JP2008236782A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which color tone can be identified more easily than a single color and cost reduction can be made much more than a full-color mode by generating and outputting two-color image data, even if output data is identified as image data containing colors other than black and white and a two-color mode is selected by a user, when the image forming apparatus is used to output read data or the output data sent from a computer. <P>SOLUTION: When a two-color mode is selected by a user, a second single color and two-color image data comprising the second single color are generated from output data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention is a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, an image forming apparatus such as a scanner, in particular a color image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus for performing an output based on output data from the computer.

Image forming apparatuses such as copiers, facsimile machines, and scanners as well as printers are connected to a computer and can output an image (print, display, etc.) based on output data (image information) from the computer.

In such an image forming apparatus, those capable of forming a color image include a developing apparatus for forming a color image such as cyan, magenta, and yellow in addition to a developing apparatus for forming a black and white image. Any of these can be output. That is, when printing using an image forming device connected to the computer, the image forming apparatus sends output data, image output based on the output data, that is, printing is performed, the color image forming apparatus, in black and white Therefore, the user selects either the monochrome mode or the color mode on the computer before sending the output data. It has become.

  That is, in the preset output mode, in the monochrome mode, all black and white images are output, and in the color mode, if any color information is included in the output data, all color images are output. It has become. Accordingly, the output mode is normally set to the color mode, and is normally set to the monochrome mode only when color output is hardly performed.

  In addition, when copying using a copying machine or the like, even if there is a set of originals in which color originals and black and white originals are mixed, even if it is determined whether each original is in color, If there is even a single color document in the set, the entire copy is a color copy, which is inconvenient.

  Furthermore, an ink jet printer that allows a user to select an ink type and performs printing in accordance with the ink selection has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in this case, output is performed with the selected ink regardless of the original image. However, when the present invention determines that it is full-color image data, the two colors output by the user from this image are output. A color image is output.

  There has been proposed an image data processing apparatus that converts a color with a high gradation or a large number of colors into a representative color with a small number of colors (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  However, this is to generate image data with a smaller number of colors from a simple full color, and to output image data with a smaller number of colors close to the original full color data.

  The present invention intends to output a two-color image from full-color image data based on a mode of two single colors selected by the user for image data identified as a color image.

  An image processing system that generates two colors from full color has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

However, this is based on the premise that color data is processed without determining whether the read data or data from the computer is monochrome or other data. On the other hand, an object of the present invention is to distinguish two-color data when it is discriminated as an image including color and selected by a user.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-191778 JP-A-6-175633 JP-A-11-127360

  However, when the output mode is set as described above, even when color information is included in the output data, when printing is performed using two single colors, for example, when it is desired to reduce the printing cost or There is a problem in that it is necessary to change the setting each time printing is desired in a short time.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to use a color image forming apparatus, and when color information is included in the output data, use fewer colors than the full-color image data according to the user's preference. Is to provide the images that were there.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for outputting the read image data, wherein the image data is black-and-white only image data, that is, monochrome black monochrome image data, or a color other than monochrome. An image discrimination circuit for discriminating whether the image data includes image data based on a manual setting by the operation panel, and the user selects a two-color mode using the first monochromatic color and the second monochromatic color from the operation panel. Thus, when the image determination circuit determines that the image data is image data including colors other than black and white, the color data is output in the first single color mode, and the black and white data is output to the second single color. Two-color image data composed of a first monochromatic color and a second monochromatic color is generated so as to be output in the mode, and a color corresponding to the monochromatic color determined by the user's selection is generated. There is provided an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises an output control means for outputting except over.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation panel is an area for selecting or changing the first single color or the second single color constituting the two-color image data in the two-color mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the operation panel further displays the first single color or the second single color selected or changed by the region. The image forming apparatus is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a remaining toner amount detecting unit that detects the remaining amount of toner for each developing unit corresponding to each color. To do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation panel displays the first toner color or the second monochrome color constituting the two-color image data in the two-color mode as the remaining toner amount detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an area for selection or change is displayed according to a detection result obtained by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a failure number detection means for detecting the number of failures for each developing unit corresponding to each color. is there.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the operation panel is configured such that the first monochromatic color or the second monochromatic color constituting the two-color image data in the two-color mode is detected by the failure frequency detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an area for selection or change according to a detection result is displayed .

The invention of claim 1, wherein, by generating an image data of two single color from the color image data read, there is an effect that it is possible to produce a legible image data for users.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to display an area for selecting or changing the first single color or the second single color .

According to the third aspect of the invention, there is an effect that the first monochromatic color or the second monochromatic color selected or changed can be further displayed .

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, there is an effect that the remaining amount of toner can be detected for each developing device corresponding to each color . According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display an area for selecting or changing the first monochrome color or the second monochrome color according to the remaining amount detection result.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is an effect that the number of failures can be detected for each developing device corresponding to each color. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to display an area for selecting or changing the first single color or the second single color according to the detection result of the number of failures.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on specific examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

  In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, and does not have the character which limits the technical scope of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is an example showing a flowchart of printing performed using an image forming apparatus connected to a computer according to the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the system of the present invention.

  Image data from the scanner unit 106, the print controller unit 105, and the FAX receiving unit 104 is held in an image holding unit 107, and the image data is sent to the printing unit 102. Then, it is printed.

In that case, the control unit 108, a scanner unit 106, printer controller unit 105, FAX reception unit 104, an image holding unit 107, printing unit 102, the toner remaining amount detection knowledge sensor 120, a storage unit 121 of the fault history of the developing device, The copy unit price data table 122 for each color of the developing device is controlled.

  Then, the control unit 108 also sends a signal to the operation unit 101 to display, for example, as shown in FIG.

  An electrophotographic printer as a tandem developing type color image forming apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. The printer shown in FIG. 4 includes a color image forming engine 1 as an image forming unit, an image transfer unit 2, an image fixing unit 3, a paper cassette 4, a paper discharging unit 13, a paper sending unit 14, and the like. Yes. In this printer, transfer paper (sheet-like medium) 5 as a sheet on which image formation is performed is stored in a paper cassette 4, and is sent out by a paper delivery unit 14 during image formation and is sent to the color image formation engine 1. It is sent. The transfer paper 5 on which the color image is formed by the color image forming engine 1 is discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge unit 13.

  Although not shown, in order to form a double-sided image on the transfer paper 5, a reversal conveyance unit for reversing and conveying the transfer paper 5 on which the single-sided image has been formed on the paper discharge unit 13 side, and a sheet There is also known a configuration including an intermediate tray unit for temporary storage, and a conveyance path for feeding the transfer paper 5 reversed by the double-side mechanism unit to the color image forming engine 1 again.

  In general, the color image forming engine 1 for forming a color image includes four developing units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K as developer image forming units, and an image fixing unit that fixes the image on the transfer paper 5. 3 and a resin-made endless image transfer unit 2 (transport belt such as an electrostatic adsorption belt) for transporting the transfer paper 5. The developing units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K develop toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively.

  Further, the image transfer unit 2 includes transfer rollers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K as transfer means so as to be paired with the developing units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K. The toner image formed at 6K is transferred to the transfer paper 5 by suction.

  Further, the transfer unit 2 also serves to suck the transfer paper 5 onto the belt and convey it to the fixing unit 3. The fixing unit 3 is for fixing the toner image on the transfer paper 5 to the transfer paper 5 by heat, pressure, light, or the like. In this way, the electrophotographic printer of the tandem developing system forms a color image on the transfer paper 5 by forming images by sequentially superimposing different colors on the transfer paper 5 in each of the developing units 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K. Is formed. Further, by performing image formation with the plurality of developing units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, the number of image forming processes can be increased. As described above, while it is possible to perform color image formation at high speed, in actual use, color images and black and white images are mixed, and there are many image formations of black and white originals such as character originals. Reality. When forming a black and white image, the image can be formed only by the developing unit 6K.

  However, in the electrophotographic printer as described above, it is impossible to operate only the developing unit 6K and transport the transfer paper 5, and all the developing units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K must be operated. . A conceivable configuration is to move the image transfer unit 2 during the formation of a monochrome image as shown in FIG.

  The printer shown in FIG. 5 is configured such that the image transfer unit 2 can move while drawing an arc centered on the right end of the drawing. Therefore, the following operation is possible.

  When forming a color image, the state (first state) shown in FIG. 4 is taken. When a monochrome image is formed, the image transfer unit 2 is moved to a state (second state) as shown in FIG. As a result, the image transfer unit 2 contacts only the developing unit 6K and is separated from the developing units 6Y, 6M, and 6C. In this case, the image forming operation can be performed in a state where only the developing unit 6K is operated and the operations of the developing units 6Y, 6M, and 6C are stopped. That is, by stopping the operations of the developing units 6Y, 6M, and 6C that are not used when forming a monochrome image, it is possible to prevent the developing units 6Y, 6M, and 6C from operating more than necessary.

  Here, a method for discriminating between color data and monochrome data will be described.

  6 and 7 are block diagrams of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The overall flow will be described with reference to the drawings. At the time of transmission, an original is optically separated by a scanner unit 301 and converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, and analog / digital conversion is performed by an A / D converter. The digitized three-color reflected original signal passes through a shading circuit for correcting variations in the light source, photoelectric conversion element, etc., and enters an input color correction circuit to match the spectral characteristics of NTSC, for example, by a 3 × 3 matrix or the like. Color correction is performed. Up to this point, each color signal is multi-valued data (for example, 24-bit data of 8 bits per color). However, since the transmission path is currently a narrow band, it takes too much transmission time, so it is necessary to transmit the binary data with a resolution of 400 dpi. It is practical. Accordingly, it is assumed here that the image data is output from the scanner 301 as being binarized. Therefore, at the exit of the scanner 301, it is assumed that one pixel for each pixel of RGB of the NTSC signal is output at 3 bits / pixel in total for each pixel.

Output data from the scanner 301 enters a buffer memory 311 in the controller 306 . Reference numeral 311 denotes a part for storing data for several lines. Reference numeral 312 denotes a circuit for discriminating whether the original is a monochrome original or a color original. Based on the result of automatic discrimination between the black and white original and the color original or the manual setting by the color / monochrome switch button on the operation panel 303, the original color separation data is color-coded. Switching between the flow to the compression 313 and the flow to the black and white compression 315 is performed. The color / monochrome judgment section 312 and the judging circuit 201 as shown in FIG. 7, the result of the determination, the color white conversion unit 314 the data from B U F 311 (A side) or the color compression unit 313 (B side) A selector 202 for selecting one of them and an operation unit 203 for manually setting color / monochrome are configured. The selector 202 selects the A side when the output of the color / monochrome determination circuit 201 is 0 (monochrome), and selects the B side when the output of 201 is 1 (color). In the case of manual setting, manual setting is performed from the operation unit 203 in preference to the determination of the determination circuit 201, and the setting from the operation unit 203 is S1 = 0 (monochrome) regardless of the value of S0 of the selector. ), If the A side is S1 = 1 (color), the B side is selected.

  Reference numeral 314 denotes a circuit that converts data determined as a black and white document by automatic / manual color / monochrome determination 312 from a three-color signal into a monochrome signal. The color compression unit 313 compresses image data including color information using a compression algorithm such as block coding or vector quantization. In the black and white compression unit 315, data compression is performed by a compression algorithm used in a normal black and white facsimile apparatus such as MH and MR.

  At this time, if the black and white data is manually or automatically, transmission is possible if the standard compression of G3 and G4 is performed by the black and white compression unit 315 even if the other party is G3 and G4. Since G4 is an ISDN digital line and G3 is an analog line using a telephone line, a modem is required.

Similarly, the monochrome data sent from G4 and G3 is stored in the hard disk 316 and decoded via the monochrome decompressor 317. Since this time a solid black data, the yellow in the case such a 4-color simultaneous recording ink jet printer 302 (Y), magenta (M), so as not to print the data of cyan (C), Y = M = Add C = 0 and send to buffer memory 323. Black K is calculated as K = 1−Ye.

  Ye will be described later. As a result, the same handling as in color recording can be performed. When the sent data is color data, color correction and black generation are performed at 320 according to the color material of the printer 302 from the NTSC signal through the color decoder 319 from the hard disk 316. Since the output from the color correction unit 320 is multi-valued, 4-bit / pixel data of four colors enters the output buffer memory BUF 323 by the density preserving type binarization circuit 321.

  The data from the BUF 323 is output at 4 bits / pixel for both monochrome data and color data. A color printer unit 302 is a printer that simultaneously records four Y, M, C, and K heads using inkjet recording. Therefore, the YMCK 4-bit / pixel data 308 from the controller 306 is printed in four colors by buffering the registration part of the head. For black and white, printing is performed according to 0 or 1 of K with Y = M = C = 0.

  With reference to FIG. 1, when color data is included, a method of outputting in the monochrome mode or outputting in the color mode according to the mode selected by the user will be described.

  First, output data is sent to an image forming apparatus from a machine such as a personal computer. Alternatively, the original is read (S101).

At the same time, the printer software incorporated in the machine to which the output data is sent determines information about the output data, that is, determines whether there is color information in the output data (S102). Thus, the output data is only monochrome data, when judged if does not contain color information (S102) is directly, without performing special selection request, the image output is performed in the monochrome mode (S10 6 ).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the color information is included in the output data, the user is asked to select the output mode, that is, the user is inquired about the output method (S103). Such a selection is displayed on a monitor in the machine, but in some cases, the color discrimination result list 200 can be displayed on a display (FIG. 2) provided in the image forming apparatus (S104). .

  In response to such an inquiry, the user selects output in black and white mode or output in color mode, and according to the selected mode, image output in black and white or color is output (S105). ).

  In the method of the present invention, in general, on the output mode setting screen, in addition to the output in the color image and the output in the monochrome mode, one of the output mode selection display can be selected for each output data. It is preferable to output the image according to the present invention described above when the output mode selection display is selected.

  The image forming apparatus described above may be placed on a so-called network and output an image using output data from various computers on the network.

  When color data is included and the user selects output in a mode other than the color mode, a method for selecting the single color mode of the developing device with the largest remaining amount of toner will be described.

At that time, the single color mode of the developing device with a large amount of toner remaining is selected. Specifically, when it is determined that the remaining amount of cyan toner in the developing device is large at the time of mode setting, a command is sent to the control unit for the image forming process using cyan toner, and monochrome output using cyan toner is performed. . Further, when it is determined that the remaining amount of black toner in the developing device is large at the time of mode setting, a command is transmitted to the image forming process using black toner to the control unit, and single color output using black toner is performed.

  In other words, if it is a mode other than the color mode, it will often play its role if it can be read simply.

  By selecting the single color mode of the developing device with the largest amount of toner remaining, it is possible to average the remaining amount of toner of each color and extend the life of the maintenance cycle.

Here, a method of detecting the toner remaining amount, by utilizing the optical sensor (3 remaining toner detection knowledge sensor 120) to the developing device of the toner cartridge, to detect.

  In addition, when color data is included and an output other than the color mode is selected by the user, it is possible to select the single color mode of the developing device that is least frequently used. The method will be described below.

  In the case other than the color mode, the monochrome mode of the developing device that is least frequently used is selected at the time of outputting in black.

More specifically, when the mode setting, a cyan toner in the developing device, most, if it is determined that the infrequently used developing device, the control unit, the monochromatic by cyan toner by sending an instruction to the image forming process in the cyan toner Output is implemented. If the black toner is determined to be the least frequently used developing device when the mode is set, a command is sent to the control unit for the image forming process using the black toner, and monochrome output is performed using the black toner.

  In other words, by doing so, the frequency of use of each color developer can be made uniform, and a plurality of developers can be used evenly, and the maintenance cycle can be extended.

  Here, the usage frequency includes the actual toner consumption and the operating time of the developing device for each color. The actual toner consumption amount is calculated by calculating how much accumulated toner has been consumed in the past in the developing unit, and giving priority to a developing unit having a small actual accumulated toner consumption amount.

  For example, if the cumulative toner consumption of the yellow developer is 1000 g, the cumulative toner consumption of the cyan developer is 900 g, and the cumulative toner consumption of the magenta developer is 800 g, the control unit An operation signal is sent to the process means, and output is performed by a magenta developer.

  The cumulative operation time actually means the driving time of the developing device.

  For example, if the cumulative aging time of the yellow developer is 1000 hours, the cumulative aging time of the cyan developer is 900 hours, and the cumulative operation time of the magenta developer is 800 hours, the magenta developer , Output.

Further, it contains the color data, when the output of the outside color mode by the user is selected, the most, the method below Ri also der selecting the single-color mode inexpensive developing device of the copy bids Will be explained.

  In the case other than the color mode, at the time of outputting in black, the inexpensive single color mode of the developing unit having the lowest copy unit price (calculated by the copy unit price data table 122 for each color of the developing device) is selected.

  Here, the copy unit price data for each color has a data table 122 that can be changed in the control unit, and is input at the time of factory shipment or by a service person. Alternatively, if connected to a bidirectionally accessible network, the data table 122 for each color copy unit price data may be rewritten when the access is made (FIG. 2).

  For example, if there is a data table for black 1.5 yen / sheet, yellow 2.2 yen / sheet, cyan 2.0 yen / sheet, magenta 2.3 yen / sheet and copy unit price data for each color, black is excluded. Among them, it outputs in the monochrome mode of the cheapest cyan developer.

That is, the average copy cost can be reduced by outputting in the single color mode of the cheapest cyan developer.

  In addition, when color data is included and the user selects an output other than the color mode, it is possible to select the single color mode of the developing device with the fewest failures, and the method will be described below. To do.

  In the case other than the color mode, the single-color mode of the developing device is selected at the time of outputting in black (calculated by the developing device failure history storage unit 121) with the least failure.

  For example, if the number of failures is 50 times for black, 20 times for yellow, 15 times for cyan, and 22 times for magenta, the output is performed in the single color mode of the cyan developer with the least number of failures, excluding black.

  In other words, output with 50 times of black and 20 times of yellow with the highest number of failures is likely to cause failure in the apparatus, so by outputting in the monochrome mode of the developer with the least number of failures. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of failure, increase the user satisfaction, and reduce the number of visits by service personnel.

In addition, the area that does not include color data is output in the first single color mode, and the area that includes color data includes the selected mode according to the mode selected by the user. the method below is possible with child output in the second monochrome mode will be described.

For example, the second monochromatic mode is cyan, and the first monochromatic mode is magenta, so that the difference between the color data and the others is cyan and magenta. Alternatively, the second monochromatic mode is cyan, and the first monochromatic mode is black, so that the difference between the color data and the others can be clearly identified by changing cyan and black. Since the color area is set to another single color mode, it is possible to reduce copy cost and identify color data.

If halftone image data is not included, the output is performed in the first single color mode. If halftone image data is included , the second tone is output in accordance with the mode selected by the user. It is also possible to output in the monochrome mode, and the method will be described below.

For example, the second monochrome mode is cyan and the first monochrome mode is magenta, so that the difference between the halftone image data and the other is cyan and magenta. Alternatively, the second monochrome mode is cyan, and the first monochrome mode is black, so that the difference between the halftone image data and the other can be clearly identified by changing cyan and black. it can. Since the halftone image area is set to other monochromatic mode, it is possible to reduce copy cost and identify halftone image data.

  Subsequently, as an embodiment according to the invention of the present invention, an invention will be described in which the first mode and the second mode are to output a full color output excluding a single color.

  That is, the following combinations are possible.

Y (yellow), S (cyan), M (magenta), Bk (black)
1) YSM
2) YSBk
3) YMBk
4) SMBk
By using the above combination, it is easier to identify the hue than a single color, and the cost can be reduced as compared with the full color mode.

  More specifically, in order to generate image data of the first monochromatic color and the second monochromatic color, for example, image data is generated by excluding monochromatic color components from full-color output image data. realizable.

  That is, the following combinations are possible. When Y (yellow), S (cyan), M (magenta), and Bk (black) are used, Y, M, and Bk are used to express a single color red (by overlapping yellow and magenta) and a single color black (as it is). (Output black) image data.

  Also, using S, M, and Bk, it is possible to output image data of a single color blue (by overlapping cyan and magenta) and a single color black (output black as it is).

  Furthermore, using S, Y, and Bk, it is possible to output image data of a single color of green (by overlapping cyan and yellow) and a single color of black (output black as it is).

  As a result, the hue is easier to identify than a single color, and can be reduced in terms of cost compared to the full color mode.

  In another method, the first mode and the second mode will be described with respect to full-color output, except for outputting a single color.

  That is, the following combinations are possible.

Y (yellow), S (cyan), M (magenta), Bk (black)
1) YS
2) YM
3) YBk
4) SM
5) SBk
6) MBk
By combining the above, it is easier to identify the color as compared with a single color, and since the color is less than the full color mode in terms of cost, it can be further reduced.

  More specifically, in order to generate image data of the first monochromatic color and the second monochromatic color, the first mode and the second mode are monochromatic colors to be output with respect to image data of full color output. This can be realized by removing one of the outputs. That is, the following combinations are possible. Assuming Y (yellow), S (cyan), M (magenta), and Bk (black), (1) YS, (2) YM, (3) YBk, (4) SM, (5) SBk, (6) MBk etc. In particular, with the combination of yellow and black in (3), it is possible to generate and output single-color image data of yellow and black. By using the above combination, when an image is viewed, it is easier to discriminate as a hue than a single color, and when printed, since the amount of a single color is smaller than the full color mode in terms of cost, it can be further reduced.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of output copies, by outputting in a predetermined mode for each output copy number, for example, when the required number of copies is 10, all colors are not 10 copies, and color output is 2 Part, mono color output 2 parts, monochrome output 6 parts.

  By outputting separately, color output is performed only for those who need it, and monochrome output is performed for those who do not need much, so the overall cost can be reduced.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, a list of color discrimination results that can be changed is displayed, and according to the mode selected and changed by the user, the list includes the selected and changed results, and the total amount charged. A method of displaying and outputting the amount will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color discrimination result list.

  The number of pages is the number of pages of the original. In this case, four pages, one page is a color original, two pages are black and white originals, three pages are color originals, and four pages are color originals. .

Here, according to the change of the user, one page is color output from a color original, two pages are output from black and white original to black and white, three pages are output from color original to mono color , and four pages are output from color original to black and white. .

  Further, the copy fee for each page after the change, the charged copy fee until the current processing, and the total copy fee are displayed.

  In other words, the user can select and change according to the displayed color discrimination result list, so that it is possible to provide a very convenient image forming apparatus.

  In addition, since the total amount charged is displayed in the list, it is possible to set an upper limit of the total copy amount, so that the user can operate with peace of mind.

  Furthermore, since the charged amount until the current processing is displayed is displayed, the current amount can be grasped, so that the user can operate with peace of mind.

Furthermore, by the user, when inputting a predetermined amount, the its list, can display multiple modes in the range falls within the amount entered is described below.

  For example, suppose that the amount designated by the user is 200 yen and the number of copies is 6, that is, the user wants to process within 200 yen.

1) 200 yen ≧ 50 yen (unit price per full color) x 3 + 20 yen (unit price per mono color) x 2 + 10 yen (unit price per black and white sheet) x 1 = 200
2) 200 yen ≧ 50 yen (unit price per full color sheet) x 2 sheets + 20 yen (unit price per mono color sheet) x 3 sheets + 10 yen (unit price per monochrome sheet) x 1 sheet = 170
3) 200 yen ≥ 50 yen (unit price per full color sheet) x 1 sheet + 20 yen (unit price per mono color sheet) x 4 sheets + 10 yen (unit price per monochrome sheet) x 1 sheet = 140
4) 200 yen ≥ 50 yen (unit price per full color sheet) x 0 sheets + 20 yen (unit price per mono color sheet) x 6 sheets + 10 yen (unit price per monochrome sheet) x 0 sheets = 120 sheets
5) 200 yen ≧ 50 yen (unit price per full color sheet) x 0 sheets + 20 yen (unit price per mono color sheet) x 5 sheets + 10 yen (unit price per monochrome sheet) x 1 sheet = 110
And so on.

  That is, it is possible to prompt free selection within the user's designated amount. A highly convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating printing performed using a color image forming apparatus connected to a computer. The figure which shows one Example of a color discrimination | determination result list. Block diagram of the system. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating image formation of a color image of a full-color printer. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating image formation of a black and white image of a full-color printer. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus. The block diagram of the color discrimination | determination part of a system.

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus that outputs read image data,
An image discriminating circuit for discriminating whether the image data is black-and-white only image data, that is, black monochrome image data or image data including colors other than black and white, based on a manual setting by an operation panel;
When the user selects a two-color mode using the first monochrome color and the second monochrome color from the operation panel, the image determination circuit determines that the image data is image data including colors other than black and white. If so, two colors consisting of the first monochrome color and the second monochrome color are outputted so that the color data is outputted in the first monochrome mode and the monochrome data is outputted in the second monochrome mode. Output control means for generating image data and outputting the toner except for a single color toner determined by the user's selection;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. The operation panel displays an area for selecting or changing the first single color or the second single color constituting the two-color image data in the two-color mode. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation panel further displays the first single color or the second single color selected or changed according to the region. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a toner remaining amount detecting unit configured to detect a remaining amount of toner for each developing unit corresponding to each color. The operation panel selects or changes the first single color or the second single color constituting the two-color image data in the two-color mode according to a detection result by the remaining toner amount detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming area is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a failure number detecting unit that detects the number of failures for each developing unit corresponding to each color. The operation panel is for selecting or changing the first single color or the second single color constituting the two-color image data in the two-color mode according to a detection result by the failure number detection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the area is displayed.

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