JP2014059344A - Image forming device, image forming method, and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device configured to reduce the consumption of a coloring agent almost exhausted, without reducing expression power, and to provide an image forming method, and an image forming program.SOLUTION: An image processing method determination part 341 acquires information on the amount of remaining coloring agents for each of colors, normal profile data in which color reproductions based on all coloring agents are defined, reduced-color profile data in which color reproductions based on coloring agents excluding a specific color are defined, and information on an image processing method including a reduced-color image forming instruction for forming an image excluding the specific color when the amount of remaining coloring agent for the specific color becomes a predetermined amount or lower. A color matching processing part 342 forms a color image by applying the reduced-color profile data corresponding to the specific color on the basis of the reduced-color image forming instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile that forms a color image, an image forming method, and an image forming program.

  Conventionally, when a color image is formed and printed using an image forming apparatus such as a printer, copier, or facsimile machine that forms a color image, magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). A color image is printed using the following four kinds of colorants. At that time, since the colorants of the respective colors are not consumed uniformly, the colorants of other colors may remain sufficiently even when the specific colorant necessary for printing is lost.

  Therefore, when the remaining amount of the colorant of a specific color is detected and the remaining amount of the colorant of that color falls below a certain amount, there are many techniques for preventing interruption of printing by using another colorant instead. Are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an outline of a black character when the remaining amount of black colorant is reduced in an image forming apparatus that has a large amount of black character printing and consumes a large amount of black colorant. A technique is disclosed in which the inside of the region is mixed with three colorants other than black and printed in black, thereby reducing the consumption of the black colorant. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for printing by replacing with a colorant of another color when it is predicted that the colorant of a specific color will run out.

  However, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a relatively expensive three-color colorant is used repeatedly to supplement the black colorant, the colorant is not saved. Further, according to the technique described in Patent Document 2, if the color is simply replaced with another color, the color after replacement is confused with the part designated from the beginning. In addition, in a place where a secondary color is designated, there is a case where it becomes difficult to see if one of the mixed colors is replaced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program capable of reducing the amount of a colorant used in a low amount without impairing expressive power The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms a color image of a plurality of colors, and includes information on the remaining amount of colorant for each color, Normal profile data with color reproduction defined by colorant, subtractive color profile data defined with color reproduction excluding specific color, and remaining amount of colorant for specific color are below specified amount An acquisition unit that acquires information on an image processing method including a reduced color image forming instruction for forming an image excluding the specific color, and the reduced color profile data corresponding to the specific color based on the reduced color image forming instruction. And image forming means for forming a color image by applying the above.

  The image forming method according to the present invention is an image forming method for forming a color image of a plurality of colors, and is a normal profile in which information on the remaining amount of colorants for each color and color reproduction by all colorants are defined. Data, color reduction profile data that defines color reproduction by a colorant excluding a specific color, and an image is formed excluding the specific color when the remaining amount of the colorant of the specific color falls below a predetermined amount An acquisition step of acquiring information on an image processing method including a reduced color image formation instruction, and an image formation step of forming a color image by applying the reduced color profile data corresponding to the specific color based on the reduced color image formation instruction It is characterized by including these.

  The image forming program according to the present invention is an image forming program for forming a color image of a plurality of colors, and is a normal profile in which information on the remaining amount of colorants for each color and color reproduction by all colorants are defined. Data, color reduction profile data that defines color reproduction by a colorant excluding a specific color, and an image is formed excluding the specific color when the remaining amount of the colorant of the specific color falls below a predetermined amount An acquisition step of acquiring information on an image processing method including a reduced color image formation instruction, and an image formation step of forming a color image by applying the reduced color profile data corresponding to the specific color based on the reduced color image formation instruction And make the computer execute.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the use amount of the colorant whose remaining amount is reduced without impairing the expressive power.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of functional blocks provided by the CPU of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the image forming processing procedure of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing hues in the RGB format and the CMYK format. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing method determination processing procedure according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. Moreover, in description of drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and shown to the same part.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer device 10, an input / output device 20, and a printer controller 30.

  The printer apparatus 10 includes a toner bottle 11 and a toner remaining amount detection unit 12, and prints (forms) a color image under the control of the printer controller 30.

  The toner bottle 11 filled with toner (coloring agent) supplies toner of each color when printing a color image. The toner remaining amount detection unit 12 detects the remaining amount of each of the four toner bottles 11 corresponding to each color using a weight sensor, an optical sensor, or the like, for example, a state where the remaining amount is sufficient, an end state, a near end Information on the remaining amount of toner of each color such as the status is transferred to the printer controller 30. Here, the end state means a state in which the toner of a specific color necessary for printing is exhausted. Also, the near-end state means a state in which the specific color toner necessary for printing is expected to disappear soon. The toner remaining amount detection unit 12 detects a near-end state when the remaining amount of toner becomes a predetermined threshold value or less.

  The input / output device 20 includes an output unit and an input unit (not shown). The output unit controls display on a display device such as a liquid crystal display under the control of the printer controller 30. The input unit controls to input various instruction information to the printer controller 30 in response to an input operation by an operator to an input device such as a keyboard.

  The printer controller 30 includes a printer interface (I / F) 31, an input / output interface (I / F) 32, a host interface (HOSTI / F) 33, a CPU 34, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 35, a RAM ( Random Access Memory) 36 and an object identification unit 37.

  A printer interface (I / F) 31 connects the printer controller 30 and the printer device 10 and transfers control information from the printer controller 30 such as a print mode and print image data to the printer device.

  An input / output interface (I / F) 32 connects the printer controller 30 and the input / output device 20, transfers display control information from the printer controller 30 to the input / output device 20, or by an operator from the input / output device 20. Receive input.

  A host interface (HOSTI / F) 33 is connected to a terminal device 3 such as a PC equipped with a printer driver via an electric communication line 2 such as a LAN, and transfers print request information and image data received from the terminal device 3. Or the state of the image forming apparatus 1 is transferred to the terminal device 3.

  The ROM 35 is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data. In the ROM 35, dither data and γ data corresponding to each hue, profile data defining the ratio of toner of each color necessary for reproducing the color of the image data, gradation parameters defining the gradation of the image data, printing Stores font data used for printing the text portion of the document. The ROM 35 also stores information on the image processing method for each object set for each object (photograph, graphics, character) of the image data.

  The RAM 36 is a writable and readable memory used as a program, a data expansion memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like. The RAM 36 stores variable data such as information on the remaining amount of toner and information on the image processing method for each user set by the user. This RAM 36 is also used as a work area for the CPU 34.

  The object identification unit 37 decomposes the image data received via the HOST I / F 33 into a photographic object, a graphics object, and a character object, and transfers them to the CPU 34.

  The CPU 34 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 35 and performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the CPU 34 performs image processing on the image data received via the HOST I / F 33 and the object identification unit 37 based on various data stored in the ROM 35 and the RAM 36, and sends the image data to the printer device 10. The control code and the operation input instruction information displayed on the input / output device 20 are subjected to arithmetic processing. Further, the CPU 34 performs an image forming process of the present embodiment described later.

  The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile). It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as Disk).

  Further, the image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. . The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the flow of the image forming process for the image data input to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of functional blocks provided by the CPU 34. The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes each unit (image processing method determination unit 341, color matching processing unit 342, gradation conversion processing unit 343, and image processing unit 344) illustrated in FIG. As the actual hardware, the CPU 34 (processor) reads the image forming program from the ROM 35 and executes it to load the above-described units onto the main storage device, and the image processing method determination unit 341, A color matching processing unit 342, a gradation conversion processing unit 343, and an image processing unit 344 are generated on the main storage device.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the image forming process. The flowchart of FIG. 3 is started at the timing at which the HOSTI / F 33 receives image data in RGB format or CMYK format transmitted as print targets from the terminal device 3 via various printer drivers. The image forming process is performed in step S1. Proceed to the process. When the CPU 34 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print request from the terminal device 3, the CPU 34 notifies the terminal device 3 of information on the remaining amount of toner, and the toner of each color set by the user is in the near-end state. An image processing method for each user such as an image processing method is acquired.

  In the process of step S <b> 1, the object identification unit 37 decomposes the image data for each object (photograph, graphics, character) and transfers it to the CPU 34. Thereby, the process of step S1 is completed, and the image forming process proceeds to the process of step S2.

  In the process of step S2, the image processing method determination unit 341 performs, for each object of the image data decomposed for each object, information on the image processing method for each user in the near end state, information on the image processing method for each object, and each color. Image processing method determination processing for selecting profile data and gradation parameters to be applied at the time of printing out of a plurality of preset profile data and a plurality of gradation parameters based on the remaining amount of toner information Do.

  Here, as profile data, normal profile data and a plurality of color reduction profile data to be applied when a specific color toner is in a near-end state are stored in advance in the ROM 35, and either of them can be selected. Further, as the gradation parameter, the normal gradation parameter and the reduced gradation parameter applied to reduce the gradation of the toner in the near-end state when a plurality of color toners are in the near-end state are stored in the ROM 35 in advance. Any one can be selected. Note that the reduced gradation parameter of the present embodiment is defined to reduce the gradation of the toner in the near-end state to 50%.

  When selecting the profile data and the gradation parameter, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects the color reduction profile data or the color data when the specific color toner is in the near-end state based on the remaining amount of toner of each color, as will be described later. Select a reduced tone parameter.

  Thereafter, the image processing method determination unit 341 transfers the selected profile data to the color matching processing unit 342, and transfers the selected gradation parameter to the gradation conversion processing unit 343. Thereby, the process of step S2 is completed, and the image forming process proceeds to the process of step S3.

  In step S3, the color matching processing unit 342 converts the image data to be printed from the RGB format to the CMYK format for each pixel, and changes the color of each pixel of the image data based on the selected profile data. A color matching process for designating the proportion of each color toner necessary for reproduction is performed. Thereafter, the color matching processing unit 342 transfers the image data to the gradation conversion processing unit 343. Thereby, the process of step S3 is completed, and the image forming process proceeds to the process of step S4.

  In the process of step S4, the gradation conversion processing unit 343 uses the selected gradation parameter for the image data transferred from the color matching processing unit 342, and the density (toner usage amount) of each pixel of the image data. A gradation conversion process for designating is performed. Thereafter, the gradation conversion processing unit 343 transfers the image data to the image processing unit 344. Thereby, the process of step S4 is completed, and the image forming process proceeds to the process of step S5.

  In the process of step S5, the image processing unit 344 performs other image forming processing such as adjustment for each print medium and adjustment of the print range on the image data transferred from the gradation conversion processing unit 343, and the printer apparatus 10 Forward to. Thereby, the process of step S5 is completed, and the image forming process proceeds to the process of step S6.

  In the process of step S6, the printer device 10 prints a color image based on the information of each pixel set by the image forming process. Thereby, the process of step S6 is completed and a series of image forming processes are completed.

  Next, the color reduction profile data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing hues in the RGB format and the CMYK format. As shown in FIG. 4, the hue changes in the order of Y (yellow) → R (red) → M (magenta) → B (blue) → C (cyan) → G (green) with K (black) as the center. Can be expressed as C is represented between B and G, the B-close of C is represented by a mixed color of C and M, and the G-close of C is represented by a mixed color of C and Y. Y is represented between R and G, Y near R is represented by a mixed color of Y and M, and Y near G is represented by a mixed color of Y and C. Further, M is expressed between R and B, the R deviation of M is represented by a mixed color of M and Y, and the B deviation of M is represented by a mixed color of M and C.

  Therefore, when the C toner is in a near-end state, for example, K (black) is used instead of C to define the color reduction profile data. At that time, it may be defined so as to reduce the gradation of K in accordance with the brightness of C or the like. The color reduction profile data may be defined by changing the gradation of Y or M. Further, the color reduction profile data may be defined so that the ratio of C, M, and Y is represented by the ratio of M and Y.

  Next, an image processing method determination processing procedure for selecting profile data and gradation parameters in step S2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing method determination processing procedure performed by the image processing method determination unit 341 in step S2. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is started at the timing when the image processing method determination unit 341 acquires the information on the image processing method for each user, the information on the image processing method for each object, and the information on the remaining amount of toner of each color. The processing method determination process proceeds to step S11.

  In the process of step S11, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether or not the color reduction profile data can be applied to the image data when the toner of each color is in the near-end state based on the information on the image processing method for each user. In addition, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether each object of the image data decomposed for each object is an object to which the color reduction profile data can be applied based on the information on the image processing method for each object. If the image data object is an object to which the color reduction profile data can be applied (Yes in step S11), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to step S12, and the image data object applies the color reduction profile data. If it is not a possible object (step S11, No), the process proceeds to step S16.

  In the process of step S12, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of C toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of C toner is sufficient or there is stock (Yes at Step S12), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S13, and the remaining amount of C toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (step S12, No), the process proceeds to step S51.

  In the process of step S13, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether or not the remaining amount of M toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. The image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to step S14 when the remaining amount of M toner is sufficient or has stock (step S13, Yes), and the remaining amount of M toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (step S13, No), the process proceeds to step S31.

  In the process of step S14, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient based on the information on the remaining amount of toner of each color. If the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S14), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S15, and the remaining amount of Y toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (step S14, No), the process proceeds to step S21.

  In the process of step S15, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether or not the remaining amount of the K toner is sufficient based on the information on the remaining amount of toner of each color. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S15), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S16, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (step S15, No), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In the process of step S16, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and normal gradation parameters. Thereby, the process of step S16 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S17, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects the color reduction profile data composed of CMY three colors excluding K and the normal gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S17 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the processing of step S21, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S21), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S22, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (step S21, No), the process proceeds to step S23.

  In the process of step S22, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects the color reduction profile data composed of three CMK colors excluding Y and the normal gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S22 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S23, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and reduced gradation parameters. Thereby, the process of step S23 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the processing of step S31, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient based on the information on the remaining amount of toner of each color. If the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S31), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S32, and the remaining amount of Y toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (step S31, No), the process proceeds to step S41.

  In the process of step S32, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is stock (Yes in Step S32), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S33, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (step S32, No), the process proceeds to step S34.

  In the process of step S33, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects the color reduction profile data composed of CYK three colors excluding M and the normal gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S33 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S34, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and a reduced gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S34 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are completed.

  In the process of step S41, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. When the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is stock (Yes in Step S41), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S42, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (No in step S41), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S42, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects color reduction profile data composed of CK2 colors excluding MY and normal gradation parameters. Thereby, the process of step S42 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S43, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and reduced gradation parameters. Thereby, the process of step S43 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S51, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of M toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. The image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to step S52 when the remaining amount of M toner is sufficient or has stock (step S51, Yes), and the remaining amount of M toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (step S51, No), the process proceeds to step S71.

  In the process of step S52, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. When the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in step S52), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to step S53, and the remaining amount of Y toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (No in step S52), the process proceeds to step S61.

  In the processing of step S53, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes at Step S53), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S54, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (step S53, No), the process proceeds to step S55.

  In the processing of step S54, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects the color reduction profile data composed of MYK three colors excluding C and the normal gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S54 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S55, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and reduced gradation parameters. Thereby, the processing in step S55 is completed, and the series of image processing method determination processing ends.

  In the process of step S61, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S61), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S62, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (step S61, No), the process proceeds to step S63.

  In the process of step S62, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects the color reduction profile data composed of MK2 colors excluding CY and the normal gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S62 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S63, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and reduced gradation parameters. Thereby, the process of step S63 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are completed.

  In the processing of step S71, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient based on the information on the remaining amount of toner of each color. If the remaining amount of Y toner is sufficient or there is stock (Yes in step S71), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to step S72, and the remaining amount of Y toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or there is no stock (step S71, No), the process proceeds to step S81.

  In the process of step S72, the image processing method determination unit 341 checks whether or not the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S72), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S73, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (No in step S72), the process proceeds to step S74.

  In the process of step S73, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and a reduced gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S73 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S74, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and a reduced gradation parameter. Thereby, the process of step S74 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the processing of step S81, the image processing method determination unit 341 confirms whether the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient based on the remaining amount information of each color toner. If the remaining amount of K toner is sufficient or there is a stock (Yes in Step S81), the image processing method determination unit 341 proceeds to Step S82, and the remaining amount of K toner is in the near-end state. If there is a stock or no stock (No in step S81), the process proceeds to step S83.

  In step S82, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and reduced gradation parameters (or profile data and normal gradation parameters for monochrome printing using only K). Thereby, the process of step S82 is completed and a series of image processing method determination processes are complete | finished.

  In the process of step S83, the image processing method determination unit 341 selects normal profile data and reduced gradation parameters. Thereby, the process of step S83 is completed, and a series of image processing method determination processes ends.

  Note that when the series of image processing method determination processes is completed, step S2 of the image forming process is completed, and the image forming process proceeds to the process of step S3.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the color reduction profile data set in consideration of the expressive power according to the number of colors and the color of the toner in the near end state is designated. Can print images. For example, when only one color of toner is in the near-end state, the remaining three colors are used for the color reduction profile data and the normal gradation parameter, and when two colors of toner are in the near-end state, the remaining 2 An image is printed based on color-reduced color profile data and normal gradation parameters. As a result, when the colorant of a specific color is in the near-end state, the color reduction profile data set in consideration of the expressive power can be selected, so the use of the colorant in the near-end state without impairing the expressive power of the printed image The amount can be saved, and the situation where a specific colorant is in an end state and printing is interrupted can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when three or all four colors of toner are in the near end state, when K is in the near end state, or only the remaining amount of toner of K and Y is detected. If it is sufficient, such as when the toner in the near-end state is excluded, it is difficult to express the image by using the normal profile data for all four colors of toner and the reduced gradation parameter for reducing the gradation of the toner in the near-end state. Yes. Further, when the toner consumption increases due to the color reduction, the image forming process can be performed using the normal profile data and the reduction parameter for reducing the gradation of the toner in the near-end state. As a result, when the colorant of a specific color is in the near-end state, it is possible to select a reduction gradation parameter that reduces the gradation of the colorant, so that the colorant in the near-end state can be selected without impairing the expressiveness of the printed image. The amount of use can be saved, and the situation where a specific colorant is in an end state and printing is interrupted can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an image forming process is performed on the object of the image data to which the color reduction profile data is not applied by using the normal profile data and the normal gradation parameter. As a result, for example, the image processing method can be designated in consideration of the expressive power for each object of various image data, such as applying normal profile data without applying subtractive color profile data to a photograph.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, each user can set an image processing method for each color of toner in the near-end state. As a result, the image processing method can be switched flexibly according to the inventory status of the toner.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the reduced gradation parameter is assumed to reduce the gradation of the color of the toner in the near-end state. It is good also as what reduces by a reduction rate.

  Further, although the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stores the object-specific image processing method in the ROM 35 in advance, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when there is a print request, the image processing method for each object may be acquired together with the acquisition of the image processing method for each user.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can also be applied to a multi-function machine having two or more functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

  Further, the above embodiment is merely an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications according to specifications and the like are within the scope of the present invention. It is obvious from the above description that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Printer apparatus 11 Toner bottle 12 Toner remaining amount detection part 20 Input / output apparatus 30 Printer controller 31 Printer I / F
32 Input / output I / F
33 HOSTI / F
34 CPU
341 Image processing method determination unit 342 Color matching processing unit 343 Gradation conversion processing unit 344 Image processing unit 35 ROM
36 RAM
37 Object identification part

JP 2008-203727 A JP 2008-46539 A

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus for forming a color image of a plurality of colors,
Information on the remaining amount of colorant for each color, normal profile data that defines color reproduction by all colorants, subtractive color profile data that defines color reproduction by colorants excluding specific colors, and specific color data An acquisition unit configured to acquire information on a color reduction image forming instruction for forming an image excluding the specific color when the remaining amount of the colorant is equal to or less than a predetermined amount;
An image forming unit that forms a color image by applying the subtractive color profile data corresponding to the specific color based on the subtractive color image forming instruction;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on an image processing method for each object of the image data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit applies normal profile data to a portion in which the object of the image data is a photograph.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on an image processing method for each user and for each color of the colorant. The acquisition means acquires a reduced gradation parameter that specifies the degree to which the gradation of the colorant of a specific color is reduced,
The image processing method includes a gradation reduction instruction for reducing the gradation of the specific color when the remaining amount of the colorant of the specific color becomes a predetermined amount or less,
5. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms a color image by applying the normal profile data and the reduced gradation parameter based on the gradation reduction instruction. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming unit applies the normal profile data and the reduced gradation parameter when the colorant usage amount when the subtractive color profile data is applied exceeds the colorant usage amount when the normal profile data is applied. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a color image is formed. An image forming method for forming a color image of a plurality of colors,
Information on the remaining amount of colorant for each color, normal profile data that defines color reproduction by all colorants, subtractive color profile data that defines color reproduction by colorants excluding specific colors, and specific color data An acquisition step of acquiring information on a color processing image including a color-reduced image formation instruction for forming an image excluding the specific color when the remaining amount of the colorant is equal to or less than a predetermined amount;
An image forming step of forming a color image by applying the subtractive color profile data corresponding to the specific color based on the subtractive color image forming instruction;
An image forming method comprising: An image forming program for forming a color image of a plurality of colors,
Information on the remaining amount of colorant for each color, normal profile data that defines color reproduction by all colorants, subtractive color profile data that defines color reproduction by colorants excluding specific colors, and specific color data An acquisition step of acquiring information on a color processing image including a color-reduced image formation instruction for forming an image excluding the specific color when the remaining amount of the colorant is equal to or less than a predetermined amount;
An image forming step of forming a color image by applying the subtractive color profile data corresponding to the specific color based on the subtractive color image forming instruction;
Forming program for causing a computer to execute.

Images