JP2012227621A - Image forming apparatus, control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent information loss due to a lack of an image even in an image forming environment where image quality cannot be guaranteed and the lack of the image easily occurs.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus forming the image on the basis of inputted image data includes: discriminating means discriminating whether a lack of image information exists in the formed image or not; termination processing selecting means causing a user to select termination processing after the image is formed when the risk of the lack of the image information is discriminated to exist in the formed image; and image data holding means holding the image data at least until selection of the termination processing by the user is decided.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a control program.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a user sometimes uses consumables other than genuine products in order to reduce the cost of consumables such as toner.

  In this way, in the image forming apparatus, when non-genuine consumables whose operating conditions are not strictly controlled are used, even if image formation is performed under the same conditions as genuine products, it is equivalent to genuine products. Since image quality cannot be maintained, a technique has been proposed for suppressing an image quality deterioration by providing an operation mode when a consumable item other than a genuine product is mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  In other words, in the past, for example, when non-genuine toner is installed, the user is notified that toner other than the genuine product has been installed, and in an operation mode different from the genuine product, image quality and performance Will be inferior compared to genuine products, and after obtaining the user's consent for the notification content, will move to an operation mode that is considered to be more suitable for non-genuine toner, and operate. It was.

  However, the above-described conventional technique merely determines various conditions in the image forming process, and when the image forming process is completed, the same process as that performed when a genuine product is mounted is performed. As a result, problems may occur.

  For example, from the viewpoint of effective use of memory, etc., when image formation processing is completed, image data is deleted, and when paper output at the time of facsimile reception or confidential print output is performed again. It is not easy to acquire image data. For example, the image quality may be low, but it is not always possible to meet a user's request to avoid image loss.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an image forming apparatus capable of preventing information loss due to image loss even in an image forming environment in which image quality cannot be guaranteed and image loss is likely to occur. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input image data, and whether or not there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image. A determination unit for determining whether or not there is a possibility of missing image information in the formed image, an end process selection unit for allowing the user to select an end process after image formation, and at least an end process by the user Image data holding means for holding the image data until the selection is confirmed.

Further, the present invention provides a control process executed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input image data, and a determination process for determining whether or not there is a risk of image information missing in the formed image When it is determined that there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image, an end process selection process for allowing the user to select an end process after the image formation, and at least until the user selects the end process An image data holding process for holding the image data.
According to another aspect of the present invention, in a control program for controlling an image forming apparatus that performs image formation based on input image data by a computer, the computer may cause image information to be lost in the formed image. Determination means for determining whether or not, an end process selection means for allowing the user to select an end process after image formation when it is determined that there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image, and at least the end by the user It functions as image data holding means for holding the image data until the selection of processing is confirmed.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus determines whether there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image, and when it is determined that there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image. An image forming environment in which image quality cannot be guaranteed and image loss is likely to occur because the image data is held until the user selects an end process after image formation and at least the end process is selected by the user. This also has the effect of preventing information loss due to missing images.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network printing system having the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of information stored in the memory of the AIO cartridge that is a consumable item. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for determining end processing after the end of image formation. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an end processing screen in the display operation unit.

Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is realized as a composite apparatus including a copy, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile function.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is roughly classified into a control unit 11, a plotter control unit 12, a scanner control unit 13, a storage unit 14, a FAX communication control unit 15, a network I / F control unit 16, and a display unit. Including a display operation unit 17, an image processing unit 18, an IC tag reader unit 19, a barcode reader unit 20, and a bus unit 21 connecting the above-described units.

The control unit 11 is configured as a microcomputer and includes an MPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown).
The plotter control unit 12 controls a writing (printing) operation on the recording paper.
The storage unit 14 stores various data such as a control program in a nonvolatile manner, stores various data temporarily, a RAM that functions as a work area, requires update of setting data, and stores in a nonvolatile manner A nonvolatile RAM or the like for storing data that needs to be stored is provided.

The FAX communication control unit 15 connects to the public network.
The network I / F control unit 16 is connected to an external server or a personal computer (PC) constituting a user terminal device via a communication network such as a LAN or the Internet to perform communication.
The display operation unit 17 is provided with a display unit that displays various data (information). The display operation unit 17 inputs various information to the apparatus and displays various information by a user operation.

The image processing unit 18 performs predetermined image processing such as image sharpening and γ correction on the image data read from the scanner control unit 13.
The storage unit 14 stores model information, image data, and the like.
The IC tag reader unit 19 reads paper information recorded on an IC tag (not shown).
The barcode reader unit 20 reads paper information from a barcode (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network printing system having the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.
The network printing system 30 is roughly classified into the image forming apparatus 10, user terminals 32 and 33 connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication network 31 and configured as personal computers (PCs), and the image forming apparatus 10. A model database server 34 and a media database server 35 connected to each other via a communication network 31.

Here, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a printer unit 41 that performs a printing process under the control of the plotter control unit 12, and a paper feeding unit 42 that feeds the printer unit 41 under the control of the control unit 11. Yes.
The printer unit 41 includes the display operation unit 17 described above and an ADF (automatic document feeder) 43, and is connected to a scanner 44 controlled by the scanner control unit 13. When scanning using the ADF 43, when a document bundle is set in the ADF 43 and a reading start instruction is given, the operation of reading the document one by one from the document bundle to the reading position is automatically performed until the final document. Repeat. A document or the like that cannot be set on the ADF 43 is read from a pressure plate (document table). In this case, the user exchanges the documents one by one and issues a reading start instruction. The copying operation is realized by converting image data corresponding to a document read via the scanner 44 into printer output data and outputting it to the printer engine.

The paper feed unit 42 includes a first paper feed unit 42A, a second paper feed unit 42B, and a third paper feed unit 42C. The first paper feed unit 42A, the second paper feed unit 42B, and the third paper feed unit 42C have the same configuration, and different paper types or the same type depending on the usage mode of the image forming apparatus 10. Each paper type is stored and supplied.
The image forming apparatus 10 can be connected to the user terminals 32 and 33, the model database server 34, or the media database server 35 via the network I / F control unit 16.

  Further, it can be connected to the public telephone line network 45 via a modem, NCU, etc. (not shown), and image data corresponding to the original read from the scanner 44 is converted into image data for facsimile at the time of facsimile transmission. After conversion, the data is transmitted via the public telephone line network 45 via a modem and NCU (not shown). When receiving a facsimile, the facsimile image data received via the public telephone line network 45 is converted into printer printing image data and output to the printer unit 41.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus 10 is configured as a full-color printer, and shows an example in which an AIO (All-In-One) cartridge is adopted as a process cartridge. Here, a full color printer will be described as an example, but a monochrome printer may be used. In addition, although an example of a secondary transfer method will be described here, a printer of a method that directly transfers a toner image on a photoreceptor onto a sheet may be used. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 is controlled by the plotter control unit 12 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the image forming apparatus 10 configured as a full-color printer, the image forming unit includes black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) in which an image forming unit is built. Each AIO cartridge 51, 52, 53, 54, an intermediate transfer belt 55 positioned below these AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, 54, and a secondary transfer bias roller 56 as a secondary transfer body are included. It consists of

  The AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54 each form a different color toner image. These AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54 have the same structure, and are respectively cylindrical photoconductors 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a that are rotatable image carriers, and electrostatic discharge around these photoconductors. It includes charging rollers 51b, 52b, 53b and 54b arranged in the order of the photographic process, a developing device (not shown), and cleaning devices 51c, 52c, 53c and 54c. The photoconductors 51a, 52a, 53a and 54a are arranged in parallel with each other and at equal intervals.

  The photoreceptors 51a, 52a, 53a and 54a are rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) at a peripheral speed of 120 mm / sec, for example, during an image forming operation. Each of the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54 incorporates a rewritable and nonvolatile memory (not shown). Each of the memories built in the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, 54 stores the manufacturer information of the corresponding AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, 54, as well as the photoreceptor driving time and toner usage, as will be described later. Various information indicating the state of the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54, such as the amount, is stored.

  Each of the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, 54 is provided with a mounting detection means (not shown) in each mounting portion. The upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is a cover, and each AIO cartridge 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be attached and detached by opening the cover.

  The charging rollers 51b, 52b, 53b and 54b are in pressure contact with the photoconductors 51a, 52a, 53a and 54a, respectively, and are driven to rotate with respect to the photoconductors 51a, 52a, 53a and 54a. The charging rollers 51b, 52b, 53b and 54b are uniformly charged on the surfaces of the photoconductors 51a, 52a, 53a and 54a by applying an AC and DC bias from a high voltage power source (not shown).

  A developing device (not shown) included in each of the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54 executes development for one component. These developing devices use, as a toner image, electrostatic latent images formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a by a predetermined developing bias supplied from a high voltage power source (not shown) based on the control of the control unit 11. Visualize.

  If the developing bias is too low, the electrostatic latent image is not developed with toner and becomes a thin toner image. On the other hand, if the developing bias is too high, the toner is also developed around the electrostatic latent image, and the background stain (background stain) of the photoconductor occurs. When soiling occurs, not only does it fail to obtain a proper image, but it also speeds up toner consumption unnecessarily, causing toner breakdown that can cause machine failure or damage due to excessive toner catching up with cleaning performance. There is also. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the developing bias to prevent image defects due to toner deterioration and photoconductor fatigue. In this embodiment, the setting range of the developing bias is + 30V to + 350V, and the default is + 80V.

  The intermediate transfer belt 55 is stretched between a drive roller 55a and a support roller 55b. The intermediate transfer belt 55 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown).

  Inside the intermediate transfer belt 55, four primary transfer bias rollers 55c as primary transfer members are provided. The four primary transfer bias rollers 55c are disposed to face the transfer positions of the photosensitive members K, C, M, and Y, respectively, with the intermediate transfer belt 55 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer bias roller 55 c is applied with a primary transfer bias by a primary transfer bias application unit that constitutes a transfer bias application unit (not shown), and transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 55. The primary transfer bias application unit is a high voltage power source. A cleaning device 57 for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 55 is provided in the vicinity of the support roller 55b.

  The secondary transfer bias roller 56 is provided at a position facing the support roller 55 b with the intermediate transfer belt 55 interposed therebetween. The secondary transfer bias roller 56 is applied with a secondary transfer bias by a secondary transfer bias applying unit that constitutes a transfer bias applying unit (not shown), and the intermediate transfer belt is applied to a sheet 58 that is a recording material sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 55. The toner image on 55 is secondarily transferred. The secondary transfer bias application unit is a high voltage power source.

  The optical writing unit 59 is disposed above the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54, and applies laser light L corresponding to image data for each color of K, C, M, and Y to the surface of each photoconductor. To form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photoconductor. As the optical writing unit 59, a laser scanning type using a laser light source, a polygon mirror 59A, etc. is shown, but a type combining an LED array and an imaging means may be used.

  The paper 58 is accommodated and held in the paper feed cassette 60, and the paper 58 is separated and fed one by one by a paper feed roller 61. The sheets 58 separated and fed one by one are conveyed to the secondary transfer position by the registration roller 62. The sub-scanning length of the paper 58 is measured by the registration sensor 63.

  The fixing device 64 fixes the toner image on the paper 58 by applying heat and pressure to the paper 58 on which the toner image has been transferred.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the secondary transfer bias roller 56 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 55, but when a contact / separation mechanism is provided, unnecessary toner on the intermediate transfer belt 55 is 2 In order to prevent transfer to the next transfer bias roller 56, the paper is separated when a paper jam occurs.
In the vicinity of the paper discharge port 65, a paper discharge roller 65A for discharging the paper 58 and a paper discharge sensor 65B for detecting whether or not the paper discharge has been performed reliably are provided.
The double-sided conveyance path 66 is a path along which the paper 58 is conveyed during double-sided printing, and includes a double-sided conveyance roller 67 that conveys the paper 58 during double-sided printing and a double-sided sensor 68 for detecting the conveyance position of the paper 58.
The TM sensor 69 is a light reflection type sensor used for measuring the distance between the toner mark patterns for correcting misalignment.

Next, an example image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
As described above, the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 10 is performed in a state in which the photosensitive member of the color corresponding to the image forming mode is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 55.
Laser light L corresponding to image data is emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) of the optical writing unit 59, and this laser light L is charged by irradiating the surface of each of the photosensitive members 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of each of the photoreceptors 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a. Toner supplied from each developing device adheres to the electrostatic latent image, and is visualized as a toner image.

  The toner images are sequentially transferred by the primary transfer bias roller 55c in which a primary transfer bias is applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 55 that moves in synchronization with the photoreceptors 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a. Is done. As described above, the toner images of different colors formed on the surfaces of the photoconductors 51 a, 52 a, 53 a, and 54 a are sequentially superimposed and primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 55, thereby being transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 55. A color toner image is formed. In the single color mode, there is one color and there is no toner image superposition.

The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 55 is secondarily transferred to the paper 58 fed from the paper feed cassette 60 and sent to the transfer position between the secondary transfer bias roller 56 and the intermediate transfer belt 55. This secondary transfer is executed by the transfer action of the secondary transfer bias roller 56 to which a secondary transfer bias is applied.
The sheet 58 on which the color toner image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing device 64, and is discharged by a discharge roller 65A from a discharge port 65 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 after the fixing process.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of information stored in the memory of the AIO cartridge that is a consumable item.
Since the memories constituting each of the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54 have the same configuration, FIG. 4 will be described using the memory 51X that constitutes the AIO cartridge 51 as an example.

The memory 51 </ b> X stores manufacturer information 71, media product information 72, new product information 73, toner consumption information 74, photoreceptor travel distance information 75, and main body information 76.
The manufacturer information 71 and the media product information 72 are, for example, identification information for identifying the manufacturer and model number of the AIO cartridge 51, 52, 53, 54, and are used to determine whether the consumable is a genuine product. Used.
The new product information 73 and the main body information 76 are used to determine whether or not the consumable item has been replaced.
The toner consumption amount information 74 and the photoreceptor travel distance information 75 indicate the toner consumption amount and the travel distance of the photoreceptor in the corresponding AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54, and use of the AIO cartridge as the consumable item. Used to determine the state. The toner consumption amount information 74 and the photosensitive member travel distance information 75 are used for determination of automatic correction timing of image forming conditions and determination of remaining amount of consumables such as toner near end.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described.
In the following description, the operation in the case where the consumable is a non-genuine product, the remaining amount of toner is less than a predetermined amount, and the operation mode is a specific mode will be mainly described.
Next, prior to the description of the operation of the specific embodiment, processing performed when the consumable is a non-genuine product, the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the operation mode is a specific mode will be described.
Here, the predetermined specific mode may be an operation mode such as the confidential printing mode in addition to the facsimile reception mode. In short, the specific mode means that when the image data to be printed is automatically deleted when printing is completed, image data that is difficult to obtain again is the print target, and the image in the print result An operation mode that handles image data that has a large effect when a loss occurs.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for determining end processing after the end of image formation.
After the printing is completed, the control unit 11 reads information stored in the memory built in each of the AIO cartridges 51, 52, 53, and 54 to perform genuine product determination (step S11), and the AIO cartridges 51 to 54 are processed. Whether or not is a genuine product is determined (step S12).
If the AIO cartridges 51 to 54 are genuine products in the determination in step S12 (step S12; Yes), it is necessary for the control unit 11 to ensure that image formation is at a predetermined level or higher and to allow the user to make an end process determination. The process is automatically terminated as it is not present. This is to prevent special operations as much as possible and improve user convenience.

If it is determined in step S12 that the AIO cartridges 51 to 54 are not genuine products (step S12; No), the control unit 11 checks the remaining amount of toner that is a consumable product (step S13). This is because it is more difficult to guarantee the image quality of an image formed when the remaining amount is small, such as toner near end. This is particularly remarkable in a system that estimates the toner consumption amount from a printed image without mounting a toner remaining amount detection sensor or the like.
Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the remaining amount of toner that is a consumable item is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (step S14).

If it is determined in step S14 that the remaining amount of toner exceeds the predetermined amount (step S14; No), the control unit 11 is required to make the user perform the end processing determination because the image formation is guaranteed to be equal to or higher than the predetermined level. If there is no, the process is automatically terminated. This is also for preventing special operations as much as possible and improving user convenience.
If it is determined in step S14 that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (step S14; Yes), the control unit 11 checks the current operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 (step S15).

For example, since image data is transmitted via a telephone line in facsimile reception, if it is determined that image information is missing after printing, it must be retransmitted. In the case of a specific mode such as FAX reception, an end process screen is displayed and the user selects a process.
Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the current operation mode is a predetermined specific mode (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S16 that the current operation mode is a predetermined specific mode (step S16; Yes), an end process screen is displayed (step S17), and the user is allowed to select an end process.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an end processing screen in the display operation unit.
The end processing screen displays a message to the user that non-genuine products are being used and confirmation of the output image because the image information may be missing in the print output. It is for letting you select.

  The end processing screen displayed on the display screen 17A of the display operation unit 17 can be broadly divided into a message display area 81 for displaying a message prompting the user to select end processing because there is a possibility that image information may be lost, A plurality of operation buttons 82-86 for selecting an end instruction, an end instruction selected by the operation buttons 82-86, an execution button 87 for executing, and an end instruction selected by the operation buttons 82-86 are displayed. A return button 88 for canceling or ending the display of the end processing screen.

Here, the operation buttons will be described.
As operation buttons, a “print condition change” button 82 for instructing a process for changing a print condition such as a print density, a “reprint” button 83 for instructing a process to try printing again, and image data for printing are held. In this state, the “Temporarily Stop As It Is” button 84 for temporarily ending printing, the “Adjustment Maintenance” button 85 for instructing the adjustment and maintenance processing of the image forming apparatus 10, and the image data for printing are deleted (discarded). There is a “delete and end image” button 86 and the like to end printing.

Therefore, the user operates (presses) the operation buttons 82 to 86 and the execution button 87 corresponding to any of the processes, and the selected process is executed.
In particular, when one of the “print condition change” button 82, “reprint” button 83, “temporarily quit as it is” button 84 or “adjustment maintenance” button 85 and the execution button 87 are pressed, the print target Since the image data is not deleted, the print output operation can be repeated until the user is satisfied.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when non-genuine consumables are used and desired image quality cannot be guaranteed, an image without missing image information can be formed. It becomes possible.

In the case of facsimile reception, it is also possible to store the received image in the memory without executing the print output operation at the time of toner near-end, and shift to display of an end processing screen. Furthermore, at the time of facsimile reception, the received image may be simply stored in the memory, and then temporarily terminated, and a termination processing screen may be displayed with a user operation as a trigger.
In the above description, the genuine product determination process (step S11) and the remaining amount check process (step S13) are performed prior to the specific mode check process (step S15) and the end process screen display process (step S17). However, the process may be performed at a timing different from the specific mode check process (step S15) and the end process screen display process (step S17).
In addition, it is possible to perform a termination process screen display process before print output.

  The control program executed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Recorded on a readable recording medium.

The control program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The control program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.
Further, the control program of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The control program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image, and there is a risk that image information may be lost in the formed image. The module configuration includes an end process selection unit that allows the user to select an end process after image formation when it is determined to be present, and an image data holding unit that holds at least image data until the end process is selected by the user. As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a control program from the above-described recording medium, whereby the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device and generated on the main storage device. ing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control part 12 Plotter control part 13 Scanner control part 14 Storage part 15 FAX communication control part 16 Network I / F control part 17 Display operation part 17A Display screen 18 Image processing part 19 IC tag reader part 20 Bar code reader part 71 Manufacturer Information 72 Media Product Information 73 New Product Information 74 Toner Consumption Information 75 Photoconductor Travel Distance Information 76 Main Body Information 81 Message Display Area 82 “Print Condition Change” Button 83 “Reprint” Button 84 “Temporarily Stop” Button 85 “Adjustment maintenance” button 86 “Delete image and exit” button

JP 2005-326731 A

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input image data,
A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image;
An end process selection means for allowing the user to select an end process after image formation when it is determined that there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image;
Image data holding means for holding the image data until at least selection of termination processing by the user is confirmed;
An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end process includes a reprint process, a process of temporarily ending image formation while holding the image data, and a process of ending the image formation by deleting the image data. The determination means includes genuine product determination means for determining whether the consumable is a genuine product,
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the consumables;
An operation mode determining means for determining whether or not the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a specific operation mode,
The consumable item is determined to be a non-genuine item by the genuine product determining unit, the remaining amount of the consumable item is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount by the remaining amount detecting unit, and the image formation is performed by the operation mode determining unit. When it is determined that the operation mode of the apparatus is the specific operation mode, it is determined that there is a risk of image information missing in the formed image.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The specific operation mode includes a facsimile reception mode or a confidential printing mode.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. In a control method executed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input image data,
A discriminating process for discriminating whether there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image;
An end process selection process that allows the user to select an end process after image formation when it is determined that there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image;
An image data holding process for holding the image data until at least selection of an end process by the user is confirmed;
Control method with. In a control program for controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input image data by a computer,
The computer,
A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image;
An end process selection means for allowing the user to select an end process after image formation when it is determined that there is a risk of missing image information in the formed image;
Image data holding means for holding the image data until at least selection of termination processing by the user is confirmed;
Control program to function.

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