The content of processing of an input image signal varies depending upon
the conditions of an apparatus. In view of the fact that this results in
the variations of correlation between tone data and toner consumption, a
coefficient by which an integration value of the tone data is defined
according to the content of the signal processing. In an image forming
apparatus which performs tone correction as the signal processing and
which has a characteristic (2) of forming images of higher densities
relative to tone levels, for example, a larger amount of toner is
consumed. Therefore, the coefficient of the apparatus is defined to be a
higher value than that of an apparatus having a substantially linear
characteristic (1). Conversely, in the case of an apparatus having a
characteristic (3) of forming images of lower densities, thus consuming
less toner, the coefficient is defined to be a lower value.