JP2005178009A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which sets a chance for the user to make an optimum judgment when ink or toner comes to remain small, and moreover, which is prevented from running out of ink or toner in the middle of printing. <P>SOLUTION: A regulation amount of the ink is determined on the basis of image data obtained by pre-scanning so that all originals placed at an automatic document feeder can be printed with the use of the ink not larger than a remaining amount of the ink in a cartridge. Printing is carried out on the basis of the regulation amount. Accordingly, even if many originals, for example, several tens of originals are placed at the document feeder 1e, printing is prevented from being interrupted due to the lack of the ink in the middle of printing. One document placed at the document feeder 1e can be printed to the last page. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that provides an opportunity for a user to make an optimal determination when ink or toner is low and does not run out of ink or toner during printing. Is.

Conventionally, input image data is expanded into bitmap-format image data for each page, and the amount of ink (consumables) used when printing the image data for that page and the remaining ink in the ink tank. Compared with the above, when the ink remaining amount is small, a technique is known in which printing is performed by thinning out pixels to be printed, so that even if the ink remaining amount is small, the one page can be printed. (Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-326521 A ([0027])

  However, a plurality of pages of documents set in the automatic document feeder is one document, and it is an obstacle for the user that copying is interrupted due to running out of ink during copying of the one document. For example, if you are in a hurry and know that the ink runs out along the way, you can look for another copy device. In some cases, even if the quality is slightly reduced, printing can be performed while saving ink, and copying of all documents can be permitted. In the conventional technique, the input image data is developed into image data for each page, and the amount of ink used for the image data is compared with the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank to perform thinning processing printing. The printing process is performed for each page. Accordingly, when a single document composed of a plurality of pages of originals is being copied using the automatic document feeder, there may be a problem that ink or toner runs out during the copying of the single document.

  Also, with the conventional technology, there is no opportunity to check the degree of quality deterioration when saving the amount of ink or toner before printing, and to determine whether or not to print. Since the degree of deterioration cannot be confirmed, if the degree of saving is too large, it is necessary to view the printed material and copy it again.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When the remaining amount of consumables (ink or toner) is low, the user is given an opportunity to make an optimal determination and is consumed during printing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which no product is lost.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 forms an image of an original read by a main scan using a consumable stored in a cartridge. A pre-scan unit that reads image data of a plurality of documents supplied from an automatic document feeder and a total dot number counting unit that counts the total number of dots of image data of a plurality of documents read by the pre-scan unit And determining the necessary amount of consumables based on the total number of dots counted by the total dot number counting means, detecting the remaining amount of consumables remaining in the cartridge, Based on the amount and the remaining amount, an adjustment amount determining means for determining an adjustment amount of the consumables so that the consumables can be saved and all necessary documents can be printed, and the adjustment amount determination And a saving print means for performing printing based on the adjustment amount determined by the step.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is a saving degree display means for displaying the degree of saving of the consumables based on the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination means. And a print permission inquiry means for inquiring whether or not printing based on the adjustment amount is permitted at the same time or after the display of the saving degree by the saving degree display means. Only when it is permitted, the printing by the saving printing means is executed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the saving degree display means includes the remaining consumables in the cartridge among the originals supplied from the automatic document feeder. It is configured to display the number of documents that can be printed with less than the amount of consumables.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the saving degree display means stores a comment stored in advance corresponding to the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination means. Is configured to display.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 is configured such that, in addition to the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, the saving degree display means displays the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination means.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 can print all the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder without saving the consumables. The saving printing unit includes a remaining amount confirmation mode selection unit that selects a remaining amount confirmation mode for confirming whether or not prior to printing, and the remaining amount confirmation mode is selected by the remaining amount confirmation mode selection unit. Thus, printing is performed while saving consumables.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 includes mode inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to select the remaining amount confirmation mode in addition to the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, and the mode inquiry means includes the cartridge Only when the remaining amount of the consumables is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is configured to inquire whether or not to select the remaining amount confirmation mode.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the adjustment amount determination unit calculates an adjustment amount corresponding to each of the consumables of a plurality of colors. Of the plurality of adjustment amounts, only one adjustment amount that conserves the largest amount of consumables is selected and determined as the adjustment amount used in the saving printing means.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, image data of a part of a plurality of originals read by the prescan unit is stored. Image data storage means and dot number calculation means for calculating the number of dots of the image data stored in the image data storage means, wherein the total dot number counting means is the dot calculated by the dot number calculation means. By cumulatively adding the numbers, the total number of dots of the image data of a plurality of originals read by the prescan means is counted.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 forms an image of a document read by a main scan using a consumable stored in a cartridge, and includes an automatic document feeder before the main scan. Prescan means for reading image data of a plurality of supplied originals, one page image data storage means for storing image data of one page of a plurality of originals read by the prescan means, and the one page image One-page dot number calculation means for calculating the number of dots of the image data of the one-page document stored by the data storage means, and dots of the image data of the one-page document calculated by the one-page dot number calculation means 1-page dot number storage means for storing the number, and an image of the one-page document by the 1-page dot number storage means After the number of dots of the data is stored, an erasing unit for erasing the image data of the one-page document stored in the one-page image data storage unit, and a one-page stored in the one-page dot number storage unit A total dot number counting unit that counts the total number of dots of image data of a plurality of documents read by the pre-scan unit based on the number of dots in the image data of the document, and the total dots counted by the total dot number counting unit Determine the required amount of consumables based on the number, detect the remaining amount of consumables remaining in the cartridge, and save the consumables based on the required amount and remaining amount of the consumables Adjustment amount determining means for determining the adjustment amount of consumables so that all originals can be printed, and saving printing for performing printing based on the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determining means Those having a stage.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the total dot number counting means obtains so that all the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder can be printed using the consumables less than the remaining amount of the consumables in the cartridge. Since the adjustment amount of the consumables is determined based on the total number of dots of the image data and printing is performed based on the adjustment amount, a large number of documents, for example, several tens of documents are placed on the automatic document feeder. Even in such a case, there is no consumable part in the middle of printing, and printing is not interrupted, so that one document supplied from the automatic document feeder can be printed up to the last page.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the degree of saving of consumables is displayed based on the adjustment amount, and at the same time or after the display, Inquires whether or not to allow printing based on the adjustment amount, and only when printing is permitted, consumables are saved and printed based on the adjustment amount. There is an effect that an opportunity to determine whether or not to permit printing with the degree of saving can be obtained. For example, when the degree of saving is too large and only a deteriorated printed matter can be obtained, the user can prevent unnecessary printing by not permitting printing.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, printing can be performed with the remaining amount of consumables in the cartridge among the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder. Since the number of originals is displayed, the degree of saving is easy to understand, and there is an effect that it is possible to make an optimal determination as to whether or not to print with the adjustment amount.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the comment stored in advance corresponding to the adjustment amount is displayed. There is an effect that it is possible to make an optimum determination as to whether or not printing is performed with the adjustment amount.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, since the adjustment amount is displayed in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the degree of saving is easily understood, and whether or not printing is performed with the adjustment amount. There is an effect that an optimum judgment can be made.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, all the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder without saving consumables can be obtained. The user wants to obtain a high-quality printed material because it saves consumables and prints only when the remaining amount confirmation mode for checking whether printing is possible or not is selected prior to printing. Nevertheless, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent printing by saving consumables.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the remaining amount only when the remaining amount of consumables in the cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Inquires whether or not to select the confirmation mode. If there is enough remaining consumables in the cartridge and it is not necessary to confirm whether or not all the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder can be printed, the remaining There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the operation from being complicated without inquiring whether or not to select the amount confirmation mode.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the adjustment amounts corresponding to the consumables of a plurality of colors are respectively calculated, Of the adjustment amounts, only one adjustment amount that maximizes the amount of consumables saved is selected and determined as the adjustment amount to be used in the conservative printing means. It is possible to prevent disappearance, and consumables of a plurality of colors are saved based on the same adjustment amount. Therefore, there is an effect that the balance of the hue of the printed matter can be maintained.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, image data of some originals among a plurality of originals read by the prescan unit. The total number of dots in the image data of a plurality of documents read by the prescan means is counted by accumulating and adding the calculated number of dots. Even if the number of pages of the original document is large and the image data cannot be stored at one time, the total number of dots required to print all the original documents supplied from the automatic document feeder can be counted. Therefore, there is an effect that the adjustment amount of the consumable can be appropriately determined even when the number of pages of the document supplied from the automatic document feeder is large.

  11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the number of dots of image data of one page of the plurality of originals read by the prescan unit is calculated and stored, and the dot of image data of the one page of original is calculated. The total number of dots is counted based on the number of dots, the adjustment amount of the consumable is determined based on the total number of dots, and printing is performed based on the adjustment amount. Even in the case of printing, there is no consumable part in the middle of printing, printing is not interrupted, and one document supplied from the automatic document feeder can be printed up to the last page. . Further, after the number of dots of the image data of one page of the document is stored, the image data of the one page of the document is erased from the one page image data storage means, and the image data of the document of the next page is stored. Therefore, it is possible to count the total number of dots in the image data of a plurality of documents without storing the image data of the plurality of documents at a time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the memory used as the one-page image data storage unit, and there is an effect that the image forming apparatus is inexpensive.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction machine 1 as an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  A multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a public communication network provided by a communication carrier by a wired line via a telephone line, and transmits and receives image data obtained by digitizing images composed of characters, figures, and the like. A fax communication function, an image reading function for optically reading a document on which an image is formed and converting it into digital data, and an image copying function for forming an image of the document read by the image reading function on a recording medium The apparatus is a combined function type apparatus equipped with a printer function for printing print data input from a personal computer (PC).

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction machine 1. An operation panel 4 having a plurality of buttons and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 5 is provided on the upper front portion of the main body 1a. The LCD 5 is a display that displays a process executed by the multifunction device 1 and a communication state with a PC 35 connected to the multifunction device 1 or a partner device connected via the telephone line 26. It consists of When the multifunction device 1 is operated by a plurality of buttons provided on the operation panel 4, the operation state and operation procedure are displayed on the LCD 5.

  A document feeder (automatic document feeder) 1e having a document insertion port 1c and a document discharge port 1d is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1a. A document to be copied is inserted into the document insertion slot 1c with the document surface facing downward. The document inserted into the document insertion slot 1c is sent to the reading unit of the multifunction machine 1 by the document feeder 1e, and the document image is image data by a scanner (CCD line sensor) 22 provided in the multifunction machine 1. Is read from the document discharge port 1d. A document sensor (not shown) is disposed at the document insertion slot 1c, and detects the presence or absence of a document at the document insertion slot 1c.

  On the other hand, a lower portion of the main body 1a is provided with a paper feed tray 1f on which a plurality of recording sheets can be stacked and pulled out to the front. From the paper feed tray 1f, recording paper for printing the read image data is supplied to the inside of the main body 1a by driving a conveyance motor for conveying the recording paper, that is, an LF motor (not shown). ing. Also, the printed recording paper is discharged from a recording paper discharge port 1g provided on the side surface of the multifunction device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 and the PC 35. The MFP 1 includes a CPU 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, an EEPROM 15, an image memory 17, a network control unit (hereinafter simply referred to as “NCU”) 19, a modem 20, a buffer 21, a scanner 22, an encoding unit 23, and a decoding unit. A unit 24, a printer 25, an operation panel 4, an LCD 5, an amplifier 27, and an interface 30 a are provided, and these are connected to each other via a bus line 29.

  The NCU 19 is for line control, and the multi-function device 1 is connected to the telephone line 26 via the NCU 19. The NCU 19 receives a calling signal and various signals transmitted from the exchange, and transmits a dial signal at the time of transmission corresponding to the operation of the input key on the operation panel 4 to the exchange, or when the telephone line 26 is closed. Facsimile data is transmitted and received.

  The CPU 12 controls each unit connected to the bus line 29 based on various signals transmitted / received via the NCU 19 to execute a facsimile operation, a printer operation, and the like. The ROM 13 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the multi-function device 1, and the programs shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are stored in the ROM 13.

  The control program is a program for controlling a facsimile operation and a printer operation executed by the multifunction device 1 and a data communication operation between the multifunction device 1 and the PC 35. In the control program of the present embodiment, an automatic document feed copy processing program, which will be described later, is provided as a program for performing such control.

  The RAM 14 is a memory for temporarily storing various data. The page number memory 14a, the one page image memory 14b, the C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, A K dot number counter memory 14f and an adjustment amount memory 14g are provided.

  The page number memory 14a is a memory that stores the number of pages of the document supplied from the document feeder 1e. The page number memory 14 a is initialized by writing “0” at the start of the automatic document feed copy process of FIGS. 3 and 4, and one page of image data is read by the scanner 22 in the prescan unit (S 8). 1 is added every time.

  The one-page image memory 14b is a memory for storing image data for one page read by the scanner 22. In the automatic document feed copy process of FIGS. 3 and 4, the image data for one page written in the one-page image memory 14b is counted for the number of dots required to print the image data in the normal print mode. Thereafter, it is erased from the one-page image memory 14b.

  The C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, and the K dot number counter memory 14f are used when printing the image data stored in the one-page image memory 14b in the normal print mode. This is a memory for storing the number of dots (number of pixels) of each color component required.

  In the C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, and the K dot number counter memory 14f, “0” is written at the start of the automatic document feed copy process shown in FIG. It becomes. When the number of dots of each color component required for printing one page of image data is calculated, the total dot number counting means (S9) performs C dot number counter memory 14c, M dot number counter memory 14d, Y In the dot number counter memory 14e and the K dot number counter memory 14f, the number of dots of the corresponding color component is cumulatively added and the value is updated.

  The adjustment amount memory 14g is a memory that stores an adjustment amount for adjusting the amount of ink used when printing by the printer 25. In the adjustment amount memory 14g, the value of the adjustment amount calculated in the automatic document feed copy process shown in FIG. 3 to be described later is written. Based on this value, the saving printing process is performed that saves the ink to be used.

  The EEPROM 15 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the EEPROM 15 is retained even after the power is turned off. The EEPROM 15 is a memory for storing various data and setting values that are set or registered by the operator in a non-volatile manner, and includes a telephone directory memory 15a, a setting value memory 15b, a C ink remaining amount memory 15c, and an M ink remaining amount. An amount memory 15d, a Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and a K ink remaining amount memory 15f. The multi-function device 1 can display an input screen for inputting various data and setting values on the LCD 5 by a predetermined operation, and the data input on the input screen is stored in the telephone directory memory 15a. It has become.

  The phone book memory 15a is a memory for storing the facsimile number of the counterpart device. Each data stored in the telephone directory memory 15a can be read out when necessary, such as during facsimile operation.

  The setting value memory 15b is a memory for storing setting values necessary for wireless communication between the multifunction device 1 and the PC 35. Data communication between the multifunction device 1 and the PC 35 is performed by wireless communication, and a medium used for the wireless communication is radio waves. For this reason, security is necessary to prevent such interception. That is, when performing wireless communication, it is necessary to set in advance so that only the MFP and the PC 35 can communicate with each other, and the setting value set here is stored in the setting value memory 15b. . During wireless communication, communication is performed based on the setting value stored in the setting value memory 15b.

  Specifically, the setting values stored in the setting value memory 15b are the channels of the interfaces 30a and 30c and the Extended Service Set ID (hereinafter simply referred to as “ESSID”). The channel is a path for invisible data, and in order for the wireless interfaces 30a and 30c to communicate with each other, the interfaces 30a and 30c provided in the communicating devices are not set to the same channel. Must not. For this reason, the channel of the main body 1a and the PC 35 are set to the same channel, and the value is stored in the set value memory 15b as a set value. The ESSID is a character string for distinguishing individual networks in a wireless network. This ESSID is determined by the user and set for each apparatus.

  The C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f are memories for storing the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge. Specifically, The number of dots that can be printed with the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is stored.

The C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f have normal sizes that can be printed with one ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is replaced. The number of dots is written. For example, when the K (black) ink cartridge is replaced, 442 × 10 ⁶ is written in the K ink remaining amount memory 15f, and the C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, and the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e are When replacing each ink cartridge, 233 × 10 ⁶ is written. These values are stored in the ROM 13 in advance.

  When ink is used for printing in the printing process (S22) of the automatic document feed copy process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to be described later, the C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, and the Y ink are used. From the values of the remaining amount memory 15e and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f, the adjustment amount memory 14b is changed to the values of the C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, and the K dot number counter memory 14f, respectively. A value obtained by multiplying this value, that is, the amount of ink used in the printing process is subtracted and updated.

  The image memory 17 is a memory for storing image data (image data), and is composed of a large capacity DRAM. When the multifunction device 1 receives facsimile data, the facsimile data is once stored in the image memory 17 and then output to the printer 25 and recorded if the printer 25 is operating normally. . The output facsimile data is erased from the image memory 17 after being printed on the recording paper by the printer 25. When the facsimile data is image data, the amount of data is generally large. However, since the facsimile data is erased on condition that the facsimile data is printed, the image memory 17 should be used effectively. Can do.

  The modem 20 modulates and demodulates image data, and transmits and receives various procedure signals for transmission control. The buffer 21 temporarily stores encoded facsimile data transmitted / received to / from other facsimile apparatuses.

  The scanner 22 is for reading an image of a document inserted into the document insertion slot 1c, and the encoding unit 23 is for encoding the document image read by the scanner 22. The decryption unit 24 reads the received data stored in the buffer 21 and decrypts the received data. The decrypted data is printed on a recording sheet by the printer 25. The operation panel 4 is for the operator to perform various operations such as setting of the multifunction machine 1 as described above. The amplifier 27 is used to ring a speaker 28 connected to the amplifier 27 and output a ringing tone or the like.

  The interfaces 30a and 30c are for connecting the multi-function device 1 and the PC 35. The interfaces 30a and 30c are the specifications of the contacts in data communication between different devices, and are electrical standards. As the interfaces 30a and 30c used in the present embodiment, a Bluetooth interface that is a general-purpose wireless communication standard is used. Bluetooth is an interface that uses 2.45 GHz radio waves that can be used without a license and can communicate at a speed of 1 Mbps or higher. This Bluetooth generally has low power consumption and low manufacturing costs, and can perform data communication even if there is an obstacle as long as the distance between the devices is within 10 m.

  The PC 35 is a personal computer and is an external device that executes data communication with the multifunction device 1. For this reason, the PC 35 can transmit the data (input) held by the PC 35 to the multi-function device 1, and can receive image data transmitted from the multi-function device 1 and execute processing on the data. It can be done.

  The PC 35 includes a CPU 36, a ROM 37, a RAM 38, a hard disk 39, an input / output port 41, a keyboard 42, an LCD 43, and an interface 30c. The CPU 36 controls each unit connected by the bus line 40 based on fixed values stored in the ROM 37, various programs, or various signals transmitted / received via the interface 30c. The ROM 37 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the PC 35. The RAM 38 is a memory for temporarily storing various data.

  The hard disk 39 is a rewritable non-volatile memory, and is a memory for storing programs installed as necessary and various data. Specifically, the hard disk 39 stores a program for transmitting data created by the PC 35 to the multifunction device 1, a program for processing image data transmitted from the multifunction device 1, and the like.

  The keyboard 42 is an input device for inputting characters. When each key provided on the keyboard 42 is pressed, a character or the like associated with each key is input. The input characters are displayed on the LCD 43.

  The interface 30c is an interface of the same standard as the interface 30a mounted on the multifunction device 1, and is configured by Bluetooth. The PC 35 is connected to the multifunction device 1 through the interface 30c. Accordingly, the PC 35 can receive image data and the like input from the multifunction device 1. The received data is stored in the RAM 38, and the stored data is displayed on the LCD 43 by a predetermined output operation.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 36, ROM 37, and RAM 38 described above are connected to each other via a bus line 40, and the bus line 40 is also connected to an input / output port 41. In addition to the bus line 40, the input / output port 41 is connected to a hard disk 39, a keyboard 42, an LCD 43, and an interface 30c.

  Next, each process of the MFP 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The automatic document feed copy process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is executed every predetermined time after the power is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this automatic document feeding copy process, first, whether or not a document is placed on the document feeding device 1e, that is, whether or not a document is inserted into the document insertion port 1c is determined. (S1). If no document is placed on the document feeder 1e (S1: No), the document is placed on standby, but if a document is placed on the document feeder 1e (S1: Yes), the process proceeds to S2 for adjustment. 1.0 is written in the quantity memory 14g (S2).

  Next, of the values in the C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f, there is a value equal to or smaller than a predetermined value stored in advance in the ROM 13. (S3). When the values of the C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f are all larger than predetermined values (S3: No), the remaining ink in each color ink cartridge is stored. It is determined that the amount is sufficient, and the process proceeds to S21 in FIG. 4 without comparing the amount of ink required for printing in the normal print mode with the remaining amount of ink.

  On the other hand, when at least one of the values of the C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S3: Yes), the LCD 5 Whether or not all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e can be copied without saving ink with the remaining amount of ink prior to actual printing. A display for inquiring the user whether or not to select the remaining ink amount confirmation mode is performed (S4). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen for inquiring of the user whether or not to select the remaining amount confirmation mode. According to the display screen of the LCD 5, the user presses the Start key (not shown) when selecting the ink remaining amount confirmation mode, and presses the Stop key (not shown) when not selecting the ink remaining amount confirmation mode. Press.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ink remaining amount confirmation mode is selected (S5). When the ink remaining amount confirmation mode is not selected, that is, when the Stop key is pressed (S5: No), the ink amount required for printing in the normal printing mode is not compared with the ink remaining amount in FIG. The process proceeds to S21.

  On the other hand, when the remaining ink amount confirmation mode is selected, that is, when the Start key is pressed (S5: Yes), the C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, K dots "0" is written into the number counter memory 14f for initialization (S6), and "0" is written into the page number memory 14a for initialization (S7).

  Subsequently, the document feeder 1e feeds one page of the document inserted into the document insertion slot 1c to the reading unit of the multifunction machine 1, and the scanner 22 pre-scans the image data of the one page document. Then, the image data read by the scanner 22 is stored in the one-page image memory 14b (S8).

  Next, the image data of one page stored in the one-page image memory 14b is read, and the number of dots to be printed is counted for each color when the image data of the one page is printed in the normal print mode (for example, resolution 300 dpi). These values are accumulated and added to the values of the C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, and the K dot number counter memory 14f, respectively (S9). Subsequently, “1” is added to the page number memory 14a (S10).

  In the process of S9, when the image data of the first page is read from the document inserted into the document insertion slot 1c, the C dot number counter memory 14c, the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, Since all the values in the K dot number counter memory 14f are “0”, the number of dots required for printing the image data of the first page is written, but the values are cumulatively added from the second page onward. Therefore, the number of dots required to print all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e in the normal print mode can be calculated.

  Subsequently, it is determined based on the document sensor of the document insertion slot 1c whether or not the page is completed (S11). When the page is not finished, that is, when the document still remains in the document insertion slot 1c (S11: No), the image data stored in the one-page image memory 14b is deleted (S12), and the next page is referred to Then, the process returns to the process of S8, and the image data of the page is read (S8).

  On the other hand, when the page is completed, that is, the document sensor detects that all the documents inserted into the document insertion slot 1c are sent to the reading unit of the multifunction machine 1 by the document feeder 1e and discharged from the document discharge slot 1d. (S11: Yes), the values of the C ink remaining amount memory 15c, the M ink remaining amount memory 15d, the Y ink remaining amount memory 15e, and the K ink remaining amount memory 15f correspond to the corresponding C dot number counter memory 14c, It is checked whether the values are smaller than the values in the M dot number counter memory 14d, the Y dot number counter memory 14e, and the K dot number counter memory 14f (S14).

  When the values of the respective color ink remaining amount memories 15c to 15f are all equal to or larger than the values of the corresponding color dot number counter memories 14c to 14f (S14: No), the ink remaining amount in the cartridge is supplied from the document feeder 1e. Since all the originals can be printed, the process proceeds to S16 without updating the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g, that is, while keeping the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g at 1.0.

  On the other hand, when the value of each color ink remaining amount memory 15c-15f is smaller than the value of each corresponding color dot number counter memory 14c-14f (S14: Yes), each color ink remaining amount memory 15c-15f Is divided by the values of the corresponding color dot number counter memories 14c to 14f to calculate the adjustment amount for each color. Then, the smallest value among the adjustment amounts calculated for each color is written in the adjustment amount memory 14g (S15). In the process of S22 in FIG. 4 to be described later, the printing process is performed by thinning out the number of dots to be printed based on the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g, but based on the respective adjustment amounts calculated for each color. If the number of dots is thinned, the color balance of the printed matter changes, giving the user a sense of discomfort. Therefore, in this embodiment, one of the minimum adjustment amounts calculated for each color is selected and written in the adjustment amount memory 14g.

  For example, when the adjustment amount is 0.8, printing is performed with 0.8 times the number of dots compared to the normal printing mode. Therefore, an ink amount corresponding to 0.2 times the number of dots is saved as compared with the normal printing mode. In other words, the smaller the adjustment amount, the greater the ink saving ratio. Therefore, among the adjustment amounts calculated for the respective colors, the smallest adjustment amount that will save the largest amount of ink is selected as the adjustment amount. It is determined and used in subsequent printing processing.

  Next, the value in the page number memory 14a is multiplied by the value in the adjustment amount memory 14g, and the value is displayed as the number of pages that can be printed in the normal print mode (S16). For example, when a 10-page document is placed on the document feeder 1e and the amount of ink required for printing in the normal print mode is equal to or less than the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge at that time (S14: No), adjustment is performed. Since the value in the amount memory 14g is not updated and remains 1.0, the LCD 5 displays that 10 pages of the document can be printed in the normal print mode from 10 × 1.0. On the other hand, for example, when the remaining amount of C ink is insufficient and the value of the adjustment amount memory is set to 0.8 in the process of S15, printing of 8 pages is started in the normal print mode from 10 × 0.8 The fact that it is possible is displayed on the LCD 5 (S16). By viewing this display, the user can know how much ink in the cartridge is insufficient for printing one document to be printed. Therefore, prior to printing, how much the printing quality deteriorates when printing is performed while saving the ink amount in order to print all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e with the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge at that time. Can know. For example, when printing one document consisting of 10 pages of originals, if only 5 pages can be printed in the normal print mode, the ink amount can be saved to print all the pages of the one document. It can be confirmed prior to printing that the quality of the obtained printed matter is considerably deteriorated when printing is performed.

  Subsequently, at the same time as or after displaying the number of pages that can be printed in the normal print mode, the user is inquired whether or not to continue printing while saving the ink amount (S17). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen for inquiring of the user whether or not to continue printing while saving the amount of ink together with the number of pages that can be printed in the normal print mode. The display screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the LCD 5.

  Next, it is checked whether or not to continue printing (S18). When the user selects not to continue printing by pressing a Stop key (not shown) (S18: No), the automatic document feed copy process is terminated and the print process is stopped (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the user looks at the number of pages that can be printed in the normal print mode displayed in the process of S16, grasps the degree of ink amount saving, and wants to obtain a high-quality printed material when a large deterioration is expected. In that case, printing can be stopped.

  On the other hand, when the user selects to continue printing by pressing a Start key (not shown), a display prompting the user to reset the document is displayed on the LCD 5 (S19). Subsequently, whether or not a document is set on the document feeder 1e is detected by a document sensor provided at the document insertion slot 1c (S20). While waiting until a document is inserted into the document insertion slot 1c (S20: No), when the document sensor detects that a document has been inserted into the document insertion slot 1c (S20: Yes), FIG. 4 is a flowchart. As shown in the drawing, one page of a document inserted into the document insertion slot 1 c is sent to the reading unit of the multifunction machine 1 by the document feeding device 1 e, and the image data of the one page of the document is read by the scanner 22. The image data read by the scanner 22 is stored in the one-page image memory 14b (S21).

  Next, the one-page image data stored in the one-page image memory 14b is read out and printed out by the printer 25 based on the adjustment amount value stored in the adjustment amount memory 14g (S22). Specifically, the number of dots obtained by multiplying the number of dots required for printing in the normal print mode by the value in the adjustment amount memory 14g is printed. That is, printing is performed at a resolution of a value obtained by multiplying the resolution (for example, 300 dpi) when printing is performed in the normal print mode by the adjustment amount. Accordingly, the amount of ink used in printing can be saved, so that all the originals inserted into the original insertion slot 1c can be printed with the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge.

  Subsequently, it is determined based on the document sensor of the document insertion slot 1c whether or not the page is completed (S23). When the page is not finished, that is, when the document still remains in the document insertion slot 1c (S23: No), the image data stored in the one-page image memory 14b is deleted (S24), and the next page is displayed. Reference is made (S25), the process returns to S21, and the image data of the page is read (S21).

  On the other hand, when the page is finished, that is, all the documents inserted into the document insertion slot 1c are sent to the reading unit of the multifunction machine 1 by the document feeder 1e and discharged from the document discharge slot 1d by the document sensor. If it is detected (S23: Yes), it can be determined that all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e have been printed. Therefore, the values of the color dot counter memories 14c to 14f are determined from the values of the color ink remaining amount memories 15c to 15f. The value obtained by multiplying the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g by 1 is subtracted to update the values of the color ink remaining amount memories 15c to 15f (S26), and the automatic document feed copy process is terminated. That is, the ink remaining amount in the current cartridge is calculated by subtracting the ink amount required to print all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e from the ink remaining amount for each color in the cartridge before printing. And update it.

  In this embodiment, the pre-scan means according to claims 1 and 10 corresponds to the process of S8 in FIG. The total dot number counting means according to claims 1 and 10 corresponds to the process of S9 in FIG. The adjustment amount determining means according to claims 1 and 10 corresponds to the process of S15 in FIG. The saving printing means according to claims 1 and 10 corresponds to the process of S22 in FIG. The saving degree display means described in claim 2 corresponds to the process of S16 in FIG. The print permission inquiry means described in claim 2 corresponds to the process of S17 in FIG. The remaining amount confirmation mode selection means described in claim 6 corresponds to the processing of S5 in FIG. The mode inquiry means described in claim 7 corresponds to the process of S4 in FIG. The processing of S9 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the dot number calculation means according to claim 9 and the one-page dot number calculation means according to claim 10. The one-page dot number storage means described in claim 10 corresponds to the process of S9 in FIG. The erasing means described in claim 10 corresponds to the processing of S12 in FIG.

  According to the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on the image data obtained by the prescan so that all the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder can be printed using the ink less than the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge. Since the ink adjustment amount is determined and printing is performed based on the adjustment amount, even if a large number of originals, for example, several tens of originals are supplied from the original feeding device 1e, the ink runs out during the printing. Printing is not interrupted, and one document supplied from the document feeder 1e can be printed up to the last page.

  Further, according to the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the degree of ink saving is displayed based on the adjustment amount, and at the same time as the display, an inquiry is made as to whether or not printing based on the adjustment amount is permitted, and printing is permitted. Only when it is done, the ink is saved and printed based on the adjustment amount, so the user confirms the degree of saving prior to printing and decides whether to allow printing at that degree of saving. Opportunity to do. For example, when the degree of saving is too large and only a deteriorated printed matter can be obtained, the user can prevent unnecessary printing by not permitting printing.

  Further, according to the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the remaining amount confirmation mode is selected in which it is confirmed before printing whether or not all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e can be printed with the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge. In this case, since printing is performed while saving ink, it is possible to prevent printing while saving ink even though the user desires to obtain a high-quality printed matter.

  Further, according to the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to select the remaining amount confirmation mode only when the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When there is a sufficient remaining amount of ink and there is no need to check whether or not all the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e can be printed, there is no inquiry as to whether or not to select the remaining amount confirmation mode. The operation can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  Further, according to the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the corresponding adjustment amounts are calculated for each of the plurality of colors of ink, and one adjustment amount that maximizes the amount of ink that is saved among the plurality of adjustment amounts is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent all of the multiple color inks from being lost during printing, and the multiple color inks can be saved based on the same adjustment amount. Can keep.

  Further, according to the multi function device 1 of the present embodiment, the number of dots of image data of one page of a plurality of originals read by the prescan unit is calculated and stored, and the image data is stored in one page image memory. Therefore, the total number of dots of the image data of a plurality of documents can be counted using a memory small enough to store only one page of document image data, and the image forming apparatus becomes inexpensive.

  Also, according to the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of documents that can be printed with the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge among the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to make an optimum determination as to whether or not to print with the adjustment amount.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be done.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the saving degree display means (S16) displays the number of documents that can be printed with the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge among the documents supplied from the document feeder 1e. A comment corresponding to the adjustment amount may be displayed. FIG. 7 is a view showing a table for associating comments displayed on the LCD 5 with adjustment amounts, and this table is stored in the ROM 13. When the ink saving degree is indicated to the user by a comment, the comment corresponding to the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g is displayed on the LCD 5 with reference to the table of FIG. 7 instead of the process of S16 of FIG. Processing is performed to inquire the user whether or not to continue printing with the adjustment amount. For example, when the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g is less than 0.5, the degree of deterioration of the printed matter increases, and thus “not recommended” is displayed on the LCD 5. The user who sees this display can select not to continue printing in the processing of S17, and can stop printing. Further, when the value of the adjustment amount memory is 0.5 or more and less than 0.75, “Fine level image quality” is displayed on the LCD 5. Looking at this display, the image quality of the printed matter obtained in the normal print mode is, for example, the image quality of the super fine level (resolution 300 dpi), but only the Fine level image quality can be obtained with the current ink remaining amount. The user can know. When the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g is 0.75 or more and less than 0.9, the LCD 5 displays "No major deterioration" and the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g is 0.9 or more and 1.0 or less. In this case, no warning is given, and the LCD 5 only displays a message asking the user whether or not to continue printing with the adjusted amount.

  According to this modification, since the comment stored in advance corresponding to the adjustment amount is displayed, the degree of saving is easy to understand, and it is possible to make an optimal determination as to whether or not to print with the adjustment amount.

  Further, the saving degree display means (S16) may display the value of the adjustment amount memory 14g as it is. In this embodiment, the amount of adjustment when printing in the normal print mode is set to 1.0, and the amount of adjustment is set so that the number of dots to be printed decreases as this value decreases. By doing so, the user can clearly know the degree of saving, and can make an optimal determination as to whether or not to print with the adjustment amount.

  The printer 25 of this embodiment is an ink jet printer, but may be a laser printer. In this case, the toner corresponds to a consumable item.

  In this embodiment, the saving degree display means (S16) displays the saving degree, and at the same time asks the user whether or not to continue printing with the adjustment amount. After displaying the saving degree, An inquiry may be made as to whether or not to continue printing with the adjusted amount.

  In this embodiment, the image data stored in the one-page image memory 14b has been erased after predetermined processing (S12, S24), but is simply overwritten with the image data of the next page without being erased. It may be a thing.

1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction machine as an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral and an external device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic document feed copy process executed by the multifunction machine. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic document feed copy process executed by the multifunction machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing contents displayed on an LCD in automatic document feed copy processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing contents displayed on an LCD in automatic document feed copy processing. It is a figure which shows the table which matches the comment displayed on LCD, and adjustment amount.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device)
1e Document feeder (automatic document feeder)
14b 1 page image memory (image data storage means, 1 page image data storage means)

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image of a document read by a main scan using a consumable stored in a cartridge,
Prior to the main scan, prescan means for reading image data of a plurality of documents supplied from an automatic document feeder;
A total dot number counting means for counting the total number of dots of the image data of a plurality of documents read by the prescan means;
The required amount of consumables is determined based on the total number of dots counted by the total dot number counting means, the remaining amount of consumables remaining in the cartridge is detected, and the required amount of consumables and An adjustment amount determination means for determining an adjustment amount of the consumables so that the consumables can be saved and all necessary documents can be printed based on the remaining amount;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a saving printing unit that performs printing based on the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination unit. The saving amount display means for displaying the saving degree of the consumables based on the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determining means, and the adjustment amount simultaneously with or after the display of the saving degree by the saving degree display means. Printing permission inquiry means for inquiring whether to permit printing based on
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing by the saving printing unit is executed only when printing is permitted by the printing permission inquiry unit.   The saving degree display means displays the number of documents that can be printed with consumables less than the remaining amount of consumables in the cartridge among the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the saving degree display means displays a comment stored in advance corresponding to the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the saving degree display unit displays the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination unit.   A remaining amount confirmation mode selection means for selecting a remaining amount confirmation mode for confirming whether or not all the documents supplied from the automatic document feeder can be printed without saving the consumables; 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumable is saved and printed by the saving printing unit only when the remaining amount checking mode is selected by the remaining amount checking mode selection unit. The image forming apparatus described. Mode inquiry means for inquiring whether to select the remaining amount confirmation mode;
The mode inquiry means inquires whether or not to select the remaining amount confirmation mode only when the remaining amount of consumables in the cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.   The adjustment amount determining means calculates a corresponding adjustment amount for each of the consumables of a plurality of colors, and selects only one adjustment amount that saves the most consumables from among the plurality of adjustment amounts. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined as an adjustment amount used in the unit. Image data storage means for storing image data of some of the plurality of originals read by the prescan means; and dot number calculation means for calculating the number of dots of the image data stored by the image data storage means; Have
The total dot number counting means counts the total number of dots of image data of a plurality of originals read by the prescanning means by cumulatively adding the number of dots calculated by the dot number calculation means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus for forming an image of a document read by a main scan using a consumable stored in a cartridge,
Prior to the main scan, prescan means for reading image data of a plurality of documents supplied from an automatic document feeder;
One page image data storage means for storing image data of one page of the plurality of originals read by the prescan means;
One-page dot number calculating means for calculating the number of dots of the image data of the one-page document stored by the one-page image data storing means;
A one-page dot number storage means for storing the number of dots of the image data of the one-page document calculated by the one-page dot number calculation means;
An erasing unit for erasing the image data of the one-page document stored in the one-page image data storage unit after the dot number of the image data of the one-page document is stored by the one-page dot number storage unit;
A total dot number counting means for counting the total number of dots of image data of a plurality of originals read by the prescan means based on the number of dots of image data of one page of the original stored by the one-page dot number storage means; ,
The required amount of consumables is determined based on the total number of dots counted by the total dot number counting means, the remaining amount of consumables remaining in the cartridge is detected, and the required amount of consumables and An adjustment amount determination means for determining an adjustment amount of the consumables so that the consumables can be saved and all necessary documents can be printed based on the remaining amount;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a saving printing unit that performs printing based on the adjustment amount determined by the adjustment amount determination unit.

Images