JP3827918B2 - Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor in which the saving quantity of recording agent can be regulated for each image region. SOLUTION: The image processor comprises a section 13a for separating an image into a plurality of regions based on image data, a saving section 13f for regulating the image data for each region in order to alter consumption of recording agent, a region separation accumulating section 15g for recognizing the number of pixels in each region based on the image data, a recording agent consumption calculating section 15e for recognizing the residual quantity of recording agent at an imaging section 14, a saving information storing section 15h having a plurality of regulation modes indicative of the regulating method of image data for each region at the saving section 13f, and a recordable number of sheets predicting section 15c for predicting the number of times of forming the image using the residual quantity of recording agent for each regulation mode when the image data of a relevant image is regulated by applying each regulation mode based on each regulation mode and the number of pixels in each region of the image.

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that saves recording material consumption and enables image formation according to the remaining amount of recording material.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as in the technique disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-187963, the average amount of recording agent used per unit area of recording paper is calculated, and based on this, the number of printable sheets corresponding to each recording paper size is calculated. There was something to calculate.
[0003]
Further, as in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-308450, there is a technique in which an image area is divided into a monochrome area and a color area, and a recording agent saving mode is set for each image area.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When there is less recording material (toner, ink, etc.), “I want to output only the photo area with high quality” or “The photo area can be rough (thin), but only the text area can be output clearly. In many cases, the user asks for "I want to do it." That is, there is a case where it is desired to print the required number of sheets within the range of the amount of the remaining recording agent while reducing the consumption of the recording agent as a whole while maintaining the printing quality for the predetermined image area.
[0005]
Further, when saving the recording material by reducing the consumption amount of the recording material, the optimal recording material saving method may differ between the character area and the photographic area.
[0006]
However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-187963, in order to calculate the number of printable sheets when the saving function is used, the number of printable sheets is calculated under the condition that the entire image is uniformly thinned out. I could only do it. Then, under the printing conditions in which the entire image is thinned out uniformly, the printing conditions according to the user's request as described above cannot be realized. Furthermore, if you try to set the recording agent saving conditions for each image area based on this calculation result, you will not know how much recording agent is saved with respect to the average usage, so the number of printable sheets can be calculated correctly. Disappear.
[0007]
Further, in the technique disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-308450, when a black and white photograph or the like is included in the image to be printed, the image is treated in the same way as a character area. , I could not set as requested by the user.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of adjusting the degree of saving of a recording material for each image area. Furthermore, in this image processing apparatus, by allowing the user to recognize the number of printable sheets corresponding to the degree of saving of the recording agent for each image area, in response to the user's request as much as possible in a situation where the remaining amount of the recording agent is low. It is possible to maintain high print quality and secure the number of printed sheets.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that processes image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent. In order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image, and an area separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of areas having different attributes based on the density change of the image indicated by the image data. And a data adjustment unit that adjusts image data for each region.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, an image is separated into a plurality of areas having different attributes based on density changes (for example, a character area (including a line image area) and a non-character area (including a photographic area and a gradation image area)). And to separate). Then, image data (particularly density information) is adjusted for each region in order to change the recording agent consumption.
[0011]
In this configuration, when there is a shortage of recording agent, the usage conditions of the recording agent such as density can be set according to the image quality required for each character area / non-character area. That is, the image quality is maintained at a high quality by preferentially assigning the recording agent to the important area of the character area / non-character area and performing image formation as usual. In addition, the consumption of the recording agent is saved by suppressing the use of the recording agent or deleting the region for the region which is not regarded as important.
[0012]
This makes it possible to balance the image quality and the number of image formations (number of copies), effectively use the recording material, maintain the minimum required image quality, and ensure the required number of image formations. Become.
[0013]
The image processing apparatus of the present invention is the above-described image processing apparatus, further comprising a mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting image data for each region by the data adjustment unit, and the mode information It is preferable to include a mode designating unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the storage unit.
[0014]
In the above configuration, an adjustment method suitable for each region when adjusting the image data is set in the mode information storage unit as an adjustment mode. Then, an adjustment mode to be applied can be designated by the mode designation unit. Therefore, the user can make an appropriate adjustment for each region with respect to the image data by designating the adjustment mode by the mode designating unit. Therefore, the operability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[0015]
The image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus including the mode information storage unit described above, and further includes a region recognition unit that recognizes the number of pixels in each region based on image data, and a recording that the image forming unit has. Based on the recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of agent, each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit, and the number of pixels in each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, When the image data of the image is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode, the number of times that the image can be formed by the remaining amount of the recording agent recognized by the recording agent remaining amount recognition unit. It is preferable to include a prediction unit that predicts for each mode.
[0016]
According to the above configuration, the recording material remaining amount recognition unit recognizes the recording material remaining amount of the image forming unit. Further, the area recognition unit recognizes the number of pixels in each area of the image based on the image data. Then, based on the number of pixels in each area recognized by the area recognition unit and the adjustment method set in each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit, the image is recorded with the recognized recording agent remaining amount. The number of possible times is predicted for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit.
[0017]
In this configuration, it is possible to estimate the consumption of the recording agent required for recording each area by considering the number of pixels in each area. Further, by considering each adjustment mode, it is possible to estimate the saving amount of the recording material consumption in each region when each adjustment mode is applied. Thus, the number of times that the image can be formed (number of printable copies) can be predicted for each mode by the prediction unit.
[0018]
Thereby, it is possible to inform the user of the number of printable copies in each adjustment mode. Therefore, when there is a shortage of recording agent, which adjustment mode is selected and how much recording agent is saved, an image can be recorded as many times as necessary with the remaining recording agent, or the required image quality is reduced. If maintained, the user can recognize how many times the image can be formed.
[0019]
Moreover, in said structure, said prediction can be performed based on the relationship between the adjustment methods shown by each adjustment mode. Therefore, in order to predict the number of printable copies in each adjustment mode, it is not necessary to create image data adjusted based on each adjustment mode. As a result, the processing of the image data can be simplified.
[0020]
Further, in the above configuration, the above prediction can be performed by obtaining image data by pre-scanning the image without actually forming an image. This eliminates the need for trial printing, shortens the processing time, and suppresses waste of the recording material.
[0021]
Alternatively, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an area recognition unit that recognizes the number of pixels of each area based on image data, and an image forming unit that includes the mode information storage unit. A recording agent consumption amount recognizing unit for recognizing the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed by forming the image, a recording agent remaining amount recognizing unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent included in the image forming unit, and the image forming unit When an image is formed, each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit, the number of pixels in each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, and the recording agent consumption amount recognition unit are recognized. When the image data of the image is adjusted by applying the adjustment modes based on the consumption of the recording material consumed for forming the image, the recording material remaining amount recognition unit recognizes the image data. The image depends on the amount of recording agent remaining It is preferable that and a prediction unit that predicts for each of the respective adjustment mode the number of times that can be further formed.
[0022]
According to the above configuration, in addition to the adjustment modes described above and the number of pixels in each area of the image, the image can be formed in consideration of the consumption of the recording material when the image is actually formed. The number of times is predicted for each mode by the prediction unit. That is, the prediction unit estimates the consumption of the recording agent in the other adjustment modes from the consumption of the recording agent consumed when the image is actually formed in one adjustment mode, and the image in each adjustment mode. The number of possible formations can be predicted.
[0023]
In this configuration, by performing actual image formation, more accurate prediction can be performed as compared with the case where the consumption amount of the recording agent is estimated from the image data.
[0024]
Alternatively, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is a recording agent consumption that recognizes a consumption amount of a recording agent consumed by forming an image in the image forming unit in the image processing apparatus including the mode information storage unit. An amount recognizing unit, a recording agent remaining amount recognizing unit for recognizing the remaining amount of recording agent included in the image forming unit, a region recognizing unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each region based on image data, and the image forming unit A storage unit that cumulatively stores the recording agent consumption recognized by the recording agent consumption recognition unit and the number of pixels of each region recognized by the region recognition unit when an image is formed, Based on the recording agent consumption accumulated in the storage unit and the number of pixels in each region, the ratio of the average recording agent consumption per unit area of each region and the number of pixels in each region is calculated. And calculate the result and When the image data is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode based on each adjustment mode stored in the storage information storage unit, the remaining amount of the recording agent recognized by the remaining recording agent recognition unit It is preferable that a prediction unit that predicts an average number of times that an image can be formed by each adjustment mode is provided.
[0025]
According to the above configuration, unlike the case of predicting the recordable number of times for an image as described above, based on each adjustment mode and the history of processing performed by the device, the average The number of possible image formations is predicted for each mode by the prediction unit. In other words, the device recognizes the tendency from the history of images processed up to that point, and informs the user of the approximate number of recordable times in each adjustment mode for each image size (size, area). Can do. As a result, the user can immediately recognize the approximate number of times that recording is possible at that time, and can simplify the operation.
[0026]
The image processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of information in the image processing apparatus including the prediction unit, and the image forming unit forms the same image a plurality of times. In addition, it is preferable that the prediction unit performs prediction of the number of times that the image can be formed a plurality of times, and notifies the fact through the notification unit when a change occurs in the prediction.
[0027]
In the above configuration, when the actual image recording is performed a plurality of times in the set adjustment mode, if there is a flaw in the prediction, that is, there is a difference between the first predictable number of formations and the actual image recording. When this occurs (especially when the number of formations is less than the initially predicted number of possible formations), the fact is notified. As a result, the user can avoid a situation in which an image cannot be formed a predetermined number of times by changing the setting to an adjustment mode that further enhances the saving of recording materials. Therefore, it is possible to form images as many times as necessary.
[0028]
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image processing apparatus including the prediction unit further includes a number setting unit in which the number of times of forming an image is set by a user, and a prediction result for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit. Among them, a discriminating unit for discriminating what exceeds the number of times set in the number of times setting unit and less than the number of times set in the number of times setting unit, a display unit for displaying a discrimination result by the discriminating unit, It is preferable to provide.
[0029]
In the above configuration, the adjustment modes capable of forming an image more than the number of times set by the user can be displayed, for example, as a list. This makes it possible to display an adjustment mode in which an image can be formed as many times as desired by the user with the remaining recording material, and to display only the options that are meaningful to the user. Further, it is preferable that the display unit also displays a prediction result for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit.
[0030]
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus including the mode information storage unit described above, and further, in the plurality of adjustment modes, for adjusting the image data so as not to record a predetermined area of the image. Preferably, the delete mode is included.
[0031]
In the above-described configuration, the adjustment mode includes a deletion mode in which image data output for a predetermined area is canceled and an image in the area is not formed. Thereby, for example, when a necessary part is only a character area or only a non-character area, the other part is deleted without printing, so that a more effective recording agent can be saved.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A color copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0033]
(1) Operation panel configuration
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation panel 2 of the present color copying machine (digital copying machine). The operation panel 2 includes a display unit (notification unit) 4 for displaying various information of the color copier and an operation switch unit 6 for operating the color copier.
[0034]
The display unit 4 displays information displayed by a normal color copying machine, as well as the number of recordable sheets and the type of print mode, which will be described later.
[0035]
The operation switch unit 6 is provided with various keys for operating the color copying machine. The configuration of the operation switch unit 6 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation switch unit 6. The operation switch unit 6 includes a print number setting key (number setting unit) 6a for setting the number of prints (recording), a print mode switching key (mode designation unit) 6b for switching the print mode, and a prescan for executing prescan. Operation switches such as a start key 6c, a copy start key 6d for executing actual printing, and a cursor key 6e for operating the cursor of the display unit 4 (see FIG. 2) are provided.
[0036]
An example of a state in which the display unit 4 displays the recordable number of sheets and the print modes that can be set is shown in FIG. Here, as the print mode (adjustment mode), “normal mode”, “saving mode”, and “non-character area (including line area), and“ non-character area (including photo area and gradation area) ” Each mode of “Delete mode” is displayed.
[0037]
Here, the “normal mode” is a print mode in which normal recording (printing) is performed on the read document image. In addition, the “saving mode” relating to the non-character region is a mode in which the entire image is thinned and recorded by performing a process of thinning out pixels. In the “saving mode” for character areas, in addition to the process of thinning on average as in the case of non-character areas, the process of recording only the edges of characters to make hollow characters, or the lines that make up characters are thin This is a mode in which a preset process is performed from among these. The “deletion mode” is a mode in which recording is not performed for an area in which this mode is set. However, if the “deletion mode” is selected for both the character area and the non-character area, there is no image to be recorded, and thus such selection cannot be performed.
[0038]
Note that the image processing settings in each of these print modes are stored in a mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h (see FIG. 1 described later).
[0039]
There are eight print modes that combine these print modes (except when both areas are deleted). The display unit 4 displays the number of recordable sheets in the case where a document image is recorded in the print mode corresponding to each of the eight print modes.
[0040]
(2) Image data processing circuit configuration
Next, an image data processing circuit of the color copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color copying machine.
[0041]
A document image placed on a document placement table (not shown) is read by an image reading unit 12 including a CCD line image sensor (not shown), an analog / digital converter (not shown), and the like. (Original input) The image reading unit 12 forms document image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”) based on the read document image. This image data is sent to the image processing unit 13.
[0042]
In the image processing unit 13, region separation processing is first performed in the region separation unit 13a. In this region separation process, the document image is distinguished for each character region and non-character region based on the density change of the image data. That is, an area without a steep density gradient (edge rise) in an image is determined as a photo area, that is, a non-character area, and an edge rise is detected and determined as a character area. Pixel repetition is detected and it is determined that the region is a halftone dot region, that is, a non-character region. Here, the image is distinguished into a character area and a non-character area, but may be distinguished according to other criteria.
[0043]
The above determination results are used as region separation data (image data) for performing image processing suitable for each region in each part of the color correction unit 13b to the halftone correction unit 13e, and a region separation accumulation process described later. Also sent to the part 15g. This area separation data is data indicating which area the pixel belongs to for each pixel constituting the image.
[0044]
Then, the following processing is sequentially performed on each part of the image data subjected to the region separation. First, color correction such as γ correction is performed in the color correction unit 13b. Subsequently, black image data for a black region in the image is generated in the black generation unit 13c. Further, in the filter unit 13d, for example, edge processing is performed on the character region, and filtering processing such as smoothing processing is performed on the non-character region. Then, after the halftone correction is performed in the halftone correction unit 13e, it is output to the image forming unit 14.
[0045]
Note that a saving processing unit (data adjustment unit) 13f is connected to the black generation unit 13c, the filter unit 13d, and the halftone correction unit 13e. The saving processing unit 13f adjusts the image data in each process in the black generation unit 13c, the filter unit 13d, and the halftone correction unit 13e, so that the image data to the “saving mode” and “deletion mode” (particularly, (Concentration information) can be converted. The control by the saving processing unit 13f is performed based on information from a mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h described later.
[0046]
The image forming unit 14 is configured by, for example, a laser beam printer or an inkjet printer, and forms an image based on the image data on a recording paper (recording medium) or the like and outputs the image.
[0047]
The operations of the image reading unit 12, the image processing unit 13, and the image forming unit 14 are controlled by a control unit 15 realized by a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 15 is connected to a user interface 5 constituted by the display unit 4, the operation switch unit 6 and the like, and a storage unit 19 for storing various data to be described later.
[0048]
The control unit 15 includes a mode designation / paper designation unit 15a, a sheet number condition narrowing unit (determination unit) 15b, a recordable sheet number prediction unit (prediction unit) 15c, a prediction storage unit 15d, and a recording agent consumption calculation unit (recording agent consumption amount). Recognizing unit) 15e, recording agent remaining amount calculating unit (recording agent remaining amount recognizing unit) 15f, area separation and accumulation processing unit (area recognizing unit) 15g, and mode-specific saving information storage unit (mode information storing unit) 15h. ing.
[0049]
The mode designation / paper designation unit 15a is set and used by the user via the display unit 4 as the user interface 5, the cursor key (mode designation unit) 6e (see FIG. 3) of the operation switch unit 6, or the like. The paper to be set can be set, and when the setting is made, the setting is recognized.
[0050]
The recording agent consumption calculator 15e calculates the consumption of the recording agent (toner, ink, etc.) consumed to form an image. The calculation method is based on the region separation data read by the image reading unit 12, subjected to region separation and the like by the image processing unit 13, and subjected to region separation and accumulation processing by the region separation and accumulation processing unit 15g described later. The amount of the recording agent consumed when forming the image is calculated. Further, when the image is actually formed, the consumption amount of the recording agent may be calculated from the amount of the recording agent actually consumed by the formation of the image. Further, the amount of recording agent consumed when forming the image is determined by the average amount of recording agent consumed per unit area calculated based on the history of image formation performed in the past and the area of the image to be formed. It may be calculated. Then, the recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e adds the calculated consumption amount of the recording agent to the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed up to that point, and causes the storage unit 19 to store the accumulated recording agent consumption.
[0051]
The recording agent remaining amount calculation unit 15 f recognizes the remaining amount of the recording agent and stores the result in the storage unit 19. In order to recognize the recording agent remaining amount in the recording agent remaining amount calculation unit 15f, the recording agent remaining amount is detected in a recording agent storage unit (toner hopper, ink tank, etc.) (not shown) for storing the recording agent. A sensor may be provided and based on the detection result. It is also possible to recognize the remaining amount of recording agent based on the initial amount of recording agent and the total amount of recording agent consumed from the initial stage to that point. Then, the remaining amount of recording agent 15f causes the storage unit 19 to store the remaining amount of recording agent at that time as the remaining amount of recording agent.
[0052]
Based on the region separation data read by the image reading unit 12 and subjected to region separation or the like by the image processing unit 13, the region separation / accumulation processing unit 15g performs character edges in the character region, non-character region, and character region. Each area in the image such as a part is distinguished, and the size of each area in the image is recognized. Specifically, the number of pixels belonging to each region is recognized for each region in the image (region separation and accumulation process). Further, the region separation and accumulation processing unit 15g adds the result of the region separation and accumulation processing to the result of the region separation and accumulation processing of each pixel that has formed an image up to that point for each region, thereby obtaining region separation addition data. Is stored in the storage unit 19. The area separation and accumulation process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
[0053]
The mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h stores information for setting how to adjust the use of the recording agent in each printing mode when an image is formed. That is, in each print mode, processing contents that define processing to be performed on image data are stored. Then, the mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h performs processing contents corresponding to the print mode set by the user via the user interface 5 in the mode designation / paper designation unit 15a (adjustment of image data for each region with respect to image data). Method) is output to the saving processor 13 f in the image processor 13.
[0054]
The contents of this processing can be considered as follows. Among the printing modes described above, the “saving mode” relates to the non-character area, the process of thinning out the pixels to make the whole thin on average, and the process of thinning out the pixels as to the character area. There are a process of making a character, a process of thinning a line constituting the character, and the like. As for the “deletion mode”, a process for setting the density of all the pixels in the area where the mode is set to 0 can be considered.
[0055]
The mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h also stores the amount (ratio) of the recording agent that can be saved when an image is formed in each printing mode for each printing mode.
[0056]
The recordable sheet number predicting unit 15c is a recording agent consumption amount for an image to be formed, which is obtained by the recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e, a recording agent remaining amount, a mode, which is obtained by the recording agent remaining amount calculation unit 15f. Based on the recording agent saving amount for each printing mode stored in the separate saving information storage unit 15h, the number of recordable sheets is predicted for each printing mode. Then, the prediction result is stored in the prediction storage unit 15d.
[0057]
The sheet number condition narrowing unit 15b is set for each print mode based on the prediction result of the recordable sheet number prediction unit 15c stored in the prediction storage unit 15d and the number of recordings specified by the user via the user interface 5. It is determined for each mode whether or not it is possible to record the number of recorded sheets.
[0058]
In the storage unit 19, as described above, the total recording agent consumption by the recording agent consumption calculation unit 15e, the remaining recording agent amount by the remaining recording agent calculation unit 15f, the region separation addition data by the region separation total processing unit 15g, and the like. Are stored. Note that the total recording material consumption, area separation addition data, and the like are reset at a predetermined time when the recording material is replenished.
[0059]
The image processing unit 13, the control unit 15, the storage unit 19, and the user interface 5 constitute an image processing apparatus.
[0060]
(3) Total area separation processing
Next, the region separation and accumulation process in the region separation and accumulation processing unit 15g (see FIG. 1) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the region separation and accumulation process. In the following, the image data and the region separation data (image data) are obtained from pixel data arranged in a matrix with the main scanning direction as the row direction and the sub-scanning direction as the column direction of the image reading unit 12 (see FIG. 1). In particular, the pixel data included in one row is referred to as a “line”.
[0061]
First, attention is paid to the first line of region separation data read by the image reading unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 and subjected to region separation processing by the region separation unit 13a of the image processing unit 13 (hereinafter, this line is referred to as “attention”). Line ”) (step S31).
[0062]
Then, it is determined whether or not the target line is the last line (step S32). If the target line is the final line, the process proceeds to step S34. If the target line is not the target line, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, when the area separation process has not been completed for the next line of the target line, the process waits for the process to be completed. This is because information about lines before and after the target line is required in steps S37 and S38 described later. Then, when it is confirmed that the region separation process has been completed for the next line, the process proceeds to step S34.
[0063]
In step S34, attention is paid to the first pixel of the target line (hereinafter, the target pixel is referred to as “target pixel”). In step S35, the type (attribute) of the region to which the target pixel belongs is determined. Examples of the area type include a character area, a halftone dot area (non-character area), a photo area (non-character area), and other areas (such as a blank area). For the determination of the type of the area, the area separation data of the area separation unit 13a is used.
[0064]
In step S36, the number of pixels corresponding to each area is counted for each area. That is, the count value of the area to which the target pixel belongs is incremented by one. This count is performed by a counter provided corresponding to each area in the area separation and accumulation processing unit 15g (see FIG. 1).
[0065]
Here, if the target pixel belongs to the character area, it is further determined whether or not it belongs to the edge (contour) of the character. For this purpose, it is only necessary to determine whether or not a pixel belonging to an area other than the character area exists in the vicinity of the target pixel (a pixel adjacent to the target pixel in the row direction, the column direction, or the like). Then, if there is a pixel belonging to an area other than the character area, it is determined as a character edge, and if it does not exist, it is determined not to be a character edge (step S37). If the target pixel is the edge of the character, it is counted as a character edge by the same method as that for counting each area (step S38).
[0066]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, among the pixels belonging to the character area (20 pixels), the pixels (pixel number 15) adjacent to the pixels belonging to the other area (pixel number 80) (hatched lines in FIG. 5). Part) is the edge of the character. Here, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an image region. When the “saving mode” is set for the character area, it can be set to record only the edge of the character (number of pixels 15) in the character area (number of pixels 20). At this time, the number of pixels saved by the recording material is 5.
[0067]
Returning to FIG. 4, after each count is performed, it is determined whether or not the target pixel is the last pixel (final pixel) of the target line (step S39). If the target pixel is not the final pixel of the target line, the next pixel is set as the target pixel (step S43), and the processes after step S35 are performed.
[0068]
If the target pixel is the last pixel of the target line, it is determined whether or not the target line is the final line (final line) of the region separation data (step S40). If the line of interest is not the final line, the next line is set as the line of interest (step S44), and the processes after step S32 are performed. If the target line is the last line, the process proceeds to step S41.
[0069]
In step S41, the count values in steps S36 and S38 are converted to calculate region separation cumulative data representing the size (area, number of pixels) of each region constituting the image. In step S42, the total area separation data is added to the area separation addition data stored in the storage unit 19 (see FIG. 1) for each area.
[0070]
The area separation cumulative data obtained as described above, the processing contents for each printing mode stored in the mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h, and the recording agent at that time obtained by the recording agent remaining amount calculation unit 15f. Based on the remaining amount and the like, the recordable sheet number predicting unit 15c predicts the possible number of sheets.
[0071]
Next, first to fourth embodiments will be described with respect to overall processing at the time of image formation in the color copying machine.
[0072]
[Embodiment 1]
A first embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 6 and 10 with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of image forming processing according to the first embodiment. Note that the broken lines in the flowchart of FIG. 6 indicate the flow of data (the same applies to FIGS. 7 to 9).
[0073]
The image data read by the image reading unit 12 (step S11) and input to the image processing unit 13 is subjected to processing up to region separation according to normal image processing (step S12). Then, region separation processing is performed in the region separation unit 13a (step S13). The image data subjected to the region separation processing is sequentially sent to the color correction unit 13b, the black generation unit 13c, the filter unit 13d, and the halftone correction unit 13e to be subjected to the image processing after the region separation described above (step). S14).
[0074]
If the user has set “saving mode” or “deletion mode” in any area by switching the print mode, the mode designation / paper designation unit 15a in the control unit 15 recognizes the setting. ing. Based on this setting, mode-specific saving information corresponding to the set print mode is sent from the mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h to the saving processing unit 13f. Then, in the black generation unit 13c, the filter unit 13d, and the halftone correction unit 13e, the image data is converted (adjusted) according to the set print mode.
[0075]
The image data subjected to the image processing in step S14 is sent to the image forming unit 14. Then, image formation (printing) based on the image data is performed in the image forming unit 14 (step S19). In step S19, after the image formation is completed, the remaining amount of the recording agent is calculated by the recording agent remaining amount calculation unit 15f, and the recording agent actually consumed in the image formation is calculated by the recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e. Find consumption.
[0076]
After step S13, the following steps are executed in parallel with the above steps. Here, when the region separation processing is performed on the image data in step S13, region separation data is generated, and this region separation data is sent to the region separation cumulative processing unit 15g.
[0077]
When the area separation data is sent to the area separation and accumulation processing unit 15g, the area separation and accumulation process (step S15) having the contents described in (3) above is performed. Thereby, the area separation cumulative data for each area described above is calculated.
[0078]
In step S16, each print mode is set for each area based on the area separation cumulative data calculated in step S15 and the mode-specific saving information stored in the mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h. The recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e calculates the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed to form the image when set. Further, the recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e calculates the ratio of the recording agent consumption amount in each printing mode based on the calculated consumption amount of the recording agent.
[0079]
The calculation result in step S16 is sent to the recordable sheet number prediction unit 15c. In the recordable sheet number prediction unit 15c, the recording agent consumption amount actually consumed in the image formation obtained by the recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e in step S19 and the recording agent consumption amount calculation unit 15e calculated in step S16. Based on the ratio of the recording agent consumption amount in each printing mode and the remaining recording agent amount obtained by the remaining recording agent calculating unit 15f in step S19, the recordable number of sheets for each printing mode is predicted (step S17). . The prediction result is displayed on the display unit 4 for each saving mode (step S18).
[0080]
Here, only one print mode is actually printed. However, since the ratio of the recording agent consumption in each printing mode is calculated by the recording agent consumption calculation unit 15e in step S16, the recording agent consumption in each printing mode in which printing is not actually performed based on this ratio. The amount can be estimated.
[0081]
The reason is as follows. The consumption of the recording agent can be predicted for each area. For example, in the case of a character area, the entire area is recorded with a substantially constant density (for example, maximum density). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, if the ratio between the edge portion and the other central portion of the character area is known, the ratio of the remaining pixels when thinned or whitened can be obtained. It is possible to estimate the recording material consumption in each printing mode.
[0082]
Further, even in a case where each pixel expresses a multi-value density in a non-character area, for example, in each print mode, the density of each pixel is reduced at a constant ratio, or the pixels are uniformly thinned out. When processing is performed, the density distribution of the original image and the density distribution of the processed image match, so the recording material can be saved at a fixed ratio for each printing mode regardless of the density distribution. It is possible to estimate the recording agent consumption at In some cases, more accurate estimation can be performed by considering the density of each pixel.
[0083]
The prediction result displayed on the display unit 4 is as shown in FIG. 10, for example. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of display on the display unit 4. In this display, the print mode for the photo area (non-character area) is displayed in the horizontal direction, and the print mode for the character area is displayed in the vertical direction. Each area has three modes: “normal mode” in which recording is not performed without saving the recording material, “saving mode” in which recording is performed while saving the recording material, and “deletion mode” in which recording is not performed. Is provided. The number of printable sheets when each mode is selected and the image is formed is displayed as a number.
[0084]
In the case of this display, the saving effect is greater if the photo area is saved than the character area. In this screen, if the cursor (the broken line in FIG. 10) is moved to a desired print mode using the cursor key 6e (see FIG. 3) and the copy start key 6d (see FIG. 3) is pressed, the set print mode is set. Printing is performed.
[0085]
[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment will be described based on FIG. 7 with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of image forming processing according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the same steps as those described with reference to FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 and the description thereof is omitted.
[0086]
In the case of the present embodiment, an image is not actually formed, and only a process of predicting and displaying the recordable number of sheets of the read document image is performed. In the present embodiment, steps S11 to S13 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. And as a process after step S13, step S14 and step S19 in 1st Embodiment are not performed, but only step S15 to step S18 is performed.
[0087]
That is, in the present embodiment, when the user presses the pre-scan start key 6c (see FIG. 3), the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed until the region separation processing in step S13. The image data after the region separation processing is not sent to the image processing block (the color correction unit 13b, the black generation unit 13c, the filter unit 13d, and the halftone correction unit 13e), and only the region separation accumulated data is subjected to the region separation accumulated. Send to processing unit 15g. In step S15, region separation data is calculated when each print mode is set for each region of the pre-scanned image by performing the same processing as in the first embodiment.
[0088]
In step S16 ′, based on the area separation data calculated in step S15 and the mode-specific saving information stored in the mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h, the recording agent in each printing mode. Calculate consumption. Note that in step S16 ′ of the present embodiment, when the recording material consumption calculation unit 15e actually forms an image of a prescanned original image in each print mode based on the result of the area separation and accumulation processing, Predict the amount of recording material consumed for each mode.
[0089]
Then, the number of recordable sheets is predicted from the recording agent consumption calculated for each printing mode and the remaining amount of recording agent stored in the storage unit 19 (step S17), and FIG. 10 in the first embodiment. A similar display is displayed on the display unit 4 (step S18).
[0090]
As in the case of the first embodiment, the cursor is moved to a desired mode using the cursor key 6e shown in FIG. 3, and printing is performed in the set print mode when the copy start key 6d is pressed. .
[0091]
[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment will be described based on FIG. 8 with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of image forming processing according to the third embodiment. In the first or second embodiment, the same steps as those described based on FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 or FIG. Is omitted.
[0092]
In the case of the present embodiment, instead of using the immediately preceding input image or the pre-scan area separation data, the average value of the area separation addition data stored in the storage unit 19 is used as the area separation accumulation processing unit (prediction unit) 15g. (Step S20). Specifically, the ratio of each area is obtained from the cumulative value of the area of each area stored in the storage unit 19. Then, the average recording agent consumption per unit area in each region is obtained from the ratio and the cumulative value of the recording agent consumption stored in the storage unit 19. Based on the ratio of each region, the average recording agent consumption per unit area in each region, and the mode-specific saving information, the recording agent consumption in each printing mode is calculated (step S16 ′). ).
[0093]
Then, based on the recording agent consumption amount calculated for each printing mode in step S16 ′ and the remaining recording agent amount stored in the storage unit 19, the recordable number of sheets is predicted (step S17), and the first number is recorded. The same display as that of FIG. 10 in the embodiment is displayed on the display unit 4 (step S18).
[0094]
As in the case of the first embodiment, the cursor is moved to a desired mode using the cursor key 6e shown in FIG. 3, and printing is performed in the set print mode when the copy start key 6d is pressed. .
[0095]
[Embodiment 4]
A fourth embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 9, 11 and 12 with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of image forming processing according to the fourth embodiment. In the first to third embodiments, the same steps as those described based on FIGS. 6 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. Is omitted.
[0096]
In the case of the present embodiment, the number of prints set by the user with the print number setting key 6a (see FIG. 3) of the operation switch unit 6 by using the immediately preceding input image or the pre-scan area separation data, and the remaining recordings. Narrow down the print modes that can be printed with the agent. Only in the print mode that can be designated, the printable sheet number is displayed on the display unit 4, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of display on the display unit 4.
[0097]
In the present embodiment, similarly to the first or second embodiment, the processing from steps S11 to S13 is performed. Thereafter, data is not sent to the image processing block (the color correction unit 13b, the black generation unit 13c, the filter unit 13d, and the halftone correction unit 13e) after the region separation, but only to the region separation cumulative processing unit 15g. Then, the area separation and accumulation processing unit 15g performs the area separation and accumulation process (step S15) described in (3) above. In step S15, region separation data is calculated when each print mode is set for each region of the pre-scanned image by performing the same processing as in the first embodiment.
[0098]
In step S16 ′, based on the area separation data calculated in step S15 and the mode-specific saving information stored in the mode-specific saving information storage unit 15h, the recording agent in each printing mode. Calculate consumption.
[0099]
In step S21, the number-of-sheets condition narrowing unit 15b sets the recording agent consumption calculated in step S16 ′, the remaining amount of recording agent stored in the storage unit 19, and the number of printed sheets set by the user. The print mode that can print the number of prints is narrowed down. In step S22, the narrowing-down result in step S21 is displayed on the display unit 4 (see FIG. 2).
[0100]
This narrowing-down result is displayed as shown in FIG. 11, for example. In the print mode in which the set number of sheets (500 sheets in FIG. 11) cannot be printed, that is, the print mode in which the printable number is lower than the set number of prints, the printable number is not displayed. In such a print mode, the cursor (broken line in FIG. 11) cannot be moved, and the user cannot set such a print mode.
[0101]
Therefore, the user can select the print mode in which the printable number of sheets is displayed, that is, the print mode in which the set number of sheets can be printed, and perform the actual printing. In FIG. 11, the printable number is not displayed for the print mode in which the set number of sheets (500 sheets) cannot be printed, but it is clearly indicated that the set number of sheets cannot be printed (for example, reverse display or half-brightness). Display) The number of printable sheets may be displayed.
[0102]
Further, it is preferable to appropriately predict the number of printable sheets during actual printing. When it is detected that the actual recording agent consumption is consumed at a pace exceeding the predicted recording agent consumption calculated based on the accumulated region separation data, the printing is stopped, for example. The display unit 4 (see FIG. 2) or the like may be notified to the effect, the print modes that can be set again are narrowed down, and the user may be notified to select the print mode again.
[0103]
FIG. 12 shows a case where it is detected that the actual recording agent consumption is consumed at a pace exceeding the prediction of the recording agent consumption when 200 of the set 500 sheets are printed. In this display, the number of printable sheets has been updated, and as a result of narrowing down the print modes that can be set again, the print mode of the photo area: normal mode and the character area: deletion mode cannot be newly set. It has become.
[0104]
Here, the case where printing is stopped when 200 sheets are printed is shown, but more accurate recording agent consumption can be recognized even when several sheets (1-2 sheets) are printed. Therefore, printing may be stopped at that time.
[0105]
Each process described in the present embodiment is also applicable to the first to third embodiments described above.
[0106]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a region separating unit that separates an image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data, and a recording agent for forming the image. And a data adjustment unit that adjusts the image data for each region in order to change the consumption amount.
[0107]
According to said structure, an image is isolate | separated into the several area | region from which an attribute differs based on a density change. Then, the image data is adjusted for each region in order to change the recording agent consumption.
[0108]
In this configuration, when there is a shortage of recording agent, the usage conditions of the recording agent such as density can be set for each region according to the required image quality. In other words, among the areas, the recording material is preferentially assigned to the areas regarded as important and the image quality is maintained at high quality. In addition, the consumption of the recording agent is saved by suppressing the use of the recording agent in an area which is not so important. As a result, the recording agent is effectively used while balancing the image quality and the number of image formations.
[0109]
The image processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each area by the data adjustment unit in the image processing apparatus, and each adjustment mode. It is preferable to include a mode designating unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from the inside.
[0110]
In the above configuration, an adjustment method suitable for each region when adjusting the image data is set in the mode information storage unit as an adjustment mode. Then, an adjustment mode to be applied can be designated by the mode designation unit. Therefore, the operability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[0111]
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an area recognition unit that recognizes the number of pixels in each area based on image data, and a recording agent included in the image forming unit. When the image data of the image is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode based on the remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount and the number of pixels in each adjustment mode and each area, the remaining amount of the recording agent It is preferable to include a prediction unit that predicts the number of times that the image can be formed according to the amount for each adjustment mode.
[0112]
In this configuration, it is possible to estimate the consumption of the recording agent required for recording each area by considering the number of pixels in each area. Further, by considering each adjustment mode, it is possible to estimate the saving amount of the recording material consumption in each region when each adjustment mode is applied. Accordingly, the number of times that the image can be formed can be predicted for each mode by the prediction unit.
[0113]
Alternatively, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an area recognition unit that recognizes the number of pixels in each area based on image data, and an image formed by the image forming unit. The recording agent consumption amount recognition unit for recognizing the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed by forming the recording agent, the recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent included in the image forming unit, and the image forming unit form an image In this case, the image data of the image is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode based on each adjustment mode, the number of pixels in each area of the image and the consumption of the recording material consumed for forming the image. A prediction unit that predicts, for each adjustment mode, the number of times that the image can be further formed based on the remaining amount of the recording agent recognized by the remaining recording agent recognition unit.
[0114]
In the above configuration, the prediction unit estimates the consumption of the recording material in the other adjustment modes from the consumption of the recording material consumed when the image is actually formed in one adjustment mode. The number of times that the image can be formed can be predicted. Therefore, more accurate prediction can be performed as compared with the case of estimating the consumption of the recording agent from the image data.
[0115]
Alternatively, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is a recording agent consumption amount for recognizing a consumption amount of a recording agent consumed by forming an image in the image forming unit in the image processing apparatus including the mode information storage unit. Recognizing unit, recording agent remaining amount recognizing unit for recognizing remaining amount of recording agent included in image forming unit, region recognizing unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each region based on image data, and image forming unit forming an image A storage unit that cumulatively stores the recording agent consumption amount and the number of pixels in each region, and a unit of each region based on the cumulatively stored recording agent consumption amount and the number of pixels in each region. When the average recording material consumption per area and the ratio of the number of pixels in each area are calculated, and the image data is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode based on this calculation result and each adjustment mode. , Recognized by the recording agent remaining amount recognition unit. A prediction unit which the average number of times capable of forming an image by the remaining amount of the recording agent to predict for each adjustment mode that, preferably includes a.
[0116]
In the above configuration, the tendency can be recognized from the history of images processed by the apparatus up to that point, and the approximate number of recordable times in each adjustment mode can be predicted and notified to the user. As a result, the user can immediately recognize the approximate number of times that recording is possible at that time, and can simplify the operation.
[0117]
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of information in the image processing apparatus including the prediction unit, and the image forming unit forms the same image a plurality of times. It is preferable that the prediction unit performs the prediction of the number of times that the image can be formed a plurality of times and notifies the fact through the notification unit when a change occurs in the prediction.
[0118]
In the above configuration, when actual image recording is performed a plurality of times in the set adjustment mode, when there is a deviation between the initially predicted number of possible formations and the actual image recording, the fact is notified. . As a result, the user can avoid a situation in which an image cannot be formed a predetermined number of times by changing the setting to an adjustment mode that further enhances the saving of recording materials. Therefore, it is possible to form images as many times as necessary.
[0119]
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image processing apparatus including the prediction unit further includes a number setting unit in which the number of times of forming an image is set by the user, and a prediction result for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit. It is preferable to include a determination unit that determines whether the number exceeds the number set in the number setting unit, and a display unit that displays a determination result by the determination unit.
[0120]
In the above configuration, an adjustment mode in which an image can be formed as many times as desired by the user with the remaining recording material can be displayed, and only the options that are meaningful to the user can be displayed. Further, it is preferable that the display unit also displays a prediction result for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit.
[0121]
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus including the mode information storage unit described above, and further includes a deletion for adjusting the image data so as not to record a predetermined area of the image in a plurality of adjustment modes. Preferably a mode is included.
[0122]
In the configuration described above, the adjustment mode includes a deletion mode in which no image of the area is formed. This makes it possible to save more effective recording materials.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel of the color copying machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation switch section of the operation panel in FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a flowchart showing a flow of area separation and accumulation processing in the color copier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an image region.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of image forming processing according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of image forming processing according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of image forming processing according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of image forming processing according to a fourth embodiment.
10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of display on the display unit of the operation panel of FIG. 2;
11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of display on the display unit of the operation panel in FIG. 2;
12 is a conceptual diagram showing still another example of display on the display unit of the operation panel in FIG. 2. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Display part (notification part)
5 User interface
6a Print number setting key (number setting section)
6b Print mode switching key (mode designation part)
6e Cursor key (mode specification part)
12 Image reader
13 Image processing unit
13a Region separation part
13f Savings processing unit (data adjustment unit)
14 Image forming unit
15 Control unit
15b Number condition narrowing part (discrimination part)
15c Recordable number prediction unit (prediction unit)
15e Recording agent consumption calculation unit (recording agent consumption recognition unit)
15f Recording agent remaining amount calculation unit (recording agent remaining amount recognition unit)
15g region separation and accumulation processing unit (region recognition unit, prediction unit)
15h Saving information storage unit by mode
19 Memory

Claims (12)

In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designation unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
An area recognition unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each area based on image data;
A recording agent consumption amount recognizing unit for recognizing the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed by the image formation in the image forming unit;
A recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent that the image forming unit has,
When the image forming unit forms an image, each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit, the number of pixels of each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, and the recording agent consumption amount recognition When the image data of the image is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode based on the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed for forming the image recognized by the image recording unit, the remaining recording material amount recognition unit A prediction unit that predicts, for each of the adjustment modes, the number of times that the image can be further formed according to the remaining amount of the recording agent recognized in step (b).
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designation unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
A recording agent consumption amount recognizing unit for recognizing the consumption amount of the recording agent consumed by the image formation in the image forming unit;
A recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent that the image forming unit has,
An area recognition unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each area based on image data;
When the image forming unit forms an image, the recording agent consumption amount recognized by the recording agent consumption amount recognition unit and the number of pixels of each area recognized by the region recognition unit are stored cumulatively. A storage unit;
Based on the recording agent consumption accumulated in the storage unit and the number of pixels in each region, the ratio of the average recording agent consumption per unit area of each region and the number of pixels in each region is calculated. Then, based on this calculation result and each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit, when the image data is adjusted by applying each adjustment mode, the recording agent remaining amount recognition unit recognizes it. A prediction unit that predicts an average number of times that an image can be formed based on the remaining amount of the recording agent for each of the adjustment modes;
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designation unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
An area recognition unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each area based on image data;
A recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent that the image forming unit has,
Based on each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit and the number of pixels in each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, the adjustment of the image data of the image is applied by applying each adjustment mode. A prediction unit that predicts, for each of the adjustment modes, the number of times that the image can be formed based on the remaining amount of the recording agent recognized by the remaining recording agent amount recognition unit,
A notification unit that notifies the user of information,
When the image forming unit forms the same image a plurality of times, the prediction unit performs the prediction of the number of times that the image can be formed a plurality of times, and when there is a change in the prediction, the notification unit An image processing apparatus that notifies that effect. In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designation unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
An area recognition unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each area based on image data;
A recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent that the image forming unit has,
Based on each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit and the number of pixels in each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, the adjustment of the image data of the image is applied by applying each adjustment mode. A prediction unit that predicts, for each of the adjustment modes, the number of times that the image can be formed based on the remaining amount of the recording agent recognized by the remaining recording agent amount recognition unit,
A number-of-times setting unit in which the number of times of forming an image is set by the user;
Among the prediction results for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit, a determination unit that determines the number exceeding the number set in the number setting unit and the number less than the number set in the number setting unit,
A display unit for displaying a discrimination result by the discrimination unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designating unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the plurality of adjustment modes include a deletion mode for adjusting image data so as not to record a predetermined area of the image. In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designation unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
An area recognition unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each area based on image data;
A recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent that the image forming unit has,
Based on each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit and the number of pixels in each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, the adjustment of the image data of the image is applied by applying each adjustment mode. A prediction unit that predicts, for each of the adjustment modes, the number of times that the image can be formed based on the remaining amount of recording agent recognized by the remaining amount of recording agent recognized by the recording agent,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the plurality of adjustment modes include a deletion mode for adjusting image data so as not to record a predetermined area of the image. In an image processing apparatus that performs processing on image data and sends the processed image data to an image forming unit that forms an image using a recording agent.
A region separation unit that separates the image into a plurality of regions having different attributes based on a change in density of the image indicated by the image data;
A data adjusting unit that adjusts image data for each of the areas in order to change the consumption of the recording agent when forming an image;
A mode information storage unit storing a plurality of adjustment modes indicating a method of adjusting the image data for each region by the data adjustment unit;
A mode designation unit that allows the user to designate an adjustment mode to be applied from among the adjustment modes stored in the mode information storage unit;
An area recognition unit for recognizing the number of pixels in each area based on image data;
A recording agent remaining amount recognition unit for recognizing the remaining amount of the recording agent that the image forming unit has,
Based on each adjustment mode stored in the mode information storage unit and the number of pixels in each region of the image recognized by the region recognition unit, the adjustment of the image data of the image is applied by applying each adjustment mode. A prediction unit that predicts, for each of the adjustment modes, the number of times that the image can be formed based on the remaining amount of recording agent recognized by the remaining amount of recording agent recognized by the recording agent,
The prediction unit predicts the number of times for each possible combination of adjustment modes applied to each region, and
An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display a prediction result by the prediction unit in association with a combination of adjustment modes applied to each region. A notification unit for notifying the user of information;
When the image forming unit forms the same image a plurality of times, the prediction unit performs the prediction of the number of times that the image can be formed a plurality of times, and when there is a change in the prediction, the notification unit the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 7, characterized in that notification if Te. A number-of-times setting unit in which the number of times of forming an image is set by the user;
Among the prediction results for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit, a determination unit that determines the number exceeding the number set in the number setting unit and the number less than the number set in the number setting unit,
A display unit for displaying a discrimination result by the discrimination unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 8.   A number-of-times setting unit in which the number of times of image formation is set by the user;
  A determination unit for determining whether the prediction result for each adjustment mode by the prediction unit exceeds the number of times set in the number of times setting unit and the number of times less than the number of times set in the number of times setting unit; ,
  The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display unit also displays a determination result by the determination unit. Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, wherein the plurality of adjustment mode, wherein the deletion mode for adjusting the image data so as not to record the predetermined area of the image is included, 7 The image processing apparatus according to 8 or 9.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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