JP2020166195A - Image formation apparatus, control method of the same and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To execute the proper charging count at the printing in two colors.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: reception means which receives the input of an image; decision means which decides whether the image received by the reception means is an achromatic image or a chromatic image; printing means which prints the image received by the reception means on a sheet; first charging means which performs charging on the basis of the number of printing of the images decided as the achromatic image by the decision means by the printing means when it is set to print the images decided as the chromatic image by the decision means in the two colors by the printing means; and second charging means which performs charging on the basis of the number of printing of the images decided as the chromatic image by the decision means by the printing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Conventionally, it is determined for each page whether the image is only achromatic or contains chromatic colors, and if it is determined to be only achromatic, the charge count for black-and-white printing is executed, and if it is determined to contain chromatic colors. Discloses an image forming apparatus that executes a charge count for color printing (see Patent Document 1).

Further, a printing method using two colors has been proposed in an image forming apparatus. In the two-color printing, when the user instructs to print in the two-color, the achromatic part of the image is printed in black, and the chromatic part of the image is converted to a predetermined color and printed. To. In addition, when printing in two colors, it is determined for each page whether the image contains only achromatic colors or chromatic colors, and pages judged to be only achromatic colors are controlled to be printed in black and white, and if chromatic colors are included. An image forming apparatus for controlling the determined page to be printed in two colors is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2009-141807 JP-A-2007-97169

In many cases, the user instructs printing in two colors in order to print a color document with a reduced amount of toner used. Therefore, conventionally, when printing in two colors, it is not necessary to switch the charge count depending on whether the image is only achromatic or includes chromatic colors as in Patent Document 2.

However, if the user does not switch between the charge count for black-and-white printing and the charge count for color printing depending on the image to be printed in two colors, the charge count disadvantageous to the user or the service provider may be executed. For example, when the charge count for color printing is executed even though most of the images that the user intends to print in two colors are composed of achromatic parts, the user is charged disadvantageously. On the contrary, if the charge count for black-and-white printing is executed even though most of the images that the user tries to print in two colors are composed of chromatic parts, the service provider is charged disadvantageously. Will be done.

When printing a full-color image, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 determines whether the image is only achromatic or contains chromatic colors for each page, and switches the billing counter, but when printing in two colors. The operation is not described.

Further, it is described that the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 determines whether the image is only achromatic or contains chromatic colors for each page when printing in two colors, and switches the printing control based on the determination result. Has been done. However, since it is stated that the black-and-white billing count is always executed when printing in two-color, the image is only achromatic or contains chromatic colors for each page when printing in two-color. It is not described to determine whether or not to switch the billing counter.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to execute an appropriate charge count when printing in two colors.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention uses a receiving means for receiving an image input, a determining means for determining whether the image received by the receiving means is an achromatic image or a chromatic image, and an image received by the receiving means on paper. When the printing means for printing and the image received by the receiving means are set to be printed in at most two colors, the printing means determines that the image determined by the determining means as the achromatic image. For billing, based on the number of sheets printed by the printing means, the first counting means that counts for billing based on the number of sheets printed by the printing means, and the image determined by the determining means as the chromatic image. It is characterized by having a second counting means for counting.

Appropriate billing counts can be performed when printing in two colors.

The figure which shows an example of the MFP101 hardware configuration The figure which shows an example of the screen for executing the copy function displayed on the operation part 106. Flowchart showing an example of copy processing The figure which shows an example of the calculation table 400 of a counter Flowchart showing the calculation process of the display counter Diagram showing an example of the counter setting screen Flowchart showing an example of count-up processing The figure which shows an example of the calculation table 800 of a counter Flowchart showing an example of count-up processing

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration shown in the following examples is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

In this embodiment, a case of counting up (counting) the number of full-color or single-color counters when printing in two colors will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the MFP101 hardware configuration. The MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101, which is an example of the image forming apparatus, has the following configurations. For example, the MFP 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a storage 105, an operation unit 106, a printer 107, a scanner 108, a network I / F (Interface) 109, and an EEPROM 110.

The CPU 102 realizes each function of the MFP 101 by controlling the various hardware 102 to 110 constituting the MFP 101. The CPU 102 sends signals to various hardware via a bus line, and realizes mutual data communication with other hardware.

Further, the CPU 102 of the MFP 101 controls the operation of the MFP 101 according to the control program stored in the ROM 103. More specifically, the CPU 102 executes an operating system (OS) that controls the MFP 101 and a driver program for controlling the hardware. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate with each other to operate and control the function desired by the user. These OSs and various programs are stored in ROM 103 and executed by being read out in RAM 104.

The ROM 103 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 102. The RAM 104 is a work memory for temporarily storing a program and data used by the CPU 102 for calculation. The storage 105 is a storage device that stores various data, various programs, and the like.

In this embodiment, an HDD is assumed as the storage 105, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, a flash memory, or an eMMC may be used. In the MFP 101, one CPU 102 uses one memory (RAM 104) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other forms may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, a plurality of ROMs, and a plurality of storages can be made to cooperate to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later. Further, a part of the processing may be executed by using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

The operation unit 106 is a user interface for the user to operate the MFP 101 such as a touch panel, and accepts operations and inputs by the user. Further, since the operation unit 106 operates the MFP 101, it can also be used as a display unit for displaying a screen or the like.

The printer 107 is a unit that realizes a print function, and the CPU 102 controls the printer 07 to print an image on paper by executing a print job received from the PC. Here, the print job is data including commands for causing the MFP 101 to execute the print process, image data, print setting information, and the like. Further, by controlling the printer 107 by the CPU 102, it is possible to execute a copy function of printing the image read by the scanner 108 on paper.

The scanner 108 is a unit that realizes a scanning function, and the CPU 102 controls the scanner 108 to optically read an image of a document and generate it into image data.

The network I / F 109 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. The network I / F 109 may be a network I / F for wireless LAN communication, a USB-LAN I / F, or the like.

The EEPROM 110 is a non-volatile memory and stores setting values and the like required when the control program is executed. The number counter described later is also stored in the EEPROM 110.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for executing the copy function displayed on the operation unit 106. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a home screen. The home screen 200 is a screen displayed on the operation unit 106, and is a screen on which buttons for executing / setting a copy function, a special red copy, a scan function (not shown), and the like can be selected.

In this embodiment, the copy icon 201 and the special red copy icon 202 are displayed on the home screen 200, but the present invention is not limited to this, and icons such as the scan function and the transmission function provided by the MFP 101 may be displayed. .. The copy icon 201 is an icon for starting a general copy function, and when the CPU 102 detects the selection of the copy icon 201 via the operation unit 106, the copy setting screen 210 as shown in FIG. 2B is displayed. To do. The special red copy icon 202 is an icon for starting the copy function of a document including red and black. When the CPU 102 detects the selection of the special red copy icon 202 via the operation unit 106, the special red copy setting screen 220 as shown in FIG. 2C is displayed on the operation unit 106. In this embodiment, an example in which a color document is output in two colors of a predetermined red color (hereinafter referred to as special red color) and black color will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be output in any two colors of the user.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a copy setting screen. The copy setting screen 210 is composed of a setting display 211, a color selection button 212, a magnification button 213, a paper selection button 214, a finishing button 215, a double-sided button 216, and a density button 217.

The setting display 211 displays the contents currently set in the copy function. The color mode, magnification, paper cassette, and number of copies are displayed in order from the left of the setting display 211.

The color selection button 212 is a button for displaying the color selection screen 230 for selecting the color mode of the printed matter by being selected by the user.

The magnification button 213 is a button selected by the user to set the magnification of the printed matter based on the original. The paper selection button 214 is a button for setting from which cassette the paper to be printed is fed by being selected by the user.

The finish button 215 is a button for setting post-processing for printed matter such as staples and punches, which is selected by the user. The double-sided button 216 is a button for selecting whether to print the printed matter on both sides or on one side by being selected by the user. The density button 217 is a button selected by the user to set the density when printing an image on paper.

As for the detailed setting screens of the buttons 213 to 217, numerical input and options may be displayed within the range that can be provided by the MFP 101. Further, the copy setting screen 210 may be provided with other setting buttons. When the CPU 102 detects that the hard key or soft key start button (not shown) is selected while the copy setting screen 210 is displayed on the operation unit 106, the copy process is executed based on the displayed settings. To start. The specific flow will be described later in FIG.

FIG. 2D is a diagram showing an example of the color selection screen 230. When the CPU 102 detects the selection of the color selection button 212 via the operation unit 106, the color selection screen 230 is displayed. The color selection screen 230 is displayed from the automatic (color / black and white) button 231, the full color button 232, the black and white button 233, the single color button 234, the two color color button 235, the automatic (special red) button 236, the cancel button 237, and the OK button 238. It is composed.

The automatic (color / black and white) button 231 is selected by the user to print in full color when the image of the original scanned by the scanner 108 contains chromatic colors, and when printing in black and white when only achromatic colors are used. Set. The details of the determination here will be described later. Further, by default on the copy setting screen 210, the automatic (color / black and white) button 231 is selected.

The full-color button 232 and the black-and-white button 232 are buttons that are selected by the user to be set to print in full-color fixed or black-and-white fixed regardless of the image of the original scanned by the scanner 108.

The monochromatic color button 234 is set to be selected by the user to convert the image of the original scanned by the scanner 108 into a designated color other than black and print it. When the CPU 102 detects the selection of the single color button 234 via the operation unit 106, the single color setting screen 240 as shown in FIG. 2E is displayed on the operation unit 106.

FIG. 2E is a diagram showing an example of the single color setting screen 240. The single color setting screen 240 is composed of a red button 241, a green button 242, a blue button 243, a yellow button 244, a magenta button 245, a cyan button 246, a cancel button 247, and an OK button 248. The single color setting screen 240 accepts a color to be used as a single color (one color).

The two-color color button 235 is set to be selected by the user to convert the chromatic part of the image of the original scanned by the scanner 108 into a specified color for printing, and to print the achromatic part in black and white. It is a button to do. When the selection of the two-color button 235 is detected via the CPU 102 operation unit 106, the two-color color setting screen 250 as shown in FIG. 2 (f) is displayed.

FIG. 2F is a diagram showing an example of the two-color color setting screen 250. The two-color setting screen 250 includes a red button 251, a green button 252, a blue button 253, a yellow button 254, a magenta button 255, a cyan button 256, a cancel button 257, and an OK button 258. Further, the two-color color setting screen 250 is a reception screen that accepts a color setting used for replacing a chromatic portion of the two-color color. In this embodiment, an example in which the achromatic portion is printed in black will be described.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2D, the automatic (special red) button 236 is selected by the user to print the image of the original scanned by the scanner 108 in two colors when it contains chromatic colors, and is not printed. This button is used to set printing in black and white when only coloring is used. When the automatic (special red) button 236 is selected, printing is performed in red and black in the two colors when the image of the original is chromatic.

The cancel button 237 is selected when no color selection is performed, and the OK button 238 is selected when the settings of 231 to 236 are reflected. When the cancel button 237 is selected via the operation unit 106, the CPU 102 displays the copy setting screen 201 on the operation unit 106, and when the OK button 238 is selected, the copy setting screen 201 displays the copy setting screen 201 on the operation unit 106 and sets the settings. The content of the selection is reflected on the display 211.

FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of the special red copy setting screen 220. The special red copy setting screen 220 is displayed according to the fact that the CPU 102 detects the selection of the special red copy icon 202 via the operation unit 106.

Similar to the copy setting screen 210, the special red copy setting screen 220 is composed of a setting display 221, a color selection button 222, a magnification button 223, a paper selection button 224, a finishing button 225, a double-sided button 226, and a density button 227. Here, the screen displayed on the operation unit 106 when the buttons 222 to 227 are selected is the same as that of the copy setting screen 210.

However, the default color selection on the special red copy setting screen 220 is that the automatic (special red) button 236 is selected. When the CPU 102 detects that the hard key or soft key start button (not shown) is selected while the special red copy setting screen 220 is displayed on the operation unit 106, copy processing is performed based on the displayed settings. Starts executing. The specific flow will be described later in FIG.

In many cases, the user instructs printing in two colors in order to print a color document with a reduced amount of toner used. Therefore, conventionally, when printing in two colors, it is not necessary to switch the charge count depending on whether the image is only achromatic or includes chromatic colors as in Patent Document 2.

However, if the user does not switch between the charge count for black and white printing and the charge count for color printing depending on the image to be printed in two colors, the charge count disadvantageous to the user or the service provider may be executed. For example, when the charge count for color printing is executed even though most of the images that the user intends to print in two colors are composed of achromatic parts, the user is charged disadvantageously. On the contrary, if the charge count for black-and-white printing is executed even though most of the images that the user tries to print in two colors are composed of chromatic parts, the service provider is charged disadvantageously. Will be done.

By executing the following processing for solving the above problems, it is possible to execute an appropriate billing count when printing in two colors.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the copy process. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executing the program. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 3 is started when the copy icon 201 or 202 is selected.

In S301, the CPU 102 accepts the copy function setting via the copy setting screen 210 or the special red copy setting screen 220 displayed on the operation unit 106.

In S302, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a start button (not shown) is selected. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S303. If not, the process returns to S301.

In S303, the CPU 102 controls the scanner 108 to read the image of the original based on the setting received in S301, generates full-color image data, and stores it in the storage 105.

In S304, the CPU 102 acquires one page of image data from the storage 204. In this embodiment, an example in which the generated image data is stored in the storage 105 and the image is printed on paper based on the image data read from the storage 105 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the generated image data may be stored in the RAM 104, and the image may be read from the RAM 104 and printed on paper when the data is read without going through the storage 105.

In S305, the CPU 102 determines whether automatic (color / black and white) or automatic (special red) is selected on the color selection screen. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S306. If not, the process proceeds to S310.

In S306, the CPU 102 executes the color determination process. This process is a process for determining whether the image corresponding to the acquired image data contains chromatic colors or only achromatic colors. Specifically, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the pixel data of the acquired image data contains pixel data indicating a chromatic color at least a threshold value. When it is determined that the pixel data indicating the chromatic color exists in excess of the threshold value, it is determined that the image indicated by the image data is a chromatic color image. If it is determined that the pixel data indicating the chromatic color is less than the threshold value, it is determined that the image indicated by the image data is an achromatic image.

In S307, the CPU 102 determines in S306 whether the image is determined to be a chromatic image or an achromatic image. If it is determined that the image is chromatic, the process proceeds to S308. If not, the process proceeds to S311.

In S308, the CPU 102 determines whether or not automatic (special red) is selected in the color selection. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S309. If not, the process proceeds to S320.

In S309, the CPU 102 converts the RGB value of the acquired image data into a CMYK value. At that time, it is determined for each pixel whether it is a chromatic pixel or an achromatic pixel, and the RGB value of the chromatic pixel is converted into a CMYK value indicating a special red color. Further, the RGB values of the achromatic pixels are converted into CMYK values indicating black.

In S320, the CPU 102 converts the RGB value of the acquired image data into a CMYK value. At that time, the CPU 102 performs a conversion process so that the color of the image of the scanned document can be expressed in full color.

In S310, the CPU 102 determines whether or not black and white is selected in the color selection. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S311. If not, the process proceeds to S312.

In S311 the CPU 102 converts the RGB value of the acquired image data into a CMYK value. At that time, the CPU 102 converts the chromatic pixels and the achromatic pixels into CMYK values that output in black.

In S312, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a single color is selected in the color selection. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S313. If not, the process proceeds to S314.

In S313, the CPU 102 converts the RGB value of the acquired image data into a CMYK value. At that time, the CPU 102 converts both the chromatic pixel and the achromatic pixel into a CMYK value that outputs the selected monochromatic color.

In S314, the CPU 102 determines whether or not two colors have been selected in the color selection. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S315. If this is not the case, that is, if it is determined that full color has been selected, the process proceeds to S319.

In S315, the CPU 102 converts the RGB value of the acquired image data into a CMYK value. At that time, the CPU 102 converts the chromatic pixels into CMYK values such that the chromatic pixels are output in the selected two colors and the achromatic pixels are output in black.

In S319, the CPU 102 converts the RGB value of the acquired image data into a CMYK value. At that time, the CPU 102 converts both chromatic pixels and achromatic pixels into CMYK values that output in full color.

In S316, the CPU 102 controls the printer 107 to print an image on paper based on the converted CMYK values.

In S317, the CPU 102 counts up the billing counter based on the image printed in S316. The count information is stored in the EEPROM 110. The details of this process will be described later.

In S318, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the image printed in S316 is the image of the last page. If it is determined that the image is on the last page, the process ends. If not, the process returns to S304.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the counter calculation table 400. FIG. 4 describes a number counter for counting up in S317 and a display counter for displaying to the user. The EEPROM 110 holds a number counter such as full color / large 403, full color / small 404, black and white / large 405, black and white / small 406, single color / large 407, and single color / small 408. The large size refers to a printed matter having a length of 364 mm or more in the sub-scanning direction, and the small size refers to a printed matter having a length of less than 364 mm in the sub-scanning direction.

The display counter 402 is used by the operation unit 106 and the like to calculate the display count. Further, a counter ID 401 for uniquely identifying each of the display counters 402 is assigned. The calculation table 400 of the display counter shows these relationships. Here, a method of calculating the display counter from the number counters 403 to 408 will be described. A total of 1 with a counter ID of 101 is a display counter that counts as one regardless of the size. Therefore, each number counters 403 to 408 are multiplied by 1 to add up. A total of 2 with a counter ID of 102 is a display counter that counts the large size as two and the small size as one. Therefore, the large number counters 403, 405, and 407 are multiplied by 2, and the small number counters 404, 406, and 408 are multiplied by 1 to add up. The full-color 1 with a counter ID of 103 is a display counter that counts as one sheet regardless of the size with respect to the full-color. Therefore, the number counters 403 and 404 are multiplied by 1 to add up. Since the other number counters are multiplied by 0, they are not counted. The same calculation is performed for full color 2 and later. In this way, the calculation table 400 holds a coefficient to be multiplied by each number counter when calculating each display counter.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a calculation process of the display counter. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executing the program. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started when the processing of S714 or S715 of FIG. 7, which will be described later, is completed.

In S501, the CPU 102 acquires the counter ID. In S502, the CPU 102 substitutes 0 for the counter value CNT for adding up the display counters and initializes the counter values.

In S503, it is determined whether or not the counter ID acquired in S501 exists in the calculation table 400. If it is determined that it exists, the process proceeds to S504. If not, the process proceeds to S508, the CPU 102 determines that the acquisition request is for an invalid counter ID, and returns CNT = 0.

In S504, the CPU 102 acquires the count value c of the corresponding number counter. Specifically, the number of counters such as full color / large 403, full color / small 404, black and white / large 405, black and white / small 406, single color / large 407, and single color / small 408 held in the non-volatile memory of the EEPROM 110. Point to a value.

In S505, the CPU 102 acquires the coefficient a corresponding to the corresponding number counter from the calculation table 400. For example, 1 can be obtained as the coefficient of the full color large 403 with respect to the counter ID of 101.

In S506, the CPU 102 adds the value of c × a to the CNT.

In S507, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the calculation of all the number counters has been completed. If it is determined that the process is completed, the process proceeds to S508. If not, the process returns to S504.

In S509, the CPU 102 returns the total CNTs as the value of the display counter.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a counter setting screen. The counter setting screen 600 of FIG. 6 is a screen displayed when the serviceman changes the MFP 101 to the service mode. The counter setting screen 600 may be a screen displayed when a system administrator of the MFP 101 or a user having administrator authority logs in, even if he / she is not a service person.

On the counter setting screen 600, when printing an image determined to contain a chromatic color in a two-color copy, that is, an image determined to be a chromatic image is printed, a button 601 for counting to full color and a single color are counted. Button 602 is displayed. When the serviceman selects the button 601 or 602, either setting is executed.

The two-color color uses a smaller number of colors than the full color, and more black than the single color. Therefore, by making it possible to select whether it is equivalent to full color or equivalent to single color depending on the operation, it is possible for the user to make flexible settings.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the count-up process. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executing the program. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 7 is started when printing is executed in S316.

In S701, the CPU 102 determines whether or not automatic (color / black and white) or automatic (special red) is selected in the color selection of the copy setting screen 210 or the special red copy setting screen 220. If it is determined to be automatic (color / black and white) or automatic (special red), the process proceeds to S702. If not, the process proceeds to S707.

In S702, the CPU 102 acquires the result of the color determination process performed in S306.

In S703, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the acquired determination result indicates that the image is a chromatic image. If it is determined that the image is a chromatic image, the process proceeds to S704. If not, the process proceeds to S708.

In S704, the CPU 102 determines whether or not automatic (special red) is selected in the color selection of the copy setting screen 210 or the special red copy setting screen 220. If it is determined to be automatic (special red), the process proceeds to S705.

In S705, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the setting set on the counter setting screen 600 is set to count in full color. If it is determined that the count is set to full color, the process proceeds to S706. If not, the process proceeds to S710.

In S706, the CPU 102 determines that the count-up is performed using a full-color number counter.

In S707, the CPU 102 determines whether or not black and white is selected in the color selection of the copy setting screen 210 or the special red copy setting screen 220. If it is determined that black and white is selected, the process proceeds to S708. If not, the process proceeds to S709.

In S708, the CPU 102 determines that the count-up is performed using a black-and-white number counter.

In S709, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a single color is selected in the color selection of the copy setting screen 210 or the special red copy setting screen 220. If it is determined that the single color is selected, the process proceeds to S710. If not, the process proceeds to S711.

In S710, the CPU 102 determines that the count-up is performed by using the monochromatic color counter.

In S711, the CPU 102 determines whether or not two colors are selected in the color selection of the copy setting screen 210 or the special red copy setting screen 220. If it is determined that the two colors are selected, the process proceeds to S712. If not, that is, if full color is selected, the process proceeds to S706.

In S712, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the setting set on the counter setting screen 600 is set to count in full color. If it is determined that the count is set to full color, the process proceeds to S706. If not, the process proceeds to S710.

In S713, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the length of the printed matter in the sub-scanning direction is 364 mm or more. If it is determined that the length in the sub-scanning direction is 364 mm or more, the process proceeds to S714. If not, the process proceeds to S715.

In S714, the CPU 102 determines the count-up to the large number counter. In S715, the CPU 102 determines the count-up to the small number counter.

In S716, the CPU 102 executes a count-up process. Specifically, the flow of FIG. 5 is executed using the information of the determined number counter.

By executing the above processing, the billing counter can be switched depending on whether the image is a chromatic image or an achromatic image when printing in two colors, and an appropriate billing count is counted when printing in two colors. Can be executed.

In this embodiment, the processing at the time of copying two colors has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above processing may be executed in the two-color printing function that receives a print job from a PC which is an external device and executes printing. At that time, a print job is received from a PC (not shown) via a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown) connected to the network I / F109. At that time, the user can operate the PC and specify that the print job is executed in two colors.

In the first embodiment, a method of counting up the billing count of two colors to the number counter of full color or single color has been described. In this embodiment, an example of counting up with a number counter dedicated to two colors will be mainly described as a difference from the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the counter calculation table 800. The counter ID 801 and the display counter 402 and the number counters 803 to 808 are the same as the counter ID 401, the display counter 402, and the number counters 403 to 408.

In the calculation table 800, two-color large 809 and two-color small 810 are increasing. In addition, counter IDs "109" and "110" are also increasing for exclusive use of two colors. The calculation method of the display counter is the same as that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the count-up process. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 9 is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executing the program. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 9 is started when printing is executed in S316.

In the first embodiment, an example of switching to full color or monochromatic color according to the setting of the counter setting screen 600 in S705 and S712 has been described. In this embodiment, since the number counter dedicated to two colors is provided, when the CPU 102 determines in S904 that the color selection is automatic (special red), the CPU 102 count-up destination is the number of two colors in S911. Decide on the counter.

Further, even when the CPU 102 determines in S910 that the color selection has two colors, the CPU 102 determines the count-up destination to the number counter of the two colors in S911. The other processes are the same as those in FIG. 7.

By executing the above processing, when printing in two colors, which uses less toner than full color, the billing count of the chromatic image can be executed at a count different from that of full color, and the two colors can be used. Appropriate billing counts can be performed when printing. In this embodiment, the processing at the time of copying two colors has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above processing may be executed in the two-color printing function that receives a print job from a PC and executes printing. At that time, a print job is received from a PC (not shown) via a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown) connected to the network I / F109. At that time, the user can operate the PC and specify that the print job is executed in two colors.

<Other Embodiments>
The present invention supplies a system or device via a network or storage medium with a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above embodiments. It can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors in the computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes a program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 MFP
102 CPU
106 Operation unit 107 Printer 108 Scanner

Claims (10)

Reception means for accepting image input and
A determination means for determining whether the image received by the reception means is an achromatic image or a chromatic image, a printing means for printing the image received by the reception means on paper, and a printing means.
When the printing means is set to print the image received by the receiving means in at most two colors.
A first counting means that counts for billing based on the number of sheets printed by the printing means on the image determined by the determining means as the achromatic image, and
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the determining means includes a second counting means that counts for billing based on the number of printed images printed by the printing means as the chromatic image. The second counting means counts when the printing means prints the image received by the receiving means with the first color setting, and the printing means prints the image received by the receiving means with the second color setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting means for setting which of the counts at the time of printing is the same as the count. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first color setting is a color setting in which the printing means prints an image received by the receiving means in one color. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second color setting is a color setting in which the printing means prints an image received by the receiving means in full color. When the printing means is set to print the image received by the receiving means in at most two colors, and one of the two colors is set to a predetermined color.
The first counting means counts for billing based on the number of sheets printed by the printing means on the image determined by the determining means as the achromatic image.
The second counting means counts for billing based on the number of sheets printed by the printing means on the image determined by the determining means as the chromatic image.
When the printing means is set to print the image received by the receiving means in at most two colors, one of the two colors is set to a color different from the predetermined color. If so
The second item according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second counting means counts the images received by the receiving means for billing based on the number of sheets printed by the printing means. Image forming device. The determination means determines an image in which the pixels showing the chromatic color are equal to or greater than the threshold value in the image received by the reception means as a chromatic image, and among the images received by the reception means, the pixels showing the chromatic color are The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an image having a value of less than a threshold value is determined to be an achromatic image as an achromatic image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the receiving means receives an input of an image by reading an image of a document. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the receiving means receives an image input by receiving image data from an external device. The reception process that accepts image input and
A determination step of determining whether the image received in the reception step is an achromatic image or a chromatic image, a printing step of printing the image received in the reception step on paper, and a printing step.
When the image received in the reception process is set to be printed in at most two colors in the printing process,
A first counting step of counting for billing based on the number of printed images determined to be the achromatic image in the determining step, and
Control of an image forming apparatus, which comprises a second counting step of counting for billing based on the number of printed images of the chromatic color image and the determined image in the determination step. Method. A program for a computer to execute each means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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