JP6992446B2 - Output control program, information processing device, and image formation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an output control program, an information processing apparatus, and an image forming method.

The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a recording circuit and a CPU. The recording circuit determines whether or not the mounted cartridge is a dedicated cartridge. Only when the dedicated cartridge is installed, the CPU executes the smoothing process at the time of printing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-149019

In the printer described in Patent Document 1, the quality of the image formed by the printer equipped with the dedicated cartridge may be different from the quality of the image formed by the printer not equipped with the dedicated cartridge. Therefore, for example, when the same original is distributed to a plurality of printers and printed, the qualities of the images formed on the paper may differ from each other.

That is, the quality of the image formed by the printer without the dedicated cartridge may be inferior to the quality of the image formed by the printer equipped with the dedicated cartridge. As a result, there is a possibility that a paper on which an image of a predetermined quality is formed and a paper on which an image of a quality inferior to the predetermined quality is formed may be generated. Therefore, the convenience of the user may be reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an output control program, an information processing apparatus, and an image forming method capable of improving user convenience.

The output control program according to the present invention controls a plurality of image forming devices to output instruction information indicating that an image is formed on a recording medium. The plurality of image forming devices are communicably connected to the information processing device. The output control program causes the computer mounted on the information processing apparatus to function as an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an instruction unit. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating whether the replacement component mounted on each of the plurality of image forming apparatus is a first replacement component or a second replacement component different from the first replacement component. The determination unit determines whether the required quality of the target image is the first quality or the second quality lower than the first quality. The instruction unit outputs the instruction information to the first image forming apparatus and restricts the output of the instruction information to the second image forming apparatus according to the determination result of the determination unit. The first image forming apparatus shows an image forming apparatus to which the first replacement component among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted. The second image forming apparatus shows an image forming apparatus to which the second replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted. The target image shows an image of a target formed on the recording medium in the plurality of image forming devices. The replacement part houses consumables. Each of the plurality of image forming devices forms the target image on the recording medium by consuming the consumables.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention controls a plurality of image forming apparatus to output instruction information indicating that an image is formed on a recording medium. The information processing device is communicably connected to the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an instruction unit. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating whether the replacement component mounted on each of the plurality of image forming apparatus is a first replacement component or a second replacement component different from the first replacement component. The determination unit determines whether the required quality of the target image is the first quality or the second quality lower than the first quality. The instruction unit outputs the instruction information to the first image forming apparatus and restricts the output of the instruction information to the second image forming apparatus according to the determination result of the determination unit. The first image forming apparatus shows an image forming apparatus to which the first replacement component among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted. The second image forming apparatus shows an image forming apparatus to which the second replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted. The target image shows an image of a target formed on the recording medium in the plurality of image forming devices. The replacement part houses consumables. Each of the plurality of image forming devices forms the target image on the recording medium by consuming the consumables.

The image forming method according to the present invention is an image forming method in an image forming system including an information processing apparatus and a plurality of image forming apparatus communicably connected to the information processing apparatus. The image forming method includes an acquisition step, a determination step, an instruction step, and a formation step. In the acquisition step, the information processing apparatus determines whether the replacement component mounted on each of the plurality of image forming apparatus is a first replacement component or a second replacement component different from the first replacement component. Get the information shown. In the determination step, the information processing apparatus determines whether the required quality of the target image is the first quality or the second quality lower than the first quality. In the instruction step, the information processing apparatus outputs instruction information to the first image forming apparatus to form the target image on the recording medium according to the determination result in the determination step. 2 The output of the instruction information is restricted for the image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus shows an image forming apparatus to which the first replacement component among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted. The second image forming apparatus shows an image forming apparatus to which the second replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted. The target image shows an image of a target formed on the recording medium in the plurality of image forming devices. The replacement part houses consumables. In the formation step, each of the plurality of image forming apparatus forms the target image on the recording medium by following the instruction information from the information processing apparatus and consuming the consumables.

According to the output control program, the information processing apparatus, and the image forming method of the present invention, the convenience of the user can be improved.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the image forming part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the 1st control part and the 2nd control part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the instruction information output from the 2nd instruction part to 3 image forming apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows an example of instruction information which is output when there is no 2nd image forming apparatus. (B) is a figure which shows an example of instruction information which is output when there is one 2nd image forming apparatus. (C) is a figure which shows an example of instruction information which is output when there are two 2nd image forming apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the target image information including a symbol object. (B) is a diagram showing an example of target image information including an image object. It is a figure which shows an example of the target image information whose importance is more than a predetermined importance. It is a figure which shows an example of a quality evaluation image. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing of the 1st control unit and the 2nd control unit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the required quality determination process of 2nd control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the toner quality determination processing of the 1st control unit and the 2nd control unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 11). In the figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description is not repeated.

First, the configuration of the image forming system 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 200 includes a plurality of image forming devices 100 and a personal computer (PC: Personal Computer) 7.

The plurality of image forming devices 100 include an image forming device 101, an image forming device 102, and an image forming device 103. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 100 is configured to be communicable with the personal computer 7 via the network 8.

The personal computer 7 includes a second control unit 70 and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 73. The second control unit 70 includes a second processor 71 and a second storage unit 72. The second processor 71 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The second storage unit 72 includes a memory such as a semiconductor memory, and may include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The second storage unit 72 stores the control program. The LCD 73 displays various information according to the instruction from the second control unit 70. The personal computer 7 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device". The LCD 73 corresponds to an example of a "display".

The network 8 is, for example, the Internet. In the embodiment of the present invention, the network 8 is the Internet, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The network 8 may connect the plurality of image forming devices 100 and the personal computer 7 so as to be communicable. For example, the network 8 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a color multifunction device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1, an image reading unit 2, a document transport unit 3, an operation panel 14, and a first control unit 6. The image forming unit 1 forms an image on the paper P. The image reading unit 2 reads the image formed on the original R and generates image information. The document transport unit 3 transports the document R to the image reading unit 2. The operation panel 14 receives an operation from the user. The first control unit 6 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming unit 1 includes a feeding section 12, a transport section L, a toner supply section 13, an image forming section 4, and a discharging section 17. The image forming unit 4 includes a transfer unit 5 and a fixing unit 16.

The feeding unit 12 supplies the paper P to the transport unit L. The transport unit L transports the paper P to the discharge unit 17 via the transfer unit 5 and the fixing unit 16. Paper P corresponds to an example of a “recording medium”.

The toner supply unit 13 supplies toner to the image forming unit 4. A toner container 131, a toner container 132, a toner container 133, and a toner container 134 are mounted on the toner supply unit 13. The toner supply unit 13 corresponds to an example of a “mounting unit”. The toner container 131 to the toner container 134 correspond to an example of "replacement parts". In the following description, the toner container 131 to the toner container 134 may be collectively referred to as the toner container 130.

Cyan-colored toner TN1 is stored in the toner container 131. The toner container 131 supplies the cyan-colored toner TN1 to the image forming unit 4. Magenta-colored toner TN2 is stored in the toner container 132. The toner container 132 supplies the magenta toner TN2 to the image forming unit 4. The yellow toner TN3 is stored in the toner container 133. The toner container 133 supplies the yellow-colored toner TN3 to the image forming unit 4. The black toner TN4 is stored in the toner container 134. The toner container 134 supplies the black toner TN4 to the image forming unit 4. The cyan-colored toner TN1, the magenta-colored toner TN2, the yellow-colored toner TN3, and the black-colored toner TN4 correspond to an example of "consumables". In the following description, toner TN1 to toner TN4 may be collectively referred to as toner TN.

The toner container 131 includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag G1. The IC tag G1 is arranged on the peripheral surface of the toner container 131. The IC tag G1 stores the identification information JD1 of the toner container 131. The toner container 132 includes an IC tag G2. The IC tag G2 is arranged on the peripheral surface of the toner container 132. The IC tag G2 stores the identification information JD2 of the toner container 132.

The toner container 133 includes an IC tag G3. The IC tag G3 is arranged on the peripheral surface of the toner container 133. The IC tag G3 stores the identification information JD3 of the toner container 133. The toner container 134 includes an IC tag G4. The IC tag G4 is arranged on the peripheral surface of the toner container 134. The IC tag G4 stores the identification information JD4 of the toner container 134. In the following description, IC tags G1 to IC tags G4 may be collectively referred to as IC tags G. Further, the identification information JD1 to the identification information JD4 may be collectively referred to as the identification information JD.

The toner container 131 to the toner container 134 are detachably attached to the toner supply unit 13. The toner supply unit 13 includes a leader R1, a leader R2, a leader R3, and a leader R4.

The reader R1 reads the identification information JD1 of the toner container 131 from the IC tag G1. The reader R2 reads the identification information JD2 of the toner container 132 from the IC tag G2. The reader R3 reads the identification information JD3 of the toner container 133 from the IC tag G3. The reader R4 reads the identification information JD4 of the toner container 134 from the IC tag G4. In the following description, leaders R1 to R4 may be collectively referred to as leader RD.

The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P by consuming the toner TN. The transfer unit 5 includes an intermediate transfer belt 54. The image forming unit 4 transfers a cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 54. Toner images of a plurality of colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 54, and an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54. The transfer unit 5 transfers the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54 onto the paper P. As a result, an image is formed on the paper P. The image forming unit 4 and the transfer unit 5 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

The fixing unit 16 heats and pressurizes the paper P, and fixes the image formed on the paper P to the paper P. The ejection unit 17 ejects the paper P to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

The operation panel 14 includes a touch panel 141. The touch panel 141 includes, for example, an LCD and displays various images. Further, the touch panel 141 is provided with a touch sensor and accepts operations from the user.

The first control unit 6 includes a first processor 61 and a first storage unit 62. The first processor 61 includes, for example, a CPU. The first storage unit 62 includes a memory such as a semiconductor memory, and may include an HDD. The first storage unit 62 stores the control program.

Next, the configuration of the image forming unit 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 4 includes an image forming unit 4c, an image forming unit 4m, an image forming unit 4y, and an image forming unit 4k.

Each of the image forming unit 4c, the image forming unit 4m, the image forming unit 4y, and the image forming unit 4k includes an exposure unit 41, a photoconductor drum 42, a developing unit 43, a charging roller 44, and a cleaning blade 45. The configurations of the image forming unit 4c, the image forming unit 4m, the image forming unit 4y, and the image forming unit 4k differ only in the color of the supplied toner TN, and the other configurations are substantially the same. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the image forming unit 4c to which the cyan toner TN1 is supplied will be described, and the image forming units (image forming unit 4m, image forming unit 4y, and image forming unit 4k) other than the image forming unit 4c will be described. ) Will be omitted.

The image forming unit 4c includes an exposure unit 41c, a photoconductor drum 42c, a developing unit 43c, a charging roller 44c, and a cleaning blade 45c. The image forming unit 4m includes an exposure unit 41m, a photoconductor drum 42m, a developing unit 43m, a charging roller 44m, and a cleaning blade 45m. The image forming unit 4y includes an exposure unit 41y, a photoconductor drum 42y, a developing unit 43y, a charging roller 44y, and a cleaning blade 45y. The image forming unit 4k includes an exposure unit 41k, a photoconductor drum 42k, a developing unit 43k, a charging roller 44k, and a cleaning blade 45k.

In the following description, the exposure unit 41c, the exposure unit 41m, the exposure unit 41y, and the exposure unit 41k may be collectively referred to as the exposure unit 41. The photoconductor drum 42c, the photoconductor drum 42m, the photoconductor drum 42y, and the photoconductor drum 42k may be collectively referred to as the photoconductor drum 42. The developing unit 43c, the developing unit 43m, the developing unit 43y, and the developing unit 43k may be collectively referred to as the developing unit 43. The charging roller 44c, the charging roller 44m, the charging roller 44y and the charging roller 44k may be collectively referred to as the charging roller 44. The cleaning blade 45c, the cleaning blade 45m, the cleaning blade 45y, and the cleaning blade 45k may be collectively referred to as the cleaning blade 45.

The charging roller 44c charges the photoconductor drum 42c to a predetermined potential. The exposure unit 41c irradiates the photoconductor drum 42c with a laser beam to expose the photoconductor drum 42c, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 42c. The developing unit 43c has a developing roller 431c. The developing roller 431c supplies a cyan-colored toner TN1 to the photoconductor drum 42c to develop an electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. In this way, a cyan toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 42c.

The tip of the cleaning blade 45c (upper end in FIG. 2) is in sliding contact with the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 42c. When the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 42c and the tip of the cleaning blade 45c are in sliding contact with each other, the cleaning blade 45c removes the cyan-colored toner TN1 remaining on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 42c.

The transfer unit 5 transfers the toner image to the paper P. The transfer unit 5 includes a primary transfer roller 51, a secondary transfer roller 52, a drive roller 53, an intermediate transfer belt 54, a driven roller 55, and a density sensor S. The primary transfer roller 51 transfers a cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner image from the photoconductor drum 42 to the intermediate transfer belt 54. The primary transfer roller 51 includes a primary transfer roller 51c, a primary transfer roller 51m, a primary transfer roller 51y and a primary transfer roller 51k.

The drive roller 53 drives the intermediate transfer belt 54. The intermediate transfer belt 54 is an endless belt stretched on the primary transfer roller 51, the drive roller 53, and the driven roller 55. The intermediate transfer belt 54 is rotationally driven by the drive roller 53 in a counterclockwise direction as shown by arrows D1 and D2. The driven roller 55 is rotationally driven as the intermediate transfer belt 54 rotates. The blade 56 removes the toner TN remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 54.

The secondary transfer roller 52 is pressed by the drive roller 53, and a nip portion NP is formed between the secondary transfer roller 52 and the drive roller 53. The secondary transfer roller 52 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 54 to the paper P when the paper P passes through the nip portion NP.

The density sensor S detects the density of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54. For example, the density sensor S is a reflection type density sensor. The reflection type density sensor emits light to the image (or intermediate transfer belt 54) formed on the paper P, and detects the first component and the second component of the reflected light from the image (or intermediate transfer belt 54). .. The planes of polarization of the first component and the second component are orthogonal to each other. Specifically, the first component represents a P wave (P polarization) component, and the second component represents an S wave (S polarization) component. The reflection type density sensor detects the density of the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54 based on the P wave component and the S wave component.

Next, the configurations of the first control unit 6 and the second control unit 70 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control unit 6 and the second control unit 70. The configuration of the first control unit 6 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

The second control unit 70 includes a second acquisition unit 701, a second determination unit 702, and a second instruction unit 703. Specifically, the second processor 71 of the second control unit 70 functions as the second acquisition unit 701, the second determination unit 702, and the second instruction unit 703 by executing the control program. The control program corresponds to an example of an “output control program”. The second processor 71 corresponds to an example of a "computer".

The second acquisition unit 701 acquires the determination result information JF and the identification information JE from the image forming apparatus 100 (first control unit 6). The determination result information JF indicates whether the toner container 130 is the first container TC1 or the second container TC2. The first container TC1 is, for example, a dedicated container. The second container TC2 is different from the first container TC1. The second container TC2 is, for example, a non-dedicated container. The first container TC1 corresponds to an example of a "first replacement part", and the second container TC2 corresponds to an example of a "second replacement part". The identification information JE indicates information for identifying the image forming apparatus 100. The second acquisition unit 701 corresponds to an example of the “acquisition unit”.

In addition, "the toner container 130 is the first container TC1" means that all of the toner container 131 to the toner container 134 are the first container TC1. "The toner container 130 is the second container TC2" means that at least one toner container out of the toner container 131 to the toner container 134 is the second container TC2.

The second determination unit 702 determines whether the required quality of the target image M is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2. The target image M shows an image of the target formed on the paper P by the plurality of image forming devices 100. The second quality QL2 is lower than the first quality QL1. The target image M is, for example, a color image. The second determination unit 702 corresponds to an example of the "determination unit".

Further, the second determination unit 702 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2 based on whether the target image M is formed in color or monochrome on the paper P. judge. Specifically, when the target image M is formed on the paper P in color, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the first quality QL1 and forms the target image M on the paper P in monochrome. If so, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the second quality QL2.

The second instruction unit 703 outputs the instruction information JP to the first image forming apparatus 100A and the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B according to the determination result of the second determination unit 702. Regulate output. The first image forming apparatus 100A shows an image forming apparatus 100 equipped with a first container TC1 (for example, a dedicated container) among a plurality of image forming apparatus 100. The second image forming apparatus 100B shows an image forming apparatus 100 to which a second container TC2 (for example, a non-dedicated container) among a plurality of image forming apparatus 100 is mounted. For example, when the required quality of the target image M is the first quality QL1, the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. The second instruction unit 703 corresponds to an example of the "instruction unit".

Further, when the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B, the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. It is displayed on the LCD 73.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the required quality of the target image M is the first quality QL1, the first image forming apparatus 100A is used. The instruction information JP is output, and the output of the instruction information JP is restricted (for example, prohibited) for the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the qualities of the images formed on the paper P are different from each other. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved.

Further, when the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B, the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. It is displayed on the LCD 73. Therefore, the user can recognize, for example, that the target image M is not formed on the paper P in the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

Further, when the required quality of the target image M is the second quality QL2, the second instruction unit 703 also outputs the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the target image M can be efficiently formed on the paper P. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

Further, it is determined whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2 based on whether the target image M is formed on the paper P in color or monochrome. For example, when the target image M is formed on the paper P in color, it is determined that the required quality is the first quality QL1. Therefore, even when the target image M is formed on the paper P in color, an image of the quality desired by the user can be formed. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the target image M is a color image, but the present invention is not limited to this. The target image M may be a monochrome image. In this case, "the toner container 130 is the first container TC1" means that the toner container 134 is the first container TC1, and "the toner container 130 is the second container TC2" means that the toner is the toner. Indicates that the container 134 is the second container TC2.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second determination unit 702 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or not, based on whether the target image M is formed on the paper P in color or monochrome. 2 It is determined whether the quality is QL2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the second determination unit 702 distributes the paper P on which the target image M is formed to an unspecified number of people for the purpose of advertising as in a leaflet, the required quality of the target image M is the second quality QL2. It may be determined that. In such a case, since the target image M is formed on the paper P in all of the plurality of image forming devices 100 to generate a leaflet, the target image M can be efficiently formed on the paper P. Further, the quality of the paper P may be lower than that of the so-called “copy paper”.

Next, an example of the instruction information JP will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Further, the configuration of the first control unit 6 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of instruction information JP output from the second instruction unit 703 to the three image forming apparatus 100 (image forming apparatus 101 to image forming apparatus 103). FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of instruction information JP output when the second image forming apparatus 100B is not present. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the instruction information JP output when the number of the second image forming apparatus 100B is one. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of the instruction information JP output when the number of the second image forming apparatus 100B is two.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a first container TC1 is attached to each of the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 103. That is, each of the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 103 is the first image forming apparatus 100A. Therefore, the second instruction unit 703 does not regulate the output of the instruction information JP. For example, when the target image M is formed on the number of sheets N, the instruction information JP for forming the target image M on the number of sheets N11 is output to the image forming apparatus 101, and the number of sheets N21 is formed. The instruction information JP for forming the target image M on P is output to the image forming apparatus 102, and the instruction information JP for forming the target image M on the paper P of the number of sheets N31 is output to the image forming apparatus 103. Will be done.

The number of sheets N11, the number of sheets N21, and the number of sheets N31 satisfy the following formula (1).
N = N11 + N21 + N31 (1)
For example, when the number N is 1000, the number N11 is 500, the number N21 is 300, and the number N31 is 200. The number N11, the number N21, and the number N31 are determined according to the processing capacity of each of the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 103. The processing capacity indicates the number of sheets of paper P that the image forming apparatus 100 can print per minute. As the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 100 is higher, the instruction information JP for forming the target image M on a larger number of sheets of paper P is output to the image forming apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 5B, a first container TC1 is attached to each of the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102, and a second container TC2 is attached to the image forming apparatus 103. That is, each of the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 is the first image forming apparatus 100A, and the image forming apparatus 103 is the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the second instruction unit 703 regulates the output of the instruction information JP to the image forming apparatus 103. For example, the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the image forming apparatus 103.

For example, when the target image M is formed on the number of sheets N, the instruction information JP for forming the target image M on the number of sheets N21 is output to the image forming apparatus 101, and the number of sheets N22 is formed. The instruction information JP for forming the target image M is output to the image forming apparatus 102, and the instruction information JP is not output to the image forming apparatus 103.

The number N12 and the number N22 satisfy the following formula (2).
N = N12 + N22 (2)
For example, when the number N is 1000, the number N12 is 600 and the number N22 is 400. The number N12 and the number N22 are determined according to the processing capacity of each of the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102.

As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the image forming apparatus 101 is equipped with the first container TC1, and each of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 is attached with the second container TC2. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 is the first image forming apparatus 100A, and each of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 is the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to each of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103.

For example, when the target image M is formed on the number of sheets N of paper P, the instruction information JP for forming the target image M on the number of sheets N of paper P is output to the image forming apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 102 And the instruction information JP is not output to each of the image forming apparatus 103.

Next, the configuration of the first control unit 6 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the first control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first acquisition unit 601, a first determination unit 602, a reception unit 603, and a first instruction unit 604. Specifically, the first processor 61 of the first control unit 6 functions as a first acquisition unit 601, a first determination unit 602, a reception unit 603, and a first instruction unit 604 by executing a control program. Further, the first storage unit 62 includes an identification information storage unit 621.

The identification information storage unit 621 stores a plurality of identification information JDBs. The identification information JDB indicates the identification information JD of the first container TC1.

The first acquisition unit 601 acquires the identification information JDA of the toner container 130 via the reader RD. The identification information JDA indicates the identification information JD of the toner container 130 mounted on the toner supply unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100.

The first determination unit 602 determines whether the toner container 130 is the first container TC1 or the second container TC2 based on the identification information JDA.

Specifically, the first determination unit 602 determines whether or not the identification information JDA matches any of the plurality of identification information JDBs stored in the identification information storage unit 621. When the identification information JDA is determined to match any of the plurality of identification information JDBs, the first determination unit 602 determines that the toner container 130 is the first container TC1. If the identification information JDA is determined not to match any of the plurality of identification information JDBs, the first determination unit 602 determines that the toner container 130 is the second container TC2.

Further, the first determination unit 602 reads the identification information JE of the image forming apparatus 100 from the first storage unit 62. Then, the first determination unit 602 transmits the determination result information JF and the identification information JE to the personal computer 7 (second control unit 70).

The receiving unit 603 receives instruction information from the personal computer 7 (second control unit 70). Specifically, the receiving unit 603 receives the instruction information JP for forming the target image M on the paper P from the second instruction unit 703.

The first instruction unit 604 arranges the image forming unit 4 so that when the receiving unit 603 receives the instruction information JP from the second instruction unit 703, the image forming unit 4 forms the target image M on a predetermined number of sheets of paper P. Control. The instruction information JP indicates an instruction to form the target image M on a predetermined number of sheets of paper P.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the first instruction unit 604 receives the instruction information JP, the image forming unit 4 displays a predetermined number of target images M. The image forming unit 4 is controlled so as to be formed on the paper P of. Therefore, each of the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 103 forms the target image M on the paper P according to the instruction information JP from the personal computer 7 (the second instruction unit 703 of the second control unit 70). Further, the output of the instruction information JP is prohibited to the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the first image forming apparatus 100A can form the target image M having uniform quality on the number N of sheets P desired by the user. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

Next, the configuration of the second control unit 70 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the target image information MJ including the symbol object TX. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the target image information MJ including the image object PT. The target image information MJ indicates the target image M.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the target image information MJ includes only the symbol object TX. The symbol object TX includes a character object, a number object, and a mark object. Character objects include objects corresponding to each of Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, and the alphabet. Numeric objects include objects corresponding to Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, and Chinese numerals. Mark objects include objects corresponding to each of various marks such as mathematical symbols, circles, triangles, and squares.

The second determination unit 702 shown in FIG. 4 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2 based on the size SZ of the symbol object TX included in the target image information MJ. For example, when the size SZ of the symbol object TX is less than the predetermined size SZA, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the first quality QL1, and the size of the symbol object TX is equal to or larger than the predetermined size SZA. In some cases, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the second quality QL2. The predetermined size SZA is, for example, 12 points.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 (a), in the embodiment of the present invention, the second determination unit 702 is based on the size SZ of the symbol object TX included in the target image information MJ. It is determined whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2. For example, when the size SZ of the symbol object TX is equal to or less than the predetermined size SZA, it is determined that the required quality is the first quality QL1. The predetermined size SZA is, for example, 12 points. Therefore, even if the size SZ of the symbol object TX is the predetermined size SZA or less, an image of the quality desired by the user can be formed. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the target image information MJ includes a symbol object TX and an image object PT. The size SZ of the symbol object TX is equal to or larger than the predetermined size SZA. The image object PT shows, for example, a photograph.

The second determination unit 702 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2 based on whether or not the image object PT is included in the target image information MJ. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the target image information MJ includes the image object PT, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the first quality QL1.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 (b), in the embodiment of the present invention, the second determination unit 702 is based on whether or not the target image information MJ includes the image object PT. , It is determined whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2. For example, when the target image information MJ includes the image object PT, it is determined that the required quality is the first quality QL1. Therefore, even when the target image information MJ includes the image object PT, it is possible to form an image of the quality desired by the user. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a target image information MJ whose importance is equal to or higher than a predetermined importance. In the embodiment of the present invention, "the importance is equal to or higher than the predetermined importance" means that the importance of the target image M to the user is equal to or higher than the predetermined importance. "The importance is equal to or higher than the predetermined importance" means, for example, the target image M in which the target image M that requires confidentiality is included or the content that the importance is equal to or higher than the predetermined importance is described. Indicates to include. As shown in FIG. 7, the target image information MJ includes, for example, a character object TXC indicating that the document is a confidential document.

The second determination unit 702 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2 based on the importance of the target image M. For example, the second determination unit 702 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2, depending on whether or not the importance of the target image M to the user is equal to or higher than a predetermined importance. Is determined. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the target image information MJ includes the character object TXC indicating that the document is a confidential document, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the first quality QL1. ..

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, in the embodiment of the present invention, whether the required quality of the second determination unit 702 is the first quality QL1 based on the importance of the target image M. , It is determined whether it is the second quality QL2. For example, when the importance is equal to or higher than a predetermined importance, it is determined that the required quality is the first quality QL1. Therefore, even if the importance of the target image M is equal to or higher than a predetermined importance, an image of the quality desired by the user can be formed. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

Next, the configurations of the first control unit 6 and the second control unit 70 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the quality evaluation image MQ. The quality evaluation image MQ is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54 by the image forming unit 4 based on the instruction from the first indicating unit 604.

Specifically, when the first determination unit 602 determines that the toner container 130 is the second container TC2, the image forming unit 4 forms the quality evaluation image MQ on the intermediate transfer belt 54 in the first indicating unit 604. The image forming unit 4 is controlled so as to do so. Hereinafter, a case where each of the toner container 131 to the toner container 134 is the second container TC2 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the quality evaluation image MQ includes a patch of toner of a color determined to be the second container TC2. In the embodiment of the present invention, the quality evaluation image MQ includes patches MY1 to patch MY9 of the yellow toner TN3, patches MM1 to patch MM9 of the magenta toner TN2, patches MC1 to patch MC9 of the cyan toner TN1 and the like. Includes patches MK1 to patch MK9 of the black toner TN4.

The patches MY1 to MY9 show rectangular patches formed only by the yellow toner TN3. The respective concentrations DY1 to DY9 of the patches MY1 to MY9 satisfy the following formula (3).
DY1>DY2>DY3> DY4
>DY5>DY6>DY7>DY8> DY9 (3)
For example, "DY1>DY2" indicates that the concentration DY1 is higher than the concentration DY2. That is, the patches MY1 to the patch MY9 correspond to the yellow-colored 9-tone density DN.

The patch MM1 to the patch MM9 show a rectangular patch formed only by the magenta toner TN2. The respective concentrations DM1 to DM9 of the patches MM1 to MM9 satisfy the following formula (4).
DM1>DM2>DM3> DM4
>DM5>DM6>DM7>DM8> DM9 (4)
That is, the patch MM1 to the patch MM9 correspond to the magenta-colored 9-tone density DN.

The patch MC1 to the patch MC9 show a rectangular patch formed only by the cyan toner TN1. Each of the concentrations DC1 to DC9 of the patches MC1 to the patch MC9 satisfies the following formula (5).
DC1>DC2>DC3> DC4
>DC5>DC6>DC7>DC8> DC9 (5)
That is, the patches MC1 to the patch MC9 correspond to the cyan-colored 9-tone density DN.

The patches MK1 to MK9 show rectangular patches formed only by the black toner TN4. The respective concentrations DK1 to DK9 of the patches MK1 to MK9 satisfy the following formula (6).
DK1>DK2>DK3> DK4
>DM5>DK6>DK7>DK8> DK9 (6)
That is, the patches MK1 to MK9 correspond to the black 9-tone density DN.

The first determination unit 602 shown in FIG. 4 determines whether the quality of the toner TN is the third quality QL3 or the fourth quality QL4 based on the quality evaluation image MQ. The quality of the fourth quality QL4 is lower than that of the third quality QL3. The third quality QL3 shows, for example, the same level of quality as the quality of the toner stored in the first container TC1 (for example, a dedicated container).

Specifically, when the first determination unit 602 determines that the toner container 130 is the second container TC2, the density sensor S includes patch MY1 to patch MY9, patch MM1 to patch MM9, patch MC1 to patch MC9, and the like. Each concentration of patch MK1 to patch MK9 is detected.

The first acquisition unit 601 acquires the detection value DS of each of the concentrations of patch MY1 to patch MY9, patch MM1 to patch MM9, patch MC1 to patch MC9, and patch MK1 to patch MK9 from the density sensor S.

The first determination unit 602 determines whether the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3 or the fourth quality QL4, based on the density detection value DS. Specifically, the first determination unit 602 determines whether or not the difference between the detection value DS of the concentration and the target value DSA of the concentration is equal to or less than the threshold value ΔD. That is, the first determination unit 602 determines whether or not the following equation (7) is satisfied.
| DS-DSA | ≤ΔD (7)
When the detected value DS of each concentration of the patch MY1 to the patch MY9 satisfies the equation (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the yellow toner TN3 is the third quality QL3. When the detection value DS of at least one of the concentrations of patch MY1 to patch MY9 does not satisfy the formula (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the yellow toner TN3 is the fourth quality QL4. judge.
When the detected value DS of each concentration of the patch MM1 to the patch MM9 satisfies the equation (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the magenta toner TN2 is the third quality QL3. When the detection value DS of the concentration of at least one of the patch MM1 to the patch MM9 does not satisfy the equation (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the magenta toner TN2 is the fourth quality QL4. judge.

When the detected value DS of each concentration of the patch MC1 to the patch MC9 satisfies the equation (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the cyan toner TN1 is the third quality QL3. When the detection value DS of the concentration of at least one of the patches MC1 to the patch MC9 does not satisfy the equation (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the cyan toner TN1 is the fourth quality QL4. judge.
When the detected value DS of each concentration of the patch MK1 to the patch MK9 satisfies the equation (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the black toner TN4 is the third quality QL3. When the detection value DS of the concentration of at least one of the patches MK1 to MK9 does not satisfy the formula (7), the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the black toner TN4 is the fourth quality QL4. do.

When the quality of the toner TN is the third quality QL3, the first acquisition unit 601 transmits information to the effect that the quality of the toner TN is the third quality QL3 to the personal computer 7 (second control unit 70). The information that the quality of the toner TN is the third quality QL3 is hereinafter referred to as "toner quality information".

The second acquisition unit 701 acquires toner quality information. When the second acquisition unit 701 acquires the toner quality information, the second instruction unit 703 releases the restriction on the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. That is, the instruction information JP is also output to the second image forming apparatus 100B.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3. If so, the second instruction unit 703 releases the restriction on the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. For example, when the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 (for example, a non-dedicated container) is equal to or higher than the quality of the toner TN stored in the first container TC1 (for example, a dedicated container), The second instruction unit 703 outputs the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B. Therefore, the quality of the target image M formed on the paper P can be made uniform, and the number of image forming devices 100 forming the target image M can be increased. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where each of the toner container 131 to the toner container 134 is the second container TC2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the toner containers 131 to the toner container 134 may be the second container TC2. For example, when the toner container 131 is the second container TC2, the quality evaluation image MQ may include patches MC1 to patch MC9 of the cyan toner TN1. Further, for example, when the toner container 134 is the second container TC2, the quality evaluation image MQ may include patches MK1 to patch MK9 of the black toner TN4.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first determination unit 602 determines whether the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3 or the fourth quality QL4. The present invention is not limited to this. The second determination unit 702 may determine whether the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3 or the fourth quality QL4. In this case, the first acquisition unit 601 may transmit information indicating the detection value DS of the concentration to the personal computer 7 (second control unit 70).

Next, the processing of the first control unit 6 and the second control unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the first control unit 6 and the second control unit 70.
As shown in FIG. 9, in step S101, the second acquisition unit 701 acquires the determination result information JF and the identification information JE from the image forming apparatus 100 (first control unit 6). The determination result information JF indicates whether the toner container 130 is the first container TC1 (for example, a dedicated container) or the second container TC2 (for example, a non-dedicated container). The identification information JE indicates information for identifying the image forming apparatus 100.
Next, in step S103, the second control unit 70 executes the "required quality determination process". The “required quality determination process” indicates a process of determining whether the required quality of the target image M is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2. The “required quality determination process” will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
Next, in step S105, the first control unit 6 executes the "toner quality determination process". The “toner quality determination process” indicates a process of determining whether the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3 or the fourth quality QL4. The “toner quality determination process” will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S107, the second control unit 70 determines whether the required quality is the first quality QL1 or the second quality QL2.
When the second control unit 70 determines that the required quality is the second quality QL2 (NO in step S107), the process proceeds to step S111. When the second control unit 70 determines that the required quality is the first quality QL1 (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S109.
Then, in step S109, the second control unit 70 determines whether the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3 or the fourth quality QL4.
When the second control unit 70 determines that the quality of the toner TN is the third quality QL3 (YES in step S109), the process proceeds to step S111.
Then, in step S111, the second instruction unit 703 permits the second image forming apparatus 100B to output the instruction information JP for forming the target image M, and the image forming apparatus 100 permits the target image M on the paper P. Is formed, and the process is completed.
When the second control unit 70 determines that the quality of the toner TN is not the third quality QL3 (NO in step S109), the process proceeds to step S113.
Then, in step S113, the second instruction unit 703 prohibits the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B, and the first image forming apparatus 100A among the plurality of image forming apparatus 100 causes the target image on the paper P. M is formed and the process is completed.

Note that step S101 corresponds to an example of "acquisition step", and step S103 corresponds to an example of "determination step". Further, each of step S111 and step S113 corresponds to an example of "instruction step" and "formation step".

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the “required quality determination process” of the second control unit 70 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the required quality determination process of the second control unit 70.
As shown in FIG. 10, in step S201, the second control unit 70 determines whether or not the print job JB has been accepted.
If it is determined that the print job JB is not accepted (NO in step S201), the process is in the standby state. If it is determined that the print job JB has been accepted (YES in step S201), the process proceeds to step S203.
Then, in step S203, the second determination unit 702 determines whether the print job JB is a job for forming the target image M on the paper P in color or a job for forming the target image M in monochrome.
When the second determination unit 702 determines that the print job JB is a job of forming the target image M on the paper P in color (YES in step S203), the process proceeds to step S215. If the second determination unit 702 determines that the print job JB is not a job for forming the target image M on the paper P in color (NO in step S203), the process proceeds to step S205.

Then, in step S205, the second determination unit 702 determines whether or not the target image information MJ includes the symbol object TX.
When the second determination unit 702 determines that the target image information MJ does not include the symbol object TX (NO in step S205), the process proceeds to step S209. When the second determination unit 702 determines that the target image information MJ includes the symbol object TX (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207.
Then, in step S207, the second determination unit 702 determines whether or not the size SZ of the symbol object TX is smaller than the predetermined size SZA.
When the second determination unit 702 determines that the size SZ of the symbol object TX is less than the predetermined size SZA (YES in step S207), the process proceeds to step S215. When the second determination unit 702 determines that the size SZ of the symbol object TX is not less than the predetermined size SZA (NO in step S207), the process proceeds to step S209.

Then, in step S209, the second determination unit 702 determines whether or not the target image information MJ includes the image object PT.
When the second determination unit 702 determines that the target image information MJ includes the image object PT (YES in step S209), the process proceeds to step S215. When the second determination unit 702 determines that the target image information MJ does not include the image object PT (NO in step S209), the process proceeds to step S211.
Then, in step S211 the second determination unit 702 determines whether or not the importance of the target image M is equal to or higher than the predetermined importance.
When the second determination unit 702 determines that the importance of the target image M is not equal to or higher than the predetermined importance (NO in step S211), the process proceeds to step S213.
Then, in step S213, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the second quality QL2, and the process returns to step S105 of FIG.
When the second determination unit 702 determines that the importance of the target image M is equal to or higher than the predetermined importance (YES in step S211), the process proceeds to step S215.
Then, in step S215, the second determination unit 702 determines that the required quality is the first quality QL1, and the process returns to step S105 of FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the “toner quality determination process” of the first control unit 6 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the “toner quality determination process” of the first control unit 6.
As shown in FIG. 11, when the first determination unit 602 determines that the toner container 130 is the second container TC2 in step S301, the image forming unit 4 sets the quality evaluation image MQ in the first instruction unit 604. The image forming unit 4 is controlled so as to be formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54.
Next, in step S303, the first acquisition unit 601 acquires the detected value DS of the density of the quality evaluation image MQ from the density sensor S.
Next, in step S305, the first determination unit 602 determines whether or not the difference between the concentration detection value DS and the concentration target value DSA is equal to or less than the threshold value ΔD.
When the first determination unit 602 determines that the difference between the concentration detection value DS and the concentration target value DSA is equal to or less than the threshold value ΔD (YES in step S305), the process proceeds to step S307.
Then, in step S307, the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the third quality QL3, and the process returns to step S107 of FIG.
When the first determination unit 602 determines that the difference between the concentration detection value DS and the concentration target value DSA is not equal to or less than the threshold value ΔD (NO in step S305), the process proceeds to step S309.
Then, in step S309, the first determination unit 602 determines that the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is the fourth quality QL4, and the process returns to step S107 of FIG.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11, in the embodiment of the present invention, the quality of the toner TN stored in the second container TC2 is good even when the required quality is the first quality QL1. When is the third quality QL3, the output of the instruction information JP to the second image forming apparatus 100B is permitted. Therefore, the quality of the target image M formed on the paper P can be made uniform, and the number of image forming devices 100 forming the target image M can be increased. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention (for example, (1) to (3) shown below). The drawings are schematically shown mainly for each component for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each of the illustrated components are different from the actual ones for the convenience of drawing creation. In some cases. Further, the shape, dimensions, and the like of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially deviating from the configuration of the present invention.

(1) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the "consumables" are the toner TN and the "replacement parts" are the toner container 130. Not limited to. An image may be formed on the paper P by consuming "consumables". For example, the "consumables" may be ink and the "replacement parts" may be ink cartridges. In this case, the "image forming apparatus" is an inkjet recording apparatus.

(2) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color multifunction device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The image forming apparatus 100 may form an image on the paper P. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a monochrome multifunction device, or the image forming apparatus 100 may be a color printer.

(3) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the information processing apparatus is the personal computer 7, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information processing device may be provided with a control unit. The information processing device may be, for example, a server device. Further, the information processing device may be, for example, a tablet-type terminal device or a smartphone.

The present invention can be used in the fields of output control programs, information processing devices, and image forming methods.

200 Image forming system 100 Image forming device 100A 1st image forming device 100B 2nd image forming device 1 Image forming unit 4, 4c, 4m, 4y, 4k Image forming unit 5 Transfer unit 54 Intermediate transfer belt S Concentration sensor 13 Toner supply unit (Mounting part)
130, 131-134 Toner container (replacement parts)
G, G1 to G4 IC tag RD, R1 to R4 Reader TN, TN1 to TN4 Toner 14 Operation panel 141 Touch panel 6 1st control unit 61 1st processor 601 1st acquisition unit 602 1st judgment unit 603 Reception unit 604 1st instruction Unit 62 Storage unit 621 Identification information storage unit 2 Image reading unit 3 Document transfer unit 7 Personal computer (information processing device)
70 2nd control unit 71 2nd processor (computer)
701 Second acquisition department (acquisition department)
702 Second judgment unit (judgment unit)
703 2nd indicator (indicator)
72 Second storage unit 73 LCD (display)

Claims (9)

An output control program that controls the output of instruction information to a plurality of image forming devices to form an image on a recording medium.
The plurality of image forming devices are communicably connected to the information processing device and are connected to each other.
The computer mounted on the information processing device
An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether the replacement part mounted on each of the plurality of image forming devices is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part.
A determination unit for determining whether the required quality of the target image is the first quality or the second quality lower than the first quality, and
According to the determination result of the determination unit, the instruction information is output to the first image forming apparatus, and the instruction information is made to function as an instruction unit to regulate the output of the instruction information to the second image forming apparatus.
The first image forming apparatus indicates an image forming apparatus to which the first replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted.
The second image forming apparatus indicates an image forming apparatus to which the second replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted.
The target image indicates an image of a target formed on the recording medium in the plurality of image forming devices.
The replacement part contains consumables and
An output control program in which each of the plurality of image forming devices forms the target image on the recording medium by consuming the consumables. The determination unit determines whether the required quality is the first quality or the second quality based on the size of the symbol object included in the target image information corresponding to the target image. The output control program according to 1. The determination unit determines whether the required quality is the first quality or the second quality based on whether the target image is formed in color or monochrome on the recording medium. , The output control program according to claim 1 or 2. The determination unit determines whether the required quality is the first quality or the second quality based on whether the target image information corresponding to the target image includes an image object. The output control program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. One of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether the required quality is the first quality or the second quality based on the importance of the target image. The output control program described in. The acquisition unit further acquires information indicating whether the quality of the consumables housed in the second replacement part is the third quality or the fourth quality lower than the third quality.
When the quality of the consumable is the third quality, the instruction unit removes the restriction on the output of the instruction information to the second image forming apparatus, which is any one of claims 1 to 5. The output control program described in the section. The information processing device includes a display.
The output control program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instruction unit displays on the display that the second image forming apparatus is restricted from outputting the instruction information. An information processing device that controls the output of instruction information to a plurality of image forming devices to form an image on a recording medium.
The information processing device is communicably connected to the plurality of image forming devices and is connected to the information processing device.
An acquisition unit for acquiring information indicating whether the replacement part mounted on each of the plurality of image forming devices is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part.
A determination unit for determining whether the required quality of the target image is the first quality or the second quality lower than the first quality.
The instruction unit is provided with an instruction unit that outputs the instruction information to the first image forming apparatus and regulates the output of the instruction information to the second image forming apparatus according to the determination result of the determination unit.
The first image forming apparatus indicates an image forming apparatus to which the first replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted.
The second image forming apparatus indicates an image forming apparatus to which the second replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted.
The target image indicates an image of a target formed on the recording medium in the plurality of image forming devices.
The replacement part contains consumables and
Each of the plurality of image forming devices is an information processing device that forms the target image on the recording medium by consuming the consumables. An image forming method in an image forming system including an information processing device and a plurality of image forming devices communicably connected to the information processing device .
Information that the acquisition unit of the information processing apparatus indicates whether the replacement part mounted on each of the plurality of image forming devices is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part. To get the get steps and
A determination step in which the determination unit of the information processing apparatus determines whether the required quality of the target image is the first quality or the second quality lower than the first quality.
The instruction unit of the information processing apparatus outputs instruction information to the first image forming apparatus to form the target image on the recording medium according to the determination result of the determination step, and forms the second image. For the device, the instruction step for restricting the output of the instruction information is included.
The first image forming apparatus indicates an image forming apparatus to which the first replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted.
The second image forming apparatus indicates an image forming apparatus to which the second replacement part among the plurality of image forming apparatus is mounted.
The target image indicates an image of a target formed on the recording medium in the plurality of image forming devices.
The replacement part contains consumables and
An image forming method, comprising a forming step in which each of the plurality of image forming devices follows the instruction information from the information processing device and forms the target image on the recording medium by consuming the consumables.

Images