Printing system, printing method, and control program

Abstract

To perform printing that fully utilizes the performance of a printing device without requiring a user to determine the necessity of super-resolution processing. [Solution] A printing system 1 that prints an image on a sheet in a printing device 2 comprises an acquisition unit 43 that acquires the image resolution of the image to be printed and the printing resolution of the printing device 2, a judgment unit 44 that compares the image resolution with the printing resolution and determines whether the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, an image processing unit 60 that performs super-resolution processing on the image to increase the resolution of the image if it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, and a job control unit 50 that causes the printing device 2 to print based on the image that has been increased in resolution by the image processing unit 60.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Super-resolution processing is known, which generates high-resolution images from low-resolution images. By using artificial intelligence in super-resolution processing, it is possible to generate vivid, high-definition images from low-quality images (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, printing devices such as printers have improved their print resolution, making it possible to output high-resolution images. Meanwhile, with the widespread use of terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, it has become common for printing devices to print images stored on the terminal devices. Users sometimes preview and check the image to be printed on the terminal device. If the user determines that the previewed image is of low quality, they can print a high-resolution image by applying super-resolution processing to the image before sending the print job to the printing device.

[0004] However, even when checking an image previewed on a terminal device, users often cannot properly determine whether the image is of low image quality. Therefore, even if the image to be printed is of low image quality, users often send a print job to a printing device without performing super-resolution processing. Generally, printing devices print images on sheets larger than the screen size of the terminal device. When a printing device enlarges and prints a low-image-quality image on a larger sheet, the image becomes noticeably grainy. This has led to the problem that printing cannot fully utilize the capabilities of the printing device, resulting in print results that are unsatisfactory for the user.

[0005] To solve this problem, it is conceivable to perform super-resolution processing on the image to be printed each time before the terminal device sends a print job to the printing device. However, in this case, the super-resolution processing is performed even if the original image to be printed is a high-resolution image. Because super-resolution processing is a time-consuming process, there is a problem in that printing efficiency is significantly reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-42654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a printing system, a printing method, and a control program that can solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a printing method, and a control program that enable printing that maximizes the performance of the printing device without requiring the user to decide whether super-resolution processing is necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a printing system that prints an image on a sheet in a printing device, characterized in that it comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the image resolution of the image to be printed and the printing resolution of the printing device; a judgment unit that compares the image resolution with the printing resolution and determines whether the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution; an image processing unit that, if it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, performs super-resolution processing on the image to increase the resolution of the image; and a control unit that causes the printing device to print based on the image that has been increased in resolution by the image processing unit.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is the printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the image resolution with the print resolution.

[0010] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the printing system of claim 1, the super-resolution processing is a process that matches the number of pixels of the image to the number of pixels that can be printed at the printing resolution on a sheet of a specified size.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 is the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the print resolution is the maximum resolution at which printing can be performed by the printing device.

[0012] The invention of claim 5 is a configuration in which, in the printing system of claim 1, the image processing unit is capable of increasing the resolution of the image at multiple levels in the super-resolution processing, and when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, the image is increased in resolution at a level selected by the user from the multiple levels.

[0013] The invention of claim 6 is a configuration in which the printing system of claim 1 further includes a terminal device that sends a print job including the image to the printing device, and the judgment unit is provided in the terminal device.

[0014] The invention of claim 7 is a configuration in which the printing system of claim 6 further includes a server device capable of communicating with the terminal device, the image processing unit is provided in the server device, and the terminal device requests the super-resolution processing from the server device when the judgment unit determines that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution.

[0015] The invention of claim 8 is a configuration in which the printing system of claim 1 further includes a server device capable of communicating with the printing device, and when the judgment unit determines that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution, the printing device requests the server device to perform the super-resolution processing.

[0016] The invention of claim 9 is a printing method for printing an image on a sheet using a printing device, characterized in that it comprises an acquisition step of acquiring the image resolution of the image to be printed and the printing resolution of the printing device, a judgment step of comparing the image resolution with the printing resolution and determining whether the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, an image processing step of performing super-resolution processing on the image to increase the resolution of the image if it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, and a control step of causing the printing device to print based on the image that has been increased in resolution in the image processing step.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is the printing method according to claim 9, characterized in that the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the image resolution with the print resolution.

[0018] The invention of claim 11 is characterized in that, in the printing method of claim 9, the super-resolution processing is a process of matching the number of pixels of the image to the number of pixels that can be printed at the printing resolution on a sheet of a specified size.

[0019] The invention according to claim 12 is the printing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the print resolution is the maximum resolution at which printing can be performed by the printing device.

[0020] The invention of claim 13 is a printing method of claim 9, characterized in that the image processing step is capable of increasing the resolution of the image at multiple levels in the super-resolution processing, and when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, the image is increased in resolution at a level selected by the user from the multiple levels.

[0021] The invention of claim 14 is a program executed by a computer that controls a printing device, and is configured to cause the computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring the image resolution of an image to be printed and the printing resolution of the printing device; a judgment step of comparing the image resolution with the printing resolution and determining whether the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution; an image processing step of performing super-resolution processing on the image to increase the resolution of the image if it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution; and a control step of causing the printing device to print based on the image that has been increased in resolution in the image processing step.

[0022] The invention according to claim 15 is the program according to claim 14, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the image resolution with the print resolution.

[0023] The invention of claim 16 is characterized in that, in the program of claim 14, the super-resolution processing is a process of matching the number of pixels of the image to the number of pixels that can be printed at the printing resolution on a sheet of a specified size.

[0024] The invention according to claim 17 is the program according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the print resolution is the maximum resolution at which printing can be performed by the printing device.

[0025] The invention of claim 18 is a program of claim 14, characterized in that the image processing step is capable of increasing the resolution of the image at multiple levels in the super-resolution processing, and when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution, the image is increased in resolution at a level selected by the user from the multiple levels. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, printing can be easily performed while fully utilizing the performance of the printing device, without requiring the user to determine whether super-resolution processing is necessary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a printing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating communication between an acquisition unit and an information transmission unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a concept of processing by a determination unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates communication between a request unit and a server device. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 illustrates a print job transmitted by a job transmitting unit. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by a terminal device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a level selection screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates communication between a request unit and a server device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a printing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the printing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This printing system 1 includes a printing device 2, a terminal device 3, and a server device 4. The printing device 2, the terminal device 3, and the server device 4 are connected to a network 5 and are capable of communicating with each other via the network 5. The network 5 is a communication network that includes a local network such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, and the Internet.

[0030] The printing device 2 is configured, for example, as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) and has a scanning function and a copying function in addition to a printing function. However, the printing device 2 may be a printer that has only a printing function. When the printing device 2 receives a print job via the network 5, it executes the print job and prints and outputs an image on a sheet such as printing paper.

[0031] The terminal device 3 is an information processing terminal used by a user. For example, the terminal device 3 may be a smartphone, a tablet device, or a personal computer. The terminal device 3 stores image data D1 to be printed by the printing device 2. A printing application that transmits a print job to the printing device 2 via the network 5 is installed on the terminal device 3. By starting the printing application on the terminal device 3, the user can transmit a print job including the image data D1 from the terminal device 3 to the printing device 2.

[0032] The server device 4 is a device that provides image processing services via the network 5. For example, the server device 4 performs super-resolution processing to generate high-resolution images from low-resolution images. In the super-resolution processing, the server device 4 uses artificial intelligence to convert low-resolution images into high-resolution images. As a result, the server device 4 can generate vivid, high-definition images from low-quality images.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of each of the printing device 2, the terminal device 3, and the server device 4.

[0034] The printing device 2 includes a CPU 10, a storage unit 11, an operation panel 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feed conveying unit 14, and a communication interface 15. The CPU 10 is a hardware processor that reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 is a non-volatile storage device configured as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 11 stores programs executed by the CPU 10 as well as performance information indicating the maximum performance of the printing device 2. The operation panel 12 is a user interface for the printing device 2. The operation panel 12 includes, for example, a display unit and an operation unit, and accepts various operations by the user. The communication interface 15 is an interface for connecting the printing device 2 to a network 5 to communicate with other devices.

[0035] The paper feed conveying unit 14 has multiple paper feed cassettes 14a and 14b. Stacks of sheets are stored in the paper feed cassettes 14a and 14b. The paper feed cassettes 14a and 14b can store sheets of different sizes. The paper feed conveying unit 14 feeds a sheet from one of the multiple paper feed cassettes 14a and 14b that is specified by the user, and conveys the sheet along a predetermined conveying path.

[0036] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet when the sheet conveyed by the paper feed conveyance unit 14 passes a predetermined position. That is, the image forming unit 13 prints an image on the sheet and outputs it. For example, the image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet by an electrophotographic method. However, the image forming method by the image forming unit 13 is not limited to the electrophotographic method. For example, the image forming unit 13 may form an image by another method such as an inkjet method.

[0037] The terminal device 3 includes a CPU 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication interface 24. The CPU 20 is a hardware processor that reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 is a non-volatile storage device configured as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 21 stores programs executed by the CPU 20, image data D1 to be printed, and the like. The display unit 22 is configured as, for example, a color LCD display. The operation unit 23 is configured as, for example, touchscreen keys, a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. The communication interface 24 is an interface for connecting the terminal device 3 to the network 5 and communicating with other devices. The screen size of the display unit 22 may be smaller than the size of a sheet used for printing in the printing device 2, for example.

[0038] The server device 4 includes a CPU 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication interface 32. The CPU 30 is a hardware processor that reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit 31. The storage unit 31 is a non-volatile storage device configured as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 31 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 30, etc. The communication interface 32 is an interface for connecting the server device 4 to a network 5 and communicating with other devices.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of each of the printing device 2, the terminal device 3, and the server device 4.

[0040] The printing device 2 causes the CPU 10 to function as a job control unit 50. That is, the CPU 10 functions as the job control unit 50 by executing a program that is pre-installed in the printing device 2.

[0041] The job control unit 50 includes an information transmission unit 51 and a job execution unit 52. When a request is received from the terminal device 3, the information transmission unit 51 reads capacity information indicating the maximum capacity of the printing device 2 and transmits it to the terminal device 3. When the job execution unit 52 receives a print job via the network 5, it drives the image forming unit 13 and the paper feed and conveyance unit 14 based on the print job and controls the printing operation of the printing device 2.

[0042] The terminal device 3 causes the CPU 20 to run the print application 40. That is, the CPU 20 functions as the print application 40 by executing a program pre-installed in the terminal device 3. The print application 40 reads print target data specified by the user and generates a print job JB1 including the print target data. The print application 40 then transmits the print job JB1 to the printing device 2, causing the printing device 2 to print the data. The print application 40 can cooperate with both the printing device 2 and the server device 4. The print application 40 includes a data reading unit 41, a job setting unit 42, an acquisition unit 43, a determination unit 44, a request unit 45, and a job transmission unit 46.

[0043] The server device 4 causes the CPU 30 to function as an image processing unit 60. That is, the CPU 30 functions as the image processing unit 60 by executing a program pre-installed in the server device 4. The image processing unit 60 includes a super-resolution processing unit 61.

[0044] The data reading unit 41 reads out print data designated by the user. For example, when image data D1 stored in the storage unit 21 is designated as the data to be printed, the data reading unit 41 reads out the image data D1 designated by the user from the storage unit 21.

[0045] The job setting unit 42 reflects the setting values ​​specified by the user in various setting items when the job is executed, based on the job setting operation by the user. The job setting unit 42 displays a job setting screen on the display unit 22, and performs detailed job settings based on the user's operation detected by the operation unit 23. For example, the job setting unit 42 sets the paper feed cassette selected by the user from among the multiple paper feed cassettes 14a, 14b for the job. As a result, sheets of the size specified by the user are set as the sheets to be used when the job is executed. When the job setting unit 42 has finished setting the job, the print application 40 causes the acquisition unit 43 to function.

[0046] If the data to be printed is image data, the acquisition unit 43 acquires the image resolution of the image data. The acquisition unit 43 also transmits a request R1 to the printing device 2 to acquire the capability information of the printing device 2.

[0047] 4(a) and 4(b) are diagrams illustrating communication between the acquisition unit 43 and the information transmission unit 51. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the acquisition unit 43 transmits a request R1 to the printing device 2, requesting the transmission of capability information 53. When the information transmission unit 51 receives the request R1 from the terminal device 3, it reads the capability information 53 of its own device and transmits a response R2 including the capability information 53 to the terminal device 3. The capability information 53 included in this response R2 includes a print resolution 54. The print resolution 54 is the maximum resolution that can be applied when printing an image in the printing device 2. Therefore, the acquisition unit 43 transmits the request R1 to the printing device 2, thereby acquiring the print resolution 54 of the printing device 2.

[0048] 4(b), when the acquisition unit 43 sends a request R1 to the printing device 2, the acquisition unit 43 may send the request R1 including sheet information 55. The sheet information 55 is information including the sheet size set by the job setting unit 42.

[0049] When request R1 includes sheet information 55, information transmission unit 51 calculates pixel information 56 when an image is printed at print resolution 54 on a sheet of the size indicated by sheet information 55. This pixel information 56 is expressed as the number of pixels in the long side direction and the short side direction of the image plane. For example, assume that print resolution 54 of printing device 2 is 1200 dpi. In this case, pixel information 56 when an image is printed on an A4-sized sheet is 14031 × 9921. Furthermore, pixel information 56 when an image is printed on an A3-sized sheet is 19873 × 14031. Furthermore, pixel information 56 when an image is printed on an A5-sized sheet is 9921 × 6992. Furthermore, pixel information 56 when an image is printed on an A6-sized sheet is 6992 × 4961. Information transmission unit 51 calculates the above pixel information 56 based on sheet information 55. The information sending unit 51 then generates capability information 53 including print resolution 54 and pixel information 56. The information sending unit 51 sends a response R2 including the capability information 53 to the terminal device 3. Therefore, the acquiring unit 43 acquires the print resolution 54 and pixel information 56 of the printing device 2 by sending a request R1 to the printing device 2.

[0050] When the acquisition unit 43 acquires the image resolution and the capability information 53 of the printing device 2, it puts the determination unit 44 into operation.

[0051] The determination unit 44 compares the image resolution of the image data D1 with the print resolution 54 included in the capability information 53 of the printing device 2 and determines whether the print resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the concept of processing by the determination unit 44. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, assume that the image resolution of the image data D1 is 72 dpi and the pixel information is 842 × 595. Also assume that the print resolution 54 included in the capability information 53 acquired from the printing device 2 is 1200 dpi and the pixel information 56 is 14031 × 9921. In this case, the determination unit 44 compares the image resolution with the print resolution 54 and determines that the print resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution. If the determination unit 44 determines that the print resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution, it activates the request unit 45.

[0052] The pixel information 56 can also be calculated by the determination unit 44. Therefore, when the terminal device 3 acquires the response R2 shown in FIG. 4(a), the determination unit 44 may calculate the pixel information 56.

[0053] If the image resolution of the image data D1 is lower than the print resolution 54, the request unit 45 sends a processing request R3 to the server device 4.

[0054] 6 is a diagram showing communication between the request unit 45 and the server device 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the request unit 45 transmits a processing request R3 to the server device 4, requesting high-resolution image data. This processing request R3 includes low-resolution image data D1 specified as the image to be printed and capability information 53 of the printing device 2. When the server device 4 receives the processing request R3 from the terminal device 3, it activates the super-resolution processing unit 61.

[0055] The super-resolution processor 61 performs super-resolution processing using artificial intelligence on the low-resolution image data D1 included in the processing request R3. At this time, the super-resolution processor 61 references the capability information 53 of the printing device 2 and performs super-resolution processing so that the image resolution matches the print resolution 54. That is, the super-resolution processing by the super-resolution processor 61 matches the image resolution of the image data D1 to the print resolution 54. In other words, the super-resolution processing by the super-resolution processor 61 matches the number of pixels of the image data D1 to the number of pixels required for printing at the print resolution 54 on a sheet of a specified size. For example, if the number of pixels of the image data D1 is 842 x 595 and the specified sheet size is A4, the super-resolution processor 61 converts the image data D1 with a pixel count of 842 x 595 into image data D2 with a pixel count of 14031 x 9921. Through this super-resolution processing, the low-resolution image data D1 is converted into high-resolution image data D2.

[0056] When the super-resolution processing unit 61 generates high-resolution image data D2 through super-resolution processing, it transmits a response R4 including the image data D2 to the terminal device 3. Therefore, by transmitting a processing request R3 to the server device 4, the request unit 45 can obtain high-resolution image data D2 that can fully utilize the processing capabilities of the printing device 2. When the request unit 45 obtains the high-resolution image data D2 from the server device 4, it causes the job transmission unit 46 to function.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that the print resolution 54 is lower than the image resolution, or if it is determined that the print resolution 54 is equal to the image resolution, the determination unit 44 does not activate the request unit 45. In this case, the determination unit 44 activates the job sending unit 46.

[0058] The job sending unit 46 generates a print job JB1 including image data to be printed and sends it to the printing device 2. If the determination unit 44 determines that the print resolution 54 is lower than the image resolution, or if the determination unit 44 determines that the print resolution 54 is equal to the image resolution, the job sending unit 46 generates a print job JB1 including the image data D1 acquired by the data reading unit 41. On the other hand, if the determination unit 44 determines that the print resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution, the request unit 45 has acquired high-resolution image data D2. Therefore, the job sending unit 46 generates a print job JB1 including the high-resolution image data D2.

[0059] 7 is a diagram showing print job JB1 transmitted by job transmitting unit 46. Job transmitting unit 46 generates print job JB1 including high-resolution image data D2 acquired by request unit 45 and job settings 57, and transmits it to printing device 2. Job settings 57 are information related to the settings of the job generated by job setting unit 42.

[0060] When the printing device 2 receives the print job JB1, it activates the job execution unit 52. The job execution unit 52 reflects the job settings 57 within the device and prints an image on a sheet based on the image data D2 to be printed. The image data D2 used at this time has an image resolution equal to the print resolution 54 of the printing device 2. This allows the printing device 2 to fully utilize its own performance and print high-resolution images on a sheet. Therefore, the user of the terminal device 3 can print by utilizing the performance of the printing device 2 without having to determine the need for super-resolution processing themselves.

[0061] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by the terminal device 3. This processing is performed by the print application 40 of the terminal device 3. When the terminal device 3 starts this processing, it determines whether or not the data to be printed has been selected by the user (step S10). When the data to be printed has been selected (YES in step S10), the terminal device 3 reads the selected data from the storage unit 21 (step S11). The terminal device 3 may also obtain the data to be printed via the network 5.

[0062] When the terminal device 3 acquires the data to be printed, it performs print settings based on the setting operation by the user (step S12). At this time, the terminal device 3 accepts an operation to select the sheet to be used for printing. Therefore, the terminal device 3 can specify the sheet size in the print settings. Then, the terminal device 3 determines whether or not a print instruction from the user has been accepted (step S13).

[0063] When the print instruction is detected, the terminal device 3 determines whether the data to be printed is image data D1 (step S14). If the data to be printed is image data D1 (YES in step S14), the terminal device 3 executes the processes from step S15 onward to perform printing that makes the most of the capabilities of the printer 2.

[0064] The terminal device 3 acquires the image resolution of the image data D1 designated as the image to be printed (step S15). By acquiring the image resolution, the terminal device 3 can identify the number of pixels that make up the image data D1.

[0065] The terminal device 3 sends a request R1 to the printing device 2 (step S16). The terminal device 3 then waits until it receives capability information 53 from the printing device 2 (step S17). Upon receiving capability information 53 from the printing device 2 (YES in step S17), the terminal device 3 acquires the printing resolution 54 of the printing device 2. The terminal device 3 then compares the image resolution with the printing resolution 54 (step S18). As a result of the resolution comparison, the terminal device 3 determines whether the printing resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution (step S19). This determination is made automatically by the terminal device 3. Therefore, the user does not need to make the determination themselves.

[0066] If the print resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution (YES in step S19), the terminal device 3 sends a processing request R3 to the server device 4 (step S20). At this time, the terminal device 3 sends the processing request R3 to which the low-resolution image data D1 to be printed and the capability information 53 of the printing device 2 are added. Based on the processing request R3, the server device 4 performs super-resolution processing on the image data D1 to generate image data D2 that has been increased in resolution to the same as the print resolution 54. The server device 4 then sends the high-resolution image data D2 to the terminal device 3.

[0067] The terminal device 3 waits until it receives the high-resolution image data D2 (step S21). Upon receiving the high-resolution image data D2 (YES in step S21), the terminal device 3 generates a print job JB1 including the high-resolution image data D2 and transmits the print job JB1 to the printing device 2 (step S22). As a result, the printing device 2 prints and outputs a high-resolution image on a sheet based on the high-resolution image data D2.

[0068] On the other hand, if the result of the resolution comparison indicates that the image resolution is equal to or higher than the print resolution 54 (NO in step S19), the terminal device 3 does not send processing request R3 to the server device 4. In this case, the terminal device 3 generates a print job JB1 including image data D1 designated as the image to be printed, and sends the print job JB1 to the printer 2 (step S22). The image data D1 designated as the image to be printed has a high resolution that can bring out the performance of the printer 2. Therefore, by printing based on the image data D1, the printer 2 can print a high-resolution image on a sheet. Furthermore, because processing request R3 is not sent to the server device 4, the terminal device 3 can quickly send print job JB1, thereby shortening the time required for print output.

[0069] Furthermore, if the data to be printed is not image data D1 (NO in step S14), the terminal device 3 does not perform steps S15 to S21. For example, if the data to be printed is text data or document data, the processes of steps S15 to S21 are not performed. Therefore, if the data to be printed is not image data D1, the terminal device 3 can transmit the print job JB1 more efficiently.

[0070] By executing the above-described process on the terminal device 3, the user does not need to decide for themselves whether or not to perform super-resolution processing when selecting image data D1 to be printed. In other words, the terminal device 3 automatically determines the need for super-resolution processing on behalf of the user, and automatically generates a print job JB1 that can produce a print output that makes full use of the performance of the printing device 2. Therefore, the printing system 1 of this embodiment can produce a print output that makes full use of the performance of the printing device 2, without requiring the user to decide whether or not super-resolution processing is necessary.

[0071] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, if the print resolution 54 is higher than the image resolution as a result of resolution comparison, the resolution of image data D1 is increased to the print resolution 54 using super-resolution processing. However, super-resolution processing using artificial intelligence is time-consuming. Therefore, if image data D1 with significantly lower resolution is increased to the same resolution as the print resolution 54, the super-resolution processing takes a long time, lengthening the time it takes to complete the print output. While users may want to print high-resolution images, they may also want to shorten the wait time until the print output is completed. Therefore, in this embodiment, a printing system 1 will be described that enables high-resolution images to be printed while shortening the user's waiting time. The hardware and functional configurations of the printing system 1 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 3, when the determination unit 44 determines that the print resolution 54 is greater than the image resolution, it activates the request unit 45. If the image resolution of the image data D1 is lower than the print resolution 54, the request unit 45 determines whether the image resolution is less than 50% of the print resolution 54. If the image resolution is less than 50% of the print resolution 54, attempting to increase the resolution of the image data D1 to the print resolution 54 through super-resolution processing would require more than a predetermined time. Therefore, the request unit 45 determines the level at which to increase the resolution of the image in the super-resolution processing from among multiple levels.

[0073] For example, the request unit 45 displays a level selection screen as shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 3 and accepts a level selection operation by the user. The level selection screen shown in FIG. 9 displays three options selectable by the user. The first option is for specifying the first level. The first option is an option for specifying a high-resolution level that increases the image resolution to 100% of the print resolution 54. When the first option is selected, the super-resolution process takes a long time, but the image printed on the sheet will have the highest resolution. The second option is for specifying the second level. The second option is an option for specifying a high-resolution level that increases the image resolution to 80% of the print resolution 54. When the second option is selected, the time required for the super-resolution process can be slightly reduced, but the image printed on the sheet will have slightly lower resolution. The third option is for specifying the third level. The third option is an option for specifying a high-resolution level that increases the image resolution to 50% of the print resolution 54. If the third option is selected, the time required for the super-resolution process can be significantly reduced, but the quality of the image printed on the sheet will be significantly reduced.

[0074] 9 is displayed on the terminal device 3, allowing the user to select a desired level while considering the balance between the image quality of the image printed on the sheet and the time required for super-resolution processing. When a level is selected by the user, the request unit 45 transmits a processing request R3 to the server device 4.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing communication between the request unit 45 and the server device 4. As shown in Fig. 10, the request unit 45 sends a processing request R3 requesting high-resolution image data to the server device 4. At this time, the processing request R3 includes low-resolution image data D1 specified as the image to be printed, capability information 53 of the printing device 2, and a selection level 59.

[0076] When the server device 4 receives the processing request R3 from the terminal device 3, it activates the super-resolution processor 61 to perform super-resolution processing on the image data D1. At this time, the super-resolution processor 61 performs super-resolution processing at a level selected by the user to generate high-resolution image data D2. If the user selects the first level, the super-resolution processor 61 performs super-resolution processing to increase the resolution of the image data D1 to 100% of the print resolution 54. If the user selects the second level, the super-resolution processor 61 performs super-resolution processing to increase the resolution of the image data D1 to 80% of the print resolution 54. If the user selects the third level, the super-resolution processor 61 performs super-resolution processing to increase the resolution of the image data D1 to 50% of the print resolution 54. The server device 4 then transmits a response R4 to the terminal device 3, including the high-resolution image data D2 generated by the super-resolution processing. Thereafter, the terminal device 3 transmits a print job JB1 including high-resolution image data D2 generated by the super-resolution processing to the printing device 2, and causes the printing device 2 to print out the image data.

[0077] In this way, the printing system 1 of this embodiment is capable of increasing the resolution of an image at multiple levels during super-resolution processing. If the printing system 1 determines that the image resolution of image data D1 is lower than the print resolution 54, it increases the resolution of the image data D1 at a level selected by the user from among multiple levels. Therefore, by selecting the desired level from among multiple levels, the user can shorten the time required for print output.

[0078] Other configurations and operations in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0079] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a printing system 1 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the printing system 1 of this embodiment, a print job JB1 including low-resolution image data D1 is sent from a terminal device 3 to a printing device 2. That is, a printing application 40 of the terminal device 3 includes a data reading unit 41, a job setting unit 42, and a job sending unit 46, all of which were described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the printing device 2 of this embodiment has the functions of an acquisition unit 43, a determination unit 44, and a request unit 45, all of which were described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the printing system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the printing device 2 requests super-resolution processing from a server device 4.

[0080] When the printing device 2 receives the print job JB1 from the terminal device 3, it compares the image resolution of the image data D1 with its own print resolution 54 and determines whether to perform super-resolution processing. If the printing device 2 determines to perform super-resolution processing, it sends a processing request R3 including the low-resolution image data D1 and its own device's capability information 53 to the server device 4. When the server device 4 receives the processing request R3 from the printing device 2, it performs super-resolution processing on the low-resolution image data D1 to generate high-resolution image data D2. The server device 4 then sends a response R4 including the high-resolution image data D2 to the printing device 2. When the printing device 2 receives the high-resolution image data D2 from the server device 4, it executes the print job JB1 using the high-resolution image data D2 instead of the low-resolution image data D1.

[0081] Therefore, when a user selects image data D1 to be printed, the user does not need to decide for themselves whether or not to perform super-resolution processing. In other words, the printing device 2 automatically determines the need for super-resolution processing on behalf of the user and can produce a printout that makes the most of the device's capabilities. Therefore, the printing system 1 of this embodiment can also produce a printout that fully utilizes the capabilities of the printing device 2, without requiring the user to determine the need for super-resolution processing.

[0082] Other configurations and operations of this embodiment are the same as those described in the first or second embodiment. For example, as described in the second embodiment, when increasing the resolution of image data D1 at a level selected by the user from among multiple levels, the printing device 2 may be configured to display the level selection screen shown in Fig. 9 on the display unit of the operation panel 12.

[0083] (Variation) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, the image processing unit 60 is implemented in the server device 4 connected to the network 5, and the terminal device 3 or the printing device 2 transmits a processing request R3 to the server device 4 to obtain high-resolution image data D2. However, the image processing unit 60 is not limited to being implemented in the server device 4.

[0085] 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing modified examples of the printing system 1. FIG. 12(a) shows a printing system 1 in which an image processing unit 60 is implemented in a terminal device 3. The printing system 1 shown in FIG. 12(a) is capable of performing super-resolution processing in the terminal device 3. Therefore, when the terminal device 3 determines that the image resolution of image data D1 is lower than the print resolution 54, it can perform super-resolution processing itself and send a print job JB1 including high-resolution image data D2 to the printing device 2. Therefore, the printing system 1 may be configured such that the image processing unit 60 is implemented in the terminal device 3.

[0086] 12(b) shows a printing system 1 in which the image processing unit 60 is implemented in the printing device 2. The printing system 1 shown in FIG. 12(b) is capable of executing super-resolution processing in the printing device 2. Therefore, when the printing device 2 receives a print job JB1 including low-resolution image data D1, it executes the super-resolution processing itself and can produce a print output based on the high-resolution image data D2. Therefore, the printing system 1 may be configured such that the image processing unit 60 is implemented in the printing device 2.

[0087] Furthermore, the programs executed in the printing device 2 or terminal device 3 described above are not limited to those pre-installed in the printing device 2 or terminal device 3. In other words, these programs can be traded independently. In such cases, the programs may be provided in a downloadable format via a network such as the Internet. The programs may also be provided in a format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory or CD-ROM.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, when the image resolution of image data D1 is lower than the print resolution 54, super-resolution processing is performed to automatically generate high-resolution image data D2, thereby enabling the printing device 2 to maximize its capabilities. However, generating high-resolution image data D2 from low-resolution image data D1 is not the only way to maximize the printing device 2's capabilities. For example, even if the printing device 2 is capable of color printing, a user may mistakenly select monochrome printing in the job settings for a color image. In this case, if the printing device 2 prints using the monochrome printing setting configured by the user, the color image will be output as a monochrome image, preventing the printing device 2 from fully utilizing its color capabilities. Therefore, if monochrome printing is configured in the job settings for a color image, the terminal device 3 or the printing device 2 may change the monochrome printing setting to color printing and perform the printout. In this case, the terminal device 3 or the printing device 2 may notify the user that monochrome printing will be changed to color printing and change the job settings only upon the user's consent. The function for automatically changing the job settings in this way may be installed in the printing system 1 together with the function for automatically converting low-resolution image data D1 into high-resolution image data D2 described in the above embodiment, or may be installed independently in the printing system 1. The same applies to other setting items in the job settings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Printing System 2 Printing device 3 Terminal Devices 4 Server equipment 40 Printing Applications 43 Acquisition Department 44 Judgment Department 45 Request part 50 Job control section (control section) 60 Image processing section 61 Super-resolution processing unit

Claims

1. A printing system for printing an image on a sheet in a printing device, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an image resolution of an image to be printed and a print resolution of the printing device; a determination unit that compares the image resolution with the print resolution and determines whether the image resolution is lower than the print resolution; an image processing unit that performs a super-resolution process on the image to increase the resolution of the image when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution; a control unit that causes the printing device to perform printing based on the image whose resolution has been increased by the image processing unit; A printing system comprising:

2. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the image resolution with the print resolution.

3. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the number of pixels of the image to the number of pixels that can be printed at the print resolution on a sheet of a specified size.

4. 4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print resolution is the maximum resolution that can be printed by the printing device.

5. The printing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the image processing unit is capable of increasing the resolution of the image at multiple levels in the super-resolution processing, and when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution, increases the resolution of the image at a level selected by a user from the multiple levels.

6. a terminal device that transmits a print job including the image to the printing device; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit is provided in the terminal device.

7. Further comprising a server device capable of communicating with the terminal device, the image processing unit is provided in the server device, 7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device requests the server device to perform the super-resolution processing when the determining unit determines that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution.

8. a server device capable of communicating with the printing device; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing device requests the super-resolution processing from the server device when the determining unit determines that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution.

9. A printing method for printing an image on a sheet using a printing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring an image resolution of an image to be printed and a print resolution of the printing device; a determining step of comparing the image resolution with the print resolution and determining whether the image resolution is lower than the print resolution; an image processing step of performing a super-resolution process on the image to increase the resolution of the image when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution; a control step of causing the printing device to perform printing based on the image whose resolution has been increased in the image processing step; A printing method comprising:

10. 10. The printing method according to claim 9, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the image resolution with the print resolution.

11. 10. The printing method according to claim 9, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the number of pixels of the image to the number of pixels that can be printed at the print resolution on a sheet of a specified size.

12. 12. The printing method according to claim 9, wherein the print resolution is the maximum resolution that can be printed by the printing device.

13. 10. The printing method according to claim 9, wherein the image processing step is capable of increasing the resolution of the image at a plurality of levels in the super-resolution processing, and when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the printing resolution, the image is increased in resolution at a level selected by a user from the plurality of levels.

14. A program executed by a computer that controls a printing device, the program including: an acquisition step of acquiring an image resolution of an image to be printed and a print resolution of the printing device; a determining step of comparing the image resolution with the print resolution and determining whether the image resolution is lower than the print resolution; an image processing step of performing a super-resolution process on the image to increase the resolution of the image when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution; a control step of causing the printing device to perform printing based on the image whose resolution has been increased in the image processing step; A program characterized by executing the following.

15. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the image resolution with the print resolution.

16. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the super-resolution processing is processing for matching the number of pixels of the image to the number of pixels that can be printed at the print resolution on a sheet of a specified size.

17. 17. The program according to claim 14, wherein the print resolution is the maximum resolution that can be printed by the printing device.

18. The program described in claim 14, characterized in that the image processing step is capable of increasing the resolution of the image at multiple levels in the super-resolution processing, and when it is determined that the image resolution is lower than the print resolution, increases the resolution of the image at a level selected by the user from the multiple levels.

Images