JP4417687B2 - Multicolor image recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multicolor image recording apparatus such as a digital copying machine or printer that forms an output image with a plurality of colors of toner on recording paper based on output image data.

Conventionally, the toner consumption amount is estimated by adding density data of each pixel included in the output image data over all the pixels, and the cumulative toner consumption amount is subtracted from the toner amount initially filled in the toner cartridge. There has been proposed a technique for estimating the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge and displaying a warning on the operation unit when the remaining amount of toner is low.
JP 2002-278249 A

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem in that when the remaining amount of toner is low and a warning is displayed, it is unclear how much toner will be used until the remaining amount of toner is used, and preparation for toner replenishment may not be in time. there were. In particular, in a multi-color image recording apparatus, multi-color printing is no longer possible when there is no toner in one color, and business operations will be hindered if necessary processing cannot be performed when necessary.

  Also, since it is unknown to the user how much toner consumption the image to be output will have, the toner consumption is indifferent, and unnecessary output is provided in preparation for the case where true color output is required. There has been a demand for a multi-color image recording apparatus capable of controlling the toner consumption amount while paying attention to the toner consumption amount to be reduced.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described conventional drawbacks, the present invention provides an image recording apparatus that can manage toner consumption and can reduce toner consumption in preparation for a case where true color output is required. .

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first characteristic configuration of a multicolor image recording apparatus according to the present invention is a plurality of colors on a recording paper based on output image data, as described in claim 1 of the document of claims. A multi-color image recording apparatus for forming an output image using a toner of toner, a toner consumption allowable amount setting means for setting a toner consumption allowable amount of a unit job for each color, and for each color of a unit job based on output image data A toner consumption amount calculating means for obtaining a toner consumption amount, and any of the toner consumption amounts of the respective colors obtained by the toner consumption amount calculating means is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting means. The image output means for adjusting and outputting each pixel density of the output image data so that the toner consumption amount falls within the toner consumption allowable amount when it is determined.

By setting the toner consumption allowable amount by using the output of one recording sheet as a unit job by the toner consumption allowable amount setting means, it is possible to set and manage the number of output sheets possible until the toner is consumed. it can. Further, when the toner consumption amount of each color of the unit job obtained by the toner consumption amount calculating means is smaller than the toner consumption allowable amount, a managed output number is secured, and when the toner consumption amount is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount, Since each pixel density of the output image data is adjusted so as to be within the toner consumption allowable amount, similarly managed number of output is ensured, and in preparation for a case where color output that is truly faithful to the original is required, It is possible to reduce toner consumption.

In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 2, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the image output means lowers each pixel density of the output image data at a constant ratio and outputs the reduced pixel density. It is in.

By reducing the pixel density data of each color of the output image over all the pixels at a constant ratio (by multiplying the density data of each pixel by a numerical value less than 1), the toner in a state where the basic information of the original image is not lost Consumption can be saved, and it is particularly effective for character images.

In the third feature configuration , as described in claim 3 , in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the image output means reduces the pixel density of the output image data at a predetermined ratio, and then It is in the point which binarizes with the threshold value of and outputs.

  If the density of each pixel is greatly reduced, naturally the gradation is lowered, making it difficult to see the output image, and it may be difficult to recognize characters and the like. Therefore, by reducing the pixel density of each color at a certain ratio and then binarizing with a predetermined threshold, a clear image of characters is output while reducing toner consumption. It is effective in that character information can be output without loss of a document image including both of the above.

In the fourth feature configuration , as described in claim 4 , in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the image output means is characterized in that each pixel density of the output image data is inverted and output. .

  When the output image data is close to a solid image such as an image with a high background, toner consumption can be greatly reduced by reversing the pixel density.

In the fifth feature configuration , as described in claim 5 , in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the image output means outputs the output image data after performing a reduction process. The number of pixels is reduced and toner consumption is reduced.

The sixth characterizing feature of, as set forth in claim 6, in addition to the Ichitoku symptoms construction described above, the image output unit, and outputs the processed thinning the pixels of the image concentration region of the output image data In other words, the number of pixels is reduced by the thinning process, and the toner consumption is reduced.

The seventh characterizing feature of the can, as noted in claim 7, in addition the first above the sixth one characteristic feature of the toner remaining amount detection for detecting the remaining amount of toner filled in the toner cartridge And the image output means adjusts and outputs each pixel density of the output image data when it is determined that the toner remaining amount detected by the toner remaining amount detecting means is less than a predetermined remaining amount. There is in point to do.

  In particular, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is low, it is possible to grasp at least the number of remaining output sheets of the toner of the color by processing in this way, so that it is possible to grasp the preparation period for replenishment of the toner of the color. In addition, when such a remaining amount is low, it is possible to prepare for a case where a color output that is truly faithful to the original is required until it is completely consumed.

The eighth characterizing feature of the can, as noted in claim 8, in addition from the first described above seventh any feature configuration of the toner consumption amount of toner consumption obtained by the toner consumption amount calculation means When it is determined that the toner consumption exceeds the allowable toner consumption amount set by the allowable amount setting means, a warning means for outputting a warning to that effect is provided.

  By outputting the warning, the user can be recognized that the image subjected to the various toner saving processes described above is output, and the frequency of unnecessary image output can be reduced.

The ninth characterizing feature of, as set forth in claim 9, in addition to the eighth characterizing feature described above, the warning means is in that the display together with the thumbnail images corresponding to the total concentration value of the unit job, By checking the display screen, the user can recognize which image consumes what amount of toner. The total density value can be displayed in a highly visible form such as a bar graph.

Wherein configuration of the tenth, as described in claim 10, in addition the first above the ninth one characteristic feature of the, with a confirmation input means for confirming whether to permit operation by the image output means, The image output means is configured to operate when the confirmation input means confirms the allowance.

  By providing a confirmation input means for the above-described processing for reducing toner consumption, it is possible to cope with a case where an output that faithfully reproduces original image data is required. The presence can improve the user's consciousness.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multicolor image recording apparatus capable of managing toner consumption and capable of reducing toner consumption in preparation for a case where it is truly necessary. Became.

  Embodiments of a multicolor image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, a color copying machine 1 as an example of an image recording apparatus includes a scanner unit 2, an image processing unit 3, an LSU 4, an image forming unit 5, a paper feeding / conveying unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a DF unit 8, And it comprises an operation part (not shown).

  The operation unit includes a mode setting key for setting operation modes of various jobs of the color copying machine 1, a print key for starting the set job, and the like, and a display for displaying setting information by the mode setting key. An operation unit (not shown) provided with a unit is provided.

  Image output for forming and outputting a toner image corresponding to required output image data on recording paper by the image processing unit 3, LSU 4, image forming unit 5, paper feeding and conveying unit 6, fixing unit 7 and their control units Means are configured.

  The DF unit 8 conveys a plurality of documents 80 placed on the document tray 81 one by one to a document reading position by the scanner unit 2, and discharges the document that has been read to a paper discharge tray 82.

  The scanner unit 2 converts the image information into electronic data by sending the light reflected by irradiating the document to the CCD image sensor 21 through RGB filters. The image processing unit 3 processes the signal from the CCD image sensor 21 into output image data subjected to A / D conversion, shading correction, color correction, and other image processing, and also executes toner color conversion processing described later. To do. The LSU 4 converts output image data from the image processing 3 into laser light and irradiates the photosensitive drum 51.

  The image forming unit 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a main charging unit 52, a developing unit 53, a transfer belt 54, a cleaning unit 55, a recycled toner replenishing unit 56, and a charge eliminating lamp 57. In particular, the developing unit 53 is a cyan developer. 531, a magenta developing unit 532, a yellow developing unit 533, a black developing unit 534, and a recycling developing unit 535. A toner cartridge filled with a corresponding color toner is detachably attached to each developing device, and the toner is supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing device.

  The main charger 52 stretches a thin tungsten wire of 50 to 100 μm in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 51 in a shield case opened toward the photosensitive drum 51, and applies a high voltage of about +5 KV to the photosensitive drum 51. The body drum 51 is positively charged. The LSU 4 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 51 with a laser beam corresponding to the image data, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. A toner image is formed by applying a bias voltage of the developing roller and a potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum to the toner which is agitated in the developing unit 53 and positively charged in the portion irradiated with the laser of the photosensitive drum 51, This is transferred onto the surface of the transfer belt 54. The toner that has not been transferred onto the photosensitive drum 51 is scraped off by the rubber blade 551 of the cleaning means 55, which is the next process, and is neutralized by the neutralizing lamp 57 to reduce the residual potential on the surface and make it uniform. Prepares for the next series of processes.

  In the color image output mode, the above-described charging, exposure, development, cleaning, and charge removal operations are performed corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the respective toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 54. The toner image is transferred to the recording paper by the secondary transfer portions (541a, 541b).

  In the monotone image output mode, output is performed only by any one of the cyan developing unit 531, the magenta developing unit 532, the yellow developing unit 533, and the black developing unit 534. When requested, output is performed only by the recycle developing unit.

  The paper feeding / conveying means 6 comprises paper feeding cassettes 611 and 612, paper feeding rollers 621 and 622, a vertical conveying path 63, a pair of registration rollers 64a and 64b, and a conveying belt 65. The paper feed cassettes 611 and 612 are provided with a paper stacking plate on which a plurality of recording papers are stacked, and this paper stacking plate is lifted up by a spring, a lift motor, etc. Is urged to come into contact with the paper feed rollers 621 and 622. The registration roller pairs 64a and 64b stop the paper at one end in order to synchronize the transfer timing of the toner image on the transfer belt 54 to the conveyed paper and to adjust the leading edge of the paper, and then to the image forming means 5 It has a role to carry. The conveyance belt 65 conveys the sheet on which the unfixed toner is transferred to the fixing unit 7. The necessary number of conveying rollers in each conveying path is laid out as needed.

  The fixing unit 7 includes a first heat roller 71, a first heater 711 inside the first heat roller 71, a second heat roller 72, a second heater 721 inside the heat roller 72, a pair of fixing discharge rollers 73a and 73b, and the like. . The heat roller pairs 71 and 72 are made of aluminum having a good heat conductivity and coated with fluorine, and are controlled to a predetermined temperature required for fixing by incorporating the two heaters 711 and 721. The first heat roller 71 faces the second heat roller 72 and contacts with an appropriate pressure, and is driven by driving means (not shown). The heat roller pair 71, 72 is made of an aluminum roller having a good thermal conductivity, and its periphery is covered with an elastic layer in order to secure a fixing nip width. Although not shown, each roller is provided with a claw member for peeling the paper, a roller for cleaning, and a web.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 of the color copying machine 1 performs an input / output conversion process on image data read by the scanner unit 4 and image data input from a communication line (not shown). And a second control unit 20b having a system CPU 25 for controlling an image forming process operation by an image output unit.

  More specifically, the first control unit 20a constitutes the image processing unit 3, and includes a ROM 22 that stores an execution program of the main CPU 21, a RAM 23 that stores image data for image processing, and an image reading device. The image input / output buffer 24 for inputting the document image data read by the main CPU 21 and outputting the output image data processed by the main CPU 21 to the LSU 4 of the process processing unit is connected by the internal bus 21a. The

  The second control unit 20b includes a ROM 26 storing an execution program of the system CPU 25, a RAM 27 storing various process control data, a first input / output buffer 28, a second input / output buffer 29, and the like through an internal bus 25a. Connected and configured. The first input / output buffer 28 is an input / output port for inputting key input data from a mode setting key or the like provided in the operation unit, outputting display information to the display unit, or outputting a control signal for the DF unit 8 Function as. The second input / output buffer 29 is an output to which drive signals for various elements such as a motor and a heater provided in a process processing unit for image formation such as the image forming unit 5 and the paper feeding / conveying unit 6 are output. It functions as a port and an input port to which process data from each element is input.

  The above-described color copying machine 1 is provided with toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner filled in the toner cartridge, and the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining toner amount detecting means is equal to a predetermined remaining amount allowance. When it is determined that the capacity is less than the capacity, the apparatus is configured to shift to a toner save mode described later. More specifically, the RAM 27 is provided with a toner remaining amount storage area for each toner color. The RAM 27 is reset to the full filling amount every time the toner cartridge is replaced, and the toner described later each time the recording paper is output. The toner consumption amount estimated and calculated based on the output image data by the consumption amount calculation means is subtracted, so that the current toner remaining amount is obtained. Here, the allowable amount of remaining toner to be transferred to the toner save mode may be initially set in the RAM 27, or may be configured to be input to the RAM 27 via the operation unit. In addition, when the remaining amount of toner becomes less than the allowable remaining amount, an indication to the effect that the remaining amount of toner of the color has become small is displayed on the operation unit using a pictograph or the like so as to encourage the arrangement of additional toner. Configured.

  Hereinafter, the above-described toner save mode will be described. The above-described color copying machine 1 includes a toner consumption allowable amount setting means for setting a toner consumption allowable amount per unit job for each color, and a toner consumption for obtaining a toner consumption amount for each color of a predetermined job based on output image data. When the toner consumption obtained by the toner consumption calculation means is determined to be larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting means. The means is configured to adjust and output each pixel density of the output image data so that the toner consumption amount falls within the toner consumption allowable amount.

  The toner consumption allowable amount setting means stores the toner consumption allowable amount for each color of the unit job input from the operation unit in the toner consumption allowable amount storage area of the RAM 27, and includes a system CPU 25, a ROM 26, and peripheral circuits. . A unit job is a single sheet output process defined by the size of the recording paper. Here, the unit job is input as a toner consumption allowable amount per A4 size sheet, and is converted by the area ratio for other sizes. The

  The toner consumption amount calculating means multiplies the total density data of each color obtained by adding the density data of each color of each pixel of the output image data by multiplying each color consumed by the output image by a predetermined correlation coefficient. The total density data is calculated by the main CPU 21, delivered to the system CPU 25, and estimated by the system CPU. Here, the correlation coefficient is obtained by experiments or the like.

  When the system CPU 25 determines that the toner consumption amount of each color obtained by the toner consumption amount calculation unit is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting unit, the toner consumption amount is The main CPU 21 is instructed to reduce the density data of the output image data at a certain ratio for each color so as to be within the toner consumption allowable amount, and the main CPU 21 converts the image data into new image data in which the pixel density of the image data is reduced. It is configured to process and output to LSU4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the image data corresponding to the document is read from the scanner 2 (S1), the image processing unit 3 performs scaling processing for matching the size of the recording paper based on the mode set by the operation unit. The predetermined image processing is executed (S2), and output image data corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is generated (S3). The toner consumption amount calculation means adds the density data of each pixel of the output image data corresponding to each color to calculate and derive an estimated value of the toner consumption amount, and compares it with the toner consumption allowable amount of each color, respectively. Is smaller than the allowable consumption amount (S5), an image is output on the recording paper based on the output image data (S8). On the other hand, if there is a toner color whose estimated consumption is greater than the allowable consumption, and if the remaining amount of the toner color is greater than the allowable remaining amount of toner (S6), recording is performed based on the output image data. When an image is output on the paper (S8) and the remaining amount of the toner color is less than the allowable amount of remaining toner (S6), the estimated amount of toner consumption corresponds to each color so that the estimated toner consumption is within the allowable amount of toner consumption. By converting the image data to reduce the pixel density of the output image data at a constant ratio (S7) and outputting (S8), an image whose density changes but the color tone does not change is output.

  The conversion process in step S7 will be described in detail. When the output image data is, for example, character image data, recording is performed by reducing the pixel density at a constant ratio of, for example, 70% to 60%. When the output image data is image data that is a mixture of a photographic image and a character image, for example, in addition to a conversion process so that characters can be output in a state where the image output on paper is thin but can be output. In order to allow the disappearance of the image information of the low gradation part and allow the dark part of the original image to be read clearly, each pixel density is reduced at a certain ratio and then binarized with a predetermined threshold value. Conversion processing may be performed so as to process and output.

  Further, when it is determined that the background is close to a solid image, such as a high-density image close to black, based on the predicted toner consumption value, each pixel density of the output image data is inverted and output. The conversion process may be performed as described above. Further, when the estimated value of the toner consumption after the conversion becomes larger than the toner consumption allowable amount in the conversion process, it is also possible to combine the above-described reduction process or binarization process with a certain ratio of pixel density. .

  In addition to this, conversion processing is performed so as to reduce toner consumption by reducing the output image data, and conversion processing so that a plurality of reduced images are output to a single recording sheet. It is also possible to detect pixels in the image concentration area of the output image data, and to perform processing so as to reduce the pixel density of the detected pixel concentration area or thinning processing (here, the pixel density is set to white It may be converted into a value corresponding to (1) and output. For example, a thick line having a predetermined number of pixels or more is thinned or thinned. It is also possible to execute an edge filter process and convert the image into an image having only a contour line.

  Furthermore, only the pixel density of the output image data corresponding to the color should be adjusted so that the color tone of the original image is allowed to change and the estimated value of the toner consumption falls within the toner consumption allowable amount. A conversion process may be performed.

  Warning means for outputting a warning when it is determined in step S5 that the toner consumption amount obtained by the toner consumption amount calculating means is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting means. Is provided in the operation unit so that the user is alerted, so that the user can be recognized that an image that has been subjected to various toner-saving processes as described above is output, which is unnecessary. The frequency of image output can be reduced. At that time, the warning means displays the total density value of the predetermined job together with the corresponding thumbnail image, so that the user can recognize what kind of document and what amount of toner consumption with high visibility. be able to. The display form of the total density value is preferably displayed so that it can be compared with the allowable consumption amount by a bar graph or the like in addition to the numerical value.

  Further, before the execution of step S7, a confirmation input means for confirming whether or not the operation of the density conversion processing by the image output means is permitted is provided in the operation unit, and when the user's intention to accept is confirmed by the confirmation input means It can be configured to execute S7.

  In the above-described embodiment, toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner filled in the toner cartridge is provided, and it is determined that the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining toner amount detecting means is less than a predetermined remaining amount. However, the density conversion process is performed when it is determined that the toner consumption amount is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount regardless of the remaining amount of the toner cartridge. It is also possible to configure to execute.

  The specific configuration of the toner remaining amount detecting means is not limited to the above-described one, and the toner remaining amount is detected by detecting the weight of the toner cartridge, or the toner level in the cartridge is detected by a photo sensor. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is determined that the toner consumption amount obtained by the toner consumption amount calculation unit is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting unit for the output job of one A4 size as the predetermined job. In the above description, the pixel density of the output image data is adjusted so that the toner consumption amount falls within the allowable toner consumption amount. Only when images with a large amount of toner consumption are output continuously as a job, the above-mentioned toner saving process can be used to avoid abrupt toner consumption, but in the case of a single copy, etc. You may comprise so that can be ensured.

  Furthermore, the predetermined job may be output processing of a plurality of sheets for different types of documents. In this case, the average value of toner consumption obtained by the toner consumption calculation means based on all output image data is the toner consumption. When it is determined that the toner consumption amount is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the allowable amount setting means, the image area formed by the toner may be replaced with another color toner and output. As shown in FIG. 4, when image data corresponding to all originals set from the scanner 2 is read (S11), the image processing unit 3 performs predetermined processing such as scaling processing based on the mode set by the operation unit. Image processing is executed (S12), and output image data corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is generated for each document (S13). The toner consumption calculating means calculates and derives an estimated value of the average toner consumption for each color by adding the density data of each pixel of each output image data for all the originals and dividing it by the number of originals (S14). If the average estimated consumption amount is less than the allowable consumption amount for all colors compared to the allowable toner consumption amount (S15), an image is output on the recording paper based on the output image data (S18). On the other hand, if there is a toner color whose average estimated consumption amount is larger than the allowable consumption amount, and the remaining amount of the toner color is larger than the allowable remaining amount of toner (S16), based on the output image data. When an image is output on the recording paper (S18), and the remaining amount of the toner color is less than the toner remaining amount allowable amount (S16), the estimated value of the toner consumption amount corresponds to each color so as to be within the toner consumption allowable amount. The image data is converted (S17) and output (S18) to reduce the pixel density of the output image data to be reduced at a constant ratio. In this case, even if the amount of toner consumption exceeds the allowable consumption amount even with a single sheet of recording paper, it may fall within the allowable consumption amount as a whole, and there is an advantage that accurate reproduction of the original document may be possible. There is.

  In any of the embodiments described above, when it is determined that any of the toner consumption amounts of the respective colors obtained by the toner consumption amount calculation unit is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting unit. In the above description, output is performed by adjusting the pixel density of the output image data so that the toner consumption amount falls within the toner consumption allowance amount. However, the toner consumption allowance amount for all colors of a unit job is set. A toner consumption allowable amount setting unit; and a toner consumption amount calculating unit for obtaining a toner consumption amount for each color of a predetermined job based on the output image data, and the toner consumption amount of each color obtained by the toner consumption amount calculating unit. When it is determined that the total amount is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting means, the total amount of toner consumption is the toner consumption allowable amount. Or it may be configured such that the output image of each pixel density of the data adjustment and outputs to fit.

  In the above-described embodiment, a copying machine capable of color output by an electrophotographic method has been described as an example of an image recording apparatus. Needless to say, the copying machine can be applied to a printer, a facsimile, or the like. Applicable.

Sectional drawing explaining a multicolor image recording device Control block configuration diagram of multicolor image recording apparatus Toner save mode flowchart Flow chart of toner save mode showing another embodiment

Explanation of symbols

1: Color copier 2: Scanner unit 3: Image processing unit 4: LSU4
5: Image forming unit 6: Paper feeding / conveying unit 7: Fixing unit 8: DF unit

Claims (10)

A multicolor image recording apparatus for forming an output image with a plurality of color toners on recording paper based on output image data,
A toner consumption allowable amount setting means for setting a toner consumption allowable amount of a unit job for each color; and a toner consumption amount calculating means for obtaining a toner consumption amount for each color of the unit job based on output image data. When it is determined that any of the toner consumption amounts of the respective colors obtained by the amount calculation means is larger than the toner consumption allowance set by the toner consumption allowance setting means, the toner consumption allowance is the toner consumption allowance. A multicolor image recording apparatus comprising image output means for adjusting and outputting each pixel density of the output image data so as to be within the range.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output means outputs the pixel density of the output image data with a reduced ratio.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit lowers each pixel density of the output image data at a constant ratio, and then performs binarization processing with a predetermined threshold value and outputs the result.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output means outputs each pixel density of the output image data after inversion processing.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output means reduces the output image data and outputs the reduced image data.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output means thins out pixels in an image concentration area of the output image data and outputs the thinned pixels. A toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of toner filled in the toner cartridge is provided, and the image output means determines that the toner remaining amount detected by the toner remaining amount detecting means is less than a predetermined remaining amount. when the image recording apparatus according to any one of 6 claims 1 to output the adjust each pixel density of the output image data. When it is determined that the toner consumption amount obtained by the toner consumption amount calculating means is larger than the toner consumption allowable amount set by the toner consumption allowable amount setting means, warning means for outputting a warning to that effect is provided. the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the warning unit displays the total density value of the unit job together with a corresponding thumbnail image. Comprises a confirmation input means for confirming whether to permit operation by the image output unit, either one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image output means when the allowable was confirmed by said confirmation input means is arranged to operate The image recording apparatus described in 1.

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