Image processing device, image processing system, and image processing program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program capable of reducing a user's effort in setting image quality adjustment compared to the case where the user selects all objects for image quality adjustment while reducing a time required for adjusting the image quality compared to the case where the image quality adjustment is always performed for all objects.SOLUTION: A print pre-processing apparatus performs: processing for obtaining a print job with a plurality of objects; processing for accepting the time allowed for image quality adjustment of objects included in the print job; and processing for presenting objects that can be processed within the accepted time when the plurality of objects included in the print job are processed in a predetermined priority order. For example, the settings of a permissible increase range for processing time and a preview of an application range are displayed, and a rectangular image or the like is superimposed on a thumbnail of the print job to indicate that the print job is subject to correction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes that a color original image is input to an image processing apparatus of a printing apparatus using raster image processing, at least one image processing parameter of the image processing apparatus that affects the image quality of an output image is changed, the cost of consumed material is determined based on the change of the at least one image processing parameter, and an output image is selected based on the cost related to a job and desired image quality.

[0003] Patent Document 2 proposes an image processing apparatus including: an image acquisition unit that acquires input image data; an image conversion unit that performs image conversion on the input image data to generate output image data respectively corresponding to a plurality of output conditions; a color feature amount calculation unit that calculates, from image data before and after image conversion, a color feature amount that is an amount of change in the color feature of each pixel; a cost calculation unit that calculates cost information indicating the cost of output image data respectively corresponding to the plurality of output conditions based on the output conditions and the output image data; and an output condition determination unit that calculates cost-effectiveness with reference to the color feature amount, the cost information, and a weighting table in which weights for items of output conditions are set, and determines an output condition to be used for output.

[0004] Patent Document 3 proposes that when a user instructs "trial printing" on a printer driver and selects a target page in a document, it is analyzed whether a drawing object is included; if there is a drawing object and an available function exists, a plurality of recommended print settings are generated as combinations that are highly likely to improve print quality, a recommended print setting to be actually output is selected from the generated settings, and trial printing is performed.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-003263 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-196114 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-032262 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] When adjusting image quality, the effect of the adjustment may not be what the user intended, even considering the time spent on the adjustment. Furthermore, adjusting the quality of every object in an image is time-consuming and may result in unnecessary adjustments being made to the user's image.

[0007] On the other hand, if the user had to decide whether or not to adjust the image quality for each individual object, the user had to go through the trouble of checking and selecting the objects within the job each time they accepted it.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image processing device, an image processing system, and an image processing program that can reduce the time spent on image quality adjustment compared to always performing image quality adjustment on all objects, while also reducing the effort required of the user to set image quality adjustments compared to having the user select all objects to adjust. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a processor, which acquires a print job having a plurality of objects, accepts an allowable time for image quality adjustment of the objects included in the print job, and, when processing the plurality of objects included in the print job in a predetermined priority order, performs a process to present the objects that can be processed within the time.

[0010] The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in which the priority order is in order of the greatest effect of image quality adjustment, in order of the largest object size, in order of the longest processing time for image quality adjustment, or in order of the type of image quality adjustment that requires processing time.

[0011] The image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in which the processor determines the image quality adjustment content to be performed for each object, calculates the time required for the determined image quality adjustment content, and presents objects that can be processed within the said time.

[0012] The image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in which the processor displays a screen for receiving the time and receives the time from the screen.

[0013] The image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the screen includes a movable slide switch for setting the time.

[0014] The image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the processor changes the object to be presented in accordance with the movement of the slide switch.

[0015] The image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the processor displays objects that can be processed within the time in a different display manner from other objects.

[0016] The image processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the processor accepts the time as the printing reservation time.

[0017] The image processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in which the processor performs image quality adjustment on an object that can be processed within the presented time and instructs printing using a print job.

[0018] An image processing system according to a tenth aspect includes the image processing apparatus according to a ninth aspect, and a print execution apparatus that executes printing of the print job according to an instruction from the image processing apparatus.

[0019] An image processing program according to an eleventh aspect causes a computer to execute processing of: acquiring a print job having a plurality of objects; accepting an allowable time for image quality adjustment of objects included in the print job; and presenting objects that can be processed within the time when the plurality of objects included in the print job are processed in a predetermined priority order. Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing the time taken for image quality adjustment compared to a case where image quality adjustment is always performed on all objects, and reducing a user's effort required for setting image quality adjustment compared to a case where the user is caused to select all objects on which image quality adjustment is to be performed.

[0021] According to the second aspect, image quality adjustment can be confirmed for an object for which the effect of image quality adjustment is easily confirmed.

[0022] According to the third aspect, objects that can be processed within a set time can be presented according to the image quality adjustment content for each object.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, a user can set an allowable time for image quality adjustment by performing an operation on a screen.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect, the time can be set more easily than inputting the time.

[0025] According to the sixth aspect, objects that can be processed within the allowable time for image quality adjustment can be confirmed in real time in accordance with a change in the time.

[0026] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to distinguish and recognize objects that can be processed within the time allowed for image quality adjustment from other objects.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, an object whose image quality can be adjusted can be presented before the scheduled printing time.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect, it becomes possible to perform image quality adjustments on objects that can be processed within the specified time before printing.

[0029] According to the tenth embodiment, it is possible to provide an image processing system that can reduce the time spent on image quality adjustment compared to always performing image quality adjustment on all objects, while also reducing the effort required of the user to set image quality adjustments compared to having the user select all the objects to be adjusted.

[0030] According to the 11th embodiment, it is possible to provide an image processing program that can reduce the time spent on image quality adjustment compared to always performing image quality adjustment on all objects, while also reducing the effort required of the user to set image quality adjustments compared to having the user select all objects to be adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the image processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of the process control system, print preprocessing apparatus, and print control apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print preprocessor according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in the pre-printing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of effective image quality adjustment recommendations. [Figure 6] This figure shows another example of effective image quality adjustment recommendations. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a region where gradient correction is expected to be effective. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the region where processing time for gradient correction occurs. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the processing time and effect of image quality adjustment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment.

[0033] The image processing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a process control system 12, a pre-printing processing device 14 as an example of an image processing device, a print control device 16, and a print device 18. In Figure 1, one print control device 16 and one print device 18 are shown, but there are not limited to one; the print control device 16 and the print device 18 may be in a one-to-one pair, and multiple pairs may be provided. Furthermore, the print control device 16 and the print device 18 correspond to an example of a print execution device.

[0034] The process management system 12 functions as a process management system that manages the process from receiving an order for a print job to placing an order for printing by the printing device 18. A print job refers to a process or set of processes that the printing device 18 performs in order to execute printing.

[0035] The pre-printing processing device 14 receives the target job data from the process control system 12 and performs pre-printing processing using the job data. As an example of pre-printing processing, it performs various corrections such as sharpness correction, RGB photo correction (texture correction, white balance correction, skin tone correction, sky color correction, etc.), edge density correction, and gradation correction as image quality adjustments.

[0036] The print control device 16 receives pre-processed job data and controls the printing device 18 to control printing based on the job data. The print control device 16 also transmits the processing results and printing information to the process control system 12.

[0037] The printing device 18 performs printing based on job data under the control of the print control device 16. The printing device 18 is, for example, a printing device that performs commercial printing.

[0038] Next, the configurations of the process control system 12, the pre-printing processing device 14, and the print control device 16 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the process control system 12, the pre-printing processing device 14, and the print control device 16 according to this embodiment. Since the process control system 12, the pre-printing processing device 14, and the print control device 16 are general computer configurations, the pre-printing processing device 14 will be described as a representative example below, and detailed descriptions of the process control system 12 and the print control device 16 will be omitted.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the print preprocessing device 14 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 14A, ROM 14B, RAM 14C, HDD 14D, operation unit 14E, display 14F, and communication line I / F (interface) unit 14G. The CPU 14A controls the overall operation of the print preprocessing device 14. The ROM 14B stores various control programs and parameters in advance. The RAM 14C is used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 14A. The HDD 14D stores various data and application programs. The operation unit 14E is used to input various information, such as a keyboard or mouse. The operation unit 14E is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 14G is connected to various communication lines and transmits and receives various data with other devices connected to those communication lines. All of the above parts of the print preprocessing device 14 are electrically interconnected by a system bus 14H. In this embodiment, the print preprocessing apparatus 14 uses an HDD 14D as the storage unit, but it is not limited to this, and other non-volatile storage units such as flash memory may be used.

[0040] With the above configuration, the print preprocessing device 14 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 14A to access the ROM 14B, RAM 14C, and HDD 14D, acquire various data via the operation unit 14E, and display various information to the operation unit 14E. In addition, the print preprocessing device 14 uses the CPU 14A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 14G.

[0041] Specifically, the print preprocessing device 14 receives a print job containing multiple objects from the CPU 14A, accepts the allowable time for image quality adjustment of the objects included in the print job, and, after processing the multiple objects included in the print job in a predetermined priority order, presents the objects that can be processed within the accepted time.

[0042] In this embodiment, to perform the said processing, the CPU 14A executes an information processing program stored in the ROM 14B or HDD 14D, thereby having the functions shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print preprocessing apparatus 14 according to this embodiment.

[0043] The print preprocessing apparatus 14 according to this embodiment has the functions of an object extraction unit 20, a threshold setting unit 22, a time-to-effect calculation unit 24, and a result determination unit 26.

[0044] The object extraction unit 20 analyzes the job data received from the process management system 12, extracts objects from the job data, and generates object information classified by object type and size.

[0045] The threshold setting unit 22 sets the acceptable range of increase in processing time that the user will tolerate when executing the image quality adjustment function. For example, it accepts and sets the threshold for the acceptable range of increase in processing time from the user.

[0046] The time-to-effect calculation unit 24 calculates the time-to-effect ratio by calculating the processing time and effect for each image quality adjustment function based on the object information.

[0047] The result determination unit 26 compares the time-to-effect ratio with the threshold value set by the threshold setting unit 22 and extracts image quality adjustment functions that are expected to be effective.

[0048] Next, we will describe the specific processes performed by the print preprocessing apparatus 14 according to this embodiment, which is configured as described above. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the print preprocessing apparatus 14 according to this embodiment. Note that the processing in Figure 4 is started, for example, when the user instructs to start the recommendation of effective image quality adjustments.

[0049] In step 100, the CPU 14A sets a threshold for the acceptable range of increase in processing time due to image quality adjustment and proceeds to step 102. That is, the threshold setting unit 22 receives and sets the acceptable range of increase in processing time to be allowed when executing the image quality adjustment function from the user. For example, a screen as shown in Figures 5 and 6 is displayed, and the user operates the slide switch 30 to set the acceptable range of increase in processing time, thereby receiving and setting the threshold for the acceptable range of increase in processing time due to image quality adjustment.

[0050] In step 102, CPU 14A calculates the object size threshold and proceeds to step 104. By calculating the object size threshold, a lower limit of the object size is set for the image quality adjustment processing unit. For example, the object size threshold is pre-set for each image quality adjustment process based on experimental values ​​obtained from experiments to determine whether the correction effect is visually apparent. The object area is used for the size threshold, but a minimum value may also be set for the shorter side in addition to the area.

[0051] In step 104, the CPU 14A extracts object information from the job data and proceeds to step 106. Specifically, the object extraction unit 20 analyzes the job data received from the process management system 12, extracts objects, and generates object information classified by object type and size.

[0052] In step 106, the CPU 14A calculates and adds the processing time required for image quality adjustment of the extracted objects, and then proceeds to step 108. That is, the time-to-effect calculation unit 24 calculates the total processing time by calculating and adding the processing time for each image quality adjustment function based on the object information.

[0053] In step 108, CPU 14A determines whether the object type is one to be corrected and whether its size is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If this determination is denied, the process proceeds to step 110; if it is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0054] In step 110, CPU 14A subtracts the processing time added in step 106 and returns to step 104 to repeat the process described above.

[0055] Meanwhile, in step 112, the CPU 14A calculates and adds the effects of the image quality adjustments, and then proceeds to step 114. That is, the time-to-effect calculation unit 24 calculates and adds the effects of the image quality adjustment functions based on the object information to obtain the total effect. For example, the effect is calculated by preparing a formula for calculating the effect score from the object information for each image quality adjustment processing unit. Specifically, a formula for calculating the effect score is prepared in advance for each image quality adjustment process based on experimental values ​​of whether the correction effect is visible. For example, sharpness is calculated using α × s (α = sharpness effect coefficient, s = object area (width x height) / page size). Gradient correction is calculated using β × s' (β = gradient correction effect coefficient, s' = area of ​​highlights above a predetermined brightness / page size). An example of a predetermined brightness is brightness = 0.299 × R + G + 0.114 × B (R, G, and B are between 0 and 100). The brightness threshold is predetermined by the system, but it may be possible to make it changeable. Also, visually, the correction effect is greater in the highlight area than in the shadow area, and the effect of gradient correction differs significantly. Therefore, for shaded objects, the size of the highlight area is calculated based on the initial gradient value and the amount of change (Δ), and the area where the gradient correction effect is expected, as shown in Figure 7, is calculated.

[0056] In step 114, CPU 14A determines whether processing of all objects has been completed. If this determination is negative, the process returns to step 104, extracts other objects, and repeats the above processing. Once the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 116.

[0057] In step 116, the CPU 14A calculates the time-to-effect ratio and proceeds to step 118. That is, the time-to-effect ratio calculation unit 24 calculates the time-to-effect ratio. Specifically, for each image quality adjustment processing unit, a formula is prepared to calculate the processing time from the object information, and the processing time is calculated. The formula for calculating the processing time is prepared in advance for each image quality adjustment process based on experimental values. The processing time (overhead) for cases where the object is not the target of correction is also prepared based on experimental values. For example, the calculation formula for sharpness is a × S (a = sharpness processing time coefficient, S = object area (width x height) / page size). Also, the calculation formula for gradient correction is b × S' (b = gradient correction processing time coefficient, S' = object area (width x height) / page size). In calculating the effect of gradient correction, the effect score is calculated according to the area of ​​the highlight area, but as shown in Figure 8, the correction process is performed not only on the highlight area but on the entire object, so the processing time is calculated using the object area.

[0058] In step 118, the CPU 14A displays recommendations for effective functions and proceeds to step 120. Specifically, the result determination unit 26 compares the time-to-effect ratio with the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 22, extracts image quality adjustment functions that are expected to be effective, and presents objects that can be processed within the given time.

[0059] Here, we will explain how the image quality adjustments to recommend are determined when displaying effective features as recommendations.

[0060] The processing time and effect of image quality adjustments are calculated and stored for each object. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the processing time and effect of image quality adjustments are calculated for each object. In addition, the coordinates and size are stored for the preview described later.

[0061] The effects are sorted in descending order, and image quality adjustments are applied in order of greatest effect, within the acceptable range of increased processing time.

[0062] For example, if the acceptable increase in processing time is 30% and the job data is 100 pages long, the acceptable processing time would be 100 × 30% = 30.

[0063] The system recommends image quality adjustments that have been applied by the time the cumulative processing time reaches 30. For example, in the example in Figure 9, if the effects of sharpness and gradation correction are the most prominent, edge density correction will not be recommended.

[0064] Although the effects were sorted in descending order, it is also acceptable to sort by object size in descending order and apply the image quality adjustments in descending order, provided that the increase in processing time remains within the acceptable limit. Alternatively, the processing time could be sorted in descending order and the image quality adjustments could be applied in descending order of processing time, provided that the increase in processing time remains within the acceptable limit. Alternatively, the types of image quality adjustments required for processing time could be sorted and the image quality adjustments could be applied in descending order of processing time, provided that the increase in processing time remains within the acceptable limit.

[0065] As an example of how recommendations are displayed, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the acceptable range for increased processing time and a preview of the applicable range are displayed. Based on the coordinate and size information of the target object, a rectangular image or the like is overlaid on the print job thumbnail to indicate that it is a target for correction. For example, as shown in the hatched areas of Figures 5 and 6, it is indicated that it is a target for correction by displaying it in a different display manner.

[0066] Furthermore, the acceptable range for increased processing time may include an option to prioritize image quality without considering the increase in processing time. For example, if "Prioritize image quality regardless of increased processing time" as shown in Figures 5 and 6 is selected, image quality will be prioritized without considering the increase in processing time.

[0067] Furthermore, while Figures 5 and 6 show examples of specifying the tolerance range using "%", it may also be specified in terms of minutes, hours, etc.

[0068] Furthermore, the determination of increased processing time will be performed on a per-print job basis, with the predicted processing time when all image quality adjustments are turned off being set to 1.

[0069] In the examples in Figures 5 and 6, when a 20% increase tolerance is set, the target objects are selected within the range where the print job processing time increases by 20%, and displayed in the application range preview. Based on the processing time and effect calculated for each object, objects with a high time-to-effectiveness ratio are selected as targets for application. The application range preview makes it easier for the user to confirm by displaying objects to which image quality adjustments will be applied in the current settings in a different way from other objects, for example, by coloring or hatching the thumbnails of the print jobs. Alternatively, a preview showing the application range can be displayed by pressing the preview generation button, or the application range can be dynamically previewed in accordance with setting changes, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 show an example of the application preview when the allowable increase tolerance for processing time is changed from 20% to 50%.

[0070] In step 120, the CPU 14A determines whether or not it has decided to adjust the image quality. This determination determines whether or not printing with the current settings has been instructed. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above process is repeated. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 122.

[0071] In step 122, the CPU 14A performs image quality adjustments with the current settings and completes the series of processes. That is, the user checks the applied preview and instructs the image quality adjustments, and the print preprocessing device 14 performs image quality adjustments that can be processed within the allowable increase in processing time and outputs the print job to the print control device 16. As a result, the print control device 16 controls the printer 18 based on the job data with the image quality adjustments applied and performs printing.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the allowable range for increasing processing time is set by operating the slide switch 30, and objects that fall within that range are extracted. However, this is not the only example. For example, a reservation time for a print job may be set, and objects that can be processed by the reservation time may be extracted.

[0073] Furthermore, although the CPU was described as an example of a processor in the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a broader term that includes general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and specialized processors (such as GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, and programmable logic devices).

[0074] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0075] Furthermore, the processing performed by the print preprocessing device 14 according to the above embodiment may be performed by software, by hardware, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the processing performed by the print preprocessing device 14 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0076] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its intent.

[0077] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (((1))) The processor comprises, Retrieve a print job that has multiple objects, The system accepts the allowable time for image quality adjustment of the objects included in the print job. An image processing apparatus that, when processing multiple objects included in the print job in a predetermined priority order, performs a process of presenting objects that can be processed within the time.

[0078] (((2))) The order of priority is in order of the greatest effect of image quality adjustment, in order of the largest object size, in order of the longest processing time for image quality adjustment, or in order of the type of image quality adjustment that requires processing time (the image processing apparatus described in ((19))).

[0079] (((3))) The image processing apparatus according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the processor determines the image quality adjustments to be performed for each object, calculates the time required for the determined image quality adjustments, and presents objects that can be processed within the time.

[0080] (((4))) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein the processor displays a screen for receiving the time and receives the time from the screen.

[0081] (((5))) The image processing apparatus according to (((4))), wherein the screen is movably provided and includes a slide switch for setting the time.

[0082] (((6))) The image processing apparatus according to (((5))), wherein the processor changes the object to be presented in accordance with the movement of the slide switch.

[0083] (((7))) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein the processor displays objects that can be processed within the time in a different display manner from other objects.

[0084] (((8))) The processor is an image processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))) that accepts a print reservation time as the time.

[0085] (((9))) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein the processor performs image quality adjustment on objects that can be processed within the specified time and instructs printing using a print job.

[0086] (((10))) The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, A print execution device that executes the print job in accordance with the instructions of the image processing device, An image processing system including [specific components / features].

[0087] (((11))) On the computer, Retrieve a print job that has multiple objects, The system accepts the allowable time for image quality adjustment of the objects included in the print job. An image processing program that, when multiple objects included in the print job are processed in a predetermined priority order, causes the program to execute a process that presents objects that can be processed within the given time.

[0088] According to (((1))), it is possible to provide an image processing device that can reduce the time spent on image quality adjustments compared to always performing image quality adjustments on all objects, while also reducing the effort required from the user to set image quality adjustments compared to having the user select all the objects to be adjusted.

[0089] According to (((2))), you can check the image quality adjustments for objects where the effect of the image quality adjustments is easily visible.

[0090] According to (((3))), the image quality adjustments for each object allow for the presentation of objects that can be processed within the set time.

[0091] According to (((4))), the user can set the allowable time for image quality adjustments by performing operations on the screen.

[0092] According to (((5))), it is easier to set the time than to enter the time manually.

[0093] According to (((6))), objects that can be processed within the time allowed for image quality adjustments can be checked in real time in accordance with the change in time.

[0094] According to (((7))), it is possible to distinguish and recognize objects that can be processed within the time allowed for image quality adjustment from other objects.

[0095] According to (((8))), an object whose image quality can be adjusted can be presented by the time of the print reservation.

[0096] According to (((9))), it becomes possible to adjust the image quality of objects that can be processed within the specified time before printing.

[0097] According to (((10))), it is possible to provide an image processing system that reduces the time spent on image quality adjustments compared to always adjusting the image quality of all objects, while also reducing the effort required from the user to set up image quality adjustments compared to having the user select all the objects to be adjusted.

[0098] According to (((11))), it is possible to provide an image processing program that reduces the time spent on image quality adjustments compared to always adjusting the image quality of all objects, while also reducing the effort required from the user to set image quality adjustments compared to having the user select all the objects to be adjusted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 10 Image Processing Systems 14 Print preprocessing equipment 14A CPU 16 Printing control device 18 Printing device 20 Object Extraction Unit 22 Threshold setting section 24-hour cost-benefit calculation unit 26 Result judgment section 30 Slide switches

Claims

1. The processor comprises, Retrieve a print job that has multiple objects, The system accepts the allowable time for image quality adjustment of objects included in the print job. When multiple objects included in the print job are processed in a predetermined priority order, the process of presenting objects that can be processed within the time is performed. An image processing device that, after performing a process to present objects that can be processed within the aforementioned time, receives an instruction to execute the print job.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority order is in order of the greatest effect of image quality adjustment, in order of the largest object size, in order of the longest processing time for image quality adjustment, or in order of the type of image quality adjustment that requires processing time.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines the image quality adjustments to be performed for each object, calculates the time required for the determined image quality adjustments, and presents objects that can be processed within the time.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays a screen for receiving the time and receives the time from the screen.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the screen includes a slide switch for setting the time, which is movably provided.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processor changes the object to be presented in accordance with the movement of the slide switch.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays objects that can be processed within the time in a different display manner from other objects.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor accepts a printing reservation time as the time.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs image quality adjustment on an object that can be processed within the specified time and instructs printing using a print job.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, A print execution device that executes the print job in accordance with the instructions of the image processing device, An image processing system including [specific components / features].

11. On the computer, Retrieve a print job that has multiple objects, The system accepts the allowable time for image quality adjustment of objects included in the print job. When multiple objects included in the print job are processed in a predetermined priority order, the process of presenting objects that can be processed within the time is performed. An image processing program that, after performing a process to present objects that can be processed within the aforementioned time, performs a process to receive an instruction to execute the print job.

Images