JP2006227444A - Printing apparatus, printing method, printing program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to quantitatively grasp the effect of reducing toner consumption in selecting respective image quality modes or a printing cost in selecting the respective image quality modes, regarding a printer equipped with the plurality of selectable image quality modes. <P>SOLUTION: Before the execution of a printing, the toner consumption and the printing cost required in selecting respective image quality modes such as a high image quality mode, a standard mode, a saving mode (a) and a saving mode (b) are precalculated and displayed based on the inputted image data. Printing is performed based on the image quality mode which is selected by the user after his/her reference to the aforesaid display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a printing apparatus that includes a plurality of image quality modes for printing input image data and selects one of the image quality modes for printing.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image processing apparatus that includes a normal printing mode and a toner saving mode in which black dots are thinned and printed. When the toner saving mode is selected, the image processing apparatus displays the image data when the black dot thinning process is performed, and then performs normal printing mode or toner saving mode printing according to the user's selection. To do. In other words, by displaying the image after black dot thinning before printing, whether the user prints with black dot thinning processing or without black dot thinning processing based on this image. It can be selected. Thus, in Patent Document 1, when the toner saving mode is selected, it is possible to prevent a problem that the printed characters or the like cannot be read.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that the above processing is performed when the remaining toner amount detecting unit detects that the remaining toner amount is low. In this case, in addition to preventing the printed matter from being defective as described above, it is possible to prevent the printing from being interrupted due to the absence of toner during printing when the remaining amount of toner is low.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-97161 (Publication date: April 14, 1998)

  By the way, an effect obtained by providing a plurality of image quality modes as described above is that toner consumption can be reduced by selecting image data to be printed or an image quality mode according to a user's request. It is a great advantage for the user that the cost for printing can be reduced by reducing the toner consumption.

  However, the conventional printing apparatus has a problem that the user cannot quantitatively grasp the toner consumption amount or the printing cost when each image quality mode is selected. That is, in the conventional printing apparatus, when each image quality mode is selected, the user cannot quantitatively grasp information such as how much toner amount is reduced or printing cost is reduced.

  In addition, for example, when there is a user's request that the unit price for printing per page is within a predetermined amount or about a predetermined amount, it is not possible to select an image quality mode according to the set printing unit price. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toner consumption amount and / or each image quality when each image quality mode is selected in a printing apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of image quality modes. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus in which a user can quantitatively grasp the printing cost when a mode is selected, or a printing apparatus capable of selecting an image quality mode according to a set value of a printing unit price. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing method for realizing such a printing apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the printing method, and a recording medium storing the program.

  In order to solve the above problems, the first printing apparatus of the present invention inputs an image corresponding to input image data in a printing apparatus that selects and prints one of a plurality of image quality modes. Toner consumption amount calculating means for calculating the toner consumption amount when the image corresponding to the image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption amount calculating means Display means for displaying the image and an operation input means for receiving an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for printing, and printing is performed in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction.

  According to the above configuration, the toner consumption amount calculation unit calculates the toner consumption amount when each image quality mode is selected before starting the printing of the image corresponding to the input image data, and the calculated result is displayed. Displayed on the means. As a result, the user can quantitatively grasp the toner consumption when printing by selecting each image quality mode, and select the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. can do. Further, the user can input an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for performing printing via the operation input unit, and can execute printing in the selected image quality mode. Therefore, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both image quality and toner consumption.

  In order to solve the above problem, the second printing apparatus of the present invention inputs an image corresponding to input image data in a printing apparatus that selects and prints one of a plurality of image quality modes. Toner consumption amount calculating means for calculating the toner consumption amount when the image corresponding to the image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption amount calculating means A printing cost calculation unit that calculates a printing cost when printing in each image quality mode, a display unit that displays a printing cost when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculation unit, and a printing And an operation input means for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for performing printing, and printing is performed in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction. That.

  According to the above configuration, the toner consumption amount calculation unit calculates the toner consumption amount when each image quality mode is selected before printing of the image corresponding to the input image data is started. Further, based on the calculation result, the printing cost calculation unit calculates the printing cost when each image quality mode is selected, and the display unit displays the printing cost when each calculated image quality mode is selected. Thus, the user can quantitatively grasp the printing cost when printing by selecting each image quality mode before starting printing, and selects the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. be able to. Further, the user can input an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for performing printing via the operation input unit, and can execute printing in the selected image quality mode. Therefore, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both image quality and printing cost.

  In order to solve the above problems, a third printing apparatus of the present invention inputs an image corresponding to input image data in a printing apparatus that selects and prints one of a plurality of image quality modes. Toner consumption amount calculating means for calculating the toner consumption amount when the image corresponding to the image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption amount calculating means A printing cost calculation unit that calculates a printing cost when printing in each of the image quality modes, a setting value input unit that receives an instruction relating to a setting value of the printing cost, and each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculation unit The image quality mode for selecting the image quality mode for printing on the basis of the printing cost when printing with the printer and the setting value received by the setting value input means. It is characterized in that it comprises a mode selection means.

  According to the above configuration, the toner consumption amount calculation unit calculates the toner consumption amount when each image quality mode is selected before printing of the image corresponding to the input image data is started. Further, based on the calculation result, the printing cost calculation unit calculates the printing cost when each image quality mode is selected. The image quality mode selection unit performs printing based on the print cost when printing is performed in each image quality mode calculated by the print cost calculation unit and the print cost setting value input via the setting value input unit. Select an image quality mode. Accordingly, it is possible to select the image quality mode corresponding to the print cost setting value desired by the user and execute printing. In this case, the user can cause the printing in the image quality mode corresponding to the input setting value by inputting the setting value of the printing cost via the setting value input unit.

  In the third printing apparatus, the setting value of the printing cost is an upper limit value of the printing cost, and the image quality mode selection unit can print at a printing cost equal to or lower than the upper limit value of the printing unit price, and more An image quality mode capable of printing a high-quality image may be selected as an image quality mode for printing.

  In this case, the image quality mode selection unit selects an image quality mode that can be printed at a printing cost that is equal to or lower than the set upper limit of the printing cost and that can print a higher quality image as the image quality mode for printing. Accordingly, the user can input a print cost upper limit value via the set value input means, thereby enabling printing with higher image quality at a print cost that is equal to or lower than the set upper limit value.

  Alternatively, in the third printing apparatus, the setting value of the printing cost is a target value of the printing cost, and the image quality mode selection unit selects an image quality mode in which printing can be performed at a printing cost closest to the target value of the printing unit price. The image quality mode for performing printing may be selected.

  In this case, the image quality mode selection unit selects an image quality mode that can be printed at a print cost closest to the set print cost target value as an image quality mode for printing. Therefore, the user can perform printing in an image quality mode in which printing can be performed at a printing cost closest to the set target value by inputting the print cost target value via the set value input means.

  In the second printing apparatus or the third printing apparatus, the printing cost may be a printing unit price per sheet.

  In this case, even when printing a plurality of jobs having different numbers of sheets, the user can relatively easily compare the printing costs of the jobs. Therefore, the user can appropriately manage the printing cost.

  The first printing apparatus or the second printing apparatus further includes a selection history storage unit that stores an accumulation of the number of times each image quality mode has been selected, and the operation input unit has an image quality mode for performing printing. An image quality mode selection means for selecting the image quality mode with the largest cumulative number stored in the selection history storage means when no selection instruction is given may be provided.

  In this case, for example, when the user does not input an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for printing to the operation input means, the image quality mode with the largest cumulative selection count is selected (default selection). Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the user wants to print in the frequently used image quality mode, the user can omit the image quality mode selection instruction input, so that the user's operability and convenience can be improved. it can.

  Further, in any one of the first to third printing apparatuses, the toner consumption amount calculation means calculates the toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode based on the gradation data of the input image data. It is good also as a structure to calculate.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately calculate a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each image quality mode.

  In this case, the toner consumption calculation means divides the gradation data of the input image data into a plurality of gradation ranges, and the toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to each gradation range and each gradation range. A configuration may be used in which the amount of toner consumed when printing in each of the image quality modes is calculated using a table in which the amount is associated.

  For example, when the number of gradations of the input image data is 256 gradations, the 256 gradations may be divided into 16 gradation ranges every 16 gradations. Then, a table is prepared in which each gradation range and a toner consumption amount in the case of printing an image corresponding to each gradation range are prepared, and based on this table, an image corresponding to input image data is each The amount of toner consumed when printing in the image quality mode may be calculated.

  According to the above configuration, it is more preferable than using a table in which each gradation value in gradation data of input image data is associated with a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to each gradation value is printed. The memory capacity for storing the table can be reduced.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first printing method of the present invention inputs an image corresponding to input image data in a printing method in which one of a plurality of image quality modes is selected and printed. A toner consumption calculation step for calculating a toner consumption amount when printing an image corresponding to image data in each image quality mode, and a toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculation step. A display step for displaying the image quality, an image quality mode input step for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing, and a print step for printing in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction.

  According to the above printing method, the toner consumption amount when each image quality mode is selected is calculated in the toner consumption amount calculation step before starting the printing of the image corresponding to the input image data, and the calculated result is Display in the display process. As a result, the user can quantitatively grasp the toner consumption when printing by selecting each image quality mode, and select the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. can do. Further, the user can input an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for printing in the image quality mode selection process, and can execute printing in the selected image quality mode in the printing process. Therefore, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both image quality and toner consumption.

  According to a second printing method of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, an image corresponding to input image data is input in a printing method in which one of a plurality of image quality modes is selected and printed. A toner consumption calculation step for calculating a toner consumption amount when printing an image corresponding to image data in each image quality mode, and a toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculation step. A printing cost calculation step for calculating the printing cost when printing in each of the image quality modes, a display step for displaying the printing cost for printing in each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculation step, and printing. An image quality mode input step for receiving an image quality mode selection instruction, and a printing step for printing in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction. It is characterized in that.

  According to the printing method described above, the toner consumption amount when each image quality mode is selected is calculated in the toner consumption amount calculation step before printing of an image corresponding to the input image data is started. Further, based on the calculation result, the printing cost when each image quality mode is selected is calculated in the printing cost calculation step, and the printing cost when each calculated image quality mode is selected is displayed in the display step. Thus, the user can quantitatively grasp the printing cost when printing by selecting each image quality mode before starting printing, and selects the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. be able to. In addition, the user can input an instruction to select an image quality mode for performing printing in the image quality mode input process, and can execute printing in the selected image quality mode in the printing process. Therefore, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both image quality and printing cost.

  According to a third printing method of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, an image input in the printing method in which an image corresponding to input image data is printed by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes. Toner consumption calculation step for calculating toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to the data in each image quality mode, and toner consumption when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculation step Based on the printing cost calculation step for calculating the printing cost in the case of printing in each image quality mode, the setting value input step for receiving an instruction regarding the setting value of the printing cost, and the image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculation step. An image quality mode for selecting an image quality mode for printing based on the printing cost for printing and the setting values received in the setting value input process. It is characterized in that it comprises a selection step.

  According to the printing method described above, the toner consumption amount when each image quality mode is selected is calculated in the toner consumption amount calculation step before printing of an image corresponding to the input image data is started. Further, based on the calculation result, the printing cost when each image quality mode is selected is calculated in the printing cost calculation step. In the image quality mode selection step, the image quality mode for performing printing based on the print cost when printing in each image quality mode calculated in the print cost calculation step and the set value of the print cost input in the set value input step. Select. Accordingly, it is possible to select the image quality mode corresponding to the print cost setting value desired by the user and execute printing. In this case, the user can perform printing in the image quality mode corresponding to the input set value by inputting the print cost set value in the set value input step.

  In the third printing method, the setting value of the printing cost is an upper limit value of the printing cost. In the image quality mode selection step, a higher quality image can be printed at a printing cost equal to or lower than the upper limit value. May be selected as the image quality mode for printing.

  In this case, in the image quality mode selection step, an image quality mode that can be printed at a printing cost that is equal to or lower than the set upper limit of the printing cost and that can print a higher quality image is selected as the image quality mode for printing. Therefore, the user can input a print cost upper limit value in the set value input step, thereby enabling printing with better image quality at a print cost equal to or lower than the set upper limit value.

  Alternatively, in the third printing method, the setting value of the printing cost is a target value of the printing cost, and in the image quality mode selection step, the image quality mode that can be printed at the printing cost closest to the target value is printed. You may make it select as image quality mode to perform.

  In this case, in the image quality mode selection step, the image quality mode that can be printed at the print cost closest to the set print cost target value is selected as the image quality mode for printing. Therefore, the user can perform printing in an image quality mode that allows printing at a printing cost closest to the set target value by inputting the target value of the printing cost in the set value input step.

  In the second printing method or the third printing method, the printing cost may be a printing unit price per sheet.

  In this case, even when printing a plurality of jobs having different numbers of sheets, the user can relatively easily compare the printing costs of the jobs. Therefore, the user can appropriately manage the printing cost.

  In addition, in the first printing method or the second printing method, a selection history storing step of storing an accumulation of the number of times each image quality mode has been selected is selected, and in the image quality mode input step, selection of an image quality mode for performing printing is performed. If no instruction is given, the image quality mode with the largest cumulative number of selections may be selected as the image quality mode for printing.

  In this case, for example, when the user does not input an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for printing to the operation input means, the image quality mode with the largest cumulative selection count is selected (default selection). Therefore, according to the printing method described above, when the user wants to print in the frequently used image quality mode, the user can omit the image quality mode selection instruction input, thereby improving the operability and convenience for the user. Can do.

  In any of the first to third printing methods, the toner consumption amount when printing in each of the image quality modes is calculated based on the gradation data of the input image data in the toner consumption amount calculation step. You may make it calculate.

  According to the above printing method, it is possible to appropriately calculate the toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each image quality mode.

In this case, in the toner consumption calculation step, the gradation data of the input image data is divided into a plurality of gradation ranges, and the toner consumption is performed when printing each gradation range and an image corresponding to each gradation range. The amount of toner consumed when printing in each of the image quality modes may be calculated using a table in which the amount is associated.
According to the above printing method, rather than using a table in which each gradation value in the gradation data of the input image data is associated with the toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to each gradation value is printed. The capacity of the memory for storing the table can be reduced.

  The printing program of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute any of the printing methods described above. By causing the computer to read these programs, the processing of each step in the first to third printing methods of the present invention can be realized by the computer.

  Further, by storing these programs on a computer-readable recording medium, the programs can be easily stored and distributed. Further, by reading this recording medium, the processing of each step in the printing method of the present invention can be performed by a computer.

  As described above, the first printing apparatus of the present invention includes a toner consumption amount calculation unit that calculates a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each of the image quality modes, and the toner. A display unit that displays a toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the consumption amount calculation unit; and an operation input unit that receives an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing. Print in mode.

  Therefore, the user can quantitatively grasp the toner consumption when printing by selecting each image quality mode, and select the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. Then, printing can be executed in the selected image quality mode. That is, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both image quality and toner consumption.

  According to a second printing apparatus of the present invention, a toner consumption amount calculating unit that calculates a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each of the image quality modes, and the toner consumption amount calculating unit. Printing cost calculation means for calculating the printing cost for printing in each image quality mode based on the toner consumption amount for printing in each image quality mode calculated, and printing in each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculation means Display means for displaying the printing cost for printing, and operation input means for receiving an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for printing, and printing is performed in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction.

  Therefore, the user can quantitatively grasp the printing cost when printing by selecting each image quality mode before starting printing, and selects the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. Printing can be executed in the selected image quality mode. That is, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both image quality and printing cost.

  According to a third printing apparatus of the present invention, a toner consumption amount calculation unit that calculates a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount calculation unit. Print cost calculation means for calculating the print cost for printing in each image quality mode based on the toner consumption amount for printing in each image quality mode, and setting value input means for receiving an instruction relating to the print cost setting value And an image quality mode selection means for selecting an image quality mode for printing based on the print cost for printing in each image quality mode calculated by the print cost calculation means and the setting value received by the setting value input means; It is equipped with.

  Therefore, it is possible to execute printing by selecting an image quality mode corresponding to a print cost setting value desired by the user. That is, the user can perform printing in the image quality mode corresponding to the input set value by inputting the print cost set value via the set value input means.

  The first printing method of the present invention includes a toner consumption amount calculating step for calculating a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount calculating step. A display process for displaying the toner consumption amount when printing in each calculated image quality mode, an image quality mode input process for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing, and a print for printing in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction And a process.

  Therefore, the user can quantitatively grasp the toner consumption when printing by selecting each image quality mode, and select the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. Then, printing can be executed in the selected image quality mode.

  According to a second printing method of the present invention, a toner consumption amount calculating step for calculating a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount calculating step. Based on the calculated toner consumption when printing in each image quality mode, a printing cost calculation step for calculating the printing cost for printing in each image quality mode, and printing in each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculation step A display step for displaying a printing cost when performing the printing, an image quality mode input step for receiving an instruction for selecting an image quality mode for printing, and a printing step for performing printing in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction.

  Therefore, the user can quantitatively grasp the printing cost when printing by selecting each image quality mode before starting printing, and selects the image quality mode for printing based on the grasped result. Printing can be executed in the selected image quality mode.

  According to a third printing method of the present invention, a toner consumption amount calculating step for calculating a toner consumption amount when an image corresponding to input image data is printed in each image quality mode, and the toner consumption amount calculating step. A printing cost calculation step for calculating the printing cost for printing in each image quality mode based on the toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated, and a setting value input step for receiving an instruction regarding a setting value for the printing cost And an image quality mode selection step for selecting an image quality mode for printing based on the print cost when printing in each image quality mode calculated in the print cost calculation step and the setting value received in the setting value input step; ,including.

  Therefore, it is possible to execute printing by selecting an image quality mode corresponding to a print cost setting value desired by the user. That is, the user can perform printing in the image quality mode corresponding to the input set value by inputting the print cost set value via the set value input means.

  The printing program of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute any of the printing methods described above. By causing the computer to read these programs, the processing of each step in the first to third printing methods of the present invention can be realized by the computer.

  Further, by storing these programs on a computer-readable recording medium, the programs can be easily stored and distributed. Further, by reading this recording medium, the processing of each step in the printing method of the present invention can be performed by a computer.

Embodiment 1
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, in a printing apparatus having a plurality of image quality modes, the toner consumption amount and / or the printing unit price (printing cost) when printing is performed by selecting each image quality mode before the printing is performed. A case will be described in which printing is performed in response to an instruction to select an image quality mode by the user.

(Configuration of MFP (printing device) 1)
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction peripheral (digital color multifunction peripheral) 1 that is a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The multifunction machine 1 has a function as a facsimile machine and a printer in addition to a function as a normal copying machine. The multi-function device 1 selects and prints one of the four image quality modes, namely, the high image quality mode, the standard mode, the saving mode a, and the saving mode b.

  First, the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 1 has a configuration in which a RADF 112, a scanner unit 110, an image forming unit 210, and a paper feed mechanism 211 are provided, and further includes a display / operation panel (see FIG. 3) described later. It has been.

  The RADF 112 is a document feeder in the multifunction machine 1 and has a function as a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF).

  That is, the RADF 112 conveys a document set at a predetermined position onto a document table 111 in the scanner unit 110. Then, after the document image is read by the scanner unit 110, it has a function of carrying it out to a predetermined take-out position.

  The RADF 112 also has a function of turning over the original after reading the original image by the scanner unit 110 and transporting the original to the original table 111 again. Thereby, in the multi-function device 1, the scanner unit 110 can read the images on both sides of the document.

  Further, the RADF 112 can be opened and closed with respect to the document table 111. Therefore, when using the RADF 112, the user can place the document directly on the document table 111 by closing the RADF 112 and opening the RADF 112.

  The scanner unit 110 is for reading an image of a document conveyed by the RADF 112 and is an image input device in the multifunction machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 110 includes a first scanning unit 113, a second scanning unit 114, an optical lens 115, and a CCD 116 in addition to the document table 111 described above.

  The scanning units 113 and 114 are for reading an image of a document placed on the document table 111 by reciprocating in parallel with the document table 111. The first scanning unit 113 includes an exposure lamp that exposes a document image and a first mirror that deflects a reflected light image from the document in a predetermined direction. Then, it is set so as to reciprocate in parallel with the document table 111 at a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a certain distance from the lower surface of the document table 111.

  The second scanning unit 114 includes second and third mirrors for deflecting the reflected light image deflected by the first mirror in the direction in which the optical lens 115 is positioned. The first scanning unit 113 reciprocates in parallel with the document table 111 while maintaining a constant speed relationship.

  The optical lens 115 reduces the reflected light image from the original deflected by the first to third mirrors and forms an image at a predetermined position on the CCD 116.

  The CCD 116 is a photoelectric coupled device (CCD) line sensor for photoelectrically converting the formed reflected light image to generate image information of an electrical signal and outputting it to the image forming unit 210.

  Further, the CCD 116 can read a color image. That is, the CCD 116 can generate image information of line data color-separated for each color component of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) from the color reflected light image.

  The image information generated by the CCD 116 is further transferred to an image processing unit (see FIG. 3) described later, and a predetermined image corresponding to the image quality mode set by the image quality mode setting unit (see FIG. 4) described later. After the processing, the image is output to the image forming unit 210.

  The image forming unit 210 is for printing an image on a sheet based on the image information output from the CCD 116. The image forming unit 210 includes a black image transfer unit 301, a yellow image transfer unit 302, a magenta image transfer unit 303, and a cyan image transfer unit 304, as shown in FIG.

  These transfer units 301 to 304 have substantially the same configuration, and are set to transfer a black image, a yellow image, a magenta image, and a cyan image to the sheet based on the image information. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer units 301 to 304 have LSUs 227a to 227d and image forming stations Ga to Gd, respectively.

  Pixel signals corresponding to a black component, a yellow component, a magenta component, and a cyan component in image information are input to LSUs (laser beam scanner units) 227a to 227d, respectively. Each of the LSUs 227a to 227d is set so as to expose photosensitive drums 222a to 222d (to be described later) in the image forming stations Ga to Gd to generate an electrostatic latent image based on these image signals.

  Further, these LSUs 227a to 227d include a semiconductor laser diode (not shown) and a laser adjusting unit that controls the power of the semiconductor laser diode and the timing of light generation in order to generate a dot-shaped laser beam modulated according to image information. And have.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the LSUs 227a to 227d include polygon mirrors 240a to 240d, f-θ lenses 241a to 241d, and mirrors 242a to 242d and 243a to 243d.

  The polygon mirrors 240a to 240d have a function of deflecting a laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser element in the main scanning direction. The f-θ lenses and mirrors described above are for imaging the laser beams deflected by the polygon mirrors 240a to 240d on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d.

  The image forming stations Ga to Gd generate toner images corresponding to the respective colors based on the laser beams emitted from the LSUs 227a to 227d, and sequentially transfer the toner images to the sheet. As shown in FIG. 2, these image forming stations Ga to Gd include photosensitive drums 222a to 222d. Chargers 223a to 223d, developing devices 224a to 224d, transfer discharge devices 225a to 225d, and cleaning devices 226a to 226d are arranged around the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d along the direction of arrow F.

Each of the photosensitive drums (transfer drums) 222a to 222d is a drum-shaped transfer roller having a photosensitive material on its surface, and is set to be rotationally driven in the direction of arrow F.
The chargers 223a to 223d are scorotron type corona dischargers for uniformly charging the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d, respectively.

  The developing devices 224a to 224d contain black, yellow, magenta, and cyan toners, respectively. These toners have a function of developing the electrostatic latent images generated on the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d to generate toner images.

  The transfer dischargers 225a to 225d are corona dischargers for transferring the toner images on the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d to a sheet. Note that the power (potential) of the transfer dischargers 225a to 225d is controlled by a power adjusting unit (not shown). Further, the cleaning devices 226a to 226d shown in FIG. 2 have a function of removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d after transfer to the sheet.

  The sheet feeding mechanism 211 conveys the sheet to a predetermined position of the image forming unit 210 in order to transfer the color toner images generated by the image forming unit 210 to the sheet. Further, the paper feed mechanism 211 has a function of discharging the sheet to the outside after the toner image is transferred.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet feeding mechanism 211 includes a sheet cassette 251, a take-out roller 253, a plurality of conveyance rollers 252 and 261, a registration roller 212, a transfer conveyance belt mechanism 213, a fixing device 217, a conveyance direction switching gate 218, a discharge roller. A paper roller 219 and a paper discharge tray 220 are provided.

The sheet cassette 251 is for accommodating cut sheet-like sheets P used in the multifunction machine 1.
The take-out roller 252 is a pickup roller for taking out the sheets P from the sheet cassette 251 one by one.
Further, the conveyance rollers 252... Feed the sheet P outputted from the sheet cassette 251 to the main conveyance path L and convey it on the conveyance path L.

  The pre-registration detection switch is for detecting that the sheet P conveyed by the conveying rollers 252... Has passed a predetermined position on the main conveying path L and outputting a predetermined detection signal.

  The registration roller 212 temporarily holds the sheet P that has been transported along the main transport path L. The toner image on the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d has a function of feeding it to the transfer / conveying belt mechanism 213 at the timing of each image forming station Ga to Gd so that the toner image can be satisfactorily transferred to the sheet P.

  That is, the registration roller 212 transfers the sheet P based on the detection signal output by the pre-registration detection switch so that the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d is pressed against the leading edge of the printing range on the sheet P. The feed belt mechanism 213 is set to feed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 213 includes a driving roller 214, a driven roller 215, a conveyance belt 216, an adsorption charger 228, a static eliminator 229, an auxiliary roller 231, and an optical sensor 232.

  The conveyor belt 216 is a belt that is placed between the driving roller 214 and the driven roller 215, and is frictionally driven in the direction of arrow Z by the rollers 214 and 215. The sheet P fed by the registration roller 212 is electrostatically attracted and transported to the image forming stations Ga to Gd and the fixing device 217.

  The suction charger 228 is a brush provided between the image forming station Ga and the registration roller 212 and charges the surface of the transport belt 216. That is, in the multi function device 1, the conveyance belt 216 is charged and the sheet P is electrostatically adsorbed to prevent the sheet from being displaced during conveyance.

  The static eliminator 229 is provided between the image forming station Gd and the fixing device 217, and is for neutralizing the surface of the transport belt 216 with an alternating current.

  That is, each color toner image is transferred and superimposed on the sheet P conveyed to the image forming stations Ga to Gd. When the transfer by the image forming station Gd is completed, the sheet P is set to be sequentially peeled from the conveying belt 216 from the leading end portion thereof by the static eliminator 229 and guided to the fixing device 217.

  The fixing device 217 thermally fixes the unfixed toner image transferred to the sheet P. Then, the heat-fixed sheet P is conveyed to the conveyance direction switching gate 218.

  The switching gate 218 selectively switches the conveyance path of the fixed sheet P between the discharge path toward the sheet discharge tray 220 and the sub-transport path S.

  This sub-conveying path S is a conveying path for turning over the sheet P and re-supplying it to the image forming unit 210. That is, the sheet P sent to the sub conveyance path S is turned over via the switchback conveyance path 221, and then conveyed on the sub conveyance path S by the conveyance rollers 261... And supplied again to the image forming unit 210. Is set to be.

The paper discharge roller 219 is a roller for discharging the sheet that has passed through the switching gate 218 toward the paper discharge tray 220.
The optical sensor 232 is a sensor used for correcting printing conditions of the image forming unit 210. The optical sensor 232 will be described later.

  The multifunction device 1 is connected to a network (intranet, Internet) together with a communication line such as a telephone line, an external device such as a mobile device, a digital camera, a digital video camera, and a personal computer (PC). It can also function as a digital printer or digital facsimile that receives image data from these devices and prints an image according to the image data.

  In addition, the multifunction device 1 includes a control unit (not shown) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls all operations of the multifunction device 1.

  In addition, the multifunction device 1 includes a display / operation panel (see FIG. 3 to be described later) that displays information according to instructions from the control unit and receives instructions from the user and transmits them to the control unit. This display / operation panel displays an image quality mode, a toner consumption amount and / or a printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected, according to an instruction from the control unit. In addition, this display / operation panel is a touch panel type, and the user selects the image quality mode for printing by touching the portion of the displayed image quality mode where the desired image quality mode is displayed. It can be done. The configuration is not limited to such a touch panel display / operation panel, and an operation unit provided separately from the display panel may be provided. For example, a key operation unit including a plurality of buttons may be used.

(Configuration of the image processing unit 2)
Next, the image processing unit 2 of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image processing unit 2.

  As shown in this figure, the image processing unit 2 includes an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit 20, a shading correction unit 21, an input tone correction unit 22, a region separation processing unit (region separation means) 23, and color correction. A unit 24, a black generation / undercolor removal unit 25, a spatial filter processing unit 26, an output tone correction unit 27, a tone reproduction processing unit 28, and a storage unit 29.

  The A / D (analog / digital) converter 20 converts the analog RGB data output from the scanner unit 110 into a digital signal (digital RGB data).

  The shading correction unit 21 performs processing for removing various distortions (distortion removal processing) caused by the illumination system, imaging system, and imaging system of the scanner unit 110 from the digital RGB data generated by the A / D conversion unit 20. And output to the input tone correction unit 22. The shading correction unit 21 also has a function of outputting image data input from an external device to the input tone correction unit 22.

  The input tone correction unit 22 performs processing for adjusting color balance on the digital RGB data (RGB reflectance signal) that has been subjected to distortion removal processing by the shading correction unit 21.

  The area separation processing unit 23 includes a text area (character area), a graphic area, and a photographic area (photo area) for each pixel in an image (original image) corresponding to the digital RGB data output from the input tone correction section 22. The region separation process for determining which region belongs to the region is performed.

  Also, the region separation processing unit 23 generates a signal indicating a region to which each pixel belongs (region identification signal, region separation information) based on the result of the region separation processing, a black generation / under color removal unit 25, and a spatial filter processing unit. 26, the output gradation correction unit 27 and the gradation reproduction processing unit 28. The area separation processing unit 23 outputs the input signal (digital RGB data) input from the input tone correction unit 22 to the subsequent color correction unit 24 as it is.

  The color correction unit 24 generates digital CMY data by performing optimal color correction on the digital RGB data input from the region separation processing unit 23, and sends the generated digital CMY data to the black generation / under color removal unit 25. Output. That is, the color correction unit 24 converts area data expressed in the RGB color space (first color space) into area data expressed in the CMY color space (second color space) (color correction processing). . Further, the color correction unit 24 performs a process of removing color turbidity based on the spectral characteristics of the toner from the CMY data in order to faithfully reproduce the color. This color turbidity is caused by an unnecessary absorption component contained in the CMY toner.

  The black generation / under color removal unit 25 generates black (K) data from CMY data. Further, the black generation / under color removal unit 25 generates new CMY data by subtracting the K data from the CMY data, and further, from the new CMY data and the K data, four color data (CMYK data ( CMYK data) is generated.

  The spatial filter processing unit 26 performs spatial filter processing using a digital filter on CMYK data based on the region identification signal. That is, the spatial filter processing unit 26 has a function of correcting the spatial frequency characteristics of the CMYK data and preventing blurring of the output image and deterioration of graininess.

  The output tone correction unit 27 corrects the CMYK data tone data (input tone data) output from the spatial filter processing unit 26 in order to adjust the output tone characteristics of the image forming unit 210. . This correction is performed using a correction table stored in the storage unit 29.

  The gradation reproduction processing unit 28 performs gradation reproduction processing (halftone generation processing) for separating the CMYK data output from the output gradation correction unit 27 for each pixel and processing so as to reproduce the gradation of each pixel. It is something to execute. The processed CMYK data is designed to be output to the image quality mode setting unit 3.

  The storage unit 29 temporarily stores image data and area data used in each member provided in the image processing unit 2. The storage unit 29 may be any rewritable (readable and writable) recording medium that can electronically record these image data and area data. That is, the memory | storage part 29 should just be in the place which said each member can access, and a shape is not specifically limited. Furthermore, the nature of the storage unit 29 may be volatile or non-volatile, and the recording method for the storage unit 29 may be any method.

(Configuration of image quality mode setting unit 3)
Next, the image processing unit 2 of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image quality mode setting unit 3.

  As shown in this figure, the image quality mode setting unit 3 includes an image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31, a toner consumption calculation unit 32, a toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33, a storage unit 34, a printing unit price calculation unit 35, and a toner unit price storage. A unit 36, an output tone determination unit 37, and an image quality mode selection history storage unit 38.

  The image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31 stores an image quality mode coefficient C set for each image quality mode. Table 1 shows an example of the image quality mode coefficient C stored in the image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31. As shown in this table, in the MFP 1, the image quality mode coefficient C in the high image quality mode is 100%, the image quality mode coefficient C in the standard mode is 90%, and the image quality mode coefficient C in the saving mode a is the image quality mode coefficient C. The image quality mode coefficient C in the case of 80% and saving mode b is set to 70%.

  The toner consumption amount calculation unit 32 includes the image data (CMYK data) and the region identification signal input from the image processing unit 2, the image quality mode coefficient C of each image quality mode stored in the image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31, and the toner. Based on the toner consumption calculation table stored in the consumption calculation table storage unit 33, the toner consumption for each color of CMYK when printing is performed by selecting each image quality mode. In addition, the toner consumption calculation unit 32 outputs the calculated toner consumption for each color to the display / operation panel 4 and the printing unit price calculation unit 35.

  The toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33 stores the toner consumption amount in which the output gradation number (output gradation value) is associated with the toner consumption amount per pixel for each of the text area, graphic area, and photo area. A calculation table is stored. Note that the output gradation value is a gradation value obtained by multiplying the gradation value (input gradation value) of the CMYK data input from the image processing unit 2 by the image quality mode coefficient C of each image quality mode.

  Table 2 shows an example of a toner consumption calculation table. In the example shown in Table 2, 0 gradation to 255 gradation is divided into 0 to 15 gradation ranges (gradation areas), and one pixel used for calculation of toner consumption for each divided gradation range. Per toner consumption. Table 2 shows only the toner consumption amount calculation table for K (black) color, but the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33 stores the toner consumption amount calculation table for each color of CMYK. Yes.

  Further, in the multifunction device 1, the pixel configuration is different as shown in Table 3 for each of the text area, graphic area, and photo area.

  That is, the text area is composed of 2 dots × 2 dots, the graphic area is composed of 4 dots × 4 dots, and the photographic area is composed of 6 dots × 6 dots. Therefore, the area of one pixel is different for each of the text area, the graphic area, and the photographic area, and even when printing data with the same number of gradations (or gradation ranges), the toner consumption amount is different for each area. Different.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in Table 2, the toner consumption amount per pixel used for the calculation of the toner consumption amount is set for each of the text region, the graphic region, and the photographic region.

  The storage unit 34 stores image data corresponding to the gradation value when each image quality mode is selected and printed.

  The printing unit price calculation unit 35 determines each image quality based on the toner consumption amount for each CMYK color calculated by the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32 and the unit price of each color toner and paper stored in the toner unit price storage unit 36. A print unit price (print unit price per sheet; print cost) when the mode is selected is calculated. The print unit price calculation unit 35 outputs the result of calculating the print unit price when each image quality mode is selected to the display / operation panel 4.

  The toner unit price storage unit 36 stores a toner unit price and a sheet unit price for each color of CMYK. Table 4 shows an example of the toner unit price and the sheet unit price stored in the toner unit price storage unit 36.

  A signal for specifying the image quality mode selected by the user via the display / operation panel 4 is input from the display / operation panel 4 to the output gradation determination unit 37. Then, the output tone determination unit 37 determines an output tone value based on the image quality mode coefficient C corresponding to the selected image quality mode and the image data (CMYK data) stored in the storage unit 34, Image data corresponding to the output gradation value is generated and output to the image forming unit 204. If the user does not input an image quality mode selection instruction to the display / operation panel 4, the output tone determination unit 37 stores each image quality mode stored in the image quality mode selection history storage unit 38. The image quality mode with the largest cumulative number of times selected is selected (default selection) and printing is performed.

  The image quality mode selection history storage unit 38 stores an accumulated value of the number of times each image quality mode is selected.

  The display / operation panel 4 displays a toner consumption amount and a printing unit price when printing is performed by selecting each image quality mode. Then, based on the displayed information, a selection instruction for selecting the image quality mode desired by the user is input via the display / operation panel 4, and a signal for specifying the image quality mode selected by the user is displayed / operation panel. 4 is transmitted to the output gradation determination unit 37.

(Operation of image quality mode setting unit 3)
Next, the operation of the image quality mode setting unit 3 will be described. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the image quality mode setting unit 3. Note that, as described above, all processing in each unit of the multifunction device 1 is controlled by the control unit provided in the multifunction device 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a case where printing is performed on one sheet.

  First, the control unit causes the image processing unit 2 to output the image data (CMYK data) subjected to the gradation reproduction process to the image quality mode setting unit 3 (S1). As a result, the toner consumption calculation unit 32 provided in the image quality mode setting unit 3 acquires the image data (CMYK data) after the gradation reproduction process.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32 to calculate the toner consumption amount of one pixel for each color of CMYK when the high image quality mode is selected, and sequentially integrates the toner consumption amounts calculated for each pixel. (S2). As shown in Table 1, since the image quality mode coefficient in the high image quality mode is 100%, the toner consumption corresponding to the gradation value of the CMYK data input from the image processing unit 2 is set as the toner consumption. Extracted from the toner consumption calculation table for each color stored in the amount calculation table storage unit 33. The process of S2 is performed for each pixel, and the toner consumption amount for each pixel is sequentially accumulated. Further, the integration results are sequentially stored and updated in the storage unit 34.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32 to calculate the toner consumption amount of one pixel for each color of CMYK when the standard mode is selected, and sequentially integrates the toner consumption amounts calculated for each pixel ( S3).

  As shown in Table 1, the image quality mode coefficient C in the standard mode is 90%. In this case, the gradation value (number of image forming gradations) obtained by multiplying the gradation value (input gradation number) of the CMYK data input from the image processing unit 2 by the image quality mode coefficient C (C = 90%) of the standard mode. ) Is extracted from the toner consumption calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33. That is, the toner consumption corresponding to the number of image forming gradations calculated as “number of image forming gradations = number of input gradations × image quality mode coefficient” is the toner of each color stored in the toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33. Extract from the consumption calculation table. Further, the process of S3 is performed for each pixel similarly to S2, and the toner consumption amount for each pixel is sequentially accumulated. Further, the integration results are sequentially stored and updated in the storage unit 34.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32 to calculate the toner consumption amount of one pixel for each color of CMYK when saving mode a is selected, and sequentially integrates the toner consumption amounts calculated for each pixel. (S4). In this case, since the image quality mode coefficient C in the saving mode a is 80%, the image quality mode coefficient C in the saving mode a (C = 80%) is added to the gradation value of the CMYK data input from the image processing unit 2. The toner consumption amount corresponding to the gradation value multiplied by is extracted from the toner consumption amount calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33. Further, the process of S4 is performed for each pixel similarly to S2 and S3, and the toner consumption for each pixel is sequentially integrated. Further, the integration results are sequentially stored and updated in the storage unit 34.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption calculation unit 32 to calculate the toner consumption of one pixel for each color of CMYK when the saving mode b is selected, and sequentially integrates the toner consumption calculated for each pixel. (S5). In this case, since the image quality mode coefficient C in the saving mode b is 70%, the image quality mode coefficient C in the saving mode b (C = 70%) is added to the gradation value of the CMYK data input from the image processing unit 2. The toner consumption amount corresponding to the gradation value multiplied by is extracted from the toner consumption amount calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33. Further, the process of S4 is performed for each pixel similarly to S2 to S4, and the toner consumption amount for each pixel is sequentially integrated. Further, the integration results are sequentially stored and updated in the storage unit 34.

  Next, the control unit determines whether or not the processing of S2 to S4 has been performed for all pixels, that is, whether or not the calculation of toner consumption when each image quality mode is selected has been performed for all pixels (S6).

  In S6, when it is determined that the calculation of the toner consumption amount for all the pixels is not completed, the processes in S2 to S5 are repeated for the uncalculated pixels.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S6 that the calculation of the toner consumption amount for all pixels has been completed, the control unit causes the printing unit price calculation unit 35 to calculate the printing unit price (S7). Here, the printing unit price is calculated using, for example, the following equation (1).

Unit price of printing = Y toner consumption (g / sheet) x Y toner unit price (yen / g)
+ M toner consumption (g / sheet) x M toner unit price (yen / g)
+ C toner consumption (g / sheet) x C toner unit price (yen / g)
+ K toner consumption (g / sheet) x K toner unit price (yen / g)
+ Paper unit price (yen / sheet) (1)
In the above formula (1), the unit price of paper is included in the calculation of the unit price of printing. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, the control unit causes the display / operation panel 4 to display the toner consumption when each image quality mode calculated in S2 to S4 is selected and the printing unit price calculated in S7 (S7). Note that the toner consumption amount may be displayed by adding the toner consumption amount of each color, or the toner consumption amount for each color may be displayed. Further, the unit price of printing may be displayed without displaying the toner consumption amount. Conversely, the amount of toner consumption may be displayed without displaying the unit price of printing.

  Next, the control unit determines whether or not an instruction to start printing is given from the user to the display / operation panel 4 (S9). If no print instruction has been issued, a print start instruction is awaited.

  On the other hand, when an instruction to start printing is given, the control unit determines whether an instruction to select an image quality mode is given (S10).

  When an instruction to select an image quality mode is given, the output gradation determination unit 37 generates image data having an output gradation value corresponding to the selected image quality mode, and the generated image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 201. To start printing (S11). Thereby, the processing of the image quality mode setting unit 3 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the selection instruction of the image quality mode is not made, the control unit outputs the image data of the output gradation value corresponding to the image quality mode having the largest cumulative selection number stored in the image quality mode selection history storage unit 38 as the output level. The tone determination unit 37 generates the image data and outputs the generated image data to the image forming unit 201 to start printing (S12). Thereby, the processing in the image quality mode setting unit 3 is completed. Here, the image quality mode with the highest cumulative selection count is selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a specific image quality mode (for example, standard mode) is selected when there is no instruction to select an image quality mode from the user. Alternatively, the user may be able to set in advance the image quality mode to be selected when the image quality mode selection instruction is not issued.

  As described above, the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of image quality modes, and displays the toner consumption and / or the printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected before printing is started. It is like that. Accordingly, the user can quantitatively grasp the toner density and / or the printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected. That is, when the user selects each image quality mode, the user can quantitatively grasp information such as how much toner consumption is reduced or printing cost is reduced. Therefore, the user can select an image quality mode for printing in consideration of both the required image quality and printing cost.

(Modification of image quality mode setting section (image quality mode setting section 3b))
Further, in the multifunction device 1, the toner consumption amount is calculated for each pixel, and the toner consumption amount per sheet is obtained by adding the toner consumption amount to all pixels. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sheet calculated from the input image data and the relationship between the number of gradations and the toner density when printing a solid image having the same number of gradations (gradation values) over the entire area of one sheet of paper obtained in advance. The toner consumption amount per sheet may be calculated based on the printing rate per sheet.

  In this case, for example, the image quality mode setting unit 3b shown in FIG. 5 may be used instead of the image quality mode setting unit 3 shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the image quality mode setting unit 3b includes a printing rate calculation unit 40, an average gradation value calculation unit 50, an image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31, a toner consumption calculation unit 32b, and a toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33b. , A storage unit 34b, a printing unit price calculation unit 35, a toner unit price storage unit 36, an output gradation determination unit 37, and an image quality mode selection history storage unit 38. The image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31, the printing unit price calculation unit 35, the toner unit price storage unit 36, the output gradation determination unit 37, and the image quality mode selection history storage unit 38 have the same functions as those shown in FIG. This shall be omitted.

  The CMYK data output from the image processing unit 2 is input to the printing rate calculation unit 40, the average gradation value calculation unit 50, and the storage unit 34b. The storage unit 34b temporarily stores input CMYK data.

  The average gradation value calculation unit 50 calculates the average gradation value for each pixel to be printed from the gradation values for each pixel of the input CMYK data, and the calculated result is supplied to the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b. Output.

  The printing rate calculation unit 40 performs pixel count while multiplying the image data (CMYK data) input from the image processing unit 2 by a weighting coefficient in units of pixels (pixels), and the integrated value of the pixel count and the paper 1 The printing rate (area rate), which is the ratio of the image forming area to the sheet, is calculated, and the calculated result is output to the toner consumption calculation unit 32b.

  Here, the process of calculating the printing rate will be described in more detail. Note that the processing described below is performed for each color of CMYK.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printing rate calculation unit 40 includes a counting unit 41, a weighting calculation unit 42, a weighting coefficient table storage unit 43, an integration unit 44, and a printing rate calculation unit 45.

  The counting unit 41 counts the number of gradations (input gradation value) of the CMYK data input from the image processing unit 2 for each pixel. That is, the input gradation value for each pixel constituting the CMYK data is counted. Here, a case will be described in which the input CMYK data is 256-gradation multi-gradation image data that takes any input gradation value of 0-255.

  When the counting unit 41 counts pixels, the weighting calculation unit 42 performs weighting for each pixel. Specifically, the weighting calculation unit 42 acquires the weighting coefficient corresponding to the input gradation value for each pixel from the weighting coefficient table stored in the weighting coefficient table storage unit 43 and acquires it as the input gradation value. Multiply the weighting factor. A weighting coefficient corresponding to each input gradation value is stored in the weighting coefficient table. Note that each weighting coefficient for each input gradation value stored in the weighting coefficient table does not necessarily have to be a constant value. For example, depending on the machine difference of the multifunction device 1 or a change in toner consumption characteristics due to aging, etc. Thus, a rewritable configuration may be employed so that an error between the calculated toner consumption amount and the actual toner consumption amount is reduced.

  Next, the integration of the pixel count performed for each pixel is performed by the integration unit 44. That is, the integrating unit 44 integrates the calculated value for each pixel obtained by multiplying the input gradation value by the weighting coefficient by the weighting calculating unit 42 for all the pixels of the input CMYK data.

  Thereafter, the printing rate calculation unit 45 calculates a printing rate (area rate) that is a ratio between the sum of the integration results of the integration unit 44 (the integrated value of the pixel count) and the area of the image forming area for one sheet of paper. The calculated printing rate is output to the toner consumption calculation unit 32b.

  The toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b calculates the average gradation value input from the average gradation value calculation unit 50, the image quality mode coefficient C of each image quality mode stored in the image quality mode coefficient storage unit 31, and the toner consumption amount calculation. Based on the toner consumption calculation table stored in the table storage unit 33b, the toner consumption for each color of CMYK when printing is performed by selecting each image quality mode. In addition, the toner consumption calculation unit 32 b outputs the calculated toner consumption for each color to the display / operation panel 4 and the printing unit price calculation unit 35.

  The toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33b associates an average output tone value with a toner consumption amount when a solid image is printed on the entire surface of the image forming area of one sheet with the average output tone value. A consumption calculation table is stored. The average output gradation value is a gradation value obtained by multiplying the average gradation value input from the average gradation value calculation unit 50 by the image quality mode coefficient C of each image quality mode.

  Table 5 shows an example of a toner consumption calculation table stored in the toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33b.

  Although Table 5 shows only the toner consumption calculation table for K (black) color, the toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33b stores toner consumption calculation tables for CMYK colors. Yes.

  In the example shown in Table 5, the toner consumption per sheet is set for each of the 0 to 15 gradation ranges (gradation areas) obtained by dividing 0 gradation to 255 gradations every 16 gradations. ing. In this case, the memory capacity for storing (storing) the table is compressed to 1/16 compared to the case of using the table for obtaining the toner consumption per sheet for each gradation value of 0 to 255. Can do. Note that the number of gradation ranges to be divided is not limited to 16, and may be set arbitrarily. Further, a toner consumption calculation table in which the toner consumption per sheet is associated with each gradation value from 0 to 255 may be used. Table 5 shows the case where the input image data has 256 gradations, but the number of gradations of the input image data is not limited to this.

  Next, the operation of the image quality mode setting unit 3b will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the image quality mode setting unit 3b. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where printing is performed on one sheet of paper.

  First, the control unit causes the image processing unit 2 to output the image data (CMYK data) subjected to the gradation reproduction process to the image quality mode setting unit 3b (S21). Thereby, the printing rate calculation unit 40 and the average gradation value calculation unit 50 provided in the image quality mode setting unit 3b acquire the image data (CMYK data) after the gradation reproduction process.

  Next, the control unit causes the printing rate calculation unit 40 to calculate the printing rate per sheet (S22).

  Further, the control unit causes the average gradation value calculation unit 50 to calculate the average gradation value for each pixel to be printed from the gradation values for each pixel of the input CMYK data (S23).

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b to calculate the toner consumption amount per sheet for each color of CMYK when the high image quality mode is selected (S24). As shown in Table 1, since the image quality mode coefficient in the high image quality mode is 100%, the toner consumption amount corresponding to the average gradation value input from the average gradation value calculation unit 50 is used here. Are extracted from the toner consumption calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption calculation table storage unit 33b.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b to calculate the toner consumption amount per sheet for each color of CMYK when the standard mode is selected (S25). As shown in Table 1, the image quality mode coefficient C in the standard mode is 90%. In this case, it corresponds to the average output gradation value (number of image forming gradations) obtained by multiplying the average gradation value input from the average gradation value calculation unit 50 by the image quality mode coefficient C (C = 90%) of the standard mode. The toner consumption amount to be extracted is extracted from the toner consumption amount calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33b. That is, the toner consumption amount corresponding to the image forming gradation number calculated as “average output gradation number (image forming gradation number) = average gradation number × image quality mode coefficient” is stored in the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33b. Extracted from the stored toner consumption calculation table for each color.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b to calculate the toner consumption amount per sheet for each color of CMYK when the saving mode a is selected (S26). In this case, the average output gradation value (number of image forming gradations) obtained by multiplying the average gradation value input from the average gradation value calculation unit 50 by the image quality mode coefficient C (C = 80%) of the saving mode a. The corresponding toner consumption amount is extracted from the toner consumption amount calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33b.

  Next, the control unit causes the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b to calculate the toner consumption amount per sheet for each color of CMYK when the saving mode b is selected (S27). In this case, the average output gradation value (number of image forming gradations) obtained by multiplying the average gradation value input from the average gradation value calculation unit 50 by the image quality mode coefficient C (C = 70%) of the saving mode b. The corresponding toner consumption amount is extracted from the toner consumption amount calculation table for each color stored in the toner consumption amount calculation table storage unit 33b.

  Thereafter, the control unit performs processing similar to S7 to S12 shown in FIG. 1 (S28), and ends the processing.

  In this way, the relationship between the number of gradations and the toner density when printing a solid image having the same gradation value over the entire area of one sheet of paper obtained in advance, and per sheet of paper calculated from input image data. Also, when calculating the toner consumption per sheet based on the printing rate, calculate the toner consumption for each pixel and add it to all the pixels to calculate the toner consumption per sheet. It is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as that required.

  Note that an image density ID corresponding to the number of image forming gradations when each image quality mode is selected may be obtained, and a toner consumption amount and a printing unit price corresponding to the image density ID may be calculated. Table 6 shows an example of the image density ID, the toner consumption amount, and the printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected for image data with a printing rate of 40%. Table 7 shows an example of image density ID, toner consumption amount, and printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected for image data with a printing rate of 25%.

(Example when printing multiple sheets)
1 and 6, the case where printing is performed on one sheet of paper has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applied to the case where printing is performed continuously on a plurality of sheets of paper. be able to. That is, the present invention can be applied not only to a job for printing one sheet of paper but also to a job for printing on a plurality of sheets.

  In this case, for example, the processing of S2 to S7 in FIG. 1 is performed for each sheet, and the result of integrating the toner consumption and / or the printing unit price calculated for each sheet is displayed on the display / operation panel 4 as in S8. You may do it. Also, the processing of S22 to S27 in FIG. 6 is performed for each sheet to calculate the toner consumption amount per job, and the toner consumption amount and / or the printing cost per job (for all sheets printed by the job) are calculated. It may be displayed on the display / operation panel 4.

  Further, the toner consumption amount and / or printing unit price per sheet obtained by averaging the toner consumption amount and / or printing unit price calculated for each sheet may be displayed on the display / operation panel 4. In this case, even when printing a plurality of jobs having different numbers of sheets, the user can relatively easily compare the printing costs of the jobs. Accordingly, by displaying the toner consumption per sheet and / or the printing unit price, the user can easily manage the printing cost for each job.

  Further, the toner consumption amount and / or the printing unit price calculated for each sheet may be displayed, and an image quality mode selection instruction may be received for each sheet. However, if it is not preferable for each paper to be printed in the same job that the image quality mode is different for each paper, it is preferable to set an instruction for selecting the image quality mode for each job.

(Examples of color combinations to be printed)
In this embodiment, the case of printing an image composed of four colors C, M, Y, and K has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to these four colors, an image including other colors (for example, light cyan or light magenta) may be printed. Or the structure which prints the image which consists of a combination of 3 colors or less may be sufficient, and the structure which prints only any one color (for example, only K) may be sufficient.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the RGB color space applied to the area data is converted into the CMYK color space has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of RGB color space data, YCrCb (Y: luminance, Cr · Cb: color difference) color space data may be input.

(Example when the multifunction device 1 functions as a printer)
In the present embodiment, the case where the MFP 1 performs printing of analog RGB data read from an original by the scanner unit 110 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied when printing data input from an external device such as a computer or a digital camera connected to the multifunction device 1. That is, the printing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a printer having only a function as a copying machine, but functions as a printer that outputs (prints) data input from an external device such as a computer or a digital camera connected to the printing apparatus. These functions may be provided alone, or these functions may be provided alone.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a printing system (printing) including a computer 60 connected to the multifunction device 1, an image processing unit 2, an image quality mode setting unit 3, and an image forming unit 210 when the multifunction device 1 functions as a printer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an apparatus. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that a digital RGB signal and a region identification signal are input from the computer 60 to the image processing unit 2, and the A / D conversion unit 20, the shading correction unit 21, and the input gradation in the image processing unit 2. The correction unit 22 and the region separation processing unit 23 are omitted. In the printing system shown in FIG. 7, information displayed on the display / operation panel 4 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is output to the application unit 61 of the computer 60. In FIG. 7, the image quality mode setting unit 3 is used, but an image quality mode setting unit 3 b may be used instead.

  As shown in this figure, the computer 60 includes an application unit 61 and a printer driver unit 62.

  The application unit 61 is a member having a function of receiving a print start command from a user or other software and writing document data to the storage unit 29 of the image processing unit 2.

  In addition, the application unit 61 displays the information of the toner consumption and / or the printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected, which is input from the image quality mode setting unit 3, on a display device (display means, FIG. (Not shown) and a function to present to the user. Further, the application unit 61 receives an input regarding an image quality mode selection instruction or a print unit price (print cost) set value input from a user, for example, via a keyboard, a mouse, or the like (operation input unit, set value input unit). It has a function of receiving and transmitting it to the output tone determination unit 37 and the unit price set value storage unit 70 of the image quality mode setting unit 3.

  The application unit 61 corresponds to, for example, a word processor, drawing software, photo retouching software (image editing software), or the like. Further, the application unit 61 does not have a function of editing document data like the above word processor, but the document data stored in advance in the storage unit 29 is the data to be image-processed by the image processing unit 2. It may be so-called print output dedicated software that sets that there is, and further outputs a trigger to the image processing unit 2.

  Here, the document data is data created on a computer by software such as the word processor or drawing software described above. The document data includes a plurality of partial data. Such partial data includes data having different attributes such as text data (character data), graphic data (graphic data), and image data. The attribute of the partial data included in the document data may be one type or a plurality of types.

  Here, the text data refers to data encoded by font information. Graphic data refers to data expressed in a form encoded with a Bezier curve or the like.

  Image data refers to data that holds information included in data as bits (pixels). Specifically, for example, bitmap data is applicable. In addition, compressed image data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) is also applicable. Further, the image data may be data created by an input device that obtains analog information from the outside world by converting it into digital information. Also, software having a function of creating such image data can be used on a computer. It may be image data to be created. In addition, although an input device here corresponds to a scanner and a digital camera, for example, it is not limited to these. Furthermore, the software having the image data creation function here corresponds to, for example, photo retouch software, but is not limited thereto.

  In the present embodiment, the document data is data to which an RGB color space is applied. More specifically, text data, graphic data, and image data included in the document data are all data to which the RGB color space is applied. Here, R is a color signal (color material) representing red, G is green, and B is blue. Each of these RGB is a primary color that constitutes a color of text or the like represented by the above data. Therefore, by setting these R, G, and B values to arbitrary values within a range of 8 bits (0 to 255), for example, text, graphics, and images can be expressed in various colors. it can. Note that the number of bits of the R, G, B color signals is not limited to 8 bits, and may be any number of bits. For example, the number of bits of the R, G, B color signals may be 4 bits, 16 bits, 24 bits, or 32 bits.

  The printer driver unit 62 is a driver having a function of converting the document data into image data (digital RGB data) described in a page description language (PDL). At this time, the partial data (text data, graphic data, image data) included in the document data is converted into area data (text area data, graphic area data, image area data) described in the page description language by the printer driver 62. Is converted to Therefore, the converted image data is data composed of these area data. Note that the conversion from partial data to area data performed by the printer driver unit 62 may be a one-to-one correspondence, or may be a plural-to-multiple correspondence. Specifically, the printer driver unit 62 may convert one partial data into one area data, or may collectively convert a plurality of partial data into one area data. Alternatively, the printer driver unit 62 may divide one partial data and convert it into a plurality of area data.

  Further, the printer driver unit 62 generates a signal indicating a region to which each pixel belongs (region identification signal) based on the conversion result into region data, and outputs the signal to the image processing unit 2.

  Thus, image processing in the image processing unit 2 is performed using the region data (digital RGB data) and the region identification signal input from the computer 60 to the image processing unit 2.

(Example of the program)
In the present embodiment, the toner consumption calculation unit 32, the print unit price calculation unit 35, the output gradation determination unit 37, or the print rate calculation unit 40 that forms the image quality mode setting unit 3b. , The average gradation value calculation unit 50, the toner consumption calculation unit 32b, the printing unit price calculation unit 35, and the output gradation determination unit 37 are stored in a recording medium such as a ROM or a RAM by a calculation unit such as a CPU. This is a functional block realized by executing the program code. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of an image processing program, which is software that realizes the functions described above, is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. And the computer (or CPU) provided in the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program code recorded in the recording medium.

  On the other hand, these members may be realized as hardware that performs the same processing as the software. In this case, an object of the present invention is to provide a toner consumption amount calculation unit 32, a printing unit price calculation unit 35, an output gradation determination unit 37, or a printing rate calculation unit 40, an average gradation value calculation unit 50, toner, which are hardware. This is achieved by the consumption calculation unit 32b, the printing unit price calculation unit 35, and the output gradation determination unit 37. These members are also realized as a combination of hardware that performs a part of the processing and the above arithmetic means that executes program code for performing processing other than the control of the hardware and processing performed by the hardware. it can. Further, among the members described above, even if the member is described as hardware, the hardware that performs part of the processing and the program code that performs processing other than the control of the hardware and the processing performed by the hardware are executed. It can also be realized as a configuration combining the above computing means.

  The calculation means may have a single configuration, or may have a configuration in which a plurality of calculation means connected via a bus inside the apparatus or various communication paths cooperate to execute a program code. .

  Therefore, the image quality mode setting unit 3 or the image quality mode setting unit 3b according to the present invention can be provided at any place in the printing apparatus. For example, the image quality mode setting unit 3 or the image quality mode setting unit 3b is configured on the multi-function device 1 in each of the above-described embodiments, but may be configured on the computer 60 or configured as an independent device. Also good. Further, in the image processing apparatus, a part of each of the members included in the apparatus is on the printing apparatus or the computer, and the remaining members are independent, and these members function in an organic manner in cooperation with each other. An image processing apparatus may be used. Further, the toner consumption amount and / or the printing unit price may be displayed on a display / operation panel (display unit) 4 provided in the printing apparatus, or may be displayed on a display unit connected to the computer 60.

  In addition, the program code itself that can be directly executed by the arithmetic means, or a program as data that can generate a program code by a process such as decompression described later, stores the program (program or the data) in a recording medium. The recording medium is distributed, or the program is distributed by being transmitted by a communication means for transmitting via a wired or wireless communication path, and is executed by the arithmetic means. .

  In addition, when transmitting via a communication path, the various programs which comprise a communication path propagate the signal sequence which shows a program, and the said program is transmitted via the said communication path. In addition, when transmitting the signal sequence, the transmission device may superimpose the signal sequence on the carrier by modulating the carrier with a signal sequence indicating a program. In this case, the signal sequence is restored by the receiving apparatus demodulating the carrier wave. On the other hand, when transmitting the signal sequence, the transmission apparatus may packet-divide the signal sequence as a digital data sequence. In this case, the receiving apparatus concatenates the received packet groups and restores the signal sequence. Further, when the transmission apparatus transmits a signal sequence, the signal sequence may be multiplexed with another signal sequence and transmitted by a method such as time division / frequency division / code division. In this case, the receiving device extracts and restores the signal sequence from the multiplexed signal sequence. In either case, the same effect can be obtained if the program can be transmitted via the communication path.

  Here, it is preferable that the recording medium when the program is distributed is removable, but it does not matter whether the recording medium after distributing the program is removable. The recording medium may be a medium in which the program is recorded, regardless of whether it can be rewritten (written) or volatile, and the recording method and shape are not limited. Examples of such recording media include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks and hard disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks (MO), mini-discs (MD), and digital video. The disc (a disc such as a DVD). The recording medium may be a card such as an IC card or an optical card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash ROM. It may be a memory formed in a calculation means such as a CPU.

  The program code may be a code for instructing all means of each process to the computing means, or a basic program capable of executing a part or all of each process by calling in a predetermined procedure. If (for example, an operating system or a library) already exists, a part or all of the entire procedure may be replaced with a code or a pointer that instructs the arithmetic device to call the basic program.

  Further, the format for storing the program in the recording medium may be a storage format that can be accessed and executed by the arithmetic means, for example, as in a state where the program is stored in the real memory, or is stored in the real memory. Installed in the local recording medium from the storage format after being installed in a local recording medium (for example, real memory or hard disk) that is always accessible by the computing means, or from a network or a transportable recording medium The storage format may be the same as before.

  Further, the program is not limited to the object code after being compiled, but may be stored in the recording medium as source code or intermediate code generated during interpretation or compilation. In any case, the above process can be performed by decompressing the compressed information, decompressing the encoded information, interpreting, compiling, linking, or placing in real memory, or a combination of these processes. If the intermediate code can be converted into a format that can be executed by the arithmetic means, the same effect can be obtained regardless of the format in which the program is stored in the recording medium.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those of the multifunction machine (printing apparatus) 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in a printing apparatus having a plurality of image quality modes, a printing unit price when printing is performed by selecting each image quality mode is calculated in advance before printing, and the calculation result and a preset value are set in advance. A case where printing is performed by selecting an image quality mode based on the set value of the printing unit price will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image quality mode setting unit 3c provided in the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the image quality mode setting unit 3c includes a unit price set value storage unit 70 in addition to the image quality mode setting unit 3 shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. Further, instead of the output tone determination unit 37, an output tone determination unit 37c is provided.

  The unit price set value storage unit 70 stores the set value of the print unit price input via the display / operation panel 4. In the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can specify (input) a set value for the print unit price via the display / operation panel 4. The set value of the print unit price will be described later. For example, the upper limit value of the print unit price may be set as the set value, or the target value of the print unit price may be set as the set value.

  The output gradation determination unit 37c receives the upper limit value of the printing unit price or the target value of the printing unit price specified by the user from the unit price setting value storage unit 70. Then, the output gradation determination unit 37 selects the image quality mode for printing based on the input print unit price setting value and the print unit price when each image quality mode calculated by the print unit price calculation unit 35 is selected. To do. Further, the output tone determination unit 37 determines an output tone value based on the image quality mode coefficient C corresponding to the selected image quality mode and the image data (CMYK data) stored in the storage unit 34. Output to the forming unit 204.

(Example when setting the upper limit of printing unit price)
Next, the operation of the image quality mode setting unit 3c will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image quality mode setting unit 3c. Here, a case where the output tone determination unit 37c selects the image quality mode based on the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user will be described.

  First, the control unit causes the image processing unit 2 to output the image data (CMYK data) subjected to the gradation reproduction process to the image quality mode setting unit 3c (S31). As a result, the toner consumption calculation unit 32 provided in the image quality mode setting unit 3c acquires the image data (CMYK data) after the gradation reproduction process.

  Next, the control unit performs the same processing as S2 to S7 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and calculates a printing unit price when the image data input from the image processing unit 2 is printed in each image quality mode. (S32).

  Next, the control unit stores the unit price for printing the image data input from the image processing unit 2 in the high image quality mode, stored in the unit price setting value storage unit 70, and the unit price set in advance by the user. It is determined whether or not the upper limit value (set value) is less than (S33).

  In S33, when it is determined that the printing unit price when printing in the high image quality mode is equal to or lower than the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user, the control unit sets the high image quality mode as the image quality mode used for printing. Is selected (S34), and the process of S40 described later is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S33 that the printing unit price when printing in the high image quality mode is higher than the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user, the control unit receives the image data input from the image processing unit 2 It is determined whether or not the printing unit price when printing in the standard mode is less than or equal to the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user (S35).

  In S35, when it is determined that the printing unit price when printing in the standard mode is less than or equal to the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user, the control unit selects the standard mode as the image quality mode used for printing. (S36), and the process of S40 described later is performed.

  In S35, when it is determined that the printing unit price when printing in the standard mode is higher than the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user, the control unit receives the image data input from the image processing unit 2. It is determined whether the printing unit price when printing in the saving mode a is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user (S37).

  In S37, when it is determined that the printing unit price when printing in the saving mode a is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user, the control unit sets the saving mode a as the image quality mode used for printing. Is selected (S38), and the process of S40 described later is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S38 that the printing unit price when printing in the saving mode a is higher than the upper limit value of the printing unit price set in advance by the user, the control unit sets the saving mode b as the image quality mode used for printing. Is selected (S39), and the process of S40 described later is performed.

  After selecting the image quality mode for printing in any of S34, S36, S38, and S39, the control unit causes the output tone determination unit 37c to generate image data of an output tone value corresponding to the selected image quality mode, The generated output gradation value is output to the image forming unit 201 to start printing (S40). Thereby, the process in the image quality mode setting unit 3c is completed.

  As described above, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is a printing apparatus having a plurality of image quality modes, and the printing unit price when each image quality mode is selected for printing is set in advance before printing. Based on the calculation result and the upper limit value of the printing unit price preset by the user, the image quality mode is selected and printing is performed.

  That is, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the image quality is the highest quality among the image quality modes in which the printing unit price when printing the image data input from the image processing unit 2 is equal to or less than the upper limit value set by the user. Select an image quality mode and print.

  As a result, the printing cost can be kept below the upper limit value set in advance by the user, and printing can be performed by selecting a high-quality image quality mode. In other words, for example, when there is a user's request to keep the printing unit price per page (one sheet of paper) within a predetermined amount, the highest quality image mode that can satisfy the condition is selected. Printing can be performed.

(Example when setting a target value for printing unit price)
In the above description, the case where the user sets the upper limit value of the printing unit price has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print unit price when the image data input from the image processing unit 2 is printed in each image quality mode is calculated, and the calculated image unit price is the closest to the target value of the print unit price set in advance by the user. You may make it select.

  In this case, the unit price setting value storage unit 70 may store the target value of the printing unit price input from the user via the display / operation panel 4.

  Further, the target value of the printing unit price designated by the user is input from the unit price setting value storage unit 70 to the output gradation determination unit 37c, and the output gradation determination unit 37 inputs the input target value of the printing unit price and the printing unit price. The image quality mode for printing may be selected based on the print unit price when each image quality mode calculated by the calculation unit 35 is selected.

  The operation of the image quality mode setting unit 3c in this case will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image quality mode setting unit 3c in this case.

  First, the control unit causes the image processing unit 2 to output the image data (CMYK data) subjected to the gradation reproduction process to the image quality mode setting unit 3c (S51). As a result, the toner consumption calculation unit 32 provided in the image quality mode setting unit 3c acquires the image data (CMYK data) after the gradation reproduction process.

  Next, the control unit performs the same processing as S2 to S7 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and calculates a printing unit price when the image data input from the image processing unit 2 is printed in each image quality mode. (S52).

  Next, the control unit prints the image data input from the image processing unit 2 in each image quality mode, and the print unit price stored in the unit price setting value storage unit 70 and set in advance by the user. The absolute value of the difference from the target value is calculated (S53).

  After that, the control unit compares the absolute value of the difference between the print unit price and the target value when printing in each image quality mode, and the absolute value of the difference between the print unit price and the target value when printing in the high image quality mode is the smallest. It is determined whether or not (S54).

  In S54, when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the high image quality mode is the minimum, the control unit selects the high image quality mode as the image quality mode used for printing. (S55), the process of S61 described later is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S54 that the absolute value of the difference between the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the high image quality mode is not the minimum, the control unit sets the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the standard mode. It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference is the smallest (S56).

  If it is determined in S56 that the absolute value of the difference between the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the standard mode is the minimum, the control unit selects the standard mode as the image quality mode used for printing (S57). ), The process of S61 described later is performed.

  In S56, if it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the standard mode is not the minimum, the control unit sets the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the saving mode a. It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the two is the smallest (S58).

  If it is determined in S58 that the absolute value of the difference between the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the saving mode a is the minimum, the control unit selects the saving mode a as the image quality mode used for printing. (S59), the process of S61 described later is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S58 that the absolute value of the difference between the printing unit price and the target value when printing in the saving mode a is not the minimum, the control unit selects the saving mode b as the image quality mode used for printing. (S60), the process of S61 described later is performed.

  After selecting the image quality mode for printing in any of S55, S57, S59, and S60, the control unit causes the output tone determination unit 37c to generate image data of an output tone value corresponding to the selected image quality mode, and The generated output gradation value is output to the image forming unit 201 to start printing (S61). Thereby, the processing in the image quality mode setting unit 3c is completed.

  As described above, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is a printing apparatus having a plurality of image quality modes, and the printing unit price when performing printing by selecting each image quality mode is set in advance before printing. A configuration may be adopted in which printing is performed by selecting an image quality mode based on the calculation result and the target value of the printing unit price preset by the user.

  That is, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment selects and prints an image quality mode in which the print unit price when printing the image data input from the image processing unit 2 is closest to the target value of the print unit price set by the user. It is good also as composition which performs.

  Thereby, the printing cost can be suppressed to an amount close to the target value set in advance by the user. In other words, for example, when there is a user's request that the printing unit price per page (one sheet of paper) is kept to a predetermined amount, printing is performed by selecting an image quality mode that can satisfy the condition. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, the toner consumption amount is calculated for each pixel, and the total amount is calculated for all the pixels to obtain the toner consumption amount per sheet. Thus, the printing cost when selecting each image quality mode is reduced. The configuration for calculating in advance and setting the image quality mode according to the calculation result has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, as in the image quality mode setting unit 3b in the first exemplary embodiment, the relationship between the gradation value and the toner density when printing a solid image having the same gradation value over the entire area of one sheet of paper that has been obtained in advance, and the input In the configuration that calculates the toner consumption per sheet based on the print rate per sheet calculated from the image data to be calculated, the printing cost is calculated in advance when each image quality mode is selected, and the calculation is performed. The image quality mode may be set according to the result.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the MFP 1 performs printing of analog RGB data read from an original by the scanner unit 110 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As in the first embodiment, for example, the present invention can also be applied to printing data input from an external device such as a computer or a digital camera connected to the multifunction device 1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, a printing system (printing apparatus) including a computer 60 connected to the multifunction machine 1, an image processing unit 2, an image quality mode setting unit 3, and an image forming unit 210. ) May be configured.

  In this case, based on the upper limit value or the print unit price target value set in advance by the user and the print unit price when each image quality mode input from the image quality mode setting unit 3 is selected, the application unit 61 You may make it select the image quality mode used for printing.

  In the present embodiment, the case where an image composed of four colors C, M, Y, and K is printed has been described. However, as in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, the case where printing is performed on one sheet of paper has been described. However, as in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the toner consumption amount calculation unit 32, the print unit price calculation unit 35, the output tone determination unit 37, or the print rate calculation unit that configures the image quality mode setting unit 3b. 40, an average gradation value calculation unit 50, a toner consumption amount calculation unit 32b, a printing unit price calculation unit 35, and an output gradation determination unit 37 are programs stored in a recording medium such as a ROM or a RAM by a calculation unit such as a CPU. It may be realized by executing a code, or may be realized by hardware.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the multifunction machine 1 has been described. However, the printing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a combination of a function as a copier (copier), a function as a facsimile machine, a function as a printer that outputs (prints) data input from an external device such as a computer or a digital camera, Alternatively, any one of the functions may be provided. The printing apparatus of the present invention may be an electrophotographic printing apparatus or an inkjet printing apparatus. The printing apparatus of the present invention may be a printing apparatus that performs monochrome printing or a printing apparatus that performs color printing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes. Further, the present invention can be applied to a printing method in such a printing apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the printing method, and a recording medium storing the program.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of image quality mode setting processing in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the printing apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image quality mode setting unit in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the image quality mode setting part in the printing apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image quality mode setting unit illustrated in FIG. 5. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a computer connected to the printing apparatus as an external device. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image quality mode setting part with which the printing apparatus concerning other embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement in the image quality mode setting part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of operation | movement in the image quality mode setting part shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Multifunction machine (printing device)
2 Image processing section 3 Image quality mode setting section 4 Display / operation panel (display means, operation input means, set value input means)
31 Image quality mode coefficient storage unit 32, 32b Toner consumption calculation unit (toner consumption calculation means)
33, 33b Toner consumption calculation table storage unit 34, 34b Storage unit 35 Print unit price calculation unit (print cost calculation means)
36 Toner unit price storage unit 37, 37c Output tone determination unit (image quality mode selection means)
38 Image quality mode selection history storage unit (selection history storage means)
40 Print Rate Calculation Unit 41 Count Unit 42 Calculation Unit 43 Coefficient Table Storage Unit 44 Accumulation Unit 45 Print Rate Calculation Unit 50 Average Tone Value Calculation Unit 60 Computer 61 Application Unit 62 Printer Driver Unit 70 Unit Price Setting Value Storage Unit 110 Scanner Unit 210 Image forming unit

Claims (20)

In a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes,
Toner consumption calculating means for calculating toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to input image data in each of the image quality modes;
Display means for displaying toner consumption when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculation means;
Operation input means for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing,
A printing apparatus that performs printing in an image quality mode selected by the selection instruction. In a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes,
Toner consumption calculating means for calculating toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to input image data in each of the image quality modes;
A printing cost calculating means for calculating a printing cost for printing in each image quality mode based on a toner consumption amount for printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculating means;
Display means for displaying a printing cost when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculating means;
Operation input means for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing,
A printing apparatus that performs printing in an image quality mode selected by the selection instruction. In a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes,
Toner consumption calculating means for calculating toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to input image data in each of the image quality modes;
A printing cost calculating means for calculating a printing cost for printing in each image quality mode based on a toner consumption amount for printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculating means;
A set value input means for receiving an instruction regarding the set value of the printing cost;
An image quality mode selection means for selecting an image quality mode for printing based on a print cost for printing in each image quality mode calculated by the print cost calculation means and a setting value received by the setting value input means; A printing apparatus comprising: The setting value of the printing cost is the upper limit value of the printing cost,
4. The image quality mode selection unit selects an image quality mode capable of printing at a printing cost equal to or less than the upper limit value and capable of printing a higher quality image as an image quality mode for printing. Printing device. The set value of the printing cost is a target value of the printing cost,
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image quality mode selection unit selects an image quality mode capable of printing at a printing cost closest to the target value as an image quality mode for performing printing.   The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing cost is a printing unit price per sheet. Selection history storage means for storing the cumulative number of times each image quality mode has been selected;
An image quality mode selection means for selecting the image quality mode with the largest cumulative number stored in the selection history storage means when the operation input means is not instructed to select the image quality mode for printing; The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. The toner consumption calculating means is:
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a toner consumption amount when printing in each of the image quality modes is calculated based on gradation data of input image data. The toner consumption calculating means is:
Each image quality described above is divided into a plurality of gradation ranges by using a table that associates each gradation range with the toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to each gradation range. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a toner consumption amount when printing in the mode is calculated. In a printing method for printing an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes,
A toner consumption amount calculating step for calculating a toner consumption amount when printing an image corresponding to input image data in each of the image quality modes;
A display step for displaying a toner consumption amount when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the toner consumption calculation step;
An image quality mode input process for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing;
And a printing step of performing printing in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction. In a printing method for printing an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes,
A toner consumption amount calculating step for calculating a toner consumption amount when printing an image corresponding to input image data in each of the image quality modes;
A printing cost calculation step of calculating a printing cost in printing in each image quality mode based on the toner consumption amount in printing in each image quality mode calculated in the toner consumption amount calculation step;
A display step for displaying a printing cost when printing in each image quality mode calculated by the printing cost calculating step;
An image quality mode input process for receiving an instruction to select an image quality mode for printing;
And a printing step of performing printing in the image quality mode selected by the selection instruction. In a printing method for printing an image corresponding to input image data by selecting one of a plurality of image quality modes,
A toner consumption amount calculating step for calculating a toner consumption amount when printing an image corresponding to input image data in each of the image quality modes;
A printing cost calculation step of calculating a printing cost in printing in each image quality mode based on the toner consumption amount in printing in each image quality mode calculated in the toner consumption amount calculation step;
A set value input process for receiving an instruction regarding the set value of the printing cost;
An image quality mode selection step for selecting an image quality mode for printing based on the print cost when printing in each image quality mode calculated in the print cost calculation step and the setting value received in the setting value input step. A printing method comprising: The setting value of the printing cost is the upper limit value of the printing cost,
13. The image quality mode selection step, wherein an image quality mode capable of printing at a printing cost equal to or lower than the upper limit value and capable of printing a higher quality image is selected as an image quality mode for printing. Printing method. The set value of the printing cost is a target value of the printing cost,
13. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, in the image quality mode selection step, an image quality mode capable of printing at a printing cost closest to the target value is selected as an image quality mode for performing printing.   The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a printing unit price per sheet is used as the printing cost. Including a selection history storage step of storing the cumulative number of times each image quality mode has been selected,
12. The image quality mode having the largest cumulative selection count is selected as the image quality mode for printing when the image quality mode input step for printing is not instructed in the image quality mode input step. The printing apparatus as described in. In the toner consumption calculation step,
13. The printing method according to claim 10, wherein a toner consumption amount for printing in each of the image quality modes is calculated based on gradation data of input image data. In the toner consumption calculation step,
Each image quality described above is divided into a plurality of gradation ranges by using a table that associates each gradation range with the toner consumption when printing an image corresponding to each gradation range. The printing method according to claim 17, wherein the toner consumption when printing in the mode is calculated.   The printing program for making a computer perform the process of each process in the printing method of any one of Claims 10-18.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the printing program according to claim 19 is recorded.

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