JP2006256269A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which processes even print data which is feared to be late for designated printing completion time of day, in time for the printing completion time of day, and provides an outputted object which satisfies a user. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with: a printing time calculation means 1 to calculate a time to be required for printing print data whose printing completion time of day is set; a printing starting time of day calculating means 1 to calculate the printing operation starting time of day from the calculated printing time, the designated printing completion time of day, and an operational state; and a print mode changing control means 1 which switches to a print mode to shorten a time required for printing when it is judged that printing can not be completed by the designated printing completion time of day, displays contents of the print mode after changed and the printing completion time of day, and allows printing in the print mode after changed with user's consent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus applied to a printer or the like that can change the print mode of input print data.

  As a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, a printer, an apparatus that schedules the print start time of each document in time for a print end time specified by a user has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, a technique is known in which a layout is changed when a near end is detected on a long sheet (for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, there is a copy end time set for each job, and a job image corresponding to the set time is read and output (for example, Patent Document 3).

In addition, a technique has been proposed in which data reduction processing is performed when it is determined that printing is not possible within a specified time (for example, Patent Document 4).
JP-A-9-186803 JP-A-8-181850 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-326890 JP 2001-96818 A

  However, in the above prior art, for data whose print output time exceeds the specified time, the print start time must be advanced, the schedule must be changed / adjusted, and adjustment is troublesome. Also, if data reduction processing is performed, the reduced portion must be processed again, which is not practical.

  Further, for example, if the print mode is changed in order to shorten the print processing time and printing is started as it is, there is a possibility that an output product that the user can agree with cannot be obtained.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of processing even print data not in time for a specified print end time so as to be in time for the print end time and obtaining an output product that the user is satisfied with. Yes.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) Print time calculation means for calculating the time required to print the print data with the specified print end time in the specified print mode, the calculated print time and the specified print end time A print start time calculating means for calculating a print operation start time from the operation status of the printer, a determination means for determining whether or not the print data can be printed by the specified print end time, and the specified print If it is determined that printing is possible by the end time, the printing operation is started in the designated print mode at the print start time. If it is determined that printing cannot be ended, the print mode can shorten the time required for printing. To the contents of the changed print mode and the print mode. To display the print end time on the display unit, the image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: a print mode change control means for starting the printing in the print mode after the change according to user approval.
(2) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the print mode change control means can change the changed print mode again and display it on the display means.
(3) Print time calculating means for calculating the time required for printing the print data with the specified print end time in the specified print mode, the calculated print time, and the specified print end time A print start time calculating means for calculating a print operation start time from the operation status of the printer, a determination means for determining whether or not the print data can be printed by the specified print end time, and the specified print When it is determined that printing is possible by the end time, the print operation is started in the designated print mode at the print start time, and when it is determined that printing cannot be ended, the changeable print mode item Is displayed on the display means and the user selects the mode for the displayed item. Print mode change control means for causing the display means to display the print end time and the contents of the changed print mode when printing is performed in the selected mode, and to start printing in the print mode in accordance with the user's consent And an image forming apparatus.
(4) Print time calculation means for calculating the time required to print the print data with the specified print end time in the specified print mode, the calculated print time, and the specified print end time A print start time calculating means for calculating a print operation start time from the operating status of the printer, a storage means for storing a plurality of print modes in which items whose modes can be changed are determined in advance, and the specified print end time A determination means for determining whether or not printing of the print data is possible; and if it is determined that printing is possible before the set print end time, the print operation is performed in the designated print mode at the print start time. If it is determined that printing cannot be completed, the mode changeable item The display mode displays the contents of the plurality of print modes changed to a mode different from the designated mode and the print end time when printing is performed in the print mode, and allows the user to select and select the print mode. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print mode change control unit that starts printing in the printed mode.
(5) The image forming apparatus according to item 4, wherein the plurality of print modes are any two or more of a speed priority mode, an image quality priority mode, a size priority mode, and a finishing priority mode.
(6) The image forming apparatus according to item 4 or 5, wherein the print mode change control means can change the changed print mode again and display it on the display means.
(7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 6, wherein when the print mode is changed, the print mode change control unit causes the display unit to display a content that changes as an output result.
(8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising canceling means for canceling the print output.

  According to the invention of the preceding paragraph (1), when printing of print data is not in time for the designated end time, the print mode is automatically changed to a print mode capable of shortening the time required for printing, and the contents of the changed print mode. And the print end time in that print mode are displayed on the display means, so that the user can check the contents of the changed print mode, advance the print start time, and adjust the processing schedule with other data. Even if it is not, print processing in the changed print mode can be performed. As a result, printing can be completed before the designated print end time, and an output product that the user can be satisfied with can be obtained.

  According to the invention of the preceding paragraph (2), the changed print mode can be changed again and displayed on the display means, so that the user can obtain a more satisfactory output.

  According to the invention of the preceding paragraph (3), when printing of print data is not in time for the designated end time, the print mode item that can be changed is displayed, and when the user selects a mode, The print end time when the print mode is printed and the contents of the changed print mode are displayed on the display means. For this reason, the user can check the contents of the changed print mode, and the print processing in the changed print mode can be performed without having to advance the print start time or adjust the processing schedule with other data. It can be performed. As a result, printing can be completed before the designated print end time, and an output product that the user can be satisfied with can be obtained.

  According to the invention of (4), when the input data is not in time for the designated end time, the mode of the item whose mode can be changed is changed to a mode different from the designated mode. The contents and the print end time when printing in the print mode are displayed on the display means. For this reason, the user can check the contents of the changed print mode, and the print processing in the changed print mode can be performed without having to advance the print start time or adjust the processing schedule with other data. It can be performed. As a result, printing can be completed before the designated print end time, and an output product that the user can be satisfied with can be obtained.

  According to the invention of (5), the user can obtain a print output in a mode selected from two or more of the speed priority mode, the image quality priority mode, the size priority mode, and the finishing priority mode. it can.

  According to the invention of (6), the changed print mode can be changed again and displayed on the display means, so that the user can obtain a more satisfactory output.

  According to the invention of the preceding paragraph (7), when the print mode is changed, the contents to be changed as the output result are displayed on the display means, so that the user can recognize the change contents of the output matter.

  According to the invention of (8), the user can cancel the print output.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a printer to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the printer has a CPU 1, and a ROM 10, a RAM 3, a network interface (I / F) unit 4, an operation panel 5, a storage unit 6, and a print unit 7 are connected to the bus 10 of the CPU 1. ing.

  In addition to controlling the overall operation of the printer, the CPU 1 is based on data processing time of print data, print speed, number of prints, number of copies, print mode, post-processing mode, printer warm-up time, stabilization time, etc. A print time calculation function for calculating a required print time, a print start time calculation function for calculating a start time of a print operation from the calculated print time, a print end time specified by the user, and an operating state of the printer, and a specified It has a determination function for determining whether printing can be completed by the print end time.

  Further, the CPU 1 starts a printing operation at the calculated print start time when it is determined that printing can be completed, and can change the required print time when it is determined that printing cannot be completed. Is extracted (calculated), and the changed print mode and the change of the print end time in the print mode are displayed on the display unit 52 described later as a proposal to the user, and the print mode is reset with the user's permission. And a print mode change control function for starting printing.

  In addition, when the CPU 1 determines that printing cannot be completed by the designated print end time, the CPU 1 displays a print mode item that can be changed on the display unit 52, and when the user selects or changes the mode of the item, The time required for printing in the changed mode is calculated, and the print end time is displayed on the display unit 52.

  Further, when it is determined that the print cannot be completed by the designated print end time, the CPU 1 changes a part of the plurality of print modes stored in the storage unit 6 and displays the changed contents and the print end time. For each print mode, the display unit 52 functions to display the list in a list, sequentially, or selectively.

  Furthermore, when it is determined that the printing cannot be finished by the designated print end time and the designated print mode is changed, the fact that the output result is changed is displayed on the display unit 52. It has become.

  The ROM 2 is a memory that stores an operation program of the CPU 1.

  The RAM 3 is a memory that provides a work area when the CPU 1 executes the program.

  The network I / F unit 4 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 1000 including a personal computer connected via a network NW.

  The operation panel 5 includes a keyboard unit 51 for performing various operations and setting inputs, and a display unit 52 capable of displaying various messages to the user.

  The display unit 52 can display the print mode and items that can be changed when it is determined that the print cannot be completed before the designated print end time, and the print end time in the changed print mode.

  The display unit 52 can display a print mode and item confirmation screen and a selection screen for change.

  The operation panel 5 is also used as an input means for inputting cancellation of the designated print mode or the changed print mode. When the user inputs the cancellation of the print mode, the CPU 1 displays the print mode. Perform cancellation of.

  The storage unit 6 stores input print data, designated print end time, designated print mode, a plurality of print modes in which items whose modes can be changed are determined in advance.

  The print unit 7 prints (prints) the input print data in accordance with a designated print mode.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing print mode change processing executed by the CPU 1 of the printer when it is determined that the print end is not in time for the print data for which the print end time is designated by the print end time. In this example, when the print mode designated by the user is not in time for the designated end time, a change of the print mode is proposed in time.

  In FIG. 2, when the user inputs print data, print end time, print mode, etc., the CPU 1 accepts this in step S101, and in step S102, the data processing time of the print data, the number of prints, paper settings, The printing time required for printing is calculated based on the processing time, stabilization time, and the like.

  Next, in step S103, a print start time is calculated from the calculated required print time, the specified print end time, and the operating status of the printer, and the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, it is determined whether or not output is possible by the designated print end time. If output is possible by the print end time (YES in step S104), in step S105, if the calculated print start time is reached. The setting is made so as to start printing, and this processing is terminated. If output is impossible by the print end time (NO in step S104), a changeable print mode is extracted in step S106.

  For example, for the print size, A3 is A4, full size is 2 in 1 (2 pages are printed on one sheet), and 2 in 1 is 4 in 1 (4 pages are printed on one sheet). In color / monochrome mode, color is monochrome, in single-sided / double-sided mode, both sides are single-sided, in staple mode, stapled is without staples, and in paper folding mode, paper folding is Each can be changed without paper folding. In step S107, the time required for printing is calculated for each combination of changeable modes.

  In step S108, as a result, the mode is selected in the priority order of color / monochrome mode> print size> paper folding mode> staple mode, the print end time in the change mode is calculated, and the content of the print mode after the change The calculated print end time is displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation panel 5 together with the original print mode designated by the user, and the user's selection input is waited in step S109.

  When the user selects to start printing in the changed mode, the process proceeds to step S110, where the setting is made to start printing in the changed printing mode, and this processing is terminated.

  When the user selects the print start in the mode instructed by the user, the process proceeds to step S111 to set to start printing in the print mode instructed by the user, and the process is terminated.

  If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S112, where the print is canceled and the process ends.

  If the print is not started or the print is not canceled (NO in step S109), the process returns to step S107, the print mode item is further changed, the end time is calculated again, and the print mode after the change or the calculated time is changed. Etc. are displayed again, and a user's selection input is waited in step S109.

  FIG. 3 shows a screen of the display unit 52 on which the print mode after the change in step S108 of FIG. 2 is displayed.

  In FIG. 3, the print mode designated by the user and the print end time (for example, 13:32) when printing is performed in that mode are displayed. Also, a print mode that can be changed to achieve a designated print end time (for example, 13:30), a print end time in that case (for example, 13:28), and an output result when the print mode is changed to this print mode Contents that change are displayed. The shaded portion in FIG. 3 indicates that the mode has been changed.

  The print end time is calculated based on the start of printing at that time. If the user can change the mode and output, the user instructs “print start” in the changed print mode. In this case, it is possible to make it in time for the instructed end time, but the output form will change.

  If it is later than the set print end time but it is not desired to change the output form, “print start” is instructed in the print mode designated by the user. In order to cancel the output, “cancel” is instructed.

  In FIG. 3, in the print modes designated by the user, “full size”, “color”, “single side”, “staple”, “fold paper”, the designated end time “13:30” is not in time. Therefore, change the print mode from “Full size” to “21 in 1”, “Color” to “Monochrome”, “Staple” to “Do not staple”, and “Fold paper” to “Do not fold”. This indicates that if printing is started now, output ends at 13:28. In addition, contents that change as an output result due to the change in the print mode are also displayed. In the example of FIG. 3, the print size is halved, the image is small and difficult to read, the color image becomes a monochrome image, the staple is not performed, and the paper is not folded.

  Although not shown, the “next candidate” key may be displayed on the screen of FIG. 3 and the key may be pressed to return to step S107 of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the print mode change process executed by the CPU 1 of the printer when it is determined that the print end is not in time for the print data in which the print end time is designated. . In this example, in the print mode designated by the user, the user can select a mode in each item of the print mode when the designated print end time is not in time.

  In FIG. 4, when print data, print end time, print mode, etc. are input by the user, the CPU 1 accepts this in step S201, and in step S202, calculates the time required for printing for the data. In step S203, a print start time is calculated from the calculated time required for printing, the designated print end time, and the operating status of the printer, and the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, it is determined whether or not output is possible by the designated print end time. If output is possible by the print end time (YES in step S204), printing is performed if the print start time is reached in step S205. Is set to start, and the process ends. If output is not possible by the print end time (NO in step S204), in step S206, all items whose modes can be changed and their modes are extracted, and the user selects the mode for each item on the display unit 52 of the operation panel 5. Are displayed together with the original print mode designated by the user.

  When the user selects a mode for each displayed item, this is accepted in step S207, and in step S208, the print end time in the selected print mode is calculated. In step S209, the calculated time, the contents of the print mode, and the like are displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation panel 5. Then, in step S210, the selection input by the user is awaited.

  When the user selects the print start in the changed mode, the process proceeds to step S211 to set to start printing in the changed print mode, and this process is terminated.

  When the user selects the print start in the mode designated by the user, the process proceeds to step S212, and the print is set to start in the print mode designated by the user, and this process is terminated.

  If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S213, where the print is canceled and the process ends.

  If another mode is selected in the displayed print mode item (NO in step S210), the process returns to step S208, and the print end time in the selected print mode is calculated again. Then, after the calculated time, the contents of the print mode, and the like are displayed again on the display unit 52 of the operation panel 5, the selection input by the user is awaited in step S210.

  FIG. 5 shows a screen of the display unit 52 on which the print mode after the change in step S209 of FIG. 4 is displayed.

  In FIG. 5, each item of the print mode that can be changed, the print mode designated by the user, the print end time (for example, 13:32) when printing is performed in that mode, the items after the mode change, and The print end time at that time and the contents that change the output result when changing to this mode are displayed. The shaded portion in FIG. 5 indicates that the mode has been changed.

  The print end time after the mode change is calculated based on the start of printing at that time.

  If the user can change the mode and output, the user instructs “print start” in the changed print mode. If it is later than the set print end time but it is not desired to change the output form, “print start” is instructed in the user-designated print mode. In order to cancel the output, “cancel” is instructed.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, there are “print size”, “color / monochrome”, “single / double-sided”, “staple”, and “paper folding” as items whose modes can be changed. If you change the mode from "Full size" to "2in1", "Color" to "Monochrome", "Staple" to "Do not staple", and "Fold paper" to "Do not fold", the print starts now This indicates that the output ends at 13:28.

  The user can select a mode again for each item of the print mode. If it is selected, the process returns to step S208 in FIG. 4 to calculate the print time and display the screen in FIG. 5 again.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the print mode changing process executed by the CPU 1 of the printer when it is determined that the print end is not in time for the print data with the specified print end time. is there. In this example, when a plurality of print modes are stored in the storage unit 6 and the print mode designated by the user is not in time for the designated end time, the mode is changed for each of the plurality of print modes to the user. It is what we propose. The plurality of print modes are a speed priority mode, an image quality priority mode, a size priority mode, and a finishing priority mode.

  In FIG. 6, when print data, print end time, print mode, etc. are input by the user, the CPU 1 accepts this in step S301, and in step S302, calculates the time required for printing for the data. In step S303, a print start time is calculated from the calculated time required for printing, the designated print end time, and the operating status of the printer, and the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, it is determined whether or not output is possible by the designated print end time. If output is possible by the print end time (YES in step S304), printing is performed if the print start time is reached in step S305. Is set to start, and the process ends.

  If output is not possible by the print end time (NO in step S304), in step S306, preset changes are made for the above-described print modes of the speed priority mode, image quality priority mode, size priority mode, and finishing priority mode. Possible items are extracted, and the time required for printing in the changed mode is calculated in step S307.

  Next, in step S308, the print end time in each change mode is calculated, and the contents of each print mode after the change and the calculated print end time are displayed on the operation panel 5 together with the original print mode designated by the user. After being displayed on the unit 52, the selection input by the user is awaited in step S309.

  When the user selects the print start in each changed mode, the process proceeds to steps S310 to S313 for each mode, and the print is set to start in the changed print mode, and this process ends.

  When the user selects the print start in the mode instructed by the user, the process proceeds to step S314, where the setting is made to start printing in the print mode instructed by the user, and this process ends.

  If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S315, where the print is canceled and the process ends.

  If the print is not started or the print is not canceled (NO in step S309), the process returns to step S307, the print mode item is further changed, the end time is calculated again, and the print mode after the change or the calculated time is calculated. Etc. are displayed again, and a user's selection input is waited in step S309. .

  FIG. 7 shows a screen of the display unit 52 on which each print mode after the change in step S308 of FIG. 6 is displayed.

  In FIG. 7, the print mode designated by the user, the print end time (for example, 13:35) when printing is performed in the mode, a plurality of print modes whose modes have been changed for some items, The print end time in the mode is displayed.

  In the “speed priority mode”, the print size is changed as an item that can be changed in order to end within the specified time. The print size is A4 for A3, 2 in 1 for full size, 4 in 1 for 2 in 1, For color / monochrome mode, color is monochrome, for single-sided / double-sided mode, for double-sided, single-sided, for stapling mode, with staples, no staple, for paper folding mode, paper folding If so, calculate the time required for printing by changing each without paper folding, and change mode, the print end time in the change mode, and the contents that will change as the output result when changing to this mode indicate.

  In “Image quality priority mode”, the items “Print size” and “Color / monochrome” are not changed from the user's designated mode, and other items that can be changed are the single-sided / double-sided modes and double-sided. On one side, for stapling mode, calculate the time required for printing by changing to stapling if there is stapling, and for paper folding mode to paper folding if there is paper folding. And the content of the change that occurs as an output result when changing to this mode.

  In the “size priority mode”, the item “print size” is not changed from the mode designated by the user, and other items that can be changed are the color / monochrome mode. For double-sided mode, change to single-sided if double-sided, and for stapling mode, change to no-staple if stapled, and for paper-folding mode, change to paper-free if paper-folded. It calculates and displays the change mode, the print end time in the change mode, and the contents that change as an output result when changing to this mode.

  In the “finishing priority mode”, the “staple” and “paper folding” items are not changed from the user-designated mode, and the print size other than that can be changed to A4 for A3, Time required for printing by changing to 2in1 for full size, 4in1 for 2in1, changing to monochrome for color / monochrome mode, and changing to single side for single-sided / double-sided mode for single-sided / double-sided mode The change mode, the print time in the change mode, and the contents that change as an output result when changed to this mode are displayed.

  In FIG. 7, in the user designation mode “full size”, “color”, “single side”, “staple”, “fold paper”, the print end time is “13:35” and the designated time “13:30”. "13:27" in the speed priority mode, "13:31" in the image quality priority mode, "13:29" in the size priority mode, and "13:32" in the finishing priority mode. To select from these modes, press the corresponding “print start” key. To cancel the output, press the “Cancel” key.

  Although not shown, the “next candidate” key may be displayed and the key may be pressed to return to step S307 in FIG.

Next, the print mode specified by the user is A4, 10 pages 2 in 1, no duplex printing, 10 copies, staples, no paper folding, and the print end time is not in time for the print data for which the print end time is specified. An example of print mode calculation processing when the print mode is changed will be described.
《Calculation of print time》
Find the time required to print and staple one copy.

  Assuming that A4 size is 16 sheets / minute and stapling takes 5 seconds, the number of prints per copy is 10 pages, 2in1 = 5 sheets, and 5 minutes ÷ 16 = 18.75 seconds. If the time required for stapling = 5 seconds, the time required for printing one copy = 23.75 seconds.

  The time required for printing 10 copies is 23.75 seconds × 10 copies + spool time 30 seconds = 267.75 seconds = 4 minutes 27.75 seconds.

  If the time until the print end time is 4 minutes (240 seconds), the mode needs to be changed. Since DUP (double-sided printing) has a short path and a sufficient paper interval cannot be obtained, in this embodiment, the coefficient is 1.33 (throughput × 0.75) compared to single-sided printing.

  8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show an example of the mode selection table. FIG. 11 is a mode-specific time table created by multiplying the calculated printing time by the coefficient of the mode selection table.

  As a result, 4 in 1 single-sided stable, 4 in 1 single-sided stable, 4 in 1 double-sided stable, and 4 in 1 double-sided stapled can be accommodated within 4 minutes.

  Among these, a 4-in-1 single-sided stapling that is close to the original print mode designated by the user is proposed.

  Also, from this mode selection table, it is proposed that there is no 4-in-1 single-sided staple as the speed priority mode, no 2-in-1 single-sided staples as the size priority mode and image quality priority mode, and 4-in-1 single-sided staples as the finishing priority mode.

  At this time, the original print mode and print time designated by the user are also displayed, and can be selected together with the mode. In addition, regarding the output result in each mode, the contents to be changed in comparison with the output result in the mode designated by the user are displayed as a message.

  When 4in1 single-sided staples are present, “4in1 mode is entered. Characters and images may become smaller and may be difficult to read.” Is displayed.

  If there is no 2-in-1 single-sided stapling, “Staple will not be printed” and “Printing will not be completed in time” are displayed.

  When there is no 4-in-1 double-sided stapling, “4-in-1 mode is entered. Text and images may become small and difficult to read.” “Staple is not printed.” Is displayed.

  In the case of the original print mode designated by the user, “printing will not be completed in time” is displayed and a warning is given to the user.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment. For example, the print mode designated by the user or the print mode after the change can be displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation panel 5 or the mode can be selected or canceled from the display unit 52 of the operation panel 5. These may be displayed on 1000 display devices, or the print mode may be selected or canceled from the user terminal 1000.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. 10 is a flowchart showing a print mode change process when it is determined that the print end is not in time for the print data for which the print end time is designated by the print end time. The screen displayed on a display part when changing a print mode is shown. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of print mode change processing when it is determined that the print end is not in time for the print data specifying the print end time by the print end time. The screen which displays the item which can be changed when changing a print mode, and a change content on a display part by a list is shown. 14 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of a print mode change process when it is determined that the print end is not in time for the print data specifying the print end time by the print end time. The screen displayed on a display part when a print mode is changed is shown. It is a time table of the mode without DUP. It is a time table of the mode with DUP. It is a time table of post-processing mode. It is a time table according to mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU (print end time setting means, print time calculation means, print start time calculation means, print mode change control means, cancellation means)
5 Operation panel (print mode selection means)
6 storage means 52 display section

Claims (8)

Print time calculating means for calculating the time required for printing when printing the print data with the specified print end time in the specified print mode;
A print start time calculating means for calculating a print operation start time from the calculated print time, the specified print end time, and the operating status of the printer;
Determination means for determining whether or not printing of the print data is possible by a designated print end time;
If it is determined that printing is possible by the designated print end time, the printing operation is started in the designated print mode at the print start time. If it is determined that printing is not possible, the time required for printing is set. Change to a print mode that can be shortened, display the contents of the changed print mode and the print end time in that print mode on the display means, and change the print mode to start printing in the changed print mode according to the user's consent Control means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print mode change control means can change the changed print mode again and display it on the display means. Print time calculating means for calculating the time required for printing when printing the print data with the specified print end time in the specified print mode;
A print start time calculating means for calculating a print operation start time from the calculated print time, the specified print end time, and the operating status of the printer;
Determination means for determining whether or not printing of the print data is possible by a designated print end time;
When it is determined that printing is possible by the designated print end time, the printing operation is started in the designated print mode at the print start time, and when it is determined that printing cannot be completed, the print operation can be changed. The print mode item is displayed on the display unit, and the user is allowed to select the mode for the displayed item, and the print end time and the changed print mode content when printing is performed in the selected mode are displayed on the display unit. Print mode change control means for displaying and starting printing in the print mode according to the user's consent;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Print time calculating means for calculating the time required for printing when printing the print data with the specified print end time in the specified print mode;
A print start time calculating means for calculating a print operation start time from the calculated print time, the specified print end time, and the operating status of the printer;
Storage means for storing a plurality of print modes in which items whose modes can be changed are determined in advance;
Determination means for determining whether or not printing of the print data is possible by a designated print end time;
When it is determined that printing can be performed by the set print end time, the printing operation is started in the designated print mode at the print start time. When it is determined that printing cannot be ended, the mode change is performed. The user can select the print mode by displaying on the display means the contents of the multiple print modes that have been changed to a mode different from the specified mode and the print end time when printing in that print mode. Print mode change control means for starting printing in the selected print mode;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of print modes are at least two of a speed priority mode, an image quality priority mode, a size priority mode, and a finishing priority mode.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print mode change control means can change the changed print mode again and display it on the display means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the print mode is changed, the print mode change control unit causes the display unit to display a content that changes as an output result. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising canceling means for canceling the print output.

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