Image forming apparatus capable of assignment to print destination

摘要

An image forming apparatus is connected to an information processing device and at least one external image forming apparatus through a communication circuit. The image forming apparatus includes a communication section, an image forming section, an image processing section, and an assignment control section. The image processing section performs image processing on print data received from the information processing device. The assignment control section determines a print destination for processed print data subjected to image processing by the image processing section from the image forming apparatus of its own and the at least one external image forming apparatus.

主权项

1. An image forming apparatus connected to an information processing device and at least one external image forming apparatus through a communication circuit, comprising:
a communication section configured to transmit/receive information to/from the information processing device and the at least one external image forming apparatus through the communication circuit; an image forming section configured to form an image on a recording medium; an image processing section configured to perform image processing on print data received from the information processing device; and an assignment control section configured to determine a print destination for processed print data subjected to image processing by the image processing section from the image forming apparatus of its own and the at least one external image forming apparatus, wherein the assignment control section determines the print destination for the processed print data on the basis of an output mode set for the processed print data in the information processing device, the output mode includes a print speed priority mode, the assignment control section calculates respective required print powers required to print the processed print data for a plurality of combinations of the image forming apparatus of its own and the at least one external image forming apparatus, and the assignment control section determines, as the print destination for the processed print data, a combination of which the required print power is the closest to and not exceeding a preset threshold value among the plurality of combinations thereof.