JP2007336155A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which stores setting for image formation processing efficiently while preventing storage of troublesome setting. <P>SOLUTION: Setting alteration for altering the output state of a print processing image for a document image can be performed by operation at an operation panel section 11. When print processing is performed after setting alteration by operation at the operation panel section 11, that setting conditions are stored temporarily in an RAM 26. A control section 24 makes a decision whether only the number of print copies is altered for the setting conditions stored temporarily in the RAM 26 before print processing is performed or not. If the control section 24 makes a decision that only the number of print copies is altered for the setting conditions stored temporarily in the RAM 26 before print processing is performed, the setting conditions when print processing is performed after altering only the number of print copies for the setting conditions stored temporarily in an HDD 27 or the setting conditions before altering only the number of print copies are stored as an effective setting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of performing image formation after performing various settings for image formation data.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine combining these functions, for example, a paper size setting / enlargement / Various settings such as reduction ratio setting, density setting, and copy number setting can be performed.

  Further, in order to perform such various settings, the image forming process is performed after performing various settings in advance by operating an operation panel installed in the image forming apparatus. For example, regarding enlargement / reduction ratio setting and density setting, etc. In some cases, the user confirms the print sheet after the image forming process and changes the fine adjustment setting until a desired result is obtained.

  On the other hand, in the conventional copying function, when a restart, a new setting for another document, a setting canceling operation, or the like is performed, the setting for the immediately preceding image forming process is cancelled. Similarly, the setting for the immediately preceding image forming process is also automatically canceled when the power saving mode or clear mode that is activated when the copying function is not performed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  For this reason, if a user who has made settings once and used the copy function tries to execute the copy function again based on the same setting or a fine adjustment setting change using the same setting, the previous setting has already been canceled. As a result, there was a problem that the setting had to be redone from the beginning.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, there is a known one that can store a setting every time an image forming process is executed in accordance with a setting change, in addition to storing a setting immediately before using a known interrupt mode. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2.)
JP 2005-033380 A JP 2004-206179 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, for example, only the immediately previous setting is stored in the interrupt mode. Therefore, when a plurality of types of documents or a plurality of users are inserted, the interrupt mode is artificial. There is a risk that the setting memory may be erased and the setting is automatically erased when the power saving mode or the clear mode is activated.

  In addition, in the case where the setting can be stored for each execution of the image forming process according to the setting change, the setting is stored every time the above-described fine adjustment setting is changed. There was a problem that it was difficult to understand which setting should be used.

  In addition, if there is an upper limit for the number of settings stored for each execution of image formation processing that accompanies the setting change, if the setting change is stored for each fine adjustment, the settings made by the previous user, etc. will be erased in a short period of time. The problem that it ends up has arisen.

  Moreover, since the setting is stored when the image forming process is executed after the setting is changed, the setting is deleted before the desired setting is completed when the main power is turned off or a power failure occurs during the setting. There was a problem.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently storing settings for image forming processing and preventing complicated setting storage.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a setting change for changing an output state of a print processing image with respect to a document image can be performed by operating the operation panel unit. Storage means for temporarily storing the setting condition when the printing process is executed, and whether the printing process has been executed after only the number of copies has been changed with respect to the setting condition temporarily stored in the storage means A determination means for determining whether or not the determination means determines that the printing process has been executed after only the number of copies has been changed with respect to the setting condition temporarily stored in the storage means, The storage means changes the setting condition when only the number of copies is changed with respect to the temporarily stored setting condition and the printing process is executed or the setting condition before only the number of copies is changed. And to store the as valid settings.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a setting change for changing an output state of a print processing image with respect to a document image can be performed by operating the operation panel unit. A storage unit that temporarily stores the setting condition when the operation is performed, and a counting unit that stores a cumulative value of the number of copies under the same setting condition as the setting condition temporarily stored in the storage unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the cumulative value of the number of printed copies stored in the counting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of copies, wherein the determination means determines that the cumulative value of the number of printed copies is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of copies. In addition, the storage means stores the setting conditions when the predetermined number of copies or more are printed as effective settings.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, only temporarily determined settings that are determined to be valid can be stored, and complicated settings can be prevented from being stored.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined number of copies is a number of printed copies of a plurality of sheets.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the storage unit temporarily stores the setting condition for each setting change by operation of the operation panel unit.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can efficiently store settings for image forming processing and prevent complicated setting storage.

  Next, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of control example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of control example 2 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a control example 3 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the control example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus having functions such as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main power source 3 provided near the upper side of the apparatus main body 2, a plurality of sheet tray units 4, 5, 6 that can be pulled out from the front of the apparatus main body 2, and a side surface of the apparatus main body 2. An operation panel provided with a manual paper tray 7 provided, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 8 for reading a document as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a scanner, a display screen 9 and operation keys 10. And an ID card reader 12 for inserting an ID card for specifying a user.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a document placement reading unit 13 such as a glass plate when manually setting a document, a document passage reading unit 14 when reading a document using the ADF 8, and a document at all times. When reading a document located below the passage reading unit 14 and placed on the document placement reading unit 13, an oblique drive mirror 15 that translates rightward in FIG. 2 via a drive device (not shown). A pair of fixed oblique mirrors 16 and 17 that reflect the light beam reflected by the oblique drive mirror 15; a line sensor 18 that reads a document image based on the light beams reflected by each of the mirrors 15, 16, and 17; An image data processing unit 19 that generates image data based on read data or the like from the line sensor 18 is provided. The fixed oblique mirrors 16 and 17 may be moved in parallel with the oblique drive mirror 15. At this time, the moving distance of the fixed oblique mirrors 16 and 17 can be as short as 1/2 of the moving distance of the oblique drive mirror 15 in consideration of the position where the line sensor 18 is disposed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 applies an image on the surface of a transport sheet (not shown) sent from the paper tray units 4, 5, 6 or the manual paper tray 7 based on the image data generated by the image data processing unit 19. An image forming unit 20 for fixing the image, a fixing unit 21 for fixing the image on the surface of the transport sheet, and a discharge unit 23 for discharging the image-fixed print sheet above the discharge tray 22.

  Note that the shape, configuration, and functions (such as a copier function and a facsimile function) of the image forming apparatus 1 are not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, for example, it does not hinder the installation of optional equipment such as a sorter. Furthermore, the functions of the above-described devices and the like employ well-known techniques. However, when using the copy function or the like for the operation panel unit 11, paper size setting / enlargement / reduction ratio setting / density setting / both sides are set. It also has functions for making various settings such as printing, number of copies, and aggregation settings.

  On the other hand, the functions of these devices and the like are controlled by a control unit 24 as determination means, as shown in FIG. The control unit 24 functions as a determination unit for setting storage processing, which will be described later, and includes a ROM 25 storing a program of the control unit 24 and a RAM 26 for temporarily storing data. The control unit 24 is also connected to a mass storage device (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 27 such as a hard disk for temporarily storing image data and storing an output format set for the image data. Data can be input and output.

(Copy function)
The image forming apparatus 1 sets the read original on the ADF 8 or lifts the ADF 8 in a rotating manner and sets the original on the original placement reading unit 13 to read the operation panel unit 11 in advance. A printing process (image forming process) is performed in accordance with the setting information set using.

(Printer function)
The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a personal computer (not shown) or the like by cable connection (including wireless or wired network LAN connection). Based on image data (print command data) output from the personal computer or the like, the image forming apparatus 1 Print processing (image formation processing) is performed. At this time, various settings for image formation processing (for example, enlargement / reduction / consolidation, number of copies, etc.) use a printer driver for the image forming apparatus 1 installed in a personal computer (including a network server). Is set.

(Scanner function)
The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a personal computer or the like (not shown) by cable connection (including wireless or wired network LAN connection), and sets a reading document on the ADF 8 or lifts the ADF 8 in a pivotal manner. The read original is set on the placement reading unit 13 and the read image data is output to a personal computer or the like connected by a cable. At this time, various settings (for example, resolution) for the image forming process are set using a scanner driver for the image forming apparatus 1 installed in a personal computer (including a network server) or the like.

(Facsimile function)
The image forming apparatus 1 uses the operation panel unit 11 to operate the image data read by setting the read document on the ADF 8 or lifting the ADF 8 in a rotating manner and setting the read document on the document placement reading unit 13. -Send a facsimile to the specified destination via a telecommunication line. Also, a printing process (image forming process) is performed based on the image data received through the telecommunication line. At this time, various settings for image forming processing (for example, transmission destination settings) are performed on the operation panel unit 11, as well as the image forming apparatus 1 installed in a personal computer (including a network server) or the like. This is set using a facsimile driver (or printer driver). It is also possible to use a facsimile function by a personal computer or the like.

(Various setting processes)
On the other hand, among the various settings described above, for example, when the operation panel unit 11 is set for the copying function, the setting information is temporarily stored as a temporary file in the RAM 26 or the HDD 27 and is also stored in the HDD 27. Stored as history.

  It is possible to use only one of the RAM 26 and the HDD 27 as storage means without using the RAM 26 as a storage means for storing / storing setting information. However, the temporary file is stored only in the RAM 26 and the HDD 27 is temporarily stored. If the file is not stored, the temporary history in the RAM 26 is erased before the history is stored in the HDD 27. For example, if the power is unexpectedly turned off, the temporary history is not saved. Further, if the temporary file is stored only in the HDD 27 and the temporary file is not stored in the RAM 26, it takes time because it is necessary to read from the HDD 27 when referring to the temporary history.

  Hereinafter, control examples of the control unit 24 will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 6 and the flowchart of FIG.

  As an example of the usage form of the image forming apparatus 1, here, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a test print (job 1) associated with the same user (actually the same original document) with three fine adjustments is performed. The case will be described where a desired image is actually obtained (job 4) after performing job 3).

(Step S1)
In step S1, an ID card is inserted into the ID card reader 12 in order to identify whether or not the user is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 1 with the main power supply 3 turned on. Whether the inserted ID card is genuine or not is determined at the same time. When the identification code of the inserted ID card matches the identification code stored in the HDD 27 in advance, the process proceeds to step S2, and when the ID card is not inserted and when the identification code of the inserted ID card is previously stored. If the identification code stored in the HDD 27 does not match, this step S1 is continuously monitored. If the identification code of the inserted ID card does not match the identification code stored in the HDD 27 in advance, a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen 9 or a display screen (not shown) provided on the ID card reader 12. Is displayed.

  If the ID card is not used for use permission identification, steps S1 and S2 can be omitted. Further, the ID card can be used only for calling the setting stored in the HDD 27 without being used for use permission identification. Further, when the ID card is provided with a writable storage medium such as a magnet or an IC chip, the storage medium can be used for setting storage instead of the RAM 26 and the HDD 27.

(Step S2)
In step S2, a message for instructing the user who has inserted the ID card into the ID card reader 12 to input a password, and a password input number and alphabet are displayed on the display screen 9 and stored in the HDD 27 in advance. The password is compared with the input password to determine whether it is appropriate. If the passwords match, the process proceeds to step S3. If the passwords do not match, a message regarding a re-input command is displayed on the display screen 9 to wait for the password to be properly input.

  If a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) of password input is inappropriate, a message indicating that the user is not permitted to use is displayed on the display screen 9, and then the routine is terminated and the process loops to step S1. . The password may be input using a numeric keypad that constitutes a part of the operation key 10.

(Step S3)
In step S <b> 3, a message for selecting whether to use a past setting already stored in the HDD 27 is displayed on the display screen 9. When an instruction to use the past setting is input from the operation panel unit 11, the process proceeds to step S4. When an instruction to not use the past setting is input from the operation panel 11, the process proceeds to step S8. Migrate to

(Step S4)
In step S4, based on the ID card information identified in steps S1 and S2, predetermined settings (related to the ID card) among the settings stored in advance in the HDD 27 are called in the latest order and displayed on the display screen 9, and thereafter The past setting information is sequentially displayed on the display screen 9 in accordance with the user's operation on the operation panel unit 11, and the process proceeds to step 5.

  The display on the display screen 9 at this time may display the past setting for each user based on the ID card information or the past setting for each group such as the user's department based on the ID card information. The display screen 9 can also display a plurality of settings in one screen in chronological order. At this time, only the change setting for the standard setting is displayed on the display screen 9 from the viewpoint of effective use of the display area.

(Step S5)
In step S5, it is determined whether or not a selection operation for the setting displayed on the display screen 9 has been performed. If the desired setting is selected, the process proceeds to step S6. If the setting is not selected, step 5 is continuously monitored.

(Step S6)
In step S6, in order to confirm whether or not the selected setting is a setting desired by the user, a setting based on a predetermined operation such as a clear key or a cancel key (both not shown) provided on the operation panel unit 11 is performed. Whether or not initialization (reset operation) has been performed is monitored.

  That is, if it is selected that the history is used in step S3 but the desired history does not exist, the setting is reset and the history is checked again or manually set. Here, we reconfirm history usage. When the reset operation is performed, the process loops to step S3. When the reset operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S5 described above, this reset operation can be performed instead of the history search process.

(Step S7)
In step S7, a setting change operation is performed to check whether the current setting is a setting desired by the user regardless of whether the history is not used in step S3 or the history is selected in step S6. It is monitored whether or not

  Here, for example, when a setting change operation such as a change of the reduction / enlargement ratio is performed, the process proceeds to step S8, and when the setting change operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step S9.

(Step S8)
In step S8, for each setting change operation, the setting change contents are stored as setting information (temporary information) in the RAM 26, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  Here, for example, in the case of a continuous numerical value (%) change in the setting change of the reduction / enlargement ratio, the contents of the setting change are stored in the RAM 26 every time the continuity stops (Step S9). Via).

  Further, in determining the continuity, it is determined that the continuity is interrupted when the operation interval of the panel operation unit 11 is more than a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). Further, when the continuity is interrupted, new setting change contents are stored in the RAM 26, and new setting change contents are stored as a temporary history in the HDD 27, for example, the RAM 26 and the HDD 27 up to the latest two times. Are stored and stored, and older settings are sequentially erased.

  Thus, for example, even during a setting operation in which the actual copying function is not executed, even if the electromotive state is forcibly stopped due to, for example, a power failure, OFF of the main power supply 13, removal of the ID card, etc. By calling up the temporary information together with the restoration, it becomes possible to use the latest setting and the latest setting.

  That is, a history storage flag that is turned off simultaneously with the storage of the main history in the HDD 27 is set, and temporary information (temporary history) is stored in the HDD 27 (before the main history is stored in the HDD 27 in step S12 described later). When the power is turned off, the history storage flag remains ON and no temporary information exists in the HDD 27 (this history is stored in the HDD 27 in step S12 described later, and the temporary information is deleted from the HDD 27). The history storage flag is OFF.

  When the power is turned on, the history storage flag is checked every time. If the history storage flag is in the ON state, temporary information stored in the HDD 27 is stored in the RAM 26.

(Step S9)
In step S9, it is monitored by operating a start key (not shown) of the panel operation unit 11 whether or not the actual copying function has been executed. If the start key is operated, the process proceeds to step S11. If the start key is not operated, the process loops to step S7.

(Step S10)
In step S10, the printing process based on the set information is executed (job execution), and the process proceeds to step S11.

(Step S11)
In step S11, it is monitored whether the original job is the final job (actual / final setting). If it is the final job, the process proceeds to step S12. It judges that it is adjustment and loops to step S7.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, when determining whether or not the job is the final job, when only the number of copies is changed with respect to the setting immediately before being temporarily stored in the RAM 26 (for example, job 3), as shown in FIG. The setting condition after changing the number of copies can be the final job. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when only the number of copies is changed with respect to the setting immediately before (for example, job 3) temporarily stored in the RAM 26, the setting condition before the change of the number of copies is changed to the final job ( (Final setting). Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the job is executed a plurality of times (a plurality of copies) under the same setting condition in which the setting is not changed with respect to the setting immediately before (for example, job 3) temporarily stored in the RAM 26. In the case where the job is executed, the setting condition for executing the job a plurality of times can be set as the final job (final setting).

  Specifically, in the determination of the final job shown in FIG. 4, the setting is largely changed with respect to the setting of the previous document (or the previous user) by any of the routines through steps S1 to S7. Thus, it is assumed that the setting is for a new document.

  By changing the setting for the new document (steps S7 and S8), the print processing (usually one or one copy here) is performed as test printing (job 1) to determine whether or not a desired printing result can be obtained with the setting. ) (Steps S9 and S10), and as a result, a desired print result cannot be obtained, so a slight setting change (steps S7 and S8) is performed, and then the second (job 2) print process (step S9). -Perform S10).

  At this time, even in the second printing process, since it is test printing whether or not a desired printing result can be obtained by the setting, one sheet (or one copy) printing process is usually performed. Further, when the setting change for the second printing process is performed, the setting for the first test printing (job 1) becomes unnecessary and is deleted from the RAM 26.

  As a result of the second printing process, a desired printing result has not yet been obtained, so that the minute setting change (steps S7 and S8) is performed again, and then the third (job 3) printing process (step S9 and S10) are performed. Further, since the setting for the second test printing (job 2) is not required, the setting is deleted from the RAM 26 simultaneously with the third setting change.

  The third printing process allows the user to obtain a desired print result, so that only the number of copies (number of copies) is changed in the setting conditions in order to print the desired number of sheets under the setting conditions ( Steps S7 and S8) are performed to perform a desired number of copies (production / job 4) (steps S9 and S10).

  On the other hand, in the printing process accompanying the setting change from the first time (job 1) to the third time (job 3), the setting change is not a setting change for the final job because it is not a change of only the number of printed sheets (number of copies) ( In step S11), it is determined that the setting is changed for test printing (step S7), and only the number of copies (number of copies) is changed for the fourth (job) printing process. Judge as.

  If only the number of copies is changed, the setting for the fourth job (job 4) may be for the final job (FIG. 4), and the setting for the third time (job 3) may be for the final job. Good (Figure 5). Furthermore, both the third time (job 3) and the fourth time (job 4) can be used for the final job.

  On the other hand, as another specific example, as a result of the third (job 3) printing process (steps S9 and S10) in the determination of the final job shown in FIG. Since the user can obtain a desired print result, in order to perform printing of the desired number of sheets under the set conditions, the start key (not shown) of the operation panel unit 11 is set for the desired number of sheets while maintaining the set conditions. The printing process (production / job 4) is sequentially performed by pressing only (steps S9 and S10).

  As a result, assuming that a plurality of sheets (a plurality of copies) are printed under the same setting conditions, it is determined that the printing process is the final job (step S11), and the fourth (job) printing process is performed. Is set for the final job (setting for job 3).

(Step S12)
In step S12, it is assumed that the settings before the large setting change (including the reset process after the printing process) are valid settings, and are stored in the HDD 27 in association with the ID code as this history, and the routine is terminated. At this time, the settings of the job 3 and the job 4 stored in the RAM 26 can be deleted as necessary.

  As a precaution, the previous setting information determined to be final can be stored in the HDD 27 in association with the ID code as a main history.

Therefore, when the setting is changed for the third and subsequent fine adjustments, the latest two setting information is temporarily stored and stored in the RAM 26 and the HDD 27, and the previous information is sequentially deleted from the RAM 26 ( (See FIG. 4).
The setting information stored in the RAM 26 and stored in the HDD 27 as the actual history may be deleted from the setting information stored in the RAM 26 when stored in the HDD 27.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, even when the printing process is executed, the setting is changed for fine adjustment while checking the output result (sheet after printing). For settings that do not need to be set, the setting is not stored in the HDD 27 every time the setting is changed, and only when it is determined that the temporary temporary information is valid, the valid temporary information is stored in the HDD 27 as the actual history. Since the information is stored, the stored information is not complicated and can be used effectively.
Also, if the settings prior to executing the printing process are temporarily stored and stored in the RAM 26 and HDD 27 as temporary information, the power saving mode is activated due to the occurrence of a power failure, paper addition work, etc. Even if the setting is in the middle due to removal of an ID card for interruption of work accompanying power input or the like, the setting change can be continued by calling the temporary information together with the recovery, and versatility can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention has been described as applied to a multi-function machine having functions of a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. However, the operation panel unit 11 is used for processing image data. The combination of the functions is arbitrary as long as the image forming process is performed after performing various settings using the. Of course, the present invention can be applied to a dedicated machine of a copying machine.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block explanatory diagram of a control example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block explanatory diagram of a control example 2 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block explanatory diagram of a control example 3 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... Operation panel part 24 ... Control part (judgment means / counting means)
26 ... RAM (storage means)
27. Mass storage device (HDD: storage means)

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus capable of changing a setting for changing an output state of a print processing image with respect to a document image by operating an operation panel unit,
Storage means for temporarily storing the setting conditions when a printing process is executed after a setting change by an operation of the operation panel unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not printing processing has been executed after only the number of copies has been changed with respect to the setting condition temporarily stored in the storage means;
And when the determination unit determines that only the number of copies has been changed with respect to the setting condition temporarily stored in the storage unit and the printing process has been executed, the storage unit temporarily stores The setting condition when the print processing is executed after only the number of copies is changed with respect to the set condition or the setting condition before only the number of copies is changed is stored as an effective setting. Image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus capable of changing a setting for changing an output state of a print processing image with respect to a document image by operating an operation panel unit,
Storage means for temporarily storing the setting conditions when a printing process is executed after a setting change by an operation of the operation panel unit;
Count means for storing a cumulative value of the number of copies to be printed under a setting condition that is the same as the setting condition temporarily stored in the storage means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the cumulative value of the number of copies stored in the counting means is a predetermined number or more;
And when the determination unit determines that the cumulative value of the number of copies to be printed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of copies, the storage unit stores a setting condition when printing more than the predetermined number of copies as an effective setting. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined number of copies is a number of printed copies of a plurality of sheets.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit temporarily stores a setting condition for each setting change by an operation of the operation panel unit. 5.

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