Image processing device and method for controlling the image processing device

Abstract

To provide means for performing setting while related to a displayed index.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a display part, an input part, a printing part for performing printing using a consumption material, and a control part, wherein the control part calculates an index value of an index related to a consumption material consumed by the printing part, displays an index and an index value by the display part, displays a setting item related to the index by the display part when detecting the input that the index has been selected by the input part, and controls the printing part based on setting of the setting item when detecting that input set by the setting item by the input part, and performs printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and a control method for the image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known an apparatus that displays an index for reducing paper on a screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-129160 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the above-mentioned device displays an index on the screen, it does not provide a means for making settings in relation to the displayed index. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image processing device comprises a display unit, an input unit, a printing unit that prints using consumable goods, and a control unit, wherein the control unit calculates an index value of an index related to the consumable goods consumed by the printing unit, displays the index and the index value on the display unit, and when the input unit detects an input to the effect that the index has been selected, displays a setting item related to the index on the display unit, and when the input unit detects an input to the effect that the setting item has been set, controls the printing unit to print based on the setting of the setting item.

[0006] A control method for an image processing device having a display unit, an input unit, and a printing unit that prints using consumable products, wherein an index value of an index related to the consumable product used in the printing unit is calculated, and the index and the index value are displayed on the display unit, and when an input to the effect that the index has been selected is detected by the input unit, a setting item related to the index is displayed on the display unit, and when an input to the effect that the setting item has been set is detected by the input unit, the printing unit is controlled based on the setting of the setting item to print. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing device. [Diagram 2] 11 is a transition diagram from the "basic settings screen" to the "paper reduction settings screen" or the "print color settings screen". [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the control of the transition in FIG. 2; [Figure 4] A transition diagram from the "Basic Settings Screen" to the "Paper Reduction Settings Screen" via the "Paper Reduction Usage Rate Screen". [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the control of the transition in FIG. 4; [Figure 6] A transition diagram from the "Basic Settings Screen" to the "Paper Reduction Settings Screen" or "Print Color Settings Screen" when "Print" or "Copy" is selected from the "Basic Settings Screen". [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing the control of the transition in FIG. 6; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of the process shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a transition diagram for selecting settings from a history screen or a registration screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the control of the transition in FIG. 9 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Image processing device configuration 1, an image processing device 1 according to an embodiment includes a control unit 10, a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit) 11, a storage unit 12, a printing unit 13, a reading unit 14, a communication unit 15, and an acquisition unit 16. Each of these units will be described in detail.

[0009] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls each unit of the image processing device 1. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is also called a processor. The storage unit 12 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a rewritable non-volatile memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a volatile memory. The control unit 10 reads out programs such as firmware stored in the flash ROM of the storage unit 12, and executes them using the RAM of the storage unit 12 as a working area. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores setting items related to the control of the printing unit 13 and setting information corresponding to the setting items. The control unit 10 reads the setting information from the storage unit 12, controls the printing unit 13, and executes printing.

[0010] The UI unit 11 is, for example, a touch panel display, and includes a display panel that is a display unit that displays various information, and a detection panel that is an input unit. The detection panel is configured to be overlaid on the display panel. The detection panel detects the operation of a human finger by a method such as a capacitance type, a resistive film type, an optical type, etc. The input unit may be configured as keys, and numbers and the like of setting information can also be input.

[0011] The printing unit 13 has a transport mechanism that transports paper from a paper feed tray, an inkjet head that prints by applying ink to the transported paper, and cartridges that store the ink. The transport mechanism also includes a mechanism for reversing the paper. After printing one side of the paper with the head, the printing unit 13 reverses the paper with the transport mechanism and prints the other side of the paper with the head, thereby enabling printing on both sides of the paper.

[0012] The printing unit 13 performs printing using paper and ink, which are consumables. The paper includes plain paper, recycled paper, photo paper, synthetic paper containing resin, and the like. For example, the ink is four colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan). The control unit 10 controls the head of the printing unit 13, and can perform full-color printing, which can print using four colors of ink, two-color printing, which prints by combining any two colors of ink, and black-and-white printing, which prints using black ink. In the case of two-color printing and black-and-white printing, the amount of ink applied to the paper is smaller than in full-color printing, so the amount of ink consumed can be reduced. The control unit 10 can store in the storage unit 12 indicators relating to paper and ink consumed by the printing unit 13 and indicator values ​​corresponding to the indicators, and display them on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0013] The reading unit 14 has a document transport mechanism that transports the document placed on the document table, and a color image sensor that receives reflected light from the transported document and reads it as scan data separated into RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colors. This scan data is the second information. The document transport mechanism also includes a mechanism for inverting the document, and the color image sensor can also read both sides of the document.

[0014] The function of reading an original document by the reading unit 14 and acquiring scan data under the control of the control unit 10 is called a scan function. Further, a function of the second printing format in which, under the control of the control unit 10, the reading unit 14 reads an original to obtain scanned data, converts the data into ink colors, and prints the data using the printing unit 13 is referred to as a copy function.

[0015] The communication unit 15 includes a circuit capable of communicating with an external device 2 such as a computer wirelessly or via a wired connection. The communication unit 15 receives a print job, which is the first information, from the external device 2. The communication unit 15 also transmits to the external device 2 predetermined information such as error information when an error occurs and warning information. A function of the first print format in which a print job received by the communication unit 15 is printed by the printing unit 13 under the control of the control unit 10 is referred to as a print function.

[0016] The image processing device 1 includes a card reader, which is an acquisition unit 16 capable of acquiring identification information from an ID card having the identification information. The card reader includes an optical sensor that reads a barcode that is carried on the ID card and includes the identification information, or a communication circuit that is built into the ID card and can communicate with an IC that stores the identification information, either through contact or without contact. The control unit 10 can acquire the identification information of the ID card by the card reader.

[0017] 1-2.Settings screen 1 As an example of the setting screen, a setting screen 1 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. The control unit 10 displays a "basic setting screen" 100 shown in Fig. 2 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 in the initial state when the power is turned on, in a standby state waiting for a print job to be received from the external device 2, or in a standby state waiting for a copy or scan instruction from the user. On the "basic setting screen" 100, "Print" 101, "Copy" 102, and "Scan" 103, which are buttons for selecting the above-mentioned print function, copy function, and scan function, respectively, are displayed.

[0018] The user selects one of the function buttons, "Print" 101, "Copy" 102, and "Scan" 103, and touches it with his / her finger. The control unit 10 can detect the touched button by the detection panel of the UI unit 11. Note that when the user selects a button displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11 to select or set a function or setting item and then touches it with his / her finger, this is referred to as inputting a selection or setting.

[0019] When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the “Print” 101 button has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 13 to print the print job received from the external device 2 through the communication unit 15. As described below, when printing a print job by the printing unit 13, the control unit 10 reads out the setting items stored in the memory unit 12, such as double-sided printing settings, aggregate printing settings, and print color settings, and controls the printing unit 13. Furthermore, the print job includes identification information that is unique to the user or the external device 2. The control unit 10 can obtain the identification information included in the print job received by the communication unit 15.

[0020] When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the “Copy” 102 button has been selected on the detection panel of the UI unit 11, the control unit 10 causes the reading unit 14 to read the original document, obtains the scan data, and causes the printing unit 13 to print it. As described below, when the control unit 10 prints the scanned data using the printing unit 13, it reads out the setting items stored in the memory unit 12, such as double-sided printing settings, aggregate printing settings, and print color settings, and controls the printing unit 13. When the control unit 10 acquires the identification information by the card reader, it permits the copy function and controls the reading unit 14 and the printing unit 13 to acquire the scan data and execute copying by printing it.

[0021] When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the “Scan” 103 button has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, the control unit 10 reads the document using the reading unit 14 to obtain scan data and stores the data in the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 reads out the scan data from the storage unit 12 and transmits it to the external device 2 via the communication unit 15. When the control unit 10 acquires the identification information from the card reader, it enables the scan function and controls the reading unit 14 to execute scanning.

[0022] The control unit 10 can calculate index values ​​for indicators related to paper and ink consumed by the printing unit 13 and display them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. 2, the UI unit 11 displays, as an example of the case related to consumed paper, a button showing an indicator, "Paper Reduction Rate" 110, and a calculated index value of 25%. Also, as an example of the case related to consumed ink, the UI unit 11 displays, as an example of the case related to consumed ink, a button showing an indicator, "Full Color Print Rate" 120, and a calculated index value of 95%.

[0023] When the user selects the button for "Paper Reduction Rate" 110, which is an indicator displayed on the display panel of UI section 11, and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of UI section 11 detects the input that "Paper Reduction Rate" 110 has been selected. When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the "Paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, the control unit 10 transitions to a "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 related to the "Paper reduction rate" 110, as shown in FIG. 2, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0024] The user selects one of the buttons for the setting items displayed on the "Paper Reduction Setting Screen" 200 and the "Print Color Setting Screen" 300 described below on the display panel of the UI unit 11, and touches it with his / her finger. The detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. When the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item has been set, the control unit 10 stores the set setting item in the memory unit 12. Here, the storage of the setting item by the control unit 10 in the memory unit 12 is also included in the control of the control unit 10 to set the setting item. The control unit 10 can read out the setting items that have been set from the storage unit 12, and control the printing unit 13 based on the setting items that have been set, to print the print job or the scan data.

[0025] An example of a paper reduction setting item included in the setting items is the setting of the side of the paper on which the control unit 10 prints with the printing unit 13. Specifically, as shown in a "paper reduction setting screen" 200 in Fig. 2, the UI unit 11 displays "single-sided to single-sided" 201, "single-sided to double-sided" 202, and "double-sided to double-sided" 203 as buttons indicating the paper reduction setting items, and makes it possible to set the side of the paper on which printing is performed. Specifically, when a user selects one of the buttons for paper reduction setting items and touches it with a finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the storage unit 12, and can set double-sided printing, which is a paper reduction setting, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0026] A case will be described where the control unit 10 prints, for example, two pages of print job or scan data. When "single-sided to single-sided" 201 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print one page at a time on one side of the paper, consuming two sheets of paper. On the other hand, when "single-sided to double-sided" 202 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print two pages using both sides of the paper, consuming one sheet of paper. Also, when the control unit 10 prints two pages of scan data obtained by reading a double-sided document, when "double-sided to double-sided" 203 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print two pages using both sides of the paper, consuming one sheet of paper.

[0027] Another example of a paper reduction setting item is a setting in which the control unit 10 reduces the print job or scan data and prints it by consolidating it onto a sheet of paper. Specifically, as shown in the "paper reduction setting screen" 200 in Fig. 2, the UI unit 11 displays a "single-sided -> consolidate every two sheets" 210, which is a button indicating the paper reduction setting item, and enables the setting to consolidate and print. Note that in addition to consolidating every two sheets, consolidating every four sheets or any number of sheets may be used. Specifically, when a user selects one of the buttons for paper reduction setting items and touches it with a finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the storage unit 12, and can set aggregate printing, which is a paper reduction setting, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0028] The following describes a case where the control unit 10 prints, for example, four pages of print job or scan data. When "single-sided→combine every two pages" 210 is set and "double-sided→double-sided" 203 is set, the control unit 10 reduces the print job or scan data and controls the printing unit 13 to print four pages using both sides of the paper, with two pages on each side, so that one sheet of paper is consumed.

[0029] The control unit 10 calculates an index value of the paper reduction rate, which is an indicator, as the ratio of the amount of paper consumption that would be incurred if the print job or scan data were printed on one side of the paper to the amount of paper reduction actually printed by the printing unit 13 based on the settings of the paper reduction setting items.

[0030] As described above, for example, in the case of a print job or scan data for two pages, if "single-sided to double-sided" 202 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print using both sides of the paper, so one sheet of paper is consumed. If printing were performed on one side of the paper, two sheets of paper would be consumed, so the control unit 10 calculates the index value of the paper reduction rate as 1 sheet / 2 sheets, resulting in a calculation of 50%.

[0031] Also, as described above, for example, in the case of a print job or scan data of four pages, if "single-sided → combine every two pages" 210 is set and "single-sided → single-sided" 201 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print two pages on each side of the paper, so two sheets of paper are consumed. If printing were performed on one side of the paper, four sheets of paper would be consumed, so the number of sheets of paper reduced would be two. Therefore, the control unit 10 calculates the index value of the paper reduction rate as 2 sheets / 4 sheets, setting it at 50%. At this time, if "single-sided to double-sided" 202 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print two pages on each side of the paper using both sides, so the paper consumption is one sheet. Since the number of sheets of paper reduced is three, the control unit 10 calculates the index value of the paper reduction rate as 3 sheets / 4 sheets, resulting in 75%.

[0032] The control unit 10 associates the index value of the paper reduction rate calculated in this manner with the paper reduction rate which is the index, the set paper reduction setting item, the acquired identification information, the amount of paper consumed, and the print function which is the first print format or the copy function which is the second print format, and stores it in the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 reads out the index value of the paper reduction rate from the storage unit 12 and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11. In the example shown in the "basic setting screen" 100 in Fig. 2, the control unit 10 calculates and displays 25% as the index value of the paper reduction rate which is the index.

[0033] In addition, the control unit 10 may determine the print job or scan data to be used when calculating the index value of the paper reduction rate as the most recent print job or scan data printed by the printing unit 13, as the cumulative total of multiple prints within a specified period or range, or as the data selected by the user via the UI unit 11. Furthermore, the control unit 10 may read and calculate an index value of the paper reduction rate associated with each piece of identification information from the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 can display, on the display panel of the UI unit 11, the index value of the paper reduction rate associated with each piece of identification information, the calculated index value of the paper reduction rate, the set paper reduction setting items, the amount of paper consumed, and the type of the print function which is the first print format or the copy function which is the second print format, together with each piece of identification information.

[0034] The control unit 10 can display an index value of the paper reduction rate calculated for each piece of identification information through the UI unit 11, and store paper reduction setting items for each piece of identification information set by the user in the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 can read out the paper reduction setting items corresponding to the identification information included in the received print job from the storage unit 12, and control the printing unit 13 to perform printing.

[0035] Furthermore, a paper reduction rate threshold is stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 compares the index value of the paper reduction rate calculated for each identification information with the paper reduction rate threshold read from the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 identifies identification information whose paper reduction rate is lower than the paper reduction rate threshold, i.e., which tends not to reduce paper. The control unit 10 transmits warning information to the external device 2 that has sent the print job including the specified identification information, notifying that the paper reduction rate is lower than the threshold, via the communication unit 15. The control unit 10 also displays this warning information on the UI unit 11. The control unit 10 may not permit the printing function of the external device 2 that has sent the print job including the specified identification information, so as not to execute printing. When the control unit 10 acquires the specified identification information by the card reader, the control unit 10 does not permit the copy function and does not execute copying. The control unit 10 displays, on the UI unit 11, warning information that the paper reduction rate is lower than the threshold value.

[0036] When the user selects the button for “full color printing rate” 120, which is an indicator displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11, and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that “full color printing rate” 120 has been selected. When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the "full color printing rate" 120 has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, the control unit 10 transitions to a "print color setting screen" 300 related to the "full color printing rate" 120 as shown in FIG. 2, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0037] An example of a print color setting item included in the setting items is one that sets the print color when the control unit 10 prints on paper. Specifically, as shown in a "print color setting screen" 300 in Fig. 2, the UI unit 11 displays "full color" 310, "black and white" 301, "2 colors (red and black)" 302, and "2 colors (another color and black)" 303 as buttons indicating print color setting items, and these print colors can be set. Note that the control unit 10 may also be capable of setting any one print color or any three print colors. Specifically, when a user selects one of the buttons for print color setting items and touches it with a finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12, can set the print color, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0038] For example, in the case of a four-color full-color print job or scan data, when "full color" 310 is set, the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 to print using four colors of ink. When "black and white" 301 is set, the control unit 10 performs color conversion for the four-color full-color print job or scan data, and controls the printing unit 13 to print using black ink. When "two colors (red and black)" 302 is set, the control unit 10 performs color conversion and controls the printing unit 13 to print using magenta and black ink. When "two colors (another color and black)" 303 is set, the control unit 10 performs color conversion and controls the printing unit 13 to print using yellow or cyan ink other than magenta, and black ink.

[0039] The control unit 10 calculates an index value for the full-color printing rate as the ratio of the number of pages that would be printed in full color if all pages were printed in full color for a print job or scan data, to the number of pages that would be printed in full color if the printing unit 13 actually used four colors of ink based on the printing colors set in the printing color setting item.

[0040] For example, when a print job or scan data of one page is actually printed by the printing unit 13 based on any of the settings of "black and white" 301, "2 colors (red and black)" 302, and "2 colors (another color and black)" 303, the control unit 10 calculates the index value of the full-color printing rate as 0%, since the number of pages printed in full color is 0. On the other hand, when a print job or scan data of one page is actually printed by the printing unit 13 based on the setting of "full color" 310, the control unit 10 calculates the index value of the full-color printing rate as 1 page / page, since the number of pages printed in full color is 1.

[0041] The control unit 10 associates the index value of the full-color printing rate calculated in this manner with the full-color printing rate as an index, the set print color setting item, the acquired identification information, the amount of ink consumed, and the print function as the first print format or the copy function as the second print format, and stores it in the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 reads out the index value of the full-color printing rate from the storage unit 12 and displays it as an index value on the display panel of the UI unit 11. In the example shown in the "basic setting screen" 100 of FIG. 2, the control unit 10 calculates and displays 75% as the index value of the full-color printing rate as an index.

[0042] In addition, the control unit 10 may determine the print job or scan data to be used when calculating the index value for the full-color printing rate as the most recently printed job or scan data by the printing unit 13, as the cumulative total of multiple jobs printed within a specified period or range, or as the job or scan data selected by the user via the UI unit 11. In the example shown in the "Basic setting screen" 100 in Fig. 2, the print job or scan data printed within a specified period or range is 200 pages, of which 150 pages were printed in full color based on the setting of "Full color" 310. The control unit 10 calculates the index value of the full color printing rate as 150 pages / 200 pages, calculating and displaying it as 75%.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can also read and calculate an index value of the full-color printing rate associated with each piece of identification information from the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 can display, on the display panel of the UI unit 11, the index value of the full-color printing rate, the calculated index value of the full-color printing rate, the set print color setting items, the amount of ink consumed, and the type of the print function which is the first print format or the copy function which is the second print format, each of which is associated with each piece of identification information, together with the identification information.

[0044] When the control unit 10 displays the index value of the full-color printing rate calculated for each identification information as described above through the UI unit 11, it can also set print color setting items for each identification information. The control unit 10 can control the printing unit 13 to print based on the print color setting items set for each identification information. Furthermore, a threshold value for the full-color printing rate is stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 compares the index value for the full-color printing rate calculated for each piece of identification information with the threshold value for the full-color printing rate read from the storage unit 12. The control unit 10 can identify identification information that has a full-color printing rate higher than the threshold value for the full-color printing rate, in other words, that tends not to be printed in two colors. The control unit 10 can transmit, via the communication unit 15, to the external device 2 that transmitted the specified identification information, warning information indicating that the full-color printing rate is higher than the threshold value. When the control unit 10 acquires the specified identification information by the card reader, the control unit 10 can not permit the copy function and can not execute copying. The control unit 10 can display, on the UI unit 11, warning information that the full-color printing rate is higher than the threshold value.

[0045] Here, the relationship between the selection of the "Print" 101 button or the "Copy" 102 button and the control unit 10 calculating the index value and setting the setting item will be described in detail. 2 and 3, when the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the "Print" 101 button has been selected on the "Basic setting screen" 100, it calculates an index value of a "Paper reduction rate" 110 related to the printing function and an index value of a "Full color printing rate" 120 related to the printing function, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. The paper reduction setting items and print color setting items set on the "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 or the "Print color setting screen" 300 transitioned from the "Basic setting screen" 100 are stored in the storage unit 12 as items related to the selected printing function. The control unit 10 reads out the setting items related to the printing function stored in the storage unit 12, controls the printing unit 13, and prints the print job.

[0046] When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the "Copy" 102 button has been selected on the "Basic setting screen" 100, it calculates an index value of a "Paper reduction rate" 110 related to the copy function and an index value of a "Full color printing rate" 120 related to the copy function, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. The paper reduction setting items and print color setting items set on the "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 or the "Print color setting screen" 300 transitioned from the "Basic setting screen" 100 are stored in the memory unit 12 as items related to the selected copy function. The control unit 10 reads out the setting items related to the copy function stored in the memory unit 12, and controls the printing unit 13 to print the scan data.

[0047] When the "Print" 101 button or the "Copy" 102 button is not selected on the "Basic setting screen" 100, the control unit 10 adds up and calculates an index value for "Paper reduction rate" 110 related to the print function and the copy function, and adds up and calculates an index value for "Full color printing rate" 120 related to the copy function, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11. Furthermore, the control unit 10 stores in the storage unit 12 the paper reduction setting items and print color setting items set on the "Paper Reduction Setting Screen" 200 or the "Print Color Setting Screen" 300 transitioned from the "Basic Setting Screen" 100 displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as items related to the print function and copy function. The control unit 10 reads out the setting items stored in the storage unit 12, controls the printing unit 13, and prints print jobs and scan data related to the print function and copy function.

[0048] The control unit 10 counts and calculates the amount of ink of each color consumed by the head based on the number of shots, and stores the amount in the memory unit 12. The control unit 10 can calculate the amount of ink consumed of each color, the amount of ink consumed during full-color printing, and the amount of ink consumed during two-color printing, and can store these in the memory unit 12 and display them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. The control unit 10 can also display the ink amounts associated with the "Print" 101 button or the "Copy" 102 button on the display panel of the UI unit 11 in accordance with the selection of the "Print" 101 button or the "Copy" 102 button.

[0049] 3, the control of the control unit 10 to transition from the "basic setting screen" 100 shown in FIG. 2 to the "paper reduction setting screen" 200 or the "print color setting screen" 300 will be described. The control unit 10 starts control and calculates (S101) by tallying up the index value of the paper reduction rate for each print job or each scan data that was printed within a predetermined period in the past or within a predetermined range from the storage unit 12. For example, the index value of the paper reduction rate calculated by the control unit 10 is 25%. Similarly, the control unit 10 calculates (S101) by tallying up the index value of the full-color printing rate for each print job or each scan data that was printed within a predetermined period in the past or within a predetermined range from the storage unit 12. For example, the index value of the full-color printing rate calculated by the control unit 10 is 75%. In the case where the index value of the paper reduction rate and the index value of the full color printing rate have already been calculated by the control unit 10 and stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 10 may simply read out these index values ​​from the storage unit 12.

[0050] The control unit 10 displays a "basic setting screen" 100 as shown in FIG. 2 as an example on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S102). As shown in the "basic settings screen" 100 of FIG. 2, the control unit 10 displays, on the display panel of the UI unit 11, "Paper reduction rate" 110, which is a button indicating an indicator related to the amount of paper consumed, and the calculated value of the indicator, which is 25%, and "Full color printing rate" 120, which is a button indicating an indicator related to the amount of ink consumed, and the calculated value of the indicator, which is 75%. The control unit 10 also displays, on the display panel of the UI unit 11, "Print" 101, "Copy" 102, and "Scan" 103, which are buttons for selecting the above-mentioned print function, copy function, and scan function, respectively.

[0051] The control unit 10 determines whether the button for "Paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected by detecting an input on the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S103), and if it determines that it has been selected (S103: YES), it transitions to a "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 related to "Paper reduction rate" 110 shown in FIG. 2, and displays the "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S104).

[0052] When the control unit 10 detects an input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11 and determines that any one of the buttons "single-sided to single-sided" 201, "single-sided to double-sided" 202, and "double-sided to double-sided" 203 for selecting a paper reduction setting item displayed on the "paper reduction setting screen" 200 in Fig. 2 has been selected, the control unit 10 stores the selected paper reduction setting item in the storage unit 12 and sets the paper reduction setting (S105).The control unit 10 ends the control. The control unit 10 detects the "Print" 101 or "Copy" 102 button selected on the "Basic Settings Screen" 100 through input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11, reads out the paper reduction setting items related to the selected print function or copy function from the memory unit 12, and controls the printing unit 13 to print the print job or scanned data.

[0053] On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that the "Paper reduction rate" 110 button has not been selected through input detection of the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S103: NO), it determines whether the "Full color printing rate" 120 button has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S111). When the control unit 10 determines that the "Full color printing rate" 120 button has been selected (S111: YES), it transitions to a "Print color setting screen" 300 related to the "Full color printing rate" 120 shown in Fig. 2, and displays the "Print color setting screen" 300 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S112). If the control unit 10 determines that the button for "full color printing rate" 120 has not been selected (S111: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the step of determining whether the button for "paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected (S103).

[0054] When the control unit 10 detects an input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11 and determines that any of the buttons for selecting a print color setting item displayed on the "Print Color Setting Screen" 300 in Fig. 2, "Full Color" 310, "Black and White" 301, "Two Colors (Red and Black)" 302, and "Two Colors (Another Color and Black)" 303, has been selected, the control unit 10 stores the selected print color setting item in the storage unit 12 and sets the print color (S113). The control unit 10 ends the control. The control unit 10 detects the "Print" 101 or "Copy" 102 button selected on the "Basic Setting Screen" 100 through input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11, reads out the print color setting items related to the selected print function or copy function from the memory unit 12, and controls the printing unit 13 to print the print job or scanned data.

[0055] As described above in Figures 2 and 3, the user can refer to the index value of "Paper reduction rate" 110 and the index value of "Full color printing rate" 120 on the "Basic setting screen" 100 displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11, and can select a paper reduction setting item on the "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 transitioned from the "Basic setting screen" 100, and can select a print color setting item on the "Print color setting screen" 300. The control unit 10 stores the selected paper reduction setting items and print color setting items in the storage unit 12. When the control unit 10 receives a print job via the communication unit 15 or obtains scan data via the reading unit 14, it can read out the paper reduction setting items and print color setting items from the storage unit 12 and control the printing unit 13 to print the print job or the scan data.

[0056] 1-3.Settings screen 2 As an example of the setting screen, the setting screen 2 shown in Fig. 4 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 10 transitions from the "basic setting screen" 100 to the "paper reduction setting screen" 200 or the "print color setting screen" 300. On the other hand, in the example of setting the paper reduction setting items shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 10 transitions from the “basic setting screen” 100 to the “paper reduction usage rate screen” 400, and then to the “double-sided printing setting screen” 410 or the “aggregated printing setting screen” 420. 4, the control unit 10 calculates predicted values ​​for predicting index values, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as "paper reduction rate predicted values" 411, 412, 413, and 421, and further as "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, and 434. In the following explanation of FIG. 4, the contents that overlap with the case of FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0057] As shown in "basic setting screen" 100 in Fig. 4, the display panel of UI unit 11 displays "paper reduction rate" 110, which is a button showing an index related to paper consumption, and the calculated index value of 25%. When the user selects the "paper reduction rate" 110 button and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that "paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected. Based on this detection, control unit 10 transitions to "paper reduction usage rate screen" 400, as shown in Fig. 4, and displays it on the display panel of UI unit 11.

[0058] As shown in the "Paper Reduction Usage Rate Screen" 400 in FIG. 4, the display panel of the UI unit 11 displays a "Double-Sided Usage Rate" 401, which is a button indicating an indicator of double-sided printing for the consumed paper, with its index value being 25%, and a "Consolidated Usage Rate" 402, which is a button indicating an indicator of consolidated printing for the consumed paper, with its index value being 25%.

[0059] Here, each index and its index value will be described with a detailed example. First, the "Double-Sided Usage Rate" 401 and the "Consolidated Usage Rate" 402 shown in the "Paper Reduction Usage Rate Screen" 400 in FIG. As an example, the past three print jobs printed by the control unit 10 through the printing unit 13 and the settings of the paper reduction setting items in those cases are as follows: The first print job is for 50 pages and has the setting "single-sided → double-sided" 202, the second print job is for 50 pages and has the setting "single-sided → combine every 2 pages" 210, and the third print job is for 100 pages and has the setting "single-sided → single-sided" 201.

[0060] These three print jobs are for a total of 200 pages. The "double-sided usage rate" 401 calculated by the control unit 10 is for 50 pages of the first print job, so the index value is 25% because of 50 pages / 200 pages. The "aggregated usage rate" 402 calculated by the control unit 10 is for 50 pages of the second print job, so the index value is 25% because of 50 pages / 200 pages. These calculated values ​​are displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as an index value of 25% for "Double-sided usage rate" 401 and an index value of 25% for "Consolidated usage rate" 402 shown in the "Paper reduction usage rate screen" 400 of FIG.

[0061] Next, returning to the "basic setting screen" 100 in FIG. 4, the index value of the "paper reduction rate" 110 calculated by the control unit 10 will be described. The first print job is set to "single-sided → double-sided" 202, so the control unit 10 prints 50 pages on 25 sheets of paper using the printing unit 13. The second print job is set to "single-sided → combine every 2 sheets" 210, so the control unit 10 prints 50 pages on 25 sheets of paper using the printing unit 13. The third print job is set to "single-sided → single-sided" 201, so the control unit 10 prints 100 pages on 100 sheets of paper using the printing unit 13. The three print jobs are for a total of 200 pages, so if the paper reduction setting item for reducing paper is not set, the control unit 10 will print on 200 sheets of paper using the printing unit 13.

[0062] The "paper reduction rate" 110 calculated by the control unit 10 is the value obtained by dividing the number of sheets of paper that were actually reduced by the number of sheets of paper that would have been used for printing if paper reduction had not been performed. The number of sheets of paper that were actually reduced is the value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets of paper that were actually reduced from the number of sheets of paper that would have been used for printing if paper reduction had not been performed. Specifically, the control unit 10 calculates the index value as (50 sheets - 25 sheets) / 50 sheets for the first print job, (50 sheets - 25 sheets) / 50 sheets for the second print job, and (100 sheets - 100 sheets) / 100 sheets for the third print job. That is, the control unit 10 calculates the index value as 25% from (25 sheets + 25 sheets + 0 sheets) / 200 sheets. This value is displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as the index value of 25% for "Paper reduction rate" 110 shown in "Basic setting screen" 100 in FIG. 4.

[0063] The user can select one of the settings by referring to the index value of “Double-sided usage rate” 401 and the index value of “Aggregated usage rate” 402 shown in the “Paper reduction usage rate screen” 400 in Figure 4, which is displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11. For example, when a user selects the button for “Double-sided usage rate” 401, which is an indicator displayed on the display panel of UI unit 11, and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that “Double-sided usage rate” 401 has been selected. When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the “Double-sided usage rate” 401 has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, the control unit 10 transitions to a “Double-sided printing setting screen” 410 relating to the double-sided settings shown in FIG. 4, and displays the “Double-sided printing setting screen” 410 on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0064] When setting a paper reduction setting item based on a user's selection of a button indicating a paper reduction setting item on the "double-sided printing setting screen" 410 shown in Figure 4, the control unit 10 calculates a predicted value that predicts an index value corresponding to the paper reduction setting item, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as "paper reduction rate predicted value" 411, 412, 413. Specifically, in the "Double-sided printing setting screen" 410 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 10 adds "Paper reduction rate predicted values" 411, 412, 413, which are predicted values ​​that predict the index value of each "Paper reduction rate" 110, to the buttons indicating paper reduction setting items, "Single-sided → Single-sided" 201, "Single-sided → Double-sided" 202, and "Double-sided → Double-sided" 203, to the "Paper reduction setting screen" 200 in FIG. 2, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0065] As an example, the control unit 10 calculates a predicted value for a case where a fourth print job is executed after executing the above-mentioned three print jobs. The fourth print job used by the control unit 10 when calculating the predicted value is the same as the third print job printed by the printing unit 13 immediately before. The control unit 10 calculates the "paper reduction rate predicted values" 411, 412, and 413 for the fourth print job when the paper reduction setting items are set to "single-sided → single-sided" 201, "single-sided → double-sided" 202, and "double-sided → double-sided" 203. The index value calculated by the control unit 10 is a cumulative total of the first to fourth print jobs.

[0066] The index value of the "paper reduction rate" 110 for the three print jobs calculated by the control unit 10 was 25% as shown in the "paper reduction rate" 110, which is (25 sheets + 25 sheets + 0 sheets) / 200 sheets. Since the fourth print job is for 100 pages, when the setting is "single-sided → single-sided" 201, 100 sheets will be printed, and the number of sheets of paper to be reduced will be 0. The predicted value calculated by the control unit 10 is 17%, calculated as (25 sheets + 25 sheets + 0 sheets + 0 sheets) / (200 sheets + 100 sheets). The index value of "predicted paper reduction rate" 411, 17%, is displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11. Similarly, when the control unit 10 sets "single-sided → double-sided" 202 or "double-sided → double-sided" 203, the number of sheets to be printed is 50, and the number of sheets to be reduced is 50. Therefore, the predicted value is calculated as (25 sheets + 25 sheets + 0 sheets + 50 sheets) / (200 sheets + 100 sheets) to be 33%, and is displayed as the index value of "predicted paper reduction rate" 412, 413 on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0067] The user can set paper reduction setting items such as “single-sided to single-sided” 201, “single-sided to double-sided” 202, and “double-sided to double-sided” 203 displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11, while referring to their predicted values, “paper reduction rate predicted values” 411, 412, 413. When a user selects one of the buttons for paper reduction setting items and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set, and the control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set double-sided printing, which is a paper reduction setting, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0068] The print job or the number of pages that the control unit 10 targets when calculating the estimated value can be set by the user. In this case, the control unit 10 may provide a box in the "double-sided printing setting screen" 410 of the UI unit 11 for setting the print job or the number of pages that the control unit 10 targets when calculating the estimated value. The control unit 10 can obtain the print job or the number of pages that are input or selected in the box and calculate the estimated value.

[0069] Next, a "paper reduction rate prediction value" 421 that is a prediction value that predicts the index values ​​of "single-sided→two-sheet combination" 210 and "paper reduction rate" 110 on the "combined print setting screen" 420 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. For example, when a user selects the button for “aggregated utilization rate” 402, which is an indicator displayed on the display panel of UI unit 11, and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that “aggregated utilization rate” 402 has been selected. When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that “aggregated usage rate” 402 has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, it transitions to an “aggregated printing setting screen” 420 relating to the aggregation settings shown in FIG. 4, and displays the “aggregated printing setting screen” 420 on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0070] When setting a paper reduction setting item based on a user's selection of a button indicating a paper reduction setting item on the "aggregated printing setting screen" 420 shown in Figure 4, the control unit 10 calculates a predicted value that predicts an index value corresponding to the paper reduction setting item, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as "paper reduction rate predicted value" 421. Specifically, in the "aggregated printing setting screen" 420 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 10 adds "Paper reduction rate predicted value" 421, which is a predicted value that predicts the index value of "Paper reduction rate" 110, to the "single-sided → aggregate every 2 sheets" 210, which is a button indicating the paper reduction setting item, to the "paper reduction setting screen" 200 in FIG. 2, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0071] As an example, the control unit 10 calculates a predicted value for a case where a fourth print job is executed after executing the above-mentioned three print jobs. The fourth print job used by the control unit 10 when calculating the predicted value is the same as the third print job printed by the printing unit 13 immediately before. The control unit 10 calculates the "paper reduction rate prediction value" 421 for the fourth print job when the paper reduction setting item is set to "single-sided -> combine every two sheets" 210. The calculated index value is the cumulative total of the first to fourth print jobs.

[0072] The index value of the "paper reduction rate" 110 for the three print jobs calculated by the control unit 10 was 25% as shown in the "paper reduction rate" 110, which is (25 sheets + 25 sheets + 0 sheets) / 200 sheets. Since the fourth print job is for 100 pages, if the setting is "single-sided → combine every 2 sheets" 210, 50 sheets will be printed, and the predicted value calculated by the control unit 10 is 33%, which is (25 sheets + 25 sheets + 0 sheets + 50 sheets) / (200 sheets + 100 sheets). The index value of "predicted paper reduction rate" 421, 33%, is displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0073] The user can set the paper reduction setting item, “single-sided → combine every two sheets” 210, displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11, while referring to its predicted value, “predicted paper reduction rate” 421. When the user selects the "Single-sided -> Combine every 2 sheets" button 210 and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set the paper combining, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0074] Next, a description will be given of a predicted value for predicting an index value of a full-color printing rate in the "print color setting screen" 430 shown in Fig. 4. In the following description of Fig. 4, the contents that overlap with the case of Fig. 2 will be omitted. As shown in "basic setting screen" 100 in Fig. 4, the display panel of the UI unit 11 displays "full color printing rate" 120, which is a button showing an index of the full color printing rate, and 75%, which is the calculated index value. When the user selects the "full color printing rate" 120 button and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that "full color printing rate" 120 has been selected. Based on this detection, the control unit 10 transitions to a "print color setting screen" 430, as shown in Fig. 4, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0075] When setting a print color setting item on the "print color setting screen" 430 shown in FIG. 4 based on a user's selection of a button indicating a print color setting item, the control unit 10 calculates a predicted value that predicts an index value corresponding to the print color setting item, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, 434. Specifically, in the "print color setting screen" 430 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 10 adds "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, 434, which are predicted values ​​that predict the index value of each "full color printing rate" 120, to the buttons indicating the print color setting items "full color" 310, "black and white" 301, "2 colors (red and black)" 302, and "2 colors (other color and black)" 303, to the "print color setting screen" 300 in FIG. 2, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0076] The settings of the print color setting items for the past three print jobs printed by the control unit 10 through the printing unit 13 are as follows: The first print job is 50 pages and is set to "black and white" 301, the second print job is 50 pages and is set to "full color" 310, and the third print job is 100 pages and is set to "full color" 310. These three print jobs are for a total of 200 pages. The index value of the "full color printing rate" 120 calculated by the control unit 10 is 75%, since the second and third print jobs for 150 pages were set to "full color" 310, i.e., 150 pages / 200 pages.

[0077] As an example, the control unit 10 calculates a predicted value for a case where a fourth print job is executed after executing the above-mentioned three print jobs. The fourth print job used by the control unit 10 when calculating the predicted value is the same as the third print job printed by the printing unit 13 immediately before. The control unit 10 calculates the "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, and 434 for the fourth print job when the print color setting items are set to "full color" 310, "black and white" 301, "2 colors (red and black)" 302, and "2 colors (another color and black)" 303. The calculated index value is the cumulative total of the first through fourth print jobs.

[0078] Since the fourth print job is for 100 pages, the setting for "full color" 310 is for 100 pages, and the predicted value calculated by the control unit 10 is 83%, which is (150 pages + 100 pages) / (200 pages + 100 pages). The index value of "predicted full color printing rate" 431, 83%, is displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11. Similarly, the control unit 10 calculates 0 pages for the settings of "black and white" 301, "2 colors (red and black)" 302, and "2 colors (another color and black)" 303, so the predicted values ​​calculated by the control unit 10 are 50% for each of them, based on (150 pages) / (200 pages+100 pages). The index value of 50% for each of the "full color printing rate predicted value" 432, 433, and 434 is displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0079] The user can set print color setting items such as “full color” 310, “black and white” 301, “2 colors (red and black)” 302, and “2 colors (another color and black)” 303, displayed on the display panel of the UI unit 11, while referring to their predicted values, “full color printing rate predicted values” 431, 432, 433, and 434. When the user selects one of the buttons for print color setting items and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12 and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0080] Next, using FIG. 5, the control unit 10 will explain the control of transitioning from the "basic setting screen" 100 to the "double-sided printing setting screen" 410 or the "aggregated printing setting screen" 420 via the "paper reduction usage rate screen" 400 shown in FIG. Also, the control unit 10 calculates predicted values ​​for predicting index values, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11 as "paper reduction rate predicted values" 411, 412, 413, and 421, and further as "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, and 434. Note that in the following description of FIG. 5, the contents that overlap with the case of FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0081] The control unit 10 starts control and calculates (S201) an index value of the paper reduction rate and an index value of the full-color printing rate for each print job or each scan data within a predetermined period or range from the storage unit 12. For example, the index value of the paper reduction rate calculated by the control unit 10 is 25%, and the index value of the full-color printing rate calculated by the control unit 10 is 75%. The control unit 10 displays a "basic setting screen" 100 as shown in FIG. 4 on the display panel of the UI unit 11, including the calculated index value of the paper reduction rate (S202).

[0082] The control unit 10 determines whether the "Paper Reduction Rate" 110 button has been selected by detecting an input on the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S203), and if it determines that it has been selected (S203: YES), it displays the "Paper Reduction Usage Rate Screen" 400 shown in FIG. 4 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S204). On the "Paper reduction usage rate screen" 400, the control unit 10 displays, on the display panel of the UI unit 11, "Double-sided usage rate" 401, its index value of 25%, and "Consolidated usage rate" 402, which is a button showing an index of consolidated printing related to the consumed paper, and its index value of 25%.

[0083] The control unit 10 determines whether the button for "Double-sided usage rate" 401 has been selected by detecting input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S205), and if it determines that it has been selected (S205: YES), calculates a predicted value that predicts an index value corresponding to the paper reduction setting item related to "Paper reduction rate" 110 (S206). Specifically, the calculation of the predicted values ​​is as in the example described above with reference to Fig. 4. In the case where a fourth print job is executed after three print jobs have been executed, the control unit 10 calculates 17%, 33%, and 33% as "predicted paper reduction rate values" 411, 412, and 413 when the paper reduction setting items are set to "single-sided → single-sided" 201, "single-sided → double-sided" 202, and "double-sided → double-sided" 203, respectively.

[0084] The control unit 10 displays the "double-sided printing setting screen" 410 including these "paper reduction rate predicted values" 411, 412, and 413 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S207). When the user selects one of the buttons for paper reduction setting items displayed on the "Double-Sided Printing Setting Screen" 410 and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set double-sided printing (S208), which can be used to control the printing unit 13. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0085] When the control unit 10 determines that the button for "Double-sided usage rate" 401 has not been selected (S205: NO), it determines whether the button for "Aggregated usage rate" 402 has been selected by detecting input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S211), and if it determines that the button has been selected (S211: YES), it calculates a predicted value that predicts the index value corresponding to the paper reduction setting item related to "Paper reduction rate" 110 (S212). If the control unit 10 determines that the button for "aggregated usage rate" 402 has not been selected (S211: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the step of determining whether the button for "paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected (S203).

[0086] Specifically, the calculation of the predicted value is as in the example described above with reference to Fig. 4. In the case where a fourth print job is executed after three print jobs have been executed, the control unit 10 calculates 33% as the "predicted paper reduction rate" 421 when the paper reduction setting item is set to "single-sided→combine every two sheets" 210.

[0087] The control unit 10 displays the "aggregated print setting screen" 420 including the "predicted paper reduction rate" 421 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S213). When the user selects and touches the "Single-sided -> Combine 2 sheets" 210 button displayed on the "Combined printing setting screen" 420 with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set the combined printing (S214), which can be used to control the printing unit 13. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0088] On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that the "paper reduction rate" 110 button has not been selected through input detection of the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S203: NO), it determines whether the "full color printing rate" 120 button has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S221). When the control unit 10 determines that the "full color printing rate" 120 button has been selected (S221: YES), it calculates a predicted value that predicts an index value corresponding to the print color setting item related to the "full color printing rate" 120 (S222). Note that when the control unit 10 determines that the "full color printing rate" 120 button has not been selected (S221: NO), it returns to the determination of whether the "paper reduction rate" 110 button has been selected (S203).

[0089] Specifically, the calculation of the predicted value is as in the example described above with reference to Fig. 4. In the case where a fourth print job is executed after three print jobs have been executed, the control unit 10 calculates 83%, 50%, 50%, and 50% as "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, and 434 when the print color setting items are set to "full color" 310, "black and white" 301, "2 colors (red and black)" 302, and "2 colors (another color and black)" 303, respectively.

[0090] The control unit 10 displays the "print color setting screen" 430 including these "full color printing rate predicted values" 431, 432, 433, and 434 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S223). When the user selects one of the buttons for print color setting items displayed on the "print color setting screen" 430 and touches it with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set the print color (S224), which can be used to control the printing unit 13. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0091] 1-4.Settings screen 3 As an example of a setting screen, the setting screen 3 shown in Fig. 6 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 2 above, the control unit 10 did not indicate whether the function was a print function or a copy function on the "paper reduction setting screen" 200 or the "print color setting screen" 300 transitioned from the "basic setting screen" 100. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 10 displays the print function indicating the first print format as "Print" 510, or the copy function indicating the selected second print format as "Copy" 610, on the display panel of the UI unit 11, by including them in the "Paper Reduction Setting Screen" 500 or the "Print Color Setting Screen" 600 transitioned from the "Basic Setting Screen" 100. Note that in the following explanation of Fig. 6, the contents that overlap with the case of Fig. 2 will be omitted.

[0092] Even if the "Print" 101 button or the "Copy" 102 button is not selected on the "Basic Setting Screen" 100, when the control unit 10 detects through the detection panel of the UI unit 11 an input indicating that the indicator "Paper Reduction Rate" 110 or "Full Color Printing Rate" 120 has been selected, the control unit 10 selects either the print function or the copy function based on predetermined conditions. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 10 includes the selected print function as “Print” 510 or the selected copy function as “Copy” 610 in a “Paper Reduction Setting Screen” 500 or a “Print Color Setting Screen” 600, respectively, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0093] The control unit 10 stores in the storage unit 12 the paper reduction setting items set on the "paper reduction setting screen" 500 and the print color setting items on the "print color setting screen" 600 in association with the selected print function or copy function. When the control unit 10 receives a print job via the communication unit 15 or acquires scan data via the reading unit 14, it can read out the paper reduction setting items and print color setting items associated with the selected print function or copy function from the memory unit 12, control the printing unit 13, and print the print job or scan data.

[0094] Here, an example of the predetermined condition when the control unit 10 selects the print function or the copy function will be described. It is preferable that the control unit 10 selects the print function when the communication unit 15 is capable of communicating with the external device 2 as a predetermined condition. This is because there is a high possibility that the control unit 10 will receive a print job from the external device 2 via the communication unit 15 and print it using the printing unit 13. It is preferable that the control unit 10 selects the print function even when the communication unit 15 is able to communicate with the external storage device instead of the external device 2 as a predetermined condition. This is because the control unit 10 is highly likely to receive a print job from the external storage device via the communication unit 15 and print it using the printing unit 13. It is preferable that the control unit 10 selects the copy function when, as a predetermined condition, a document is detected by a detector provided in the document transport mechanism of the reading unit 14. This is because there is a high possibility that the control unit 10 will read the document in the reading unit 14 and print it by the printing unit 13.

[0095] The storage unit 12 stores the index values ​​of the past "paper reduction rate" 110 and the past index values ​​of the past "full color printing rate" 120 for each printing function and each copying function. It is preferable that the control unit 10 refers to the storage unit 12 as the predetermined condition and selects the print function or copy function with the higher index value of the past "paper reduction rate" 110 or the past index value of the "full color printing rate" 120. This is because there is a high possibility that the user will set the "paper reduction rate" 110 or "full color printing rate" 120 of the print function or copy function with the higher index value to a lower value.

[0096] The storage unit 12 stores the past paper consumption amount and the past ink consumption amount for each printing function and each copying function. It is preferable that the control unit 10 refers to the storage unit 12 as the predetermined condition and selects the print function or copy function with the higher consumption amount from the past paper consumption amount or the past ink consumption amount. This is because there is a high possibility that the user will set the "paper reduction rate" 110 higher or the "full color printing rate" 120 lower for the print function or copy function with the higher consumption amount.

[0097] Next, the control of the control unit 10 to transition from the "basic setting screen" 100 to the "paper reduction setting screen" 500 or the "print color setting screen" 600 shown in Fig. 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Note that in the following description of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the contents that overlap with the case of Fig. 3 will be omitted. Also, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are connected by a connection terminal.

[0098] The control unit 10 starts control and calculates, from the storage unit 12, an index value of the paper reduction rate and an index value of the full-color printing rate for each print job or each scan data within a predetermined period or range (S301). The control unit 10 displays the "basic setting screen" 100 shown in FIG. 6 on the display panel of the UI unit 11, including the calculated index value of the paper reduction rate (S302).

[0099] The control unit 10 determines whether the "Paper Reduction Rate" 110 button has been selected by detecting an input from the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S303), and if it determines that the button has been selected (S303: YES), it selects "Print" 510 indicating the print function or "Copy" 610 indicating the copy function based on a predetermined condition (S304). The predetermined condition is as described above.

[0100] When the control unit 10 determines that “Print” 510 has been selected (S304: “Print”), as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 10 includes the selected “Print” 510 in the “Paper Reduction Setting Screen” 500 and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S305). The control unit 10 stores and sets the paper reduction setting items set on the "paper reduction setting screen" 500 in the storage unit 12 in association with the selected "print" 510 (S306). When the control unit 10 receives a print job via the communication unit 15, it reads out the paper reduction setting items associated with "print" 510 from the storage unit 12, and controls the printing unit 13 to perform printing. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0101] On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that “Copy” 610 has been selected (S304: “Copy”), it displays “Copy” 610 instead of “Print” 510 on the “Paper Reduction Setting Screen” 500 in FIG. 6 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S311). The control unit 10 stores and sets the paper reduction setting items set on the "paper reduction setting screen" 500 in the memory unit 12 in association with the selected "copy" 610 (S312). When the control unit 10 obtains the scan data with the reading unit 14, it reads out the paper reduction setting items associated with "copy" 610 from the memory unit 12, and controls the printing unit 13 to perform printing. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0102] Meanwhile, when the control unit 10 determines that the "Paper reduction rate" 110 button has not been selected through input detection of the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S303: NO), it determines whether the "Full color printing rate" 120 button has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S321), as shown in Fig. 8. When the control unit 10 determines that the "Full color printing rate" 120 button has been selected (S321: YES), it selects "Print" 510 indicating the print function or "Copy" 610 indicating the copy function based on a predetermined condition (S322). The predetermined condition is as described above. If the control unit 10 determines that the button for "full color printing rate" 120 has not been selected (S321: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the step of determining whether the button for "paper reduction rate" 110 shown in FIG. 7 has been selected (S303).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, when the control unit 10 determines that “Copy” 610 has been selected (S322: “Copy”), as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 10 includes the selected “Copy” 610 in the “Print Color Setting Screen” 600 and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S331). The control unit 10 stores and sets the print color setting items set on the "print color setting screen" 600 in the memory unit 12 in association with the selected "copy" 610 (S332). When the control unit 10 obtains the scan data with the reading unit 14, it can read the print color setting items associated with "copy" 610 from the memory unit 12 and control the printing unit 13 to perform printing. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8, on the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that “Print” 510 has been selected (S322: “Print”), it displays “Print” 510 on the display panel of the UI unit 11 in place of “Copy” 610 on the “Print Color Setting Screen” 600 in FIG. 6 (S323). The control unit 10 stores and sets the print color setting items set on the "print color setting screen" 600 in the storage unit 12 in association with the selected "print" 510 (S324). When the control unit 10 receives a print job via the communication unit 15, it reads out the paper reduction setting items associated with "print" 510 from the storage unit 12 and controls the printing unit 13 to perform printing. The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0105] 1-5.Settings screen 4 As an example of a setting screen, setting screen 4 shown in Fig. 9 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 9, control unit 10 reads out the history of previously set paper reduction setting items and print color setting items stored in storage unit 12, or the registration of specific paper reduction setting items and print color settings stored in storage unit 12 as a "favorite" menu, and displays them on the display panel of UI unit 11. Note that in the following description of Fig. 9, content that overlaps with the case of Fig. 2 will be omitted.

[0106] The control unit 10 associates the paper reduction rate, which is an indicator, the index value of the paper reduction rate, the set paper reduction setting items, identification information, the amount of paper consumed, and the print function or copy function, and registers specific items selected by the user as a history in the order of the time they were set, or as a ``favorite'' menu, and stores them in the memory unit 12. In addition, the control unit 10 associates the full color printing rate, which is an indicator, and its index value with the set print color setting items, identification information, ink consumption, and print or copy functions, and registers specific items selected by the user as a history in the order of the set time, or as a "favorite" menu, and stores them in the memory unit 12.

[0107] When the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the indicator "paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, as shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 10 transitions to a "paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen" 700 related to the "paper reduction rate" 110 and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11. Specifically, the control unit 10 displays a "paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 1" 710 and a "paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 2" 720, which show the history or registration of the paper reduction setting item related to the "paper reduction rate" 110, on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0108] In the “Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 1” 710, the control unit 10 reads out from the memory unit 12 “Print” 510, which indicates a printing function that has been previously set or registered, and “Single-sided → Double-sided” 202, which is a paper reduction setting item associated with “Print” 510, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. In the "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 2" 720, the control unit 10 reads out from the memory unit 12 "Copy" 610, which indicates a copy function that has been previously set or registered, and "Single-sided → Combine every two sheets" 210, which is a paper reduction setting item associated with "Copy" 610, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. In addition, the control unit 10 may display the “paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen” 700 in the order in which the settings or registrations were made, or in the reverse order, or may display the settings or registrations by scrolling if there are a lot of histories or registrations.

[0109] When the user selects and touches either the button "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 1" 710 or the "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 2" 720 with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the paper reduction setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected paper reduction setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set paper reduction settings, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0110] On the other hand, when the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the indicator "full color printing rate" 120 has been selected through the detection panel of the UI unit 11, as shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 10 transitions to a "print color setting history screen or registration screen" 800 related to the "full color printing rate" 120 and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11. Specifically, the control unit 10 displays a "print color setting history screen or registration screen 1" 810 and a "print color setting history screen or registration screen 2" 820, which show the history or registration of the print color setting item related to the "full color printing rate" 120, on the display panel of the UI unit 11.

[0111] In the "Print color setting history screen or registration screen 1" 810, the control unit 10 reads out from the memory unit 12 "Print" 510, which indicates a printing function that has been previously set or registered, and "Two colors (red and black)" 302, which is a print color setting item associated with "Print" 510, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. In the “print color setting history screen or registration screen 2” 820, the control unit 10 reads out from the memory unit 12 “Copy” 610 indicating the copy function that has been previously set or registered, and “Black and white” 301 which is a print color setting item associated with “Copy” 610, and displays them on the display panel of the UI unit 11. In addition, the control unit 10 may display the “print color setting history screen or registration screen” 800 in the order in which they were set or registered, or in the reverse order, or may display them by scrolling if there are a lot of histories or registrations.

[0112] When the user selects and touches either the button of "Print color setting history screen or registration screen 1" 810 or "Print color setting history screen or registration screen 2" 820 with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the print color setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected print color setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set the print color, and can use it to control the printing unit 13.

[0113] Next, the control of the control unit 10 to transition from the "basic setting screen" 100 to the "paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen" 700 or the "print color setting history screen or registration screen" 800 shown in Fig. 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that in the following description of Fig. 10, the contents that overlap with the case of Fig. 3 will be omitted.

[0114] The control unit 10 starts control and calculates, from the storage unit 12, an index value of the paper reduction rate and an index value of the full-color printing rate for each print job or each scan data within a predetermined period or range (S401). The control unit 10 displays a "basic setting screen" 100 as shown in FIG. 10 on the display panel of the UI unit 11, including the calculated index value of the paper reduction rate (S402).

[0115] The control unit 10 determines whether the button for "Paper reduction rate" 110 has been selected by detecting an input on the detection panel of the UI unit 11 (S403), and if it determines that it has been selected (S403: YES), transitions to a "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen" 700 related to "Paper reduction rate" 110, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S404). Specifically, the control unit 10 displays a "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 1" 710 and a "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 2" 720 on the display panel of the UI unit 11, which show the history or registration of the paper reduction setting item related to the "Paper reduction rate" 110.

[0116] When the user selects and touches either the button "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 1" 710 or "Paper reduction setting history screen or registration screen 2" 720 with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the paper reduction setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected paper reduction setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set paper reduction settings, which can be used to control the printing unit 13 (S405). The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0117] On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines through input detection of the detection panel of the UI unit 11 that the button for "Paper reduction rate" 110 has not been selected (S403: NO), it determines whether the button for "Full color printing rate" 120 has been selected (S411), and if it determines that it has been selected (S411: YES), it transitions to "Print color setting history screen or registration screen" 800 related to "Full color printing rate" 120, and displays it on the display panel of the UI unit 11 (S412). Specifically, the control unit 10 displays a “print color setting history screen or registration screen 1” 810 and a “print color setting history screen or registration screen 2” 820 on the display panel of the UI unit 11, which show the history or registration of the print color setting item related to the “full color printing rate” 120. If the control unit 10 determines that the "full color printing rate" 120 button has not been selected (S411: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the step of determining whether the "paper reduction rate" 110 button has been selected (S403).

[0118] When the user selects and touches either the button of "Print color setting history screen or registration screen 1" 810 or "Print color setting history screen or registration screen 2" 820 with his / her finger, the detection panel of the UI unit 11 detects an input indicating that the print color setting item of the touched button has been set. The control unit 10 stores the detected print color setting item in the memory unit 12, and can set the print color and use it to control the printing unit 13 (S413). The control unit 10 ends the control.

[0119] As described above, the image processing device 1 of this embodiment can provide a means for displaying indices of consumables such as paper and ink on the screen of the UI unit 11 and for setting printing in relation to the displayed indices.

[0120] As described above, the present embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention. The image processing device 1 has been described with an example in which the printing unit 13 is an inkjet type head using ink, but other types may be used. For example, the printing unit 13 may be an electrophotographic type using toner. In this case, the consumable goods are toner instead of ink. Indicators of consumable goods may also include recycling-related items such as the use of recycled paper or synthetic paper. The UI unit 11 has been described with an example of a touch panel display, but the display unit may be a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display, and a keyboard, mouse, or the like may be provided as separate input units.

[0121] Also, a program for implementing the functions of any of the components in the above-described device may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. Here, the device in question is, for example, the image processing device 1, the external device 2, etc. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD (Compact Disk)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0122] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above program may be for implementing some of the above functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1...image processing device, 2...external device, 10...control unit, 11...user interface unit, 12...storage unit, 13...printing unit, 14...reading unit, 15...communication unit, 16...acquisition unit.

Claims

1. A display unit; An input unit; A communication unit capable of communicating with an external device; A printing unit that prints using consumable materials; A reading unit capable of reading a document; A control unit, The control unit is a first print format in which the first information acquired from the communication unit can be printed by the printing unit, or a second print format in which the second information acquired from the reading unit can be printed by the printing unit can be selected; When the input unit detects an input indicating that an indicator related to the consumable product consumed in the printing unit has been selected, the image processing device selects the first printing format or the second printing format based on predetermined conditions and displays it on the display unit together with setting items related to the indicator.

2. Calculating an index value of the index, and displaying the index and the index value on the display unit; when the input unit detects an input indicating that the index has been selected, the display unit displays the setting item related to the index; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the input unit detects an input indicating that the setting item has been set, the image processing apparatus controls the printing unit to perform printing based on the setting of the setting item.

3. 3 . The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the consumable product is paper and the indicator is related to consumption of the paper, or the consumable product is ink and the indicator is related to consumption of the ink.

4. When the indicator is related to the consumption of paper, the setting items include those related to double-sided printing or aggregate printing, The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein when the indicator is related to the consumption of the ink, the setting items include an item related to a print color.

5. A storage unit that stores the setting items, The control unit is 5 . The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a display unit that displays the setting item related to the index when the input unit detects an input indicating that the index has been selected.

6. An acquisition unit capable of acquiring identification information, The control unit is When the first information is acquired from the communication unit, the identification information can be acquired from the communication unit; When acquiring the second information from the reading unit, the identification information can be acquired from the acquisition unit, The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the index value is calculated for each of the pieces of identification information and displayed by the display unit.

7. The control unit is The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein predetermined information is transmitted by the communication unit based on the index value calculated for each of the identification information, or the setting item is set in correspondence with the identification information.

8. The control unit is When setting the above setting items, A predicted value for predicting the index value is calculated; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the predicted value is displayed by the display unit.

9. A method for controlling an image processing device including a display unit, an input unit, a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device, a printing unit that prints using consumable products, and a reading unit that can read a document, comprising: a first print format in which the first information acquired from the communication unit can be printed by the printing unit, or a second print format in which the second information acquired from the reading unit can be printed by the printing unit can be selected; A control method for an image processing device, in which, when an input unit detects an input indicating that an indicator related to the consumable product consumed in the printing unit has been selected, the first printing format or the second printing format is selected based on specified conditions, and is displayed on the display unit together with setting items related to the indicator.

Images