IMAGE PRINTER AND METHOD FOR PRINTING IMAGE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printer that can print a whole monochrome image when a residual quantity of at least one of colorants except a black colorant in the colorants with the plurality of colors including the black color becomes not greater than a prescribed value, and a method for printing an image. SOLUTION: A rendering means 4002 plots print data in continuous gradations according to input PDL data. A second print data storage means 4005 stores the print data in the continuous gradations until the printing is completed. A colorant residual quantity detection means 4006 detects a residual quantity of each of the plurality of colorants in the plurality of colors. A print data conversion means 4007 converts the print data in the continuous gradations stored in the second print data storage means 4005 to monochrome print data when the colorant residual quantity detection means 4006 detects that the residual quantity of the colorant is not greater than a prescribed value. A print data recording means 4004 performs the processing of printing according to the monochrome print data. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI