Image forming device, color material management method, and program

Abstract

To estimate an amount of use (an amount of consumption) of a color material in a short time and with high accuracy.SOLUTION: An image forming device 101 includes: a grouping unit 13 that sorts documents into groups according to respective similar data based on a feature extracted from each document included in document information Dj; a representative page selection unit 14 that selects a representative page (a piece of representative page information Drp) of each group; a rasterization unit 15 that creates bit-mapped raster data from the document information; and a color material use amount calculation unit 16 that calculates an amount of use of a color material from the raster data. The rasterizing unit creates raster data of the representative page (a piece of representative page raster data Drs). The color material use amount calculation unit calculates an amount of use of the color material (a piece of information Dco on the amount of use of the color material) of the representative page by using the raster data of the representative page.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a color material management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus (printer), there has been a demand to know the cost of color materials (such as the usage amount of color materials like toner and ink, etc.) before starting printing. By knowing the cost of color materials before starting printing, it is possible to compare the criteria for determining the estimated amount, or to compare which image forming apparatus can suppress the printing cost among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0003] Regarding such a demand, by calculating the usage amount of color materials (toner) from raster data obtained by rasterizing print job data, an accurate value of the cost of color materials can be calculated. However, when rasterizing print job data, a relatively large amount of processing time is required. Therefore, it is desired that the image forming apparatus presents the printing cost to the user in a relatively short time.

[0004] Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, a technique is proposed in which the average of predicted values of the usage amount of color materials (toner consumption amount) for a predetermined number of records is calculated, and the usage amount of color materials consumed in a print job is predicted based on the calculated average value. The conventional technique described in such Patent Document 1 can present the printing cost to the user in a relatively short time. And the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 can present the usage amount of color materials (and thus the printing cost) for all pages of a manuscript with a certain degree of calculation accuracy to the user in a relatively short time for a specific variable manuscript (a manuscript with the same fixed area up to the last page).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, even if the original manuscript is a variable manuscript (the fixed area is the same manuscript up to the last page), when the color scheme (color tone) changes midway, the amount of toner used fluctuates midway, so the amount of toner used cannot be suitably calculated. Here, "when the color scheme (color tone) changes midway" means, for example, when the entire original manuscript of a printing job is a similar manuscript with similar content, but the color scheme (color tone) changes midway (at a specific page), etc. The prior art described in Patent Document 1 may perform incorrect cost calculation when the color scheme changes midway. Therefore, it is desired to predict (calculate) the amount of toner used with high accuracy in a short time. Note that when the color scheme changes midway, the high-speed processing may not be implemented and the process may end.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the above prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a toner management method, and a program capable of predicting the amount of toner (consumption amount) used with high accuracy in a short time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The above problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

[0009] (1) An image forming apparatus including: a grouping processing unit that groups each original manuscript for each similar data based on features extracted from each original manuscript included in the original manuscript information; a representative page selection unit that selects a representative page of each group; a rasterizing unit that creates raster data rasterized from the original manuscript information; and a toner usage amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of toner used from the raster data, wherein the rasterizing unit creates raster data of the representative page, and the toner usage amount calculation unit calculates the amount of toner used for the representative page using the raster data of the representative page.

[0010] (2) The grouping processing unit extracts and compares the characteristics of the manuscript from the overall manuscript information, and determines that those with a comparison result equal to or less than an arbitrarily determined threshold value belong to the same group. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0011] (3) When extracting the characteristics of the manuscript, the grouping processing unit uses the low-resolution raster data of the entire manuscript rasterized at a low resolution by the rasterizing unit. The image forming apparatus according to (2) above.

[0012] (4) When extracting the characteristics of the manuscript, the grouping processing unit uses the image data included in the overall manuscript information. The image forming apparatus according to (2) above.

[0013] (5) When extracting the characteristics of the manuscript, the grouping processing unit uses the data of a specific line included in the overall manuscript information. The image forming apparatus according to (2) above.

[0014] (6) When extracting the characteristics of the manuscript, the grouping processing unit uses the arrangement information and color information of the objects included in the overall manuscript information. The image forming apparatus according to (2) above.

[0015] (7) The representative page selection unit selects the delimiter page at which the group switches as the representative page. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0016] (8) The representative page selection unit selects the page at the median of the characteristic distribution within the group as the representative page. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0017] (9) The representative page selection unit selects the page randomly selected from within the group as the representative page. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0018] (10) The representative page selection unit selects the representative page prior to the grouping processing unit, and the grouping processing unit determines that the pages between the representative page selected by the representative page selection unit and the representative page belong to the same group. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0019] (11) The representative page selection unit selects, as the representative page, a delimiter page at which the group switches from the binding information of the original documents included in the original document information. The image forming apparatus according to (10) above.

[0020] (12) The representative page selection unit selects, as the representative page, a page selected based on a user operation. The image forming apparatus according to (10) above.

[0021] (13) The grouping processing unit notifies the user of a warning when the number of groups exceeds a predetermined upper limit number. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0022] (14) The grouping processing unit aborts the grouping processing when there are many groups with a small number of original documents in the group. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0023] (15) A color material management method for managing the usage amount of a color material used for printing by an image forming apparatus, including: a representative page selection step of selecting a representative page for each group in which each original document is grouped for each similar data based on features extracted from each original document included in the original document information; a representative page raster data creation step of creating raster data of the representative page; and a color material usage amount calculation step of calculating the usage amount of the color material of the representative page using the raster data of the representative page.

[0024] (16) A program for managing the usage amount of coloring materials used in printing by an image forming apparatus, which causes a control unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a representative page selection step of selecting a representative page of each group in which each document is grouped for each similar data based on features extracted from each document included in the document information, a representative page raster data creation step of creating raster data of the representative page, and a coloring material usage amount calculation step of calculating the usage amount of the coloring material of the representative page using the raster data of the representative page.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to predict the usage amount (consumption amount) of coloring materials with high accuracy in a short time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing only schematically shows the invention to such an extent that it can be sufficiently understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples. Also, in each drawing, for common components and similar components, the same reference numerals are given, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0028] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the entire image forming system 1000 including the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram inside the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 has conveyance means for conveying a medium and image forming means for forming an image on the medium. However, since the main features of the image forming apparatus 101 are in the configuration inside the CPU, the details of the conveyance means and the image forming means will be omitted here.

[0029] The image forming system 1000 is a system including a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "user PC 100") operated by the user 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment is a printing machine having a rasterization function. Here, the rasterization function means a function of performing a graphic conversion from data of a straight line (outline-font) represented by a start point and an end point to a set of points (bitmap-font). In this embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus 101 is an electrophotographic color printer using four colors of toner, namely Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), will be described. Note that the types of toner colors and the image forming method in the image forming apparatus 101 are merely examples, and other types may be used.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a control program Pr is stored in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. The control program Pr is stored in advance in the storage medium 102 and is stored in the image forming apparatus 101 from the storage medium 102 via a reading means (not shown) or a communication means (not shown). The storage medium 102 is, for example, a memory member, a storage device, an optical medium, or other forms. Examples of the memory member include a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus Memory). Examples of the storage device include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). Examples of the optical medium include a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and a Blu-Ray disc.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the user PC 100 via a communication means (not shown). The user PC 100 is a personal computer in which a driver or application software for inputting print job data to the image forming apparatus 101 is stored.

[0033] When printing, the user PC 100 transmits the original document information Dj to the image forming apparatus 101 via communication means (not shown). The original document information Dj is print job data for causing the image forming apparatus 101 to execute. When the image forming apparatus 101 receives the original document information Dj from the user PC 100, it calculates the amount of color material used for each color in all print jobs based on the original document information Dj. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 generates color material usage amount information Dco representing the calculated amount of color material used for each color and transmits it to the user PC 100.

[0034] When the user PC 100 receives the color material usage amount information Dco from the image forming apparatus 101, it generates display data I100 representing a predicted value of the printing cost based on the color material usage amount information Dco and displays it on its own display unit 100a. The display data I100 includes printing cost prediction data. The printing cost is mainly the cost required when executing a print job such as expenses for the amount of color material used, expenses for the number of sheets of paper used, and labor costs. Application software (printing cost calculation software) (not shown) for calculating the printing cost is pre-stored in the user PC 100. The user PC 100 calculates the printing cost based on the color material usage amount information Dco using the printing cost calculation software. Alternatively, the printing cost calculation software may be pre-stored in the image forming apparatus 101, and when the image forming apparatus 101 generates the color material usage amount information Dco, it may calculate the printing cost based on the color material usage amount information Dco. In this case, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits printing cost information (not shown) representing the printing cost to the user PC 100 together with the color material usage amount information Dco. The user PC 100 generates display data I100 including printing cost prediction data based on the received color material usage amount information Dco and the printing cost information (not shown) and displays it on its own display unit 100a.

[0035] User 103 who operates user PC 100 views display data I100, determines whether to execute printing or not, and inputs the determination result into user PC 100. User PC 100 transmits the determination result of user 103 to image forming apparatus 101. In response to this, image forming apparatus 101 executes printing or aborts it.

[0036] Image forming apparatus 101 groups each original manuscript included in the original manuscript information for each similar data, selects a representative page for each group, creates raster data of the representative page, and calculates the amount of colorant used for the representative page using the raster data of the representative page. Such an image forming apparatus 101 can reduce the number of raster data created for predicting (calculating) the amount of colorant used. That is, image forming apparatus 101 can shorten the time required for creating raster data. Therefore, image forming apparatus 101 can improve the processing speed.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the functional blocks inside the CPU of image forming apparatus 101. As shown in Fig. 2, the CPU functions as an original manuscript information analysis unit 11, a feature extraction unit 12, a grouping processing unit 13, a representative page selection unit 14, a rasterization unit 15, and a colorant usage amount calculation unit 16.

[0038] The original manuscript information analysis unit 11 is a component that analyzes the original manuscript information Dj. The feature extraction unit 12 is a component that extracts the features (feature information Dca) of each original manuscript. The grouping processing unit 13 is a component that groups each original manuscript for each similar data. The representative page selection unit 14 is a component that selects the representative page (representative page information Drp) for each group. In other words, the representative page selection unit 14 is a component that selects one page (representative page) to be rasterized from each group. The representative page selection unit 14 can also select several representative pages from one group. However, the more the number of representative pages increases, the more time is required to create the raster data accordingly. Therefore, the processing time becomes longer. Thus, it is better that the number of representative pages selected from one group is as small as possible. The rasterization unit 15 is a component that creates raster data that is bitmap-converted from the manuscript information Dj. The toner usage amount calculation unit 16 is a component that calculates the toner usage amount from the raster data.

[0039] The CPU of the image forming apparatus 101 realizes each of these functions by executing a control program Pr (FIG. 1) stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) not shown in the figure.

[0040] In the image forming system 1000, when printing, the user PC 100 transmits the manuscript information Dj to the image forming apparatus 101 via a communication means not shown in the figure.

[0041] In the image forming apparatus 101, when the manuscript information Dj is received, the manuscript information analysis unit 11 analyzes the manuscript information Dj. At this time, the manuscript information analysis unit 11 analyzes, for example, information such as the arrangement position, color, size, etc. of the objects included in each manuscript from the manuscript information Dj. Then, the manuscript information analysis unit 11 outputs the manuscript information Dj and the analysis result to the feature extraction unit 12.

[0042] Before starting printing, the feature extraction unit 12 extracts features for grouping each document from the document information Dj based on the analysis result analyzed by the document information analysis unit 11. At this time, the feature extraction unit 12 extracts, for example, data of specific lines such as low-resolution raster data and Band information, object arrangement information, color information, etc. from the document information Dj as feature information Dca. Then, the feature extraction unit 12 generates feature information Dca representing the features of each document, and outputs the document information Dj and the feature information Dca to the grouping processing unit 13.

[0043] The grouping processing unit 13 groups each document based on the similarity of the documents. The similarity is the degree to which the documents are similar. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the similarity is determined based on the feature information Dca. For example, the grouping processing unit 13 compares a specific page with an arbitrary page, and determines that pages with a value equal to or less than a predetermined arbitrary threshold are pages in the same group. Pages with a value equal to or less than the threshold are referred to as "similar data". Then, the grouping processing unit 13 generates group information Dgr representing the group of each document and a selection request Rel for requesting to select a representative page from each group, and outputs the document information Dj, the group information Dgr, and the selection request Rel to the representative page selection unit 14. In addition, the grouping processing unit 13 outputs a completion notification Ncm to the feature extraction unit 12. Note that the content of the selection request Rel can be specified, for example, by a control program Pr (FIG. 1). Note that the determination of the similarity of the documents is not limited to that described in this embodiment.

[0044] The representative page selection unit 14 selects a representative page for each group in response to the selection request Rel. At this time, the representative page selection unit 14 selects, for example, a delimiter page, a page of the median of the feature distribution, a randomly selected page, or a user operation selection page as the representative page from among each loop specified by the group information Dgr. The selection at this time can be specified, for example, by the selection request Rel or the group information Dg.

[0045] Note that the separator page is the page that serves as the group separator. The separator page is, for example, a page where the arrangement position, color, size, etc. of the objects included in the manuscript are different from those of the immediately following page. The page of the median of the feature distribution is the page where the feature distribution included in the manuscript becomes the median within the group. The randomly selected page is the page randomly selected from within the group. The user operation selection page is the page selected as the representative page by the user 103 (Fig. 1) operating the user PC 100 (Fig. 1).

[0046] When the representative page selection unit 14 selects the representative page of each group, it generates representative page information Drp representing the representative page of each group, and outputs the representative page information Drp to the rasterization unit 15. The representative page information Drp is the manuscript information Dj itself, which is the print job data of the representative page, or data that partially includes the manuscript information Dj, which is the print job data of the representative page.

[0047] When the representative page information Drp is input, the rasterization unit 15 creates raster data (representative page raster data Drs) in which the representative page is bitmapized for each group from the representative page information Drp (or the manuscript information Dj included in the representative page information Drp). Then, the rasterization unit 15 outputs the representative page raster data Drs of each group to the colorant usage calculation unit 16.

[0048] When the representative page raster data Drs of each group is input, the colorant usage calculation unit 16 calculates the usage amount of the colorant for each representative page from the representative page raster data Drs of each group. At this time, the colorant usage calculation unit 16 identifies the density value for each color of the colorant (toner) used on each representative page from the representative page raster data Drs of each group, and calculates the usage amount (consumption amount) of the colorant for each color from the identified density values. Then, the colorant usage calculation unit 16 generates colorant usage amount information Dco representing the usage amount of the colorant on the representative page of each group, and transmits the colorant usage amount information Dco to the user PC 100.

[0049] When the user PC 100 receives the color material usage amount information Dco from the image forming apparatus 101, it generates display data I100 (FIG. 1) based on the color material usage amount information Dco and displays it on its own display unit 100a. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 101 can present the printing cost to the user via the user PC 100.

[0050] Hereinafter, as an example of the present embodiment, three examples of a first example, a second example, and a third example will be illustrated and described. Here, a case where the image forming apparatus 101 is used in a printing company to print a plurality of tickets including a fixed area and a variable area will be assumed and described. Here, it will be described assuming that one ticket is a one-page manuscript.

[0051] The first example is an example of predicting (calculating) the color material usage amount when the color scheme changes midway in the manuscript of the variable data described later. The second example is an example of predicting (calculating) the color material usage amount when there is a change in data centered on the variable area in the manuscript of the variable data described later. The third example is an example of predicting (calculating) the color material usage amount when allowing the user to select the delimiter of the manuscript of the variable data described later.

[0052] (First Example) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first example will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where the prediction (calculation) of the usage amount (consumption amount) of the color material is successful by the same processing as the prior art for the manuscript of the variable data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where the prediction (calculation) of the usage amount (consumption amount) of the color material fails by the same processing as the prior art for a specific manuscript of the variable data. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where the prediction (calculation) of the usage amount (consumption amount) of the color material is successful by the processing of the first example for a specific manuscript of the variable data.

[0053] Among the data handled by a printing company, there is data called "variable data". "Variable data" is data in which a fixed area and a variable area are separated. "Variable data" is mainly used in the digital printing field, and similar objects are often arranged in the variable area of the variable data manuscript. The conventional device described in Patent Document 1 utilizes the characteristics of such variable data to rasterize the manuscript for the first few pages to generate raster data. Then, when the feature difference of the raster data is small, the conventional device determines that the manuscript for the first few pages is a variable data manuscript, and calculates the amount of toner used for the entire printing job by calculating "average value × number of pages" without rasterizing the subsequent pages. As a result, the conventional device can present to the user the amount of toner used for the manuscript of all pages (and thus the printing cost) with a certain degree of calculation accuracy in a relatively short time.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows an example in which, for a variable data manuscript, the amount of toner used (consumption) is successfully predicted (calculated) by the same processing as such a conventional technique. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the conventional apparatus rasterizes the first several pages of a plurality of tickets Tc (in the illustrated example, 1000 tickets Tc1 to Tc1000) that are the manuscript to be printed. Then, the conventional apparatus calculates the average value of the characteristic differences of the raster data. The average value of the characteristic differences of the raster data represents the amount of toner used per page. Then, the conventional apparatus determines whether or not the average value of the characteristic differences is smaller than a predetermined arbitrary threshold value. Thereby, the conventional apparatus determines whether or not the first several pages of the manuscript are a variable data manuscript. When the average value of the characteristic differences is smaller than the threshold value, the conventional apparatus determines that the first several pages of the manuscript are a variable data manuscript. Then, the conventional apparatus calculates "average value × number of pages" (in the illustrated example, average value × 1000) without rasterizing the subsequent pages (that is, the pages after the first several pages). Thereby, the conventional apparatus calculates the amount of toner used for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages). In the example shown in FIG. 3 like this, the conventional apparatus succeeds in predicting (calculating) the amount of toner used (consumption) for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages). That is, the conventional apparatus can calculate the amount of toner used for a suitable entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages).

[0055] However, the conventional technique cannot handle a somewhat complex variable data manuscript. FIG. 4 shows an example in which, for a specific variable data manuscript, the prediction (calculation) of the amount of toner used (consumption) fails by the same processing as the conventional technique.

[0056] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, depending on the print job, although the content of the object is almost the same, the color scheme (color tone) of the ticket background may change midway. Such a case is, for example, when the color of the ticket background is divided according to the grade of the ticket or the like. In such a case, when the conventional apparatus rasterizes the manuscript for several pages from the beginning, it determines that the manuscript for several pages from the beginning is a variable data manuscript. Then, without determining whether the subsequent pages are variable data manuscripts, the conventional apparatus calculates the amount of toner used for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages) by calculation of the average value × the number of pages.

[0057] However, in the example shown in FIG. 4, although the manuscript for all pages of the print job is similar data (that is, although the content of the object is almost the same), the color scheme (color tone) of the ticket background changes midway. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the amount of toner used for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages) changes significantly.

[0058] Therefore, the conventional apparatus may fail to predict (calculate) the amount of toner used (consumed) for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages). That is, the conventional apparatus cannot calculate the appropriate amount of toner used for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages).

[0059] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment can also calculate the appropriate amount of toner used for the entire print job (that is, the manuscript for all pages) even for the print job as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the prediction (calculation) of the amount of toner used (consumed) is successful by the processing of the first embodiment for a specific variable data manuscript.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 101 groups the entire print job and then calculates the amount of toner used by rasterizing only the representative pages of each group. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 101 rasterizes the entire print job (i.e., the original manuscript for all pages) at a low resolution to generate low-resolution raster data. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 compares the differences in the low-resolution raster data in order from the beginning. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 sets the difference of the variable data portion as a threshold value. When a manuscript outside the threshold value appears, the manuscripts within the threshold value are grouped as one group, and a new group is created to include the manuscript outside the threshold value. By repeating such processing, the image forming apparatus 101 can determine to which group each page belongs in the entire print job. When such processing is completed, the image forming apparatus 101 selects a representative page from each group. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 rasterizes only the selected representative pages to generate raster data of the representative pages of each group. The image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for each group based on the raster data of the representative pages of each group. At this time, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates, for example, the amount of toner used for the representative page based on the raster data of the representative page. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for each group by calculating "the amount of toner used for the representative page × the number of pages in the group" for each group. After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for the entire print job (i.e., the original manuscript for all pages) by summing up the amounts of toner used for each group.

[0061] Such an image forming apparatus 101 can greatly shorten the processing time for calculating the amount of toner used (and thus the printing cost) for the original manuscript for all pages. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, 1000 tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 are divided into three groups: group Gp1, group Gp2, and group Gp3.

[0062] Group Gp1 is a group of 100 tickets Tc1 to Tc100. Group Gp2 is a group of 300 tickets Tc101 to Tc400. Group Gp3 is a group of 600 tickets Tc401 to Tc1000.

[0063] The image forming apparatus 101 selects representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 from each of groups Gp1, Gp2, and Gp3. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 rasterizes the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 to generate raster data of the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3.

[0064] After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of colorant used for the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 based on the raster data of the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3. For group Gp1, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of colorant used for group Gp1 by calculating the amount of colorant used for representative page Rp1 × the number of pages in group Gp1 (100 sheets). Also, the image forming apparatus 101 performs the same process for groups Gp2 and GP3 to calculate the amount of colorant used for groups Gp2 and GP3. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of colorant used for the entire print job (i.e., the manuscript for all pages) by summing up the amount of colorant used for each of groups Gp1, Gp2, and Gp3.

[0065] Thereby, the image forming apparatus 101 can predict the amount of colorant used for the manuscript for all pages (and thus the printing cost) in a short time and with high accuracy. Such an image forming apparatus 101 can grasp how many pages each group has by grouping. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 101 can accurately calculate the amount of colorant used for the manuscript for all pages by calculating "the colorant usage fee for the representative page × the number of pages in the group" calculated from the rasterized data of the representative page.

[0066] (Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where the prediction (calculation) of the amount of colorant used (consumption) fails by the same processing as in the prior art for a manuscript of specific variable data. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where the prediction (calculation) of the amount of colorant used (consumption) is successful by the processing of the second embodiment for a manuscript of specific variable data.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows an example of a case where the prediction (calculation) of the amount of colorant used (consumption) fails by the same processing as in the prior art for a manuscript of specific variable data. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the content of the manuscript for several pages from the beginning of the print job has changed. Therefore, it is determined that the manuscript for those several pages is not a manuscript of variable data. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6, among the 1000 tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 of the print job, the background color schemes (color tones) of the first three tickets Tc1, Tc2, and Tc3 have changed. Therefore, the prior art apparatus determines that the three tickets Tc1, Tc2, and Tc3 are not variable.

[0068] This point will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 6, there are also patterns in the manuscript of variable data that are different from the patterns shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. For example, the pattern shown in FIG. 6 is a pattern in which data is changed centered on the variable area Ac (in the illustrated example, an animal logo) in the manuscript of variable data. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the pattern is such that the animal logos set in the variable area Ac in tickets S, A, and B are arranged in the order of "cat" →... →... → "kangaroo". In such a pattern, the prior art apparatus first compares whether each ticket (manuscript) for the first few pages is a manuscript of variable data based on the similarity of the background color schemes (color tones). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the background color schemes (color tones) of each ticket are different. Therefore, the prior art apparatus determines that each ticket is not a manuscript of variable data.

[0069] As a result, the prior art apparatus rasterizes tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 for all pages to generate raster data of tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 for all pages. Then, the prior art apparatus calculates the amount of toner used for each page based on the raster data of tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 for all pages, thereby calculating the amount of toner used for all pages. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the processing time for calculating the amount of toner used for the original manuscript for all pages (and thus the printing cost) is significantly increased.

[0070] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment can also calculate the amount of toner used for the entire printing job (that is, the original manuscript for all pages) that is suitable for the printing job as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the prediction (calculation) of the amount of toner used (consumption) is successful by the processing of the second embodiment for an original manuscript of specific variable data.

[0071] The image forming apparatus 101 compares all the pages based on the arrangement information or color information of an arbitrary object and groups each original manuscript. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 divides each original manuscript into arbitrary groups based on the arrangement information or color information of an arbitrary object. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 101 divides 1000 tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 into three groups, namely group Gp1, group Gp2, and group Gp3, based on the arrangement information or color information of the variable area Ac. The arrangement information of the variable area Ac represents the arrangement position, size, etc. of the variable area Ac. The color information represents the background color scheme (color tone), etc. The arrangement information and color information of the variable area Ac are feature information representing the features of the original manuscript. The arrangement information and color information of the variable area Ac are included in the original manuscript information Dj (FIG. 2) transmitted from the user PC 100.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the image forming apparatus 101 divides 1000 tickets Tc1 to Tc1000 into three groups, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 are selected from each of the groups Gp1, Gp2, and Gp3. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 rasterizes the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 to generate raster data of the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3.

[0073] After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 based on the raster data of the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for each group by calculating "the amount of toner used for the representative page × the number of pages in the group" for each of the groups Gp1, Gp2, and Gp3. After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the total amount of toner used for the entire print job (i.e., the original manuscript for all pages) by summing up the amounts of toner used for each group.

[0074] In such a second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 groups all the manuscripts based on the feature information (arrangement information or color information of the variable area Ac) of the manuscript included in the manuscript information Dj (FIG. 2) transmitted from the user PC 100, by comparing all the pages. At that time, even if the manuscripts (tickets) for several pages from the beginning of the print job are not manuscripts with variable data, the image forming apparatus 101 groups them by swapping each manuscript (ticket). After that, the image forming apparatus 101 selects a representative page from each group. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 rasterizes the representative page of each group to generate raster data of the representative page. After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for the representative page based on the raster data of the representative page of each group. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for each group by calculating "the amount of toner used for the representative page × the number of pages in the group" for each group. After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the total amount of toner used for the entire print job (i.e., the original manuscript for all pages) by summing up the amounts of toner used for each group.

[0075] In such a second embodiment, even when it is determined that the manuscripts for several pages from the beginning of the print job are not manuscripts of variable data, it is possible to accurately calculate the amount of colorant used for all pages of the manuscript.

[0076] (Third Embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where the prediction (calculation) of the amount of colorant used (consumed) is successful by the processing of the third embodiment for a specific manuscript of variable data.

[0077] In the first and second embodiments, when grouping the manuscripts (tickets), the image forming apparatus 101 automatically determines whether the manuscript is a manuscript of variable data. However, whether the manuscript is a manuscript of variable data can be easily identified by the user 103 (FIG. 1). Therefore, in the case of the user 103 (FIG. 1), it may be possible to easily specify (select) whether the manuscript is a manuscript of variable data. Also, in the case of the user 103 (FIG. 1), information such as which page is suitable as a representative page and how many pages are in the same category can be easily identified. Therefore, in the third embodiment, information such as the page number of the representative page and how many pages are in the same category is to be selected (input) by the user 103 (FIG. 1).

[0078] FIG. 8 shows an example of a case where the prediction (calculation) of the amount of colorant used (consumed) is successful by the processing of the third embodiment for a specific manuscript of variable data. In the third embodiment, for the image forming apparatus 101, information such as the page number of the representative page and how many pages are in the same category is selected (input) by the user 103. The image forming apparatus 101 selects only the pages that match the information input by the user 103 as the representative pages. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 101 selects three representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 from among 100 tickets Tc1 to Tc100. In the example shown in FIG. 8, there are 100 tickets in the group of the same category as the representative page Rp1, 300 tickets in the group of the same category as the representative page Rp2, and 600 tickets in the group of the same category as the representative page Rp3. The image forming apparatus 101 rasterizes the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 to generate raster data of the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3.

[0079] After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3 based on the raster data of the representative pages Rp1, Rp2, and Rp3. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for each group by calculating "the amount of toner used for the representative page × the number of pages in the group" for each group. After that, the image forming apparatus 101 calculates the amount of toner used for the entire print job (that is, the original for all pages) by summing up the amount of toner used for each group.

[0080] In such a third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 can rasterize only the pages that match the information input by the user 103 and calculate the amount of toner used for the entire print job. In such a third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 can reduce the processing time for checking and grouping all the pages. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 101 can present the printing cost to the user in a relatively short time.

[0081] <Operation of the Image Forming Apparatus> (Operation when applying the first and second embodiments) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 9, the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart when the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment analyzes the document information Dj and calculates the amount of toner used for the entire printing job. The flow shown in FIG. 9 is the content when applying the above-described first embodiment (FIG. 5) and second embodiment (FIG. 7). Note that the flow shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example and can be appropriately changed according to the operation.

[0082] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the document information analysis unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the document information Dj from the user PC 100 and analyzes the document information Dj (step S105).

[0083] After step S105, the feature extraction unit 12 performs feature extraction processing such as low-resolution rasterization (FIG. 5), arrangement information of the variable area Ac (FIG. 7), color information (FIG. 7), etc. (step S110).

[0084] In step S110, for example, when the image forming apparatus 101 executes the processing of the above-described first embodiment (FIG. 5), the feature extraction unit 12 performs, as the feature extraction processing, a process of rasterizing at a low resolution to generate low-resolution raster data. Then, the feature extraction unit 12 outputs the generated low-resolution raster data to the grouping processing unit 13 as the feature information Dca. Also, in step S110, for example, when the image forming apparatus 101 executes the processing of the above-described second embodiment (FIG. 7), the feature extraction unit 12 performs, as the feature extraction processing, a process of extracting the arrangement information of the variable area Ac, color information, etc. from the document information Dj. Then, the feature extraction unit 12 outputs the extracted arrangement information of the variable area Ac, color information, etc. to the grouping processing unit 13 as the feature information Dca. Note that the content of the feature extraction processing can be arbitrarily changed according to the operation.

[0085] After step S110, the grouping processing unit 13 creates a first group including the manuscript of the first page from the beginning of the print job, and then compares the data of the existing group with the data of an arbitrary page to be compared (hereinafter referred to as "manuscript to be compared") based on the feature information Dca output from the feature extraction unit 12 (step S115). At this time, for example, the grouping processing unit 13 compares the differences of each page in order from the beginning of the print job. Then, the grouping processing unit 13 sets the difference of the variable data part as a threshold value, and determines whether the difference of the manuscript to be compared is within the threshold value (step S120).

[0086] If it is determined in step S120 that the difference of the manuscript to be compared is within the threshold value ("Yes" case), the grouping processing unit 13 adds the data of the manuscript to be compared to the existing group (step S125).

[0087] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the difference of the manuscript to be compared is not within the threshold value ("No" case), the grouping processing unit 13 creates a new group (step S130). Then, the grouping processing unit 13 determines whether the number of groups is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit number (step S135).

[0088] If it is determined in step S135 that the number of groups is not equal to or less than the upper limit number (that is, exceeds the upper limit number) ("No" case), the processing time for calculating the amount of colorant used for the manuscript of all pages (and thus the printing cost) increases. Therefore, the grouping processing unit 13 notifies the user 103 of a warning (step S140). The warning is issued, for example, by the grouping processing unit 13 generating warning information indicating that the number of groups exceeds the upper limit number and transmitting it to the user PC 100 via a communication means (not shown). The user 103 who receives the warning operates the user PC 100 to change the threshold value or the grouping conditions so that the number of groups does not exceed the upper limit number.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S135 that the number of groups is less than or equal to the upper limit number ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S145.

[0090] After steps S125 and S140, or if it is determined as "Yes" in step S135, the grouping processing unit 13 determines whether the number of processes has exceeded a certain number (step S145).

[0091] If it is determined in step S145 that the number of processes has exceeded a certain number ("Yes"), the grouping processing unit 13 determines whether the number of groups with a small number of manuscripts is greater than a predetermined number (step S150).

[0092] If it is determined in step S150 that the number of groups with a small number of manuscripts is large ("Yes"), the processing time for calculating the amount of coloring material used for all pages of the manuscript (and thus the printing cost) increases. Therefore, the grouping processing unit 13 aborts the grouping process (step S155). Then, the grouping processing unit 13 notifies the user 103 of the cancellation of the grouping process (step S160). After this, the process ends.

[0093] If it is determined in the above-described step S145 that the number of processes does not exceed a certain number ("No"), the grouping processing unit 13 determines whether the grouping of the input data is all completed (step S165). Also, if it is determined in the above-described step S150 that the number of groups with a small number of manuscripts is small ("No"), the grouping processing unit 13 also determines whether the grouping of the input data is all completed (step S165).

[0094] If it is determined in step S165 that the grouping of the input data is not all completed ("No"), the process returns to step S110.

[0095] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S165 that all the grouping of the input data has been completed ("Yes"), the grouping processing unit 13 outputs the document information Dj, the group information Dgr, and the selection request Rel to the representative page selection unit 14. In response to this, the representative page selection unit 14 selects a representative page for each group (step S170). Then, the representative page selection unit 14 outputs the representative page information Drp to the rasterization unit 15.

[0096] After step S170, the rasterization unit 15 rasterizes the representative page for each group to create raster data (step S175). Then, the rasterization unit 15 outputs the representative page raster data Drs to the colorant usage calculation unit 16.

[0097] After step S170, the colorant usage calculation unit 16 calculates the usage amount of the colorant for the representative page for each group using the representative page raster data Drs (step S180). Then, the colorant usage calculation unit 16 accumulates the usage amount of the colorant for the number of pages belonging to the representative page for each group and totals the usage amount of the colorant for all groups (step S185). Thereby, the image forming apparatus 101 ends the processing of the series of routines.

[0098] (Operation when applying the third embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 10, another operation of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the user selects a representative page and the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment calculates the usage amount of the colorant for the entire printing job. The flow shown in FIG. 10 is the content when applying the above-described third embodiment (FIG. 8). Note that the flow shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example and can be appropriately changed according to the operation.

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the document information analysis unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the representative page number from the user PC 100 (step S205).

[0100] After step S205, the document information analysis unit 11 receives the document information Dj from the user PC 100 (step S210). The document information analysis unit 11 outputs the document information Dj and the representative page number to the feature extraction unit 12. In response to this, the feature extraction unit 12 determines whether there is document data in the document information Dj that matches the representative page number (step S215). Also, the feature extraction unit 12 outputs the document information Dj to the grouping processing unit 13.

[0101] In the determination of step S215, if it is determined that there is no document data that matches the representative page number (“No” case), the process returns to step S210. On the other hand, in the determination of step S215, if it is determined that there is document data that matches the representative page number (“Yes” case), the feature extraction unit 12 outputs a rasterization request (not shown) to the rasterization unit 15. Also, the feature extraction unit 12 outputs the document data that matches the representative page number to the grouping processing unit 13 as the feature information Dca. Here, the rasterization request (not shown) is for requesting rasterization of the document that matches the representative page number. In response to the rasterization request (not shown), the rasterization unit 15 rasterizes the document that matches the representative page number and creates raster data of that document (hereinafter referred to as “raster data of the representative page”) (step S220).

[0102] After step S220, the feature extraction unit 12 or the grouping processing unit 13 determines whether the processing of all representative pages has been completed (step S225). If it is determined in the determination of step S225 that the processing of all representative pages has not been completed ("No"), the process returns to step S210. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination of step S215 that the processing of all representative pages has been completed ("Yes"), the grouping processing unit 13 acquires the number of pages belonging to the representative pages (step S230). Note that the number of pages belonging to the representative pages is acquired by the user 103 operating the user PC 100. Alternatively, the number of pages belonging to the representative pages is acquired by the grouping processing unit 13 calculating the number of pages in each group based on the manuscript data that matches the representative page number output as the feature information Dca from the manuscript information Dj and the feature extraction unit 12.

[0103] After step S230, the grouping processing unit 13 executes the grouping process for the entire print job (manuscripts for all pages) (step S231). Also, the grouping processing unit 13 outputs a color material usage amount calculation request (not shown) to the color material usage amount calculation unit 16. The color material usage amount calculation request (not shown) requests the calculation of the color material usage amount of the representative page for each group.

[0104] After step S231, the color material usage amount calculation unit 16 calculates the color material usage amount of the representative page for each group using the raster data of the representative page (the raster data of the manuscript that matches the representative page number created in step S220) (step S235). Then, the color material usage amount calculation unit 16 accumulates the color material usage amount for the number of pages belonging to the representative page for each group and totals the color material usage amounts for all groups (step S240). Thereby, the image forming apparatus 101 ends the processing of the series of routines.

[0105] Note that the grouping process for the entire print job (manuscripts for all pages) in step S231 may not be executed when the number of pages belonging to the representative page is obtained by the user 103 operating the user PC 100 in step S230. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 101 can further shorten the processing time for calculating the amount of colorant used.

[0106] <Main features of the image forming apparatus> (1) As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 7, and 8, the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes a grouping processing unit 13, a representative page selection unit 14, a rasterization unit 15, and a colorant usage amount calculation unit 16. The grouping processing unit 13 is a component that groups each manuscript for each similar data based on the features extracted from each manuscript included in the manuscript information Dj. The representative page selection unit 14 is a component that selects the representative page (representative page information Drp) of each group. The rasterization unit 15 is a component that creates raster data rasterized from the manuscript information Dj. The colorant usage amount calculation unit 16 is a component that calculates the usage amount of the colorant from the raster data. The rasterization unit 15 creates the raster data of the representative page (representative page raster data Drs). The colorant usage amount calculation unit 16 calculates the usage amount of the colorant of the representative page using the raster data of the representative page.

[0107] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can predict the amount of colorant used with high accuracy in a short time.

[0108] (2) As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, the grouping processing unit 13 extracts and compares the features (feature information Dca) of the manuscripts from the entire manuscript information Dj, and determines that those with a comparison result equal to or less than an arbitrarily determined threshold are in the same group.

[0109] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can extract and compare the features (feature information Dca) of the manuscripts, determine that those with a comparison result equal to or less than an arbitrarily determined threshold are in the same group, and calculate the usage amount of the colorant.

[0110] (3) As shown in FIG. 5, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, when the grouping processing unit 13 extracts the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document, it is configured to use the low-resolution raster data of the entire document rasterized at a low resolution by the rasterization unit 15.

[0111] The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment can extract the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document by using the low-resolution raster data of the entire document rasterized at a low resolution by the rasterization unit 15.

[0112] (4) In the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, the grouping processing unit 13 may be configured to use the image data included in the entire document information Dj when extracting the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document.

[0113] The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment can extract the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document by using the image data in a file format such as TIFF (Tagged Image File Format).

[0114] (5) In the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, the grouping processing unit 13 may be configured to use the data of a specific line included in the entire document information Dj when extracting the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document.

[0115] The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment can extract the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document by using the data of a specific line such as Band information.

[0116] (6) As shown in FIG. 7, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, the grouping processing unit 13 may be configured to use the arrangement information and color information of the objects included in the entire document information Dj when extracting the characteristics (characteristic information Dca) of the document.

[0117] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can extract the features (feature information Dca) of the document by using the arrangement information and color information of the object.

[0118] (7) As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the representative page selection unit 14 may be configured to select a delimiter page at which the group is switched as a representative page.

[0119] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can select a delimiter page at which the group is switched as a representative page and calculate the amount of color material used.

[0120] (8) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the representative page selection unit 14 may be configured to select a page having the median value of the feature distribution within the group as a representative page.

[0121] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can select a page having the median value of the feature distribution within the group as a representative page and calculate the amount of color material used.

[0122] (9) In the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the representative page selection unit 14 may be configured to select a page randomly selected from within the group as a representative page.

[0123] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can select a page randomly selected from within the group as a representative page and calculate the amount of color material used.

[0124] (10) As shown in FIG. 8, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the representative page selection unit 14 selects a representative page prior to the grouping processing unit 13. Then, the grouping processing unit 13 may be configured to determine that the area between the representative page selected by the representative page selection unit 14 and the representative page belongs to the same group.

[0125] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can calculate the usage amount of the coloring material by determining that the pages between the representative page selected by the representative page selection unit 14 and the representative page belong to the same group.

[0126] (11) In the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the representative page selection unit 14 may be configured to select, as the representative page, a separator page at which the group switches from the binding information of the document included in the document information Dj.

[0127] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can select, as the representative page, a separator page at which the group switches, and calculate the usage amount of the coloring material.

[0128] (12) As shown in FIG. 8, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the representative page selection unit 14 may be configured to select, as the representative page, a page selected based on a user operation.

[0129] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can select, as the representative page, a page selected based on a user operation, and calculate the usage amount of the coloring material.

[0130] (13) As shown in FIG. 9, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, the grouping processing unit 13 may be configured to notify the user of a warning (step S140) when the number of groups exceeds a predetermined upper limit number (when the determination in step S135 is “No”).

[0131] The image forming apparatus 101 according to such an embodiment can execute the grouping process when the number of groups exceeds a predetermined upper limit number, but since the grouping process takes time, it can notify the user of a warning and ask for the user's judgment.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 9, in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, when there are many groups with a small number of documents in a group (Yes in the determination in step S150), the grouping process unit 13 may be configured to abort the grouping process (step S155).

[0133] In such an image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, when there are many groups with a small number of documents in a group (that is, when there are many irregular documents), the grouping process unit 13 may take a long time for the grouping process, so the grouping process can be aborted.

[0134] (15) As shown in FIG. 9, a toner management method for managing the amount of toner used for printing by the image forming apparatus 101 includes a representative page selection step, a representative page raster data creation step, and a toner usage amount calculation step based on features extracted from each document included in the document information. The representative page selection step (step S170) is a step of selecting a representative page (representative page information Drp) for each group in which each document is grouped for each similar data. The representative page raster data creation step (step S175) is a step of creating raster data (representative page raster data Drs) of the representative page. The toner usage amount calculation step (step S180) is a step of calculating the toner usage amount of the representative page using the raster data of the representative page.

[0135] Such a toner management method according to the present embodiment can predict the toner usage amount in a short time with high accuracy.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 9, it is a program for managing the usage amount of the coloring material used in printing in the image forming apparatus 101, and causes the control unit of the image forming apparatus 101 to execute a representative page selection step, a representative page raster data creation step, and a coloring material usage amount calculation step based on the features extracted from each original document included in the original document information. The representative page selection step (step S170) is a step of selecting a representative page (representative page information Drp) for each group in which each original document is grouped for each similar data. The representative page raster data creation step (step S175) is a step of creating raster data (representative page raster data Drs) of the representative page. The coloring material usage amount calculation step (step S180) is a step of calculating the usage amount of the coloring material of the representative page using the raster data of the representative page.

[0137] Such a program according to the present embodiment can realize the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment.

[0138] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to predict the usage amount of the coloring material in a short time with high accuracy.

[0139] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0140] For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to easily explain the gist of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the constituent elements described. Also, in the present invention, other constituent elements can be added to a certain constituent element, or some constituent elements can be changed to other constituent elements. Further, in the present invention, some constituent elements can be deleted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0141] 11 Original document information analysis unit 12 Feature extraction unit 13 Grouping processing unit 14 Representative page selection unit 15 Rasterization Unit 16 Ink Consumption Calculation Unit 100 User PC 100a Display Unit 101 Image Forming Apparatus 102 Storage Medium 103 User 1000 Image Forming System Ac Variable Region Dca Feature Information Dco Ink Consumption Information Dgr Group Information Dj Document Information (Job Data) Drp Representative Page Information Drs Representative Page Raster Data Gp1~Gp3 Groups I100 Display Data Ncm Completion Notification Rel Selection Request Rp1~Rp3 Representative Pages Pr Control Program Tc, Tc1~Tc100 Tickets (Documents)

Claims

1. A grouping processing unit that groups each document based on features extracted from each document included in the document information for each similar data; A representative page selection unit that selects a representative page for each group; A rasterization unit that creates raster data rasterized from the document information; A toner usage amount calculation unit that calculates the toner usage amount from the raster data, comprising: The rasterization unit creates raster data of the representative page; The toner usage amount calculation unit calculates the toner usage amount of the representative page using the raster data of the representative page; An image forming apparatus.

2. The grouping processing unit extracts and compares features of the documents from the entire document information, and determines that those with a comparison result equal to or less than an arbitrarily determined threshold value belong to the same group. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. When extracting features of the document, the grouping processing unit uses low-resolution raster data of the entire document rasterized at a low resolution by the rasterization unit. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. When extracting features of the document, the grouping processing unit uses image data included in the entire document information. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

5. When extracting features of the document, the grouping processing unit uses data of a specific line included in the entire document information. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

6. When extracting features of the document, the grouping processing unit uses the arrangement information and color information of the objects included in the entire document information. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

7. The representative page selection unit selects a delimiter page at which the group changes as the representative page. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

8. The representative page selection unit selects a page at the median of the feature distribution within the group as the representative page. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

9. The representative page selection unit selects a page randomly selected from within the group as the representative page. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

10. The representative page selection unit selects the representative page prior to the grouping processing unit, and the grouping processing unit determines that the area between the representative page selected by the representative page selection unit and the representative page belongs to the same group. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

11. The representative page selection unit selects, as the representative page, a delimiter page at which a group switches, from the binding information of the manuscripts included in the manuscript information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The representative page selection unit selects, as the representative page, a page selected based on a user operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

13. When the number of groups exceeds a predetermined upper limit number, the grouping processing unit notifies the user of a warning. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

14. When there are many groups with a small number of manuscripts in a group, the grouping processing unit aborts the grouping processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

15. A toner management method for managing the usage amount of toner used for printing in an image forming apparatus, a representative page selection step of selecting a representative page for each group in which each manuscript is grouped for each similar data based on features extracted from each manuscript included in the manuscript information; a representative page raster data creation step of creating raster data of the representative page; and a toner usage amount calculation step of calculating the usage amount of toner for the representative page using the raster data of the representative page. Toner management method.

16. A program for managing the usage amount of toner used for printing in an image forming apparatus, to the control unit of the image forming apparatus, a representative page selection step of selecting a representative page for each group in which each manuscript is grouped for each similar data based on features extracted from each manuscript included in the manuscript information; a representative page raster data creation step of creating raster data of the representative page; and a program for causing the toner usage amount calculation step of calculating the usage amount of toner for the representative page using the raster data of the representative page to be executed.

Images