An image processing apparatus for supplying print data to a printing
apparatus that performs printing with recording agents. The image
processing apparatus includes a print-data generation unit for generating
a predetermined group of print data for continuous printing, a
remaining-amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of
each of the recording agents, and a comparison unit for obtaining an
estimated consumption of at least one of the recording agents required to
print the print data if the one recording agent is substituted for
another recording agent to perform printing and comparing the estimated
consumption with the remaining amount of the corresponding recording
agent. The image processing apparatus further includes a print control
unit for controlling the printing apparatus to print the print data if
the remaining amount of at least the one recording agent exceeds its
estimated consumption.