Patent Publication Number: US-7912394-B2

Title: Image processing apparatus capable of carrying out image processing such that charged amount does not exceed upper limit

Description:
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-225611 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Aug. 3, 2005, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method and an image processing program product, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method and an image processing program product that can carry out image processing such that a charged amount does not exceed an upper limit of the charged amount. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, it has been common that printing charge in an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine is calculated based on the number of printed pages. A user, however, has felt unfair about the fact that the charge for printing is uniform regardless of a size of a print area and the fact that, when a monochrome area occupies most part while a colored area is small, a type of printing is classified as expensive color printing. 
     In order to eliminate such feeling of unfairness, various charging methods have been proposed. 
     For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 09-138621 and 2003-114596 disclose an image forming apparatus capable of changing a copy charge in accordance with an amount of toner consumption. 
     In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 09-138621 and 2000-019906 disclose an image forming apparatus including an economy mode for suppressing an amount of toner consumption. 
     Moreover, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 09-138621 allows the user to select a mode by presenting a charge at the time of mode selection. 
     According to such a charging method as changing a copy charge in accordance with an amount of toner consumption as disclosed in the publication above, however, it is difficult to expect a printing charge and the charged amount sometimes exceeds user&#39;s budget. 
     In addition, even when the user can know the charge in advance, there has been a disadvantage. Specifically, if the charged amount exceeds the upper limit that has been set by the user, the user has to perform a burdensome operation, such as finding optimal setting by trying various types of settings so that the charged amount does not exceed the set upper limit. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention was made in view of the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method and an image processing program product that can perform printing such that a charged amount does not exceed an upper limit of the charged amount, without a burdensome operation. 
     In order to achieve the object above, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus includes a charged amount calculation unit for calculating a first charged amount to be charged when image data is printed; a setting unit for setting an upper limit of charged amount for printing; a determination unit for determining whether the first charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount; and an image processing unit for performing image processing on the image data such that a second charged amount to be charged when the processed image data is printed does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount, when the determination unit determines that the first charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing method includes the steps of: calculating a first charged amount to be charged when image data is printed in an image processing apparatus; setting an upper limit of charged amount for printing; determining whether the first charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount; and performing image processing on the image data such that a second charged amount to be charged when the processed image data is printed does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount, when it is determined in the determining step that the first charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an image processing program product causes a computer to perform image processing including the steps of: calculating a first charged amount to be charged when image data is printed in an image processing apparatus; setting an upper limit of charged amount for printing; determining whether the first charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount; and performing image processing on the image data such that a second charged amount to be charged when the processed image data is printed does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount, when it is determined in the determining step that the first charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a specific example of a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for image processing according to the present embodiment in the printing apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing a specific example of processing in the printing apparatus. 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are flowcharts showing first and second specific examples of processing for suppressing a charged amount at step S 107 , respectively. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a specific example of a table storing the number of times of change in a parameter and values. 
         FIGS. 7A to 9B  illustrate specific examples of image processing example 1. 
         FIGS. 10A to 11B  illustrate specific examples of image processing examples 2 and 3. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a specific example of a screen for modifying the setting. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a specific example of a screen for selection. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a specific example of a screen for setting the upper limit of charged amount. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. The same elements and components have the same reference characters allotted. Their label and function are also identical. 
     In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is implemented by a printing apparatus and that the printing apparatus representing a specific example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a copying machine, a facsimile machine, an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), and the like. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the printing apparatus, and an image processing system incorporated in (or connected to) the printing apparatus or the like, for causing the printing apparatus or the like to perform printing, may be employed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  1  controlling the entire apparatus, an ROM (Read Only Memory)  2  storing a program or the like executed in CPU  1 , an RAM (Random Access memory)  3  storing image data or serving as a work area when CPU  1  executes a program, an operation portion  4  serving as an interface with the user for accepting an operation instruction, a scanning portion  5  scanning a document and reading image data from the document, a printing portion  6  printing an image on paper, a paper feed portion  7  supplying paper to printing portion  6 , and an NIC (Network Interface Card)  8  serving as an expansion card inserted in a not-shown expansion slot, for connecting the printing apparatus to a network or a telephone line or for establishing short-distance radio communication. In order to store image data, a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk (HDD) may be provided. 
     Each unit shown in  FIG. 2  represents a function attained in CPU  1  when CPU  1  reads and executes a program stored in ROM  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a charged amount upper limit input unit  101 , a condition reading unit  103 , a charged amount calculation unit  105  for calculating a charged amount, a determination unit  107 , an image processing unit  109 , a presenting unit  111 , and a processing selection unit  113 . 
     Charged amount upper limit input unit  101  connected to operation portion  4  receives an upper limit of charged amount that is input by the user and inputs the same to determination unit  107 . 
     Condition reading unit  103  connected to operation portion  4 , scanning portion  5  and the like receives scanned data or a current printing condition or the like set by the user through operation portion  4 , based on which condition reading unit  103  reads a condition for calculating a charged amount. The condition for calculating a charged amount that has been read is input to charged amount calculation unit  105  or to image processing unit  109  through charged amount calculation unit  105  and the like. 
     Charged amount calculation unit  105  calculates a charged amount based on the condition for calculating a charged amount that has been read and input from condition reading unit  103 , and inputs the calculated charged amount to determination unit  107 . In addition, charged amount calculation unit  105  calculates a charged amount based on the result of processing in image processing unit  109 , and inputs the calculated charged amount to presenting unit  111 . The input charged amount is presented to the user by presenting unit  111 . 
     Determination unit  107  compares the upper limit of the charged amount set by the user and input from charged amount upper limit setting unit  101  with the charged amount under the current printing condition or the like that has been calculated and input from charged amount calculation unit  105 , so as to determine whether or not the charged amount exceeds the upper limit. Determination unit  107  inputs the result of determination to image processing unit  109 . 
     Processing selection unit  113  connected to operation portion  4  receives selection of image processing that has been made through operation portion  4  by the user who had seen the presentation, and inputs the selection to image processing unit  109 . 
     Image processing unit  109  connected to operation portion  4 , scanning portion  5  and the like receives scanned data or a current printing condition or the like set by the user through operation portion  4 , and performs image processing in accordance with the result of determination input from determination unit  107 . Image processing unit  109  inputs the result of processing to charged amount calculation unit  105 . In addition, image processing unit  109  connected to processing selection unit  113  performs image processing based on user selection that has been input through processing selection unit  113 , and inputs the result of processing to charged amount calculation unit  105 . 
     The processing shown in the flowchart in  FIG. 3  is implemented in such a manner that CPU  1  reads and executes the program stored in ROM  2  to cause each unit shown in  FIG. 2  to function. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , initially, operation portion  4  accepts an input of the upper limit of charged amount when a document is printed from the user who sets the document for printing (step S 101 ), and scanning portion  5  scans the document. Then, charged amount calculation unit  105  calculates the charged amount when printing is performed under predetermined setting such as a condition initially set by the user or a default condition (step S 103 ). 
     Specific examples of the method of calculating the charged amount at step S 103  include the following two methods:
         Charged amount calculating method 1: a method of calculating the charged amount by expecting an amount of toner consumption based on image data; and   Charged amount calculating method 2: a method of calculating the charged amount based on an area of the image data (area to be printed).       

     Determination unit  107  compares the upper limit of charged amount input at step S 101  with the charged amount calculated at step S 103  (step S 105 ). If the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit (NO at step S 105 ), printing is performed under the current setting (step S 115 ). 
     On the other hand, if the charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount (YES at step S 105 ), processing for suppressing the charged amount is performed in image processing unit  109  (step S 107 ). If the charged amount no longer exceeds the upper limit of charged amount as a result of processing (NO at step S 109 ), printing is performed under the setting at that time (step S 115 ). 
     If the charged amount still exceeds the upper limit of charged amount (YES at step S 109 ), selection again as to the setting for image processing from prescribed candidates for image processing is accepted from the user (YES at step S 111 ), and processing for suppressing the charged amount at step S 107  is performed again. If the user selects input again of the upper limit of charged amount as well (YES at step S 113 ), processing for suppressing the charged amount at step S 107  is performed again. 
     As will be described below, if there is no prescribed candidate for image processing at step S 111  and if selection again of other image processing is not made, with the charged amount exceeding the upper limit of charged amount, such as when the charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount even after the processing for suppressing the charged amount at step S 107  (NO at step S 111 , NO at S 113 ), printing is not performed and the process ends. 
     A first specific example of the processing for suppressing the charged amount is represented by image processing using a predetermined parameter (image processing parameter) in the printing apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , initially, in image processing unit  109 , a charged amount, that is charged when image processing supported by the printing apparatus (or image processing set at step S 111  described above) is performed on target image data using a predetermined parameter, is calculated (step S 201 ). Image processing performed at step S 201  includes modification of density, compression of image and the like, each of which will be described later. At step S 201 , one or more types of processing is performed in accordance with the supported image processing. 
     If there is image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount among image processing performed at step S 201  (YES at step S 203 ), the charged amount in that processing is presented by presenting unit  111  and the result of processing is displayed for preview (step S 205 ). When the user who has referred to the presentation selects desired image processing and image processing for printing is selected (step S 207 ), the process returns to a main routine shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     If there is no image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount among image processing performed at step S 201  (NO at step S 203 ), selection of image processing and designation of a parameter for that image processing are accepted from the user (step S 209 ). Then, charged amount calculation unit  105  calculates the charged amount when that image processing is performed under that condition, presenting unit  111  presents the charged amount in that processing, and the result of image processing is displayed for preview (step S 211 ). 
     If there is image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount among image processing selected at step S 209  and/or the designated parameter for that image processing (YES at step S 213 ), the image processing, or the image processing selected at step S 209  and/or the designated parameter for that image processing is returned to the main routine shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Here, as it is determined at step S 109  described above that the charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount in that state (YES at step S 109 ), these types of image processing are presented as candidates, and the user can select again desired image processing, by referring to presentation. 
     On the other hand, if the charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount with regard to the image processing selected at step S 209  and/or all the designated parameters for that image processing (NO at step S 213 ), setting at step S 209  is accepted again, in accordance with a user instruction as to whether to make image processing setting again (step S 215 ). Alternatively, even if processing for suppressing the charged amount is performed, the process returns to the main routine shown in  FIG. 3 , assuming that the charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount. 
     One specific example of the method of calculating the charged amount after image processing at steps S 201 , S 211  described above is represented by a method including the following STEP1 to STEP4. 
     STEP1: expect a charged amount before image processing, for each area to be subjected to image processing 
     STEP2: expect a charged amount after image processing, for each area to be subjected to image processing 
     STEP3: calculate a difference in the charged amount between before and after image processing 
     STEP4: subtract the difference from the already-calculated charged amount to be charged when image processing is not performed 
     If charged amount calculating method 1, that is, the method of calculating the charged amount by expecting an amount of toner consumption based on image data, is employed as the method of calculating the charged amount in the printing apparatus, one specific example of the method of calculating the charged amount after image processing is represented by a method including the following STEP1 to STEP4. 
     STEP1: expect an amount of toner consumption before and after image processing for each area to be subjected to image processing and calculate a reduced amount of toner consumption 
     STEP2: sum the amounts of toner consumption that have been calculated at STEP1 and calculate a reduced amount of toner consumption for the entire document 
     STEP3: calculate an amount of money reduced as a result of image processing, based on the amount of toner that has been calculated at STEP 2 and on a unit price 
     STEP4: subtract the amount of money that has been calculated at STEP 3 from the charged amount before image processing 
     If charged amount calculating method 2, that is, the method of calculating the charged amount in accordance with an area of image data (area to be printed), is employed as the method of calculating the charged amount in the printing apparatus, one specific example of the method of calculating the charged amount after image processing is represented by a method including the following STEP1 to STEP4. 
     STEP1: calculate a difference in an area between before and after image processing, for each area to be subjected to image processing 
     STEP2: sum the areas that have been calculated at STEP1 and calculate a reduced area in the entire document 
     STEP3: calculate an amount of money reduced as a result of image processing, based on the area that has been calculated at STEP 2 and on a unit price 
     STEP4: subtract the amount of money that has been calculated at STEP 3 from the charged amount before image processing 
     In the second specific example of the processing for suppressing the charged amount, image processing and the parameter are automatically changed in the printing apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , initially, charged amount calculation unit  105  calculates a charged amount to be charged when predetermined image processing (or image processing set at step S 111  described above) is performed using a predetermined parameter (step S 301 ). If there is image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount (YES at step S 303 ), the charged amount in that image processing is presented by presenting unit  111  and the result of processing is displayed for preview (step S 317 ), as in the first specific example. Then, the image processing returns to the main routine shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     On the other hand, if there is no image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount among image processing performed at step S 301  and there is image processing that has not yet been applied among image processing supported by the printing apparatus (NO at step S 303  and NO at step S 305 ), the image processing that has not yet been applied is selected in addition to the image processing at step S 301  (or instead of the image processing at step S 301 ) (step S 307 ), and the process from step S 301  is repeated. 
     If there is no image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount even after all types of image processing supported by the printing apparatus are applied (NO at step S 303  and YES at step S 305 ), determination unit  107  determines whether an optimal parameter capable of suppressing the charge as much as possible has been set for each of all applied types of image processing. If image processing in which an optimal parameter has not been set is included (NO at step S 309 ), in image processing unit  109 , the currently used parameter is changed by a prescribed amount and changed to such an optimal parameter as further suppressing the charge for the image processing (step S 311 ). Charged amount calculation unit  105  calculates the charged amount in that case (step S 313 ). 
     The processing method at step S 311  is represented by a method of repeating the processing the prescribed number of times, with the parameter being changed by a prescribed value. Here, as shown in  FIG. 6 , preferably, the number of times of change and a numeric value are determined in advance for each parameter and stored. 
     The processing at steps S 309  to S 315  described above is repeated until the optimal parameter capable of suppressing the charge as much as possible is set for all applied types of image processing or until image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount is included. If the optimal parameter capable of suppressing the charge as much as possible is set for all applied types of image processing (YES at step S 309 ) or if there is image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount (YES at step S 315 ), presenting unit  111  presents the charged amount for that image processing and the result of processing is displayed for preview (step S 317 ). 
     If there is image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount among all types of image processing that have been applied (YES at step S 315 ), the image processing and/or the parameter for that image processing is/are returned to the main routine shown in  FIG. 3 . If there is no image processing with which the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount even after the optimal parameter capable of suppressing the charge as much as possible is set for all applied types of image processing (NO at step S 315  and YES at step S 309 ), the process returns to the main routine shown in  FIG. 3 , assuming that the charged amount exceeds the upper limit of charged amount even after the processing for suppressing the charged amount. 
     Specific examples for image processing effective for suppressing the charged amount that is performed at step S 201  or at step S 301  above and supported by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment include the following. 
     (Image Processing Example 1) Image Processing for Changing Print Density 
     According to this image processing, an amount of toner consumed when a target image is printed is reduced. When charged amount calculating method 1 (the calculating method based on the amount of toner consumption) is adopted in charged amount calculation unit  105 , this image processing is effective. 
     In particular, when condition reading unit  103  reads as a printing condition that the target image is a color image as shown in  FIG. 7A , preferably, print density is lowered in order to form a print image as shown in  FIG. 7B , with priority being placed on a color area (“green” and “purple” areas in  FIG. 7A ) relative to a monochrome area (“black” area in  FIG. 7A ). 
     Alternatively, when condition reading unit  103  reads as a printing condition that the target image includes a character image and an image not including characters as shown in  FIG. 8A , preferably, print density is lowered in order to form a print image as shown in  FIG. 8B , with priority being placed on the image not including characters relative to the character image. 
     Alternatively, when condition reading unit  103  reads as a printing condition that the target image includes a background image (including a case of only color) as shown in  FIG. 9A , preferably, print density is lowered in order to form a print image as shown in  FIG. 9B , with priority being placed on the background image (“yellow background” in  FIG. 9A ) relative to other image (“character image” in  FIG. 9A ). 
     If condition reading unit  103  reads as a printing condition that the target image includes as a background image a ground pattern which is an image aiming to prevent duplication, preferably, image processing unit  109  does not consider the ground pattern as a processing target, and the density of the ground pattern is not lowered. 
     (Image Processing Example 2) Image Processing for Reducing Image Size 
     According to this image processing, a size of an image area included in a target image is reduced. When charged amount calculating method 2 (the calculating method based on the size of the print area) is adopted in charged amount calculation unit  105 , this image processing is effective. 
     In particular, when condition reading unit  103  reads as a printing condition that the target image includes a character image and an image not including characters as shown in  FIG. 10A , preferably, the image size is reduced in order to form a print image as shown in  FIG. 10B , with priority being placed on the image not including characters relative to the character image. 
     Examples of a method of reducing the image size include:
         (Size reduction method example 1) a method of reducing the size of all images to be subjected to size reduction that are included in a target image, at a uniform reduction scale; and   (Size reduction method example 2) a method of reducing the size of an image having a larger area, among images to be subjected to size reduction that are included in a target image, at a larger reduction scale.
 
(Image Processing Example 3) Image Processing for Lowering Resolution
       

     The print image generated by the printing apparatus is constituted of extremely small-sized dots. Density of the dots is expressed in terms of print resolution (unit: dpi (Dot Per Inch)). If density of the dots to be printed is lowered (thinning out of the dots), an amount of toner consumption can be reduced. Therefore, this image processing is effective when charged amount calculating method 1 (the calculating method based on the amount of toner consumption) is adopted in charged amount calculation unit  105 . The processing for lowering resolution (density of dots) in printing is called a “draft mode” or an “economy mode”, and such processing is adopted in a general printing apparatus in many cases. 
     In particular, when condition reading unit  103  reads as a printing condition that the target image includes a character image and an image not including characters as shown in  FIG. 11A , preferably, resolution is lowered in order to form a print image as shown in  FIG. 11B , with priority being placed on the image not including characters relative to the character image. 
     As described above, if image processing is performed such that the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount, image quality is lowered to some extent as compared with a document image. Therefore, a “priority-on-charge” mode referring to printing in which the image processing is performed such that the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit of charged amount, and a “priority-on-image quality” mode referring to printing for forming an image close to the document image regardless of the charge (normal printing) may be provided, and setting of either mode may be accepted before step S 101  described above. 
     In the embodiment above, the input of the upper limit of charged amount for printing in which the entire document is subjected to image processing is accepted at step S 101 , and in the processing thereafter, image processing is performed on the entire document such that the charged amount does not exceed the upper limit. Alternatively, if the document consists of a plurality of pages (or a plurality of prescribed blocks), not only the input of the upper limit of charged amount for that printing but also the setting for each page (or each block) as to whether each page (or each block) should be subjected to image processing, that is, setting for each page (or each block) as to whether priority is placed on charge or on image quality for each page (or each block) may be accepted at step S 101  above, and in the processing thereafter, solely the target page (or block) may be subjected to image processing such that the total charged amount does not exceed the upper limit. 
     In the latter case, at step S 101 , preferably, a screen for modifying the setting as shown in  FIG. 12  is presented to the user, so as to accept the setting for each page as to whether each page is subjected to image processing, that is, setting for each page as to whether priority is placed on charge or on image quality for each page. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the screen for modifying the setting includes a button for designating a page (a button for moving the page forward or backward, or the like) and a button for designating whether priority is to be placed on charge or on image quality (by highlighting or the like) (a button for switching between priority-on-charge and priority-on-image quality), and preferably further includes a display portion for displaying a preview image of the designated page (or all pages). The setting for each page as to whether each page should be subjected to image processing, that has been input as described above, is associated with the scanned data of that page, and this setting is read by condition reading unit  103  as the print condition. 
     In addition, at step S 107  described above, the processing for suppressing the charged amount has been performed by applying the supported image processing as appropriate in the printing apparatus. Alternatively, a selection screen as shown in FIG.  13  may be presented in advance to the user in order to accept designation of desired image processing from the user, and the processing for suppressing the charged amount may be performed in the designated image processing. Alternatively, if the charged amount still exceeds the upper limit even after the processing at step S 107 , the selection screen as shown in  FIG. 13  may be presented to the user at step S 111  to show prescribed candidates for image processing, so that designation for desired image processing may be accepted, so as to perform again the processing for suppressing the charged amount. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the selection screen includes a display portion for displaying a message urging the user to select desired image processing, a button for selecting image processing, and a button for determining image processing, and preferably further includes a button for displaying a screen for setting the upper limit of charged amount for input again of the upper limit of charged amount at step S 113 . 
     The order of processing in the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 3 . For example, calculation of the charged amount at step S 103  and presentation of the charged amount to the user may precede the input of the upper limit of charged amount at step S 101 . In addition, the screen for setting the upper limit of charged amount as shown in  FIG. 14  may be presented to the user, in order to allow the user to input the upper limit of charged amount based on the presented charged amount. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the screen for setting the upper limit of charged amount includes a display portion for displaying the charged amount when printing is performed under the predetermined setting that is calculated at step S 103 , a button for designating the upper limit of charged amount based on the charged amount (by highlighting or the like), a display portion for displaying the upper limit of charged amount that has been calculated, and a button for determining the upper limit of charged amount. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 14 , a button designating a ratio to the charged amount (⅔, half price (½), ⅓) is included as the button for designating the upper limit of charged amount based on the charged amount. When any of these of button is pressed, the upper limit of charged amount to be set is calculated and displayed. 
     The image processing described above is performed in the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, so that the user can carry out, with a simplified operation, such printing that the charged amount does not exceed the designated upper limit. 
     The processing method performed in printing as described above may be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), an ROM, an RAM, and a memory card adapted to a computer, and can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program may be recorded and provided in a recording medium such as a hard disk contained in the computer. Further, the program may be provided by downloading through the network. 
     The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk for execution. It is noted that the program product includes the program itself and the recording medium recording the program. 
     The image processing apparatus according to the present invention accepts the setting of the upper limit of charged amount, and performs image processing such that the charged amount for printing does not exceed the upper limit. Therefore, the user can carry out, with a simplified operation, such printing that the upper limit of charged amount is not exceeded. 
     Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.