate C (D) Setting value for setting whether to execute determination processing based on (d) Setting value for setting whether to execute determination processing based on toner remaining amount R (e) Determination processing based on page number P Setting value for setting whether to perform (f) Threshold number N1 of the number of aggregation N
(G) Threshold value K1 of the scale factor K
(H) Occupancy C threshold C1
(I) Threshold values R1 and R2 of the toner remaining amount R
(J) Threshold values P1 and P2 for the number of pages P

The set values (a) to (j) read out in step S11 can be previously input by the user through the operation unit 111 and stored in the RAM 114, the hard disk 116, or the like.
The operation unit 111 that allows the user to arbitrarily set the setting values (a) to (j) corresponds to the “setting unit” of the present invention.

  After the set values (a) to (j) are read in step S11, the process proceeds to the next step S12.

In step S12, a “determination process” for determining whether color printing is possible or not is executed.
In this determination process, “determination process 1” shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 or “determination process 2” shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is executed. In the following, “determination process 1” will be described first, and then “determination process 2” will be described.

(Determination process)
The “determination process 1” shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.
In the determination process 1, it is first determined whether or not the aggregation number N is greater than or equal to the threshold value N1 (step S20). The aggregation number N is a value input by the user through the operation unit 111 or the like every time color printing start processing is executed (that is, the aggregation number of printing to be executed from now on). The threshold value N1 is a value set in advance by a user, a manager in a department, or the like as a threshold value for the number of aggregation N.

  For example, if the preset threshold value N1 is “4”, it is determined whether or not the aggregation number N is 4 or more. When it is determined that the aggregation number N is 4 or more (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S21. If it is determined that the aggregation number N is not 4 or more (that is, the aggregation number N is less than the threshold value N1) (NO), the process proceeds to step S26, where “color printing is not possible” is determined, and the flowchart of FIG. Return to (Return).

  In step S21, it is determined whether or not the scale factor K is equal to or less than the threshold value K1. The scale factor K is a value that is input by the user through the operation unit 111 or the like every time the color printing start process is executed (that is, the scale factor of printing to be executed from now on). The threshold value K1 is a value set in advance by the user, a manager in the department, or the like as the threshold value of the scale factor K.

  For example, if the preset threshold value K1 is “50 (%)”, it is determined whether or not the scale factor K is 50% or less. When it is determined that the scale ratio K is 50% or less (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S22. If it is determined that the scale ratio K is not 50% or less (NO), the process proceeds to step S26, where “color printing is not possible” is determined, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 (return).

In step S22, it is determined whether or not the occupation ratio C is equal to or less than the threshold value C1.
The occupation ratio C is an occupation ratio of an image formed on the paper 5. The occupation ratio C can be calculated based on image data read by the document reading unit 3 or image data created by application software in the personal computer 110 or the like. The occupation ratio C can be calculated by the CPU 115 of the personal computer 110 or the CPU 42 of the multifunction machine 1.

  For example, when image data is expressed by 0 and 1 data for each dot unit, 0 corresponds to a portion where no image is formed (a portion where toner is not attached) and 1 corresponds to a portion where an image is formed (a portion where toner is attached). If it is assumed, the occupation ratio can be calculated by the ratio of 0 and 1. If the numbers 0 and 1 are the same, the occupation ratio is 50%.

  For example, if the preset threshold C1 is “30 (%)”, it is determined whether or not the occupation ratio C is 30% or less. When it is determined that the occupation ratio C is 30% or less (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S23. If it is determined that the occupation ratio C is not 30% or less (NO), the process proceeds to step S26, where “color printing is not possible” is determined, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 (return).

In step S22, the same processing can be realized by “occupation amount” instead of “occupation rate”.
In other words, when the image data is represented by 0 and 1 data for each dot unit, 0 is ignored and the number of 1 is counted, so that the counted number of “1” is “occupation amount C ′”. It can be. And it is possible to implement | achieve the process similar to said step S22 by determining whether this occupation amount C 'is below threshold value C1'.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the remaining toner amount R is below the threshold value R1. The remaining toner amount R can be detected by the remaining amount detection unit 22. The threshold value R1 is a value preset as a threshold value of the toner remaining amount R by a user, a manager in the department, or the like.

  For example, if the preset threshold value R1 is “10%”, it is determined whether or not the remaining toner amount R is less than 10%. If it is determined that the toner remaining amount R is less than 10% (YES), the process proceeds to step S26, where “color printing is not possible” is determined, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 (return). If it is determined that the toner remaining amount R is not less than 10% (NO), the process proceeds to the next step S24.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not the page number P exceeds the threshold value P1.
The page number P is the number of pages when an image based on image data is formed on the paper 5. The page number P can be calculated based on image data read by the document reading unit 3 or image data created by application software or the like in the personal computer 110. The page number P can be calculated by the CPU 115 of the personal computer 110 or the CPU 42 of the multifunction machine 1. The threshold value P1 is a value set in advance by a user, a manager in a department, or the like as a threshold value for the number of pages P.

  For example, if the preset threshold value P1 is “10 pages”, it is determined whether or not the page number P exceeds 10 pages. If it is determined that the page number P exceeds 10 pages (YES), the process proceeds to step S26, where “color printing is not possible” is determined, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 (return). When it is determined that the page number P does not exceed 10 pages (NO), the process proceeds to the next step S25.

In step S25, it is determined that color printing is possible. Conversely, in step S26, it is determined that color printing is not possible. These results determined by the CPU 115 are temporarily stored in the RAM 114 or the like.
When the process of step S25 or step S26 ends, “determination process 1” in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends. After the “determination process 1” is completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and proceeds to the next step S13 (return).

Next, “determination process 2” shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described.
The process from step S30 to step S32 in the determination process 2 is substantially the same as the process from step S20 to step 22 in the determination process 1. However, in step S32, when it is determined that the occupation ratio C is equal to or less than the threshold value C1 (YES), the process proceeds to step S35, where “color printing is possible” is determined. When it is determined that the aggregation number N is not equal to or greater than the threshold value N1, when it is determined that the scale factor K is not equal to or less than the threshold value K1, or when it is determined that the occupation ratio C is not equal to or less than the threshold value C1 (NO) The process proceeds to the next step S33.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not the toner remaining amount R exceeds a threshold value R2. The threshold value R2 is a value preset as a threshold value of the toner remaining amount R by a user, a manager in the department, or the like.

  For example, when the preset threshold value R2 is “20%”, it is determined whether or not the remaining toner amount R exceeds 20%. If it is determined that the toner remaining amount R exceeds 20% (YES), the process proceeds to step S35, and it is determined that “color printing is possible”. If it is determined that the toner remaining amount R does not exceed 20% (NO), the process proceeds to the next step S34.

  In step S34, it is determined whether or not the page number P is below the threshold value P2. The threshold value P2 is a value set in advance by a user, a manager in a department, or the like as a threshold value for the number of pages P.

  For example, when the preset threshold value P2 is “5 pages”, it is determined whether or not the page number P is less than 5 pages. If it is determined that the page number P is less than 5 pages (YES), the process proceeds to step S35, where it is determined that “color printing is possible”. If it is determined that the page number P is not less than 5 pages (NO), the process proceeds to step S36, where “color printing is not possible” is determined, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 (return).

  When the above-described “determination process 1” or “determination process 2” ends, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and proceeds to the next step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether color printing is possible.
That is, in the “determination process” in step S12, it is determined whether or not color printing is possible, and the determination result is stored in the RAM 114 or the like. The CPU 115 determines whether or not color printing is possible by reading the determination result stored in the RAM 114 or the like.

If it is determined in step S13 that color printing is possible (YES), the process proceeds to step S14.
If it is determined in step S13 that color printing is not possible (NO), the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S14, a color printing process is executed. That is, a command for starting the execution of color printing is output from the personal computer 110 to the multifunction device 1. When the multifunction device 1 receives the color printing start command, the image forming unit 10 starts forming a color image based on the image data.

  In step S15, the user is notified that image formation using a monochrome image is to be executed. The notification means is not particularly limited. For example, a sound that “executes image formation using a monochrome image” may be generated from a sound source such as a speaker provided in the personal computer 110. Alternatively, characters such as “execute image formation using a monochrome image” may be displayed on the screen of a CRT monitor as an example of the display unit 112. In this case, a speaker, a CRT monitor, or the like corresponds to the “notification unit” of the present invention. After the notification, the process proceeds to the next step S16.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not to execute monochrome printing.
That is, the user can input whether or not to execute image formation using a monochrome image via the operation unit 111 of the personal computer 110 (or the operation unit 39 of the multifunction machine 1). If the user inputs a “monochrome print ready” command, it is determined that monochrome printing is possible (YES), and the process proceeds to the next step S17. On the other hand, when the instruction “monochrome printing is not possible” is input by the user, it is determined that monochrome printing is not possible (NO), and the color printing start process in the flowchart of FIG. 5 ends. Note that the operation unit 111 (or the operation unit 39) that allows the user to input permission for execution of image formation with a monochrome image corresponds to the “input unit” of the present invention.

  In step S17, a monochrome printing process is executed. That is, a command for starting execution of monochrome printing is output from the personal computer 110 to the multifunction device 1. When the multifunction device 1 receives the monochrome printing start command, the image forming unit 10 starts forming a monochrome image based on the image data. When the monochrome printing process ends, the color printing start process in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends.

The determination process described above may be executed entirely or only partially.
That is,
1. Judgment processing based on the number of aggregation N (steps S20 and S30)
2. Judgment processing based on scale factor K (steps S21 and S31)
3. Determination process based on occupation rate C (steps S22 and S32)
4). Determination process based on toner remaining amount R (steps S23 and S33)
5. Judgment processing based on page number P (steps S24 and S34)
These determination processes 1 to 5 may be executed entirely or only partially. Whether or not to execute these determination processes can be set in advance by the user. For example, in step S11, the CPU 115 reads the setting values (a) to (e) described above from the RAM 114, the hard disk 116, and the like, thereby determining whether or not to execute each of the determination processes 1 to 5 described above. it can.

  Of the set values read by the CPU 115 in step S11, the threshold value N1, the threshold value K1, and the threshold value C1 correspond to the “predetermined value” of the present invention.

  Of the set values read by the CPU 115 in step S11, the threshold value P1 corresponds to the “first reference value” of the present invention. The threshold value P2 corresponds to the “second reference value” of the present invention. The threshold value R1 corresponds to the “third reference value” of the present invention. The threshold value R2 corresponds to the “fourth reference value” of the present invention.

(User interface screen)
The display unit 112 of the personal computer 110 can display a user interface screen for inputting the designation when the user designates color / monochrome printing.

  As will be described below, when it is determined in step S13 that “color printing is possible”, it is preferable to display the user interface screen on the display unit 112 in a manner in which color printing can be designated. If it is determined in step S13 that “color printing is not possible”, it is preferable to display the user interface screen on the display unit 112 in a manner in which color printing cannot be specified.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are examples of user interface screens for inputting color / monochrome printing designation and designation of the aggregate number N in the Nin1 mode.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the user designates “4” as the aggregation number N, it is determined in step S13 that “color printing is possible” (however, when the threshold value N1 = 4, and This is a case where the determination process other than the aggregation number N is not performed.) In this case, the box for designating color / monochrome printing is displayed in a manner that can be designated for either color printing or monochrome printing.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the user designates “2” as the aggregation number N, it is determined in step S13 that “color printing is not possible” (however, when the threshold value N1 = 4, and This is a case where the determination process other than the aggregation number N is not performed.) In this case, the box for designating color / monochrome printing is displayed in such a manner that only monochrome printing can be designated.

  10 and 11 are examples of user interface screens for inputting color / monochrome print designation and scale ratio K designation.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the user designates “50%” as the scale factor K, it is determined in step S13 that “color printing is possible” (however, when the threshold value K1 = 50%, In addition, this is a case where a determination process other than the scale factor K is not performed.) In this case, the box for designating color / monochrome printing is displayed in a manner that can be designated for either color printing or monochrome printing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the user specifies “70%” as the scale factor K, it is determined that “color printing is not possible” in step S13 (however, when the threshold value K1 = 50%, In addition, this is a case where a determination process other than the scale factor K is not performed.) In this case, the box for designating color / monochrome printing is displayed in such a manner that only monochrome printing can be designated.

(program)
The present invention can also be constructed as a control program for the multifunction machine 1. That is, the present invention can be constructed as an electronic computer program that combines instructions for causing the CPU 115 or the CPU 42 to execute “color printing start processing” and “determination processing”. Such a program can be executed, for example, by the CPU 115 reading out what is stored in the ROM 113 or the like.

In the present invention, (1) when image data output from the personal computer 110 is printed on the paper 5 in the multifunction machine 1, (2) image data read by the document reading unit 3 is placed on the paper 5 in the multifunction machine 1. In the case of printing, any of them can be carried out.
In the case of (1), the personal computer 110 corresponds to the “image data output means” of the present invention, the multifunction device 1 corresponds to the “image forming means” of the present invention, and the printing system 100 that combines the two is the present invention. This corresponds to the “image forming system”.
In the case of (2), the document reading unit 3 corresponds to the “image data output unit” of the present invention, the image forming unit 10 corresponds to the “image forming unit” of the present invention, and the multifunction device 1 corresponds to the “image data output unit” of the present invention. Corresponds to "forming apparatus".

(Effect of this embodiment)
According to the printing system 100 or the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In order to execute the determination process based on the aggregation number N (steps S20 and S30), when the aggregation number N in the so-called Nin1 mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is possible to perform image formation with a color image. In this case, it is possible to suppress the total number of prints or the total print area of the color image. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the consumption amount of the colorant (color toner) used for forming the color image while enabling the image forming function based on the color image to be executed under a predetermined condition.

  Since the determination process (steps S21 and S31) based on the scale factor K is executed, image formation with a color image can be performed when the scale factor set by the user is a predetermined value or less. In this case, it is possible to suppress the total printing area by the color image. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the colorant used for forming the color image while enabling the image forming function based on the color image to be executed under a predetermined condition.

  In order to execute the determination process based on the occupation ratio C or the occupation amount C ′ (steps S22 and S32), when the occupation amount or the occupation ratio of the image formed on the recording medium is equal to or less than a predetermined value, image formation with a color image is performed. Can be executed. In this case, it is possible to suppress the total printing area by the color image. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the colorant used for forming the color image while enabling the image forming function based on the color image to be executed under a predetermined condition.

  Also, the set values (a) to (j) described above can be arbitrarily set. For this reason, for example, when it is desired to significantly reduce the consumption of the colorant, the threshold value N1 of the aggregation number N is set larger, the threshold value K1 of the scale factor K is set smaller, or is occupied The threshold C1 of the rate C can be set smaller. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to reduce the colorant consumption so much, the threshold value N1 of the aggregation number N is set smaller, the threshold value K1 of the scale factor K is set larger, The threshold value C1 of the occupation ratio C can be set larger.

  Even if it is determined that “color printing is not possible” in step S13, image formation with a monochrome image is executed in step S17. Therefore, since the user can acquire a printed material using a monochrome image instead of a printed material using a color image, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a printed material cannot be acquired at all.

  Further, in step S16, the final decision to execute image formation with a monochrome image can be left to the user's judgment. As a result, a more convenient image forming system or image forming apparatus can be realized.

  Further, in order to determine that color printing is not possible when the number of pages constituting the image data exceeds a preset first reference value (YES in step S24), image formation with a color image is performed on a printed matter with a large number of pages. It becomes possible to restrict the execution of.

  Further, in order to determine that color printing is possible when the number of pages constituting the image data falls below a preset second reference value (YES in step S34), image formation with a color image is performed on a printed matter with a small number of pages. Can be allowed to execute.

  Further, in order to determine that color printing is not possible when the remaining amount of the colorant used for forming the color image falls below a preset third reference value (YES in step S23), when the remaining amount of the colorant is small It is possible to limit the execution of image formation using a color image.

  Further, in order to determine that color printing is possible when the remaining amount of the colorant used for forming the color image exceeds the preset fourth reference value (YES in step S33), when the remaining amount of the colorant is large It is possible to allow execution of image formation using a color image.

  Also, in step S10, the user can select whether or not to execute the color printing enable / disable determination process. Thereby, it is possible to execute the determination process according to the convenience and situation of the user, for example, it is possible to execute the determination process when it is particularly desired to limit the consumption of the colorant.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the user cannot perform color printing by looking at the user interface screen displayed on the display unit if color printing cannot be specified. It is possible to easily recognize that color printing can be performed if it is an aspect in which color printing can be designated.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a multifunction machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a multifunction machine in a state where a document cover is lifted. 2 is a side sectional view showing an internal structure of a main body of the multifunction machine. FIG. It is a flowchart of a color printing start process. 10 is a flowchart of determination processing 1; 10 is a flowchart of determination processing 2; It is an example of a user interface screen for inputting designation of color / monochrome printing and designation of the aggregate number N in the Nin1 mode. It is an example of a user interface screen for inputting designation of color / monochrome printing and designation of the aggregate number N in the Nin1 mode. It is an example of a user interface screen for inputting designation of color / monochrome printing and designation of scale factor K. It is an example of a user interface screen for inputting designation of color / monochrome printing and designation of scale factor K.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming means, image forming apparatus)
2 Main unit 3 Document reading unit (image data output means)
4 Casing 5 Paper (Recording medium)
10 Image forming unit (image forming means)
22 Remaining amount detection unit (remaining amount detection means)
39 Operation section (input means)
42 CPU (determination means)
100 Printing system (image forming system)
110 personal computer 111 operation unit (setting means, selection means, input means)
112 Display (notification means)
115 CPU (determination means)
116 Hard disk 117 Network interface

Claims (18)

An image forming system comprising: image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data; and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. ,
A determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when the aggregation number (N) in the Nin1 mode set by the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
The image forming unit performs image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. . An image forming system comprising: image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data; and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. ,
A determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when the scale ratio set by the user is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, and that determines that color printing is not possible when the predetermined value is exceeded,
The image forming unit performs image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. . An image forming system comprising: image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data; and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. ,
Determination means for determining that color printing is possible when the occupation amount or occupation ratio of an image formed on a recording medium is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and determining that color printing is impossible when exceeding a predetermined value;
The image forming unit performs image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. . The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming system comprising a setting unit capable of arbitrarily setting the predetermined value. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image forming unit performs image formation with a monochrome image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is impossible. . The image forming system according to claim 5.
Informing means for informing the user that image formation with a monochrome image is to be executed before execution of image formation with a monochrome image;
An image forming system comprising: an input unit that allows a user to input permission / inhibition of execution of image formation with a monochrome image before execution of image formation with a monochrome image. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The determination unit determines that color printing is not possible when the number of pages constituting image data exceeds a preset first reference value. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The determination unit determines that color printing is possible when the number of pages constituting the image data falls below a preset second reference value. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of a colorant used for forming a color image by the image forming means,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that color printing is not possible when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is lower than a preset third reference value. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of a colorant used for forming a color image by the image forming means,
The determination unit determines that color printing is possible when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit exceeds a preset fourth reference value. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
An image forming system, comprising: a selection unit that allows a user to select whether or not to execute color printing enable / disable determination processing by the determination unit. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
When the user designates color printing, it has a display unit that can display a user interface screen for entering the designation,
If it is determined by the determination means that color printing is possible, the user interface screen is displayed on the display unit in a mode in which color printing can be specified,
When the determination unit determines that color printing is not possible, the image forming system displays the user interface screen on the display unit in a manner in which color printing cannot be specified. An image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data; and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. ,
A determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when the aggregation number (N) in the Nin1 mode set by the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
The image forming unit performs image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. . An image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data; and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. ,
A determination unit that determines that color printing is possible when the scale ratio set by the user is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, and that determines that color printing is not possible when the predetermined value is exceeded,
The image forming unit performs image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. . An image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data; and image data output means for outputting image data to the image forming means. ,
Determination means for determining that color printing is possible when the occupation amount or occupation ratio of an image formed on a recording medium is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and determining that color printing is impossible when exceeding a predetermined value;
The image forming unit performs image formation with a color image based on image data output from the image data output unit when the determination unit determines that color printing is possible. . A program for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data,
When the aggregation number (N) set in the Nin1 mode set by the user is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that color printing is possible, and when it is below the predetermined value, a determination process is performed to determine that color printing is not possible. An image forming apparatus control program that causes the image forming apparatus to perform image formation with a color image when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is possible. A program for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data,
When the scale ratio set by the user is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that color printing is possible, and when it exceeds the predetermined value, a determination process is performed to determine that color printing is not possible. A program for controlling an image forming apparatus, which causes the image forming apparatus to perform image formation with a color image. A program for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a color image or a monochrome image on a recording medium based on image data,
A determination process for determining that color printing is possible when an occupation amount or an occupation ratio of an image formed on the recording medium is equal to or less than a predetermined value; An image forming apparatus control program that causes the image forming apparatus to perform image formation with a color image when it is determined that color printing is possible.

Images