Computer program, apparatus, and method for causing printing execution unit of printing apparatus to print image

Abstract

Provided is a technology for reducing the consumption amount of consumables in a printing apparatus. A computer program of the present specification causes a computer to function as the following units, specifically: a first reception unit that receives, from a user, designation of target data representing a target image to be printed; a supply unit that supplies a learning model, when the designation of the target data is received, with corresponding data corresponding to the target data and related information related to reduction in the consumption amount of consumables to be used when an image is printed in a printing apparatus; a second reception unit which receives, from the learning model, correction data having been generated by correcting the corresponding data according to the related information, and in which the consumption amount of the consumables at the time when printing of a correction image represented by the correction data is executed is smaller than the consumption amount of the consumables at the time when printing of the target image represented by the target data is executed; and a printing control unit that causes a printing execution unit to execute the printing of the correction image.

Description

Computer Program, Device, and Method for Causing a Printing Execution Unit of a Printing Device to Print an Image

[0001] This specification relates to a technique for causing a printing execution unit of a printing device to print an image.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing a printer to execute printing by using an application installed in a terminal.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-085588

[0004] This specification provides a technique for reducing the consumption amount of consumables in a printing device.

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for causing a printing execution unit of a printing device to print an image. The computer program causes a computer to function as the following units: a first reception unit that receives a designation of target data representing a target image to be printed from a user; a supply unit that supplies, when the designation of the target data is received, the target data, corresponding data corresponding to the target data, and related information related to reduction of a consumption amount of consumables used when printing an image in the printing device, to a learning model; a second reception unit that receives corrected data generated by correcting the corresponding data according to the related information from the learning model, wherein the consumption amount of the consumables when printing a corrected image represented by the corrected data is less than the consumption amount of the consumables when printing the target image represented by the target data; and a printing control unit that causes the printing execution unit to execute printing of the corrected image.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the specification of target data is accepted, the learning model is supplied with corresponding data for the target data and related information related to reducing the consumption of consumables used when printing images in the printing device. Then, the learning model accepts the corrected data, and the corrected image represented by the corrected data is printed. The amount of consumables consumed when printing the corrected image is less than the amount of consumables consumed when printing the target image. As a result, the consumption of consumables in the printing device can be reduced.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium for storing the above computer program is also novel and useful. Furthermore, a device and method for causing the printing unit of a printing device to print an image is also novel and useful. Here, the above recording medium may be a single medium or multiple mediums.

[0008] This is a diagram of the communication system configuration. This is a screen transition diagram of the screens displayed on the terminal. This is a flowchart of the processes performed by the application. This is a diagram to explain images represented by files and image modification. This is a screen transition diagram for Case A. This is a screen transition diagram for Case B. This is a screen transition diagram for Case C. This is a screen transition diagram for Case D. This is a continuation of the screen transition diagram in Figure 8. This is a flowchart of the processes performed by the application.

[0009] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of the communication system; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a terminal 10, a printer 100, and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) server 200. The terminal 10 and the printer 100 are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) 4. The terminal 10 and the printer 100 can communicate with each other via LAN 4. LAN 4 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. The AI ​​server 200 is located on the Internet 6. Each device 10, 100 and the AI ​​server 200 can communicate with each other via LAN 4 and the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of Terminal 10) Terminal 10 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, or tablet PC. In a modified example, terminal 10 may be a stationary PC, laptop PC, etc. Terminal 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface 16, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line. Hereafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0011] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows the user to input various information to the terminal 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel, hardware keys, or both for displaying software keys (operation objects). Hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication interface 16 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0012] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, Solid State Drive (SSD), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The auxiliary memory of the memory 34 stores an OS program 36 and an application program 38. Hereinafter, the OS program and the application program will be referred to as "OS" and "app," respectively. The OS 36 controls the basic operation of the terminal 10. For example, the app 38 causes the printer to execute a printing function. The app 38 is downloaded, for example, from a server on the Internet 6 and installed on the terminal 10. That is, the app 38 is a so-called native app. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory. In the following, it may be described that the OS 36 or application 38 proactively performs various processes that the CPU 32 would normally implement according to the program.

[0013] App 38 can cause the AI ​​server 200 to modify the target image to be printed in order to reduce the amount of ink consumed when printing images on the printer 100. As will be described in detail later, "modification of the target image" in this specification includes (1) reducing the amount of text contained in the target image, (2) reducing the amount of ink consumed in an ink cartridge that contains less than a predetermined amount (e.g., 20% or less) of the ink in one of the multiple ink cartridges installed in the printer 100 (e.g., four ink cartridges containing cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks), and (3) redrawing the shapes contained in the target image in order to reduce the amount of ink consumed. The above examples are merely illustrative examples of "modification," and "modification" is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, "redrawing shapes" does not simply mean enlarging or reducing the shape, but includes, for example, changing the color painted on the shape, changing the relative positional relationship of each element constituting the shape, changing the relative angles of the various lines constituting the shape, etc.

[0014] Memory 34 further stores the AI ​​eco mode setting 40, the normal eco mode setting 42, and multiple instruction items. The AI ​​eco mode setting 40 indicates either "on," which means to allow the AI ​​server 200 to perform modifications to the target image to be printed, or "off," which means not to allow the AI ​​server 200 to perform modifications to the target image.

[0015] Normally, the eco mode setting 42 indicates either "on," which corresponds to performing a reduction process to reduce ink consumption, or "off," which corresponds to not performing a reduction process. In this embodiment, "reduction process" means a process to reduce ink consumption that is performed independently of the correction of the target image in the AI ​​server 200, and includes, for example, lightening the color tone of the target image. Specifically, the reduction process in this embodiment includes lightening the color tone of each pixel that constitutes the image data representing the target image.

[0016] The user can change the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 and the normal eco mode setting 42. In particular, the normal eco mode setting 42 may be changed for each ink color. That is, the normal eco mode setting 42 may be a value that indicates whether or not to perform reduction processing for each ink color. In another modified example, when the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a predetermined amount, the normal eco mode setting 42 corresponding to that ink color may be automatically changed to "on".

[0017] Each of the multiple instruction items is, for example, an item predetermined by the vendor of printer 100. The multiple instruction items include items corresponding to the modifications (1) to (3) above. The multiple instruction items further include items corresponding to the calculation of the amount of ink reduction resulting from the modification of the target image.

[0018] (Configuration of Printer 100) Printer 100 is a peripheral device capable of performing printing functions, for example, a peripheral device of terminal 10. In a modified example, printer 100 may be a multifunction device capable of performing scanning functions, facsimile functions, etc., in addition to printing functions. Printer 100 is assigned a device ID "dv1", which is information that identifies printer 100. The device ID is, for example, a model name, an IP address, or a combination thereof. In this specification, the device ID is the model name. The model name is the model identification information of the device. The model name may be a higher-level model name that encompasses multiple model names. For example, it may be a model name called ABC Series that encompasses model names ABC1 and ABC2. Printer 100 comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 116, a print execution unit 118, and a control unit 130. Each unit 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line.

[0019] The operation unit 112 is a user interface that allows the user to input various information to the printer 100. The operation unit 112 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys, hardware keys, or both. Hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication interface 116 is connected to the LAN 4. The print execution unit 118 includes an inkjet printing engine. The inkjet printing engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets contained in an ink cartridge installed in the printer 100. In a modified version, the print execution unit 118 may include an electrophotographic or thermal printing engine. The electrophotographic printing engine includes a photoreceptor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoreceptor. Thermal printing engines are equipped with a print head that generates heat using a heater.

[0020] The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, SSD, HDD, or a combination thereof. The program 136 is stored in the auxiliary memory of the memory 134. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0021] (Configuration of AI Server 200) The AI ​​Server 200 performs image modification to reduce the amount of ink used when printing images. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the AI ​​Server 200 is a physical server is described. The AI ​​Server 200 comprises a communication interface 216 and a control unit 230. The communication interface 216 and the control unit 230 are connected to a bus line. The communication interface 216 is connected to the Internet 6.

[0022] The control unit 230 comprises a processor 232 and a memory 234. The processor 232 includes a CPU, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), or a combination thereof. The memory 234 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, SSD, HDD, or a combination thereof. The program 236 is stored in the auxiliary memory of the memory 234. The processor 232 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0023] Program 236 incorporates a pre-trained model. The AI ​​server 200 performs image correction based on the pre-trained model. The pre-trained model includes the program and various parameters. The pre-trained model includes, for example, language models such as large language models (LLM) and small language models (SLM).

[0024] (Specific Case; Figure 2) Next, we will explain a specific case with reference to Figure 2. In the following, for ease of understanding, the CPU (e.g., 32, 132) or processor (e.g., 232) of each device (e.g., terminal 10, printer 100, AI server 200) will not be described as the entity performing the processing, but rather as each device. Furthermore, communication between each device is performed via a communication interface (e.g., 16, 116, 216). Therefore, in the following explanation, the phrase "via the communication interface" will be omitted when describing communication.

[0025] In the initial state shown in Figure 2, information about one or more printers, including printer 100 (e.g., the printer's device ID, IP address, etc.), is already registered in the terminal 10's memory 34 (i.e., application 38). The terminal 10 periodically receives status information from the registered printer 100, including the remaining ink levels in each ink cartridge installed in the printer 100, and the terminal 10's memory 34 stores this information.

[0026] When terminal 10 receives an application launch operation from the user to launch application 38, it launches application 38 and displays the home screen SC1 on the display unit 14. As shown in Figure 2, the home screen SC1 includes one or more device objects OB11, OB12 and a plurality of function objects OB13 to OB15.

[0027] Device object OB11 is an object corresponding to a registered printer 100 and includes the device ID "dv1" of the printer 100. As described above, the device ID "dv1" is the model name of the printer 100. In addition to the model name of the printer 100, the device ID "dv1" may also include the IP address of the printer 100. In Figure 2, although partially hidden, device object OB12 is an object corresponding to another printer registered in terminal 10 and includes the device ID of that other device. In a situation where only one device (i.e., printer 100) is registered in terminal 10, device object OB12 may be an object for registering a new printer. Function objects OB13 to OB15 are objects corresponding to the document printing function, photo printing function, and audio printing function, respectively. The document printing function is a function that prints images represented by document files (e.g., Word files, PDF files, Text files, etc.). The photo printing function prints images represented by photo files (e.g., JPEG files). The audio printing function prints images represented by audio files (e.g., MP3 files). Here, the image represented by the audio file is the image represented by the document file obtained by transcribing the audio represented by the audio file.

[0028] When terminal 10 receives a selection from the user for a function object OB13 corresponding to the document printing function at T10, it displays a file selection screen SC2 on the display unit 14. As shown in Figure 2, the file selection screen SC2 includes multiple file objects OB21 to OB23 corresponding to multiple document files stored in memory 34, and a cancel button OB24. Each file object OB21 to OB23 includes a file name (for example, F1 to F3).

[0029] (Processing implemented by the application; Figure 3) Next, referring to Figure 3, the processing implemented by the application 38 on terminal 10 will be explained. The processing in Figure 3 is triggered when a file object is selected on the file selection screen SC2 (see T20 in Figure 2). Hereafter, the file corresponding to the file object selected here will be referred to as the "target file".

[0030] In S2, the CPU 32 converts the image data (e.g., vector image data) contained in the target file to generate print preview image data. The print preview image data corresponds to the print preview image placed on the print preview screen and has an RGB bitmap format. Since this print preview image corresponds to the original image before modification, it will be referred to as the "original preview image" below.

[0031] In S10, the CPU 32 determines whether the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 in memory 34 is "on" or "off". If the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 is "on" (YES in S10), the CPU 32 proceeds to S12; otherwise, it proceeds to S50.

[0032] In S12, the CPU 32 displays the print preview screen on the display unit 14 and also displays an instruction item dialog box on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen. For example, Figure 5 shows the instruction item dialog box D1 being displayed overlaid on the print preview screen SC3.

[0033] The instruction item dialog D1 includes four objects OB31 to OB34 corresponding to four instruction items in memory 34, an OK button OB35, and a Cancel button OB36. Each object OB31 to OB34 includes a checkbox. When the instruction item dialog D1 is first displayed, the checkboxes in two of the four objects OB31 and OB34 are checked, while the checkboxes in the other objects OB32 and OB33 are left unchecked. These instruction items, which are checked by default, are pre-stored in memory 34. In the instruction item dialog D1, the user can select the content of the modification to be performed on the target image, and can also choose whether or not to be notified of the ink reduction rate resulting from the modification.

[0034] Although hidden and not visible in the instruction item dialog D1, the print preview screen SC3 contains various other objects. For example, when the cancel button OB36 included in the instruction item dialog D1 is selected, the instruction item dialog D1 is cleared and those objects are displayed. The print preview screen SC3 further includes the original preview image, the device object OB41, the setting object OB42, the AI ​​modification object OB43, and the print object OB44 (see print preview screen SC4 in Figure 5).

[0035] The device object OB41 includes the device ID of the printer 100 (i.e., the selected printer 100) corresponding to the device object OB11, which is displayed in its entirety when the function object OB13 is selected on the home screen SC1, and the paper size. In other words, the device object OB41 is an object that indicates the size of the device and printing medium for printing the image corresponding to the print preview image. In the modified version, the device object OB41 does not have to include the paper size, and may include information other than the paper size (for example, paper type (plain paper, glossy paper, etc.)). Also, when the selection of the device object OB41 by the user is accepted, it may be configured so that the settings such as the paper size can be changed. The setting object OB42 is an object for displaying the print settings screen. The AI ​​modification object OB43 is an object for performing modifications to the target image. The print object OB44 is an object for performing printing of the image.

[0036] In S14, the CPU 32 accepts the selection of one or more instruction items (i.e., checkbox selections) from the user in the instruction item dialog D1, and then accepts the selection of the OK button OB35.

[0037] In S16, the CPU 32 transmits the print preview image data, one or more selected instruction items, device information, and print setting values ​​to the AI ​​server 200 via the communication interface 16. The device information includes information indicating the remaining ink levels in each ink cartridge installed in the printer that will print the target image (i.e., the selected printer 100), and the value of the normal eco mode setting 42 (i.e., "on" or "off"). The print setting values ​​include various settings to be used when instructing the printer to print the target image (e.g., paper size, color or monochrome, layout settings, etc.). The print setting values ​​are predetermined default values ​​for the selected printer 100.

[0038] When the AI ​​server 200 receives the above-mentioned information from the terminal 10, it modifies the target image represented by the print preview image data based on the information and generates modified data. In particular, if the AI ​​server 200 has already received device information from the terminal 10 that includes the value "On" for the normal eco mode setting 42, it performs a reduction process in addition to the above-mentioned modification of the target image. The modified data has the same data format as the print preview image data (i.e., in this embodiment, RGB bitmap format). The AI ​​server 200 then sends the modified data to the terminal 10. The AI ​​server 200 also sends information identifying the modified parts to the terminal 10 along with the modified data. This information may be included in the modified data. Furthermore, if the AI ​​server 200 has already received the instruction item "Tell me the ink consumption reduction rate" from the terminal 10, it calculates the ink reduction rate. Specifically, the AI ​​server 200 calculates a value for each ink color obtained by dividing the amount of ink used for printing the image represented by the modified data by the amount of ink used for printing the target image (i.e., the image before modification). The AI ​​server 200 then calculates the ink reduction rate for each color by subtracting the calculated value from 1 and multiplying the result by 100. Each ink reduction rate is between 0% and 100%. The AI ​​server 200 then sends the reduction rate data, which shows the calculated ink reduction rate, to the terminal 10 along with the correction data.

[0039] Now, referring to Figure 4, we will explain how to modify the target image. In this embodiment, we will explain an example of modifying an image represented by a file with the filename F1. As shown in the upper part of Figure 4, the file with the filename F1 contains image data for one page, representing one page of images. This one-page image contains the string "XXX" and the string "Each of A, B, and C is X, Y, and Z, respectively." Furthermore, this one-page image also contains one bar graph and one illustration (i.e., an illustration of an apple). Each bar in the bar graph is filled in black. The apple illustration is a color illustration (i.e., the fruit part of the apple is filled in red, and the leaves are filled in green).

[0040] First, let's explain the modification in accordance with the instruction item "reduce the amount of text". First, the AI ​​server 200 performs OCR processing on the print preview image data received from terminal 10 to identify the text contained in the print preview image. Then, the AI ​​server 200 uses a trained model to perform processing to reduce the amount of identified text. In this case, the trained model of the AI ​​server 200 performs a modification to reduce the amount of text in the string "Each of A, B, and C is X, Y, and Z, respectively." Specifically, in this case, the string is modified to a new string with the same meaning, "A is X, B is Y, and C is Z." In this way, the AI ​​server 200 can generate modified data representing the image with the modified string, as shown in the lower left of Figure 4.

[0041] Next, we will explain the modification in accordance with the instruction item "Reduce ink consumption of colors with low remaining amount." First, the AI ​​server 200 identifies ink colors that are below a predetermined amount (for example, 20% or less) based on the device information received from terminal 10. Here, we assume a situation where the remaining amount of magenta (M) ink is below a predetermined amount. In this case, the AI ​​server 200 uses a trained model to identify the areas where magenta ink is used from the print preview image. In this case, the AI ​​server 200 identifies that magenta (M) ink is used in the apple illustration. Then, the AI ​​server 200 modifies the apple illustration so that the amount of magenta (M) ink used is reduced. That is, the AI ​​server 200 performs a modification to lighten the color of the apple illustration. In this way, the AI ​​server 200 can generate modified data representing the image modified to lighten the color of the illustration, as shown in the lower center of Figure 4.

[0042] Finally, the modification according to the instruction item "Redraw the figure to reduce the ink consumption" will be described. First, the AI server 200 uses the learned model to identify a figure (in this case, one bar graph) from the print preview image. Then, the AI server 200 changes each of the black bars that make up the identified bar graph to a white bar. In this way, the AI server 200 can generate correction data representing an image in which the bar graph is corrected, as shown on the lower right side of FIG. 4. In a modified example, the AI server 200 may use the learned model to generate a line graph representing the same data as the bar graph instead of the bar graph.

[0043] Returning to the description of FIG. 3 again. In S18, the CPU 32 receives, via the communication I / F 16, from the AI server 200, the correction data and information for identifying the correction location. Also, when the CPU 32 has already transmitted the instruction item "Tell me the reduction rate of the ink consumption" to the AI server 200, in S18, the CPU 32 receives, via the communication I / F 16, from the AI server 200, in addition to the above information, the reduction rate data.

[0044] In S20, the CPU 32 displays the print preview screen on the display unit 14. FIG. 5 shows, as an example of the print preview screen displayed in S20, a print preview screen SC4. The print preview screen SC4 includes print preview images for two pages. The print preview image on the first page is a correction preview image P11 corresponding to the correction data (that is, a print preview image representing the corrected target image). The print preview image on the second page is the original preview image corresponding to the print preview image data (that is, a print preview image representing the target image before correction). In the correction preview image P11 on the first page, the correction location is highlighted based on the information for identifying the correction location. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the location corrected by the AI server 200.

[0045] The string "1 / 2" in the print preview screen SC4 indicates that the currently displayed modified preview image P11 is the print preview image for the first page of a two-page print preview image. Although not shown in the illustration, when the CPU 32 receives a request from the user to slide the area displaying the modified preview image P11 of the first page horizontally, it displays the original preview image of the second page instead of the modified preview image P11 of the first page. In this way, the user can easily compare the modified target image with the target image before modification by looking at the print preview screen displayed in S20.

[0046] In S22, the CPU 32 displays dialog D2 (see Figure 5) on the display unit 14, overlaid on the print preview screen displayed in S20. Dialog D2 includes a message indicating that the target image has been modified by the AI ​​server 200, an OK button OB45, and an undo button OB46.

[0047] In S24, the CPU 32 determines whether the modification performed on the target image is acceptable to the user. Specifically, if the user selects the OK button OB45 in dialog D2, the CPU 32 determines that the modification performed on the target image is acceptable to the user (YES in S24) and proceeds to S30. On the other hand, if the user selects the Undo button OB46 in the dialog displayed in S22, the CPU 32 determines that the modification performed on the target image is not acceptable to the user (NO in S24) and proceeds to S40.

[0048] The CPU 32 updates the print preview screen in S30. FIG. 5 shows a print preview screen SC5 as an example of the print preview screen updated in S30. Specifically, the CPU 32 deletes the original preview image among the modified preview image and the original preview image included in the print preview screen displayed in S20. Further, the CPU 32 displays a modified preview image P12 in which the modification points are not highlighted instead of the modified preview image P11 in which the modification points are highlighted. The print preview screen SC5 includes only the print preview image for one page. The character string "1 / 1" in the print preview screen SC5 indicates that the currently displayed print preview image is the modified preview image P12 of the first page among the print preview images for one page.

[0049] Also, when the CPU 32 has received the reduction rate data from the AI server 200, in S30, it displays a dialog D3 (see FIG. 5) on the display unit 14 over the updated print preview screen. The dialog D3 includes the ink reduction rate of each color indicated by the reduction rate data and an OK button OB47. By viewing the dialog D3, the user can know the reduction rate of the ink due to the correction of the target image by the AI server 200.

[0050] The CPU 32 updates the print preview screen in S40. Specifically, the CPU 32 deletes the modified preview image among the modified preview image and the original preview image included in the print preview screen displayed in S20. Thus, according to the user's selection in the dialog D2, a print preview screen including the print preview image desired by the user is displayed.

[0051] Also, the CPU 32 displays the print preview screen on the display unit 14 in S50. The print preview screen includes the original preview image. FIG. 8 shows a print preview screen SC33 as an example of the print preview screen displayed in S50. As shown in FIG. 8, the print preview screen SC33 includes an AI correction object OB43 having a non-selectable display mode (in this embodiment, a grayed-out mode).

[0052] In S52, the CPU 32 monitors for the user's selection of an object to be included in the print preview screen. If the CPU 32 accepts the selection of the AI ​​modification object OB43 from the user (YES in S52), it returns to processing S12. If the CPU 32 accepts the selection of the print object OB44 from the user (NO in S52 (print object selected)), it proceeds to S54. If the CPU 32 accepts the selection of the setting object OB42 (NO in S52 (setting object selected)), it proceeds to S70.

[0053] In S54, the CPU 32 determines whether the value of the AI ​​eco-mode setting 40 stored in memory 34 indicates "off" and the value of the normal eco-mode setting 42 stored in memory 34 indicates "on". If the value of the AI ​​eco-mode setting 40 indicates "off" and the value of the normal eco-mode setting 42 indicates "on" (YES in S54), the CPU 32 proceeds to S56. On the other hand, if the combination of the value of the AI ​​eco-mode setting 40 and the value of the normal eco-mode setting 42 is any other combination (NO in S54), the CPU 32 proceeds to S60.

[0054] In S56, the CPU 32 performs a reduction process. Specifically, the CPU 32 performs a process to lighten the color tone of each pixel that makes up the print preview image data (i.e., RGB bitmap data). In a modified example, the reduction process may be performed after the print preview image data has been converted to print data (for example, CMYK bitmap data), in which the color tone of each pixel that makes up the converted print data is lightened. The reason why the reduction process is performed only when YES is determined in S54 is as follows: The CPU 32 normally performs the reduction process when the value of the Eco Mode setting 42 indicates "on". However, as described above, if the value of the Eco Mode setting 42 indicates "on" AND the value of the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 indicates "on", the reduction process is performed by the AI ​​server 200. Therefore, in such a situation, the CPU 32 does not need to perform the reduction process. Therefore, the reduction process is executed by the CPU 32 only when the value of the normal eco mode setting 42 is "on" and the value of the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 is "off".

[0055] In S60, the CPU 32 converts the print preview image data (or modified data) corresponding to the currently displayed print preview image into print data and sends the converted print data to the printer 100. In particular, if S56 is performed, the print preview image data after the reduction process is performed is converted into print data. The print data has a data format that can be interpreted by the printer 100, for example, a CMYK bitmap format. As a result, the printer 100 prints the target image. In particular, if YES is selected in S24, the printer 100 prints the modified target image. When the process in S60 is completed, the process shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0056] Furthermore, in S70, the CPU 32 executes a setting change process. The setting change process includes the process of displaying various setting screens such as the print setting screen and the AI ​​modification setting screen, and the process of storing the setting values ​​changed by the user in the memory 34. Once the setting change process is complete, the CPU 32 returns to displaying the print preview screen and also returns to the monitoring process in S52.

[0057] (Case A; Figure 5) Next, we will explain a specific case realized by the process in Figure 3. First, we will explain Case A with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a continuation of Figure 2. Also, in the initial state of Case A, the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 in memory 34 shows "on", and the normal eco mode setting 42 shows "off".

[0058] Terminal 10 accepts the selection of file name F1 at T20 in Figure 2 (trigger in Figure 3). In this case, terminal 10 converts the image data for one page contained in the file with file name F1 (see Figure 4) into RGB bitmap image data for one page to generate print preview image data (S2). Since the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 indicates "on" (YES in S10), terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 and also displays the instruction item dialog D1 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC3 (S12). As described above, when the instruction item dialog D1 is first displayed, each checkbox contained in the two objects OB31 and OB34 is checked.

[0059] Terminal 10 accepts the user's selection of the OK button OB35 at T30 without changing the checks of each checkbox (i.e., selecting the two instruction items "Reduce the amount of text" and "Tell me the reduction rate of ink consumption" corresponding to objects OB31 and OB34) (S14). In this case, terminal 10 sends the print preview image data, the two selected instruction items "Reduce the amount of text" and "Tell me the reduction rate of ink consumption", device information, and print settings to the AI ​​server 200.

[0060] When the AI ​​server 200 receives the above-mentioned information from the terminal 10, it modifies the target image represented by the print preview image data based on the information and generates modified data. In this case, the AI ​​server 200 receives the instruction item "reduce the amount of text" from the terminal 10, and generates modified data representing the image on the lower left of Figure 4. Furthermore, the AI ​​server 200 receives the instruction item "tell me the ink consumption reduction rate" from the terminal 10, and calculates the ink reduction rate. Then, the AI ​​server 200 sends the modified data, information identifying the modification location, and the reduction rate data to the terminal 10.

[0061] When terminal 10 receives correction data, information identifying the correction locations, and reduction rate data from the AI ​​server 200, it displays a print preview screen SC4 on the display unit 14 (S20) and displays a dialog box D2 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC4 (S22). In the correction preview image P11 included in the print preview screen SC4, the correction locations are highlighted. Specifically, the text is surrounded by a border. The user can easily recognize the correction locations by looking at the correction preview image P11 in which the correction locations are highlighted.

[0062] The user reviews the modified preview image P11 and decides whether to accept the modifications made to the target image. If the user accepts the modifications, they select the OK button OB45 in dialog D2. On the other hand, if the user does not accept the modifications, they select the Undo button OB46 in dialog D2.

[0063] In this case, the user selects the OK button OB45 in dialog D2 at T40 (YES at S24). In this case, terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC5 on the display unit 14, and also displays dialog D3 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC5 (S30). By looking at dialog D3, the user can find out the ink reduction rate due to the modification of the target image.

[0064] Furthermore, while a portion of the revised preview image P12 is hidden in dialog box D3, the revised area is not highlighted in the revised preview image P12. When the user selects the OK button OB47 in dialog box D3, dialog box D3 is dismissed, and the entire revised preview image P12 is displayed. This allows the user to recognize that the image corresponding to the revised preview image P12 will be printed.

[0065] The user selects the print object OB44 in the print preview screen SC5 at T50 (NO (print object selected) in S52). In this case, the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 is "on" and the normal eco mode setting 42 is "off" (NO in S54), so terminal 10 converts the correction data representing the corrected preview image P12 into print data according to the print setting value and sends the converted print data to printer 100 (S60). As a result, printer 100 prints the corrected target image.

[0066] (Case B; Figure 6) Next, Case B will be explained with reference to Figure 6. In Case B, the instruction items selected by the user are different from those in Case A. Figure 6 is a continuation of Figure 2. Also, in the initial state of Case B, the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 in memory 34 is set to "on", and the normal Eco Mode setting 42 is set to "off". Also, in the initial state of Case B, the remaining amount of magenta (M) ink is below a predetermined amount (for example, 20% or less).

[0067] Terminal 10 accepts the selection of file name F1 at T20 in Figure 2 (trigger in Figure 3). In this case, terminal 10 converts the image data for one page contained in the file with file name F1 (see Figure 4) into RGB bitmap image data for one page to generate print preview image data (S2). Since the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 indicates "on" (YES in S10), terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 and also displays the instruction item dialog D1 superimposed on the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 (S12, see instruction item dialog D1 in Figure 5).

[0068] At T122, terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to uncheck the checkbox for object OB31 and to check the checkbox for object OB32 (S14). In this case, terminal 10 displays the instruction item dialog D11 on the display unit 14, overlaid on the print preview screen SC3. Then, at T130, terminal 10 receives the selection of the OK button OB35 in the instruction item dialog D11 (S14). In this case, terminal 10 sends the print preview image data, the two selected instruction items "Reduce ink consumption of low-remaining colors" and "Tell me the ink consumption reduction rate", device information, and print setting values ​​to the AI ​​server 200. In particular, the device information includes information indicating that the remaining amount of magenta (M) ink is below a predetermined amount, in addition to the remaining ink levels of each color. In the modified example, the device information does not need to include information indicating that the remaining amount of magenta (M) ink is below a predetermined amount. In this case, the AI ​​server 200 may determine that the remaining amount of magenta (M) ink is below a predetermined amount based on the remaining ink amount included in the device information received from the terminal 10.

[0069] When the AI ​​server 200 receives the above-mentioned information from the terminal 10, it modifies the target image represented by the print preview image data based on the information and generates modified data. In this case, the AI ​​server 200 receives the instruction item "Reduce ink consumption of the color with low remaining ink" from the terminal 10, and generates modified data representing the image in the lower middle of Figure 4. Furthermore, the AI ​​server 200 receives the instruction item "Tell me the ink consumption reduction rate" from the terminal 10, and calculates the ink reduction rate. Then, the AI ​​server 200 sends the modified data, information identifying the modification area, and the reduction rate data to the terminal 10.

[0070] When terminal 10 receives correction data, information identifying the correction locations, and reduction rate data from the AI ​​server 200, it displays a print preview screen SC14 on the display unit 14 (S20), and also displays a dialog box D2 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC14 (S22). In the correction preview image P21 included in the print preview screen SC14, the correction locations are highlighted. Specifically, an illustration of an apple is surrounded by a border.

[0071] In this case, the user selects the OK button OB45 in dialog box D2 at T140 (YES at S24). In this case, terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC15 on the display unit 14, and simultaneously displays dialog box D13 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC15 (S30). By looking at dialog box D13, the user can find out the ink reduction rate due to the modification of the target image. In addition, although part of the modified preview image P22 is hidden and not visible in dialog box D13, the modified area is not highlighted in the modified preview image P22.

[0072] The user selects the print object OB44 in the print preview screen SC15 on T150 (NO (print object selected) in S52). In this case, the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 is "on" and the normal eco mode setting 42 is "off" (NO in S54), so terminal 10 converts the correction data representing the corrected preview image P22 into print data according to the print setting value and sends the converted print data to printer 100 (S60). As a result, printer 100 prints the corrected target image.

[0073] (Case C; Figure 7) Next, Case C will be explained with reference to Figure 7. In Case C, the instruction items selected by the user are different from those in Case A. Figure 7 is a continuation of Figure 2. Also, in the initial state of Case C, the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 in memory 34 indicates "on", and the normal Eco Mode setting 42 indicates "off".

[0074] Terminal 10 accepts the selection of file name F1 at T20 in Figure 2 (trigger in Figure 3). In this case, terminal 10 converts the image data for one page contained in the file with file name F2 (see Figure 4) into RGB bitmap image data for one page to generate print preview image data (S2). Since the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 indicates "on" (YES in S10), terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 and also displays the instruction item dialog D1 superimposed on the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 (S12, see instruction item dialog D1 in Figure 5).

[0075] Terminal 10 receives an operation from the user at T222 to uncheck the checkbox for object OB31 and to check the checkbox for object OB33 (S14). In this case, terminal 10 displays the instruction item dialog D21 on the display unit 14, overlaid on the print preview screen SC3. Then, at T230, terminal 10 receives the selection of the OK button OB35 in the instruction item dialog D21 (S14). In this case, terminal 10 sends the print preview image data, the two selected instruction items "Redraw the shapes to reduce ink consumption" and "Tell me the ink consumption reduction rate", device information, and print setting values ​​to the AI ​​server 200.

[0076] When the AI ​​server 200 receives the above-mentioned information from the terminal 10, it modifies the target image represented by the print preview image data based on the information and generates modified data. In this case, the AI ​​server 200 receives the instruction item "Redraw the shape to reduce ink consumption" from the terminal 10, and generates modified data representing the lower right image in Figure 4. Furthermore, the AI ​​server 200 receives the instruction item "Tell me the ink consumption reduction rate" from the terminal 10, and calculates the ink reduction rate. Then, the AI ​​server 200 sends the modified data, information identifying the modification area, and the reduction rate data to the terminal 10.

[0077] When terminal 10 receives correction data, information identifying the correction locations, and reduction rate data from the AI ​​server 200, it displays the print preview screen SC24 on the display unit 14 (S20), and also displays the dialog D2 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC24 (S22). In the correction preview image P31 included in the print preview screen SC24, the correction locations are highlighted. Specifically, the bar graph is surrounded by a border.

[0078] In this case, the user selects the OK button OB45 in dialog D2 at T240 (YES at S24). In this case, terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC25 on the display unit 14, and also displays dialog D23 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the print preview screen SC25 (S30). By looking at dialog D23, the user can find out the ink reduction rate due to the modification of the target image. In addition, although part of the modified preview image P22 is hidden in dialog D23, the modified area is not highlighted in the modified preview image P32.

[0079] The user selects the print object OB44 in the print preview screen SC25 on T250 (NO (print object selected) in S52). In this case, the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 is "on" and the normal eco mode setting 42 is "off" (NO in S54), so terminal 10 converts the correction data representing the corrected preview image P22 into print data according to the print setting value and sends the converted print data to printer 100 (S60). As a result, printer 100 prints the corrected target image.

[0080] (Case D; Figures 8 and 9) Next, Case D will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Case D differs from Case A in that the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 in memory 34 is "off" in the initial state.

[0081] Terminal 10 accepts the selection of file name F1 at T20 in Figure 2 (trigger in Figure 3). In this case, terminal 10 converts the image data for one page contained in the file with file name F1 (see Figure 4) into RGB bitmap image data for one page to generate print preview image data (S2). Since the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 indicates "off" (NO in S10), terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC33 on the display unit 14 (S50). The print preview screen SC33 has a display mode in which the AI ​​modification object OB43 cannot be selected.

[0082] When terminal 10 receives a selection of setting object OB42 in the print preview screen SC33 at T330 (NO (setting object selected) in S52), it displays the print setting screen SC34 on the display unit 14 (S70). The print setting screen SC34 includes multiple objects OB51 to OB56 and a back button OB57. Each object OB51 to OB56 contains the current setting value of the corresponding item.

[0083] Object OB51 is an object for specifying the number of copies to print. Object OB52 is an object for specifying whether or not to print on both sides (e.g., "single-sided", "long edge binding", "short edge binding"). Object OB53 is an object for specifying the color setting (i.e., either "color" or "monochrome"). Object OB54 is an object for specifying the layout setting such as 1-in-1 or 2-in-1. Object OB55 is an object for selecting the pages to print. Object OB56 is an object for selecting the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 and instruction items. The back button OB57 is a button for displaying the print preview screen (e.g., SC33).

[0084] When terminal 10 receives a selection of object OB56 in T340, it displays the AI ​​modification setting screen SC35 shown in Figure 9 on the display unit 14. The AI ​​modification setting screen SC35 includes an AI modification setting object OB61, four objects OB62 to OB65 corresponding to four instruction items, an OK button OB66, and a cancel button OB67. The AI ​​modification setting object OB61 includes a radio button for specifying "on" or "off" for the AI ​​eco mode setting 40. Each object OB62 to OB65 includes a checkbox. The item objects that are checked in the AI ​​modification setting screen SC35 are the default instruction items and correspond to the modification items that are checked by default in the instruction item dialog D1 (see Figure 5).

[0085] After the terminal 10 receives a selection of the radio button corresponding to "On" for the AI ​​modification setting object OB61 in T350, and then receives a selection of the OK button OB66, it changes the value of the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 in memory 34 from "Off" to "On" (S70). In this way, the user can change the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 after the print preview screen SC33 is displayed. The user can also change the default instruction items by operating the checkboxes for each object OB62 to 65. Then, the terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC36 on the display unit 14. The print preview screen SC36 is the same as the print preview screen SC33 (see Figure 8), except that it has a display mode in which the AI ​​modification object OB43 can be selected.

[0086] When terminal 10 accepts the selection of the AI ​​modification object OB43 in T360 (YES in S52), it displays the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 and also displays the instruction item dialog D1 superimposed on the print preview screen SC3 on the display unit 14 (S12, see Figure 5). The subsequent processing is the same as in case A.

[0087] (Effects of the First Embodiment) According to the above configuration, when a target file is specified, the AI ​​server 200 is supplied with print preview image data obtained by converting the image data contained in the target file, instruction items, and device information including the remaining ink level (S16 in Figure 3). Then, the AI ​​server 200 receives the correction data (S18), and the corrected image represented by the correction data is printed (S60). The amount of ink consumed when printing the corrected image is less than the amount of ink consumed when printing the image represented by the image data contained in the target file. For this reason, the amount of ink consumed in the printer 100 can be reduced.

[0088] (Correspondence) Printer 100 and print execution unit 118 are examples of "printing device" and "print execution unit," respectively. AI server 200 is an example of a "learning model." The CPU 32 and application 38 of terminal 10 are examples of "computer" and "computer program," respectively. The display unit 14 of terminal 10 is an example of a "display device." The file with file name F1 (i.e., the target file) is an example of "target data." The print preview image data generated by converting the image data contained in the target file is an example of "corresponding data (and image data)." The three instruction items stored in memory 34 are an example of "one or more instruction items (and multiple instruction items)." The one or more instruction items sent from terminal 10 to AI server 200 in S16 of Figure 3 are an example of "related information (and instruction information)." Reduction rate data is an example of "reduction information." The corrected target image is an example of a "corrected image." The AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 and the Normal Eco Mode setting 42 are examples of the "first flag information" and the "second flag information," respectively. In particular, the values ​​"on" and "off" for the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 are examples of the "first value" and the "second value," respectively. Also, the values ​​"on" and "off" for the Normal Eco Mode setting 42 are examples of the "third value" and the "fourth value," respectively. The value "on" for the Normal Eco Mode setting 42 included in the device information transmitted in S16 of Figure 3 is an example of the "execution information."

[0089] The instruction item dialogs D1 and D2 are examples of the "selection screen" and "inquiry screen," respectively. The print preview screen SC43 is an example of the "print preview screen." The setting object OB42 is an example of the "predetermined object." The AI ​​modification setting screen SC35 is an example of the "setting screen." The modified preview image P11 is an example of the "print preview image corresponding to the modified data, in which the modified area is highlighted." The modified preview image P12 is an example of the "print preview image corresponding to the modified data." The original preview image P1 is an example of the "print preview image corresponding to the target data."

[0090] The process at T20 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "first receiving unit". The processes at S2, S12, S16, and S18 in Figure 3 are examples of processes executed by the "conversion unit", "first display control unit", "supply unit", and "second receiving unit (and third receiving unit)", respectively. The processes at S20, S22, S30, and S40 in Figure 3 are examples of processes executed by the "third display control unit", "fourth display control unit", "second display control unit (and fifth display control unit)", and "sixth display control unit", respectively. The processes at S56 and S60 in Figure 3 are examples of processes executed by the "reduction processing execution unit" and "printing control unit", respectively. The process at S70 in Figure 3 is an example of a process executed by the "seventh display control unit" and "storage control unit".

[0091] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the instruction item dialog D1 is not displayed when a target file is selected while the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 is set to "on".

[0092] As shown in Figure 3, when the AI ​​Eco Mode setting 40 indicates "ON" (YES in S10 in Figure 3), the CPU 32 skips the processes in S12 and S14 in Figure 3 and executes the process in S16. That is, when the CPU 32 accepts the selection of the file name F1 in T20 in Figure 2, it generates print preview image data (S2), and without displaying the print preview screen SC3 and the instruction item dialog D1 on the display unit 14, it sends the instruction item that is pre-stored in the memory 34 as the default (i.e., the instruction item selected in the AI ​​modification setting screen SC35 in Figure 9) from among the four instruction items in the memory 34 to the AI ​​server 200 (S16). As a result, the terminal 10 displays the print preview screen SC4 on the display unit 14 without displaying the print preview screen SC3 and the instruction item dialog D1. Thus, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, the user does not need to select an instruction item.

[0093] (Third Embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instruction items are not stored in the memory 34. The AI ​​server 200 of the third embodiment decides whether or not to perform correction of the target image based on device information received from the terminal 10, rather than instruction items. Specifically, the AI ​​server 200 of the third embodiment is configured to perform corrections to reduce the amount of ink consumed when the ink level is below a predetermined amount, based on the ink level included in the device information. The AI ​​server 200 also decides whether or not to perform the reduction process based on the value of the normal eco mode setting 42 included in the device information.

[0094] As shown in Figure 3, when the AI ​​eco mode setting 40 indicates "on" (YES in S10 in Figure 3), the CPU 32 skips the processes in S12 and S14 in Figure 3 and executes the process in S16. In S16, the CPU 32 does not send the instruction items to the AI ​​server 200. That is, when the CPU 32 accepts the selection of the file name F1 in T20 in Figure 2, it generates print preview image data (S2), and sends device information etc. to the AI ​​server 200 without displaying the print preview screen SC3 and the instruction item dialog D1 on the display unit 14 (S16). As a result, the AI ​​server 200 decides whether or not to perform correction and reduction processing of the target image based on the remaining ink amount, the value of the normal eco mode setting 42, etc., included in the device information. Then, the AI ​​server 200 sends the correction data to the terminal 10. If the AI ​​server 200 does not perform the correction and reduction processing of the target image, the AI ​​server 200 may send the print preview image data already received from the terminal 10 to the terminal 10, or it may send information to the terminal 10 indicating that the correction and reduction processing has not been performed. Thus, according to the configuration of the third embodiment, the terminal 10 does not need to store the instruction items. The remaining ink amount included in the device information is an example of "remaining ink information".

[0095] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an application 338 (i.e., a web application) implemented on the print server 300 is used instead of the application 38 (i.e., a native application) on the terminal 10. In the modified example, a cloud application may be used instead of a native application or a web application, or an application realized by a combination of at least two applications, a native application, a web application, and a cloud application, may be used. Here, "at least two combinations" means, for example, a combination of a native application and a web application (a so-called hybrid application), a combination of a native application and a cloud application, etc.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 of the fourth embodiment further includes a print server 300. The print server 300 mediates communication between the terminal 10 and a printer (e.g., 100) and causes the printer to perform printing. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the print server 300 is a physical server is described. The print server 300 includes a communication interface 316 and a control unit 330. The communication interface 316 is connected to the internet 6.

[0097] The control unit 330 comprises a CPU 332 and a memory 334. The memory 334 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, SSD, HDD, or a combination thereof. The auxiliary memory of the memory 334 stores a program 336 and an application 338. The program 336 controls the basic operation of the print server 300. The application 338 is the same as the application 38 of the terminal 10 in the first embodiment. The CPU 332 performs various processes according to each program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory. The memory 334 further stores an AI eco mode setting 340, a normal eco mode setting 342, and a plurality of instruction items. The AI ​​eco mode setting 340, the normal eco mode setting 342, and the multiple instruction items are the same as the AI ​​eco mode setting 40, the normal eco mode setting 42, and the multiple instruction items stored in the memory 34 of the terminal 10 in the first embodiment.

[0098] First, the process of displaying the home screen SC1, etc., as shown in Figure 2 will be explained. The memory 334 (i.e., application 338) of the print server 300 stores in advance a terminal ID that identifies the terminal and information about one or more printers, including the printer 100 (for example, the printer's device ID, IP address, etc.), associated with each other. Terminal 10 receives an application launch operation from the user to start application 338 implemented on the print server 300. This application launch operation is, for example, an operation to access the print server 300 via a web browser. When terminal 10 receives an application launch operation to start application 338, it sends the terminal ID and the application launch operation ID to the print server 300. When the print server 300 receives the terminal ID and the application launch operation ID from terminal 10, it identifies the information about one or more printers stored in association with the terminal ID. The print server 300 then sends home screen data (such as web page data) representing the home screen SC1 to the terminal 10, causing the home screen SC1 to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 10 via a web browser or WebView.

[0099] When terminal 10 receives a selection of the functional object OB13 corresponding to the document printing function from the user, it sends an object ID indicating that the functional object OB13 has been selected to the print server 300. When the print server 300 receives the object ID from terminal 10, it sends file selection screen data representing the file selection screen SC2 to terminal 10, thereby displaying the file selection screen SC2 on the display unit 14 via a web browser or WebView. Each file object OB21 to OB23 on the file selection screen SC2 is an object corresponding to a document file stored in the memory 34 of terminal 10. In a modified example, the above document file may be stored in the memory 334 of the print server 300. In another modified example, when the selection of the functional object OB13 corresponding to the document printing function is received from the user, the file selection screen SC2 may be displayed on the display unit 14 by, for example, the OS 36 without sending the object ID to the print server 300.

[0100] (Processing implemented by the application; Figure 10) Next, referring to Figure 10, the processing implemented by the application 338 implemented on the print server 300 will be explained. In the third embodiment, in which the application 338 implemented on the print server 300 is used instead of the application 38 on the terminal 10, the same processing as in Figure 3 is implemented by the print server 300. The processing in Figure 10 is started when a file object is selected on the file selection screen SC2 (see Figure 2) displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 10, and the terminal 10 receives file data representing the target file corresponding to the selected file object. The print server 300 also receives the device ID "dv1" of the printer 100 that will perform the printing along with the file data. The processing in S102 and S110 is the same as the processing in S2 and S10 of Figure 3, respectively, except that the main processing is performed by the CPU 332 of the print server 300.

[0101] In step S112, the CPU 332 transmits to the terminal 10 via the communication I / F 316 print preview screen data representing a print preview screen (e.g., SC3) including a generated print preview image, and instruction item dialog data representing the instruction item dialog D1. As a result, the print preview screen SC3 and the instruction item dialog D1 are displayed on the terminal 10. The print server 300 transmits the print preview screen data and the instruction item dialog data to the terminal 10, causing the print preview screen SC3, the instruction item dialog D1, etc., to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 10 via a web browser or WebView. When the terminal 10 accepts the selection of an instruction item in the instruction item dialog D1 and then accepts the selection of the OK button OB37, it transmits to the print server 300 an instruction item selection ID indicating the selected instruction item and an OK selection ID indicating that the OK button OB37 has been selected.

[0102] In S114, the CPU 332 receives the Modification Item Selection ID and the OK Selection ID from the terminal 10 via the communication I / F 316. The processes in S116 and S118 are the same as those in S16 and S18 of Figure 3, respectively, except that the main processor is the CPU 332 of the print server 300.

[0103] In S120, the CPU 332 transmits print preview screen data (e.g., SC4) representing a print preview screen including a modified preview image represented by the modified data and the original preview image to the terminal 10 via the communication I / F 316. As a result, the print preview screen SC4 is displayed on the terminal 10.

[0104] In step S122, the CPU 332 sends dialog data representing dialog D2 to the terminal 10 via the communication interface 316. As a result, dialog D2 is displayed on the terminal 10, overlaid on the print preview screen SC4.

[0105] In S124, the CPU 332 determines whether the modification performed on the target image is acceptable to the user. Specifically, when the user selects the OK button OB45 in the dialog D2 displayed on the terminal 10, the terminal 10 sends an OK selection ID to the print server 300. On the other hand, when the user selects the Undo button OB46 in the dialog D2 displayed on the terminal 10, the terminal 10 sends an Undo selection ID to the print server 300. When the CPU 332 receives the OK selection ID from the terminal 10, it determines that the modification performed on the target image is acceptable to the user (YES in S124) and proceeds to S130. On the other hand, when the CPU 332 receives the Undo selection ID from the terminal 10, it determines that the modification performed on the target image is not acceptable to the user (NO in S124) and proceeds to S140.

[0106] In S130, the CPU 332 sends print preview screen data, which includes the modified preview image but does not include the original preview image, to the terminal 10 via the communication I / F 316. Furthermore, if the instruction item "Tell me the ink consumption reduction rate" has already been sent to the AI ​​server 200, the CPU 332 also sends reduction rate data to the terminal 10. As a result, when the print preview screen (e.g., SC5) and the reduction rate data are sent to the terminal 10, a dialog box (e.g., D3) is displayed overlaid on the print preview screen.

[0107] In step S140, the CPU 332 transmits print preview screen data, which includes the original preview image but does not include the modified preview image, to the terminal 10 via the communication interface 316. As a result, the print preview screen is displayed on the terminal 10.

[0108] In S150, the CPU 332 transmits print preview screen data, which includes the original preview image, to the terminal 10 via the communication I / F 316. The print preview screen data transmitted here also includes information indicating that the AI ​​modification object OB43 should be displayed in a display mode in which it cannot be selected.

[0109] In S152, the CPU 332 monitors for the reception of the selected object ID from the terminal 10. If the CPU 332 receives the AI ​​modification object ID from the terminal 10 in response to the terminal 10's selection of the AI ​​modification object OB43 (YES in S152), it returns to the process in S112. If the CPU 332 receives the print object ID from the terminal 10 in response to the terminal 10's selection of the print object OB44 (NO in S152 (print object ID received)), it proceeds to S154. If the CPU 332 receives the setting object ID from the terminal 10 in response to the terminal 10's selection of the setting object OB42 (NO in S152 (setting object ID received)), it proceeds to S170. The processes in S154 to S160 are the same as the processes in S54 to S60 in Figure 3, except that the main processor is the CPU 332 of the print server 300. Furthermore, the process in S170 is the same as the process in S70 of Figure 3, except that the main processor is the CPU 332 of the print server 300, and that instead of processing to display the print settings screen, etc., processing to send print settings screen data representing the print settings screen to the terminal 10 is executed. In the fourth embodiment, the device ID "dv1" may include, in addition to the model name, a token for the print server 300 to communicate with the printer 100, authentication information, the global IP address to which the printer 100 belongs, etc.

[0110] Furthermore, if, for example, the print server 300 cannot obtain local information such as the device ID from a web browser due to security settings, the application 338 (i.e., a web application) implemented on the print server 300 may be combined with the application 38 (i.e., a native application) on the terminal 10 to create a hybrid application. In this case, the native application can obtain local information such as the device ID stored in the memory 34 of the terminal 10 and send that information to the print server 300. In this case as well, the print server 300 performs the same processing as described above via the native application. The same applies when a cloud application is used instead of a web application.

[0111] In the configuration of the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the amount of ink consumed by the printer 100 can be reduced. In the fourth embodiment, the CPU 332 of the print server 300 is an example of a "computer," and the application 338 (i.e., a web application) is an example of a "computer program." Also, the display unit 14 of the terminal 10 is an example of a "display device."

[0112] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0113] (Modification 1) In the above embodiment, app 38 was described as an example of a native app installed on terminal 10. In modification, app 38 may be an app installed on printer 100, for example. In this case, printer 100 may display the various screens of the above embodiment on the display unit 114 of printer 100. In this modification, the CPU 132 of printer 100 is an example of a "computer", and the display unit 114 of printer 100 is an example of a "display device".

[0114] (Modification 2) The communication system 2 does not need to include the AI ​​server 200. In this modification, for example, an AI engine that performs various processes may be provided in the terminal 10 instead of the AI ​​server 200. The AI ​​engine includes a trained model. In this modification, the terminal 10 includes the "trained model". In another modification, an AI engine that performs various processes may be provided in the printer 100 instead of the AI ​​server 200. The AI ​​engine includes a trained model. In this modification, the printer 100 includes the "trained model".

[0115] (Modification 3) In the first embodiment described above, the CPU 32 converts the correction data received from the AI ​​server 200 into print data at S60 in Figure 3, and sends the converted print data to the printer 100. In a modification, the CPU 32 may send the correction data itself received from the AI ​​server 200 and the print setting values ​​to the printer 100. In this case, the printer 100 may convert the correction data into print data according to the correction data and print setting values ​​received from the terminal 10. In another modification, the terminal 10 may receive correction data from the AI ​​server 200 that has the same data format as the image data contained in the target file. In this case, the terminal 10 may convert the correction data into image data having an RGB bitmap format, convert the image data into print data, and send the print data to the printer 100.

[0116] (Modification 4) In the above-described cases A to C of the first embodiment, specific examples of image modification performed by the AI ​​server 200 have been explained. The modifications performed by the AI ​​server 200 are not limited to the combination of instruction items selected by the user in each of the above cases A to C. For example, in each of the above cases A to C, a case was described in which two instruction items are selected: one modification item from the three instruction items corresponding to the modifications (1) to (3) described above, and an item corresponding to the calculation of the amount of ink reduction caused by the modification of the image. However, one instruction item may be selected, or three or more instruction items may be selected.

[0117] (Modification 5) The multiple instruction items stored in memory 34 may further include the instruction item "Redraw the figure to reduce the amount of paper used". For example, consider a situation in a certain file where one figure is drawn across multiple pages. After the file is selected, if the instruction item "Redraw the figure to reduce the amount of paper used" is sent to the AI ​​server 200, the AI ​​server 200 may perform a modification to consolidate the one figure drawn across multiple pages into one page. In this modification, paper is an example of a "consumable item".

[0118] (Modification 6) The multiple instruction items stored in memory 34 do not have to include the instruction item "Tell me the reduction rate of ink consumption." In this modification, the "third reception unit" and the "second display control unit" can be omitted.

[0119] (Modification 7) In the above embodiment, the AI ​​server 200 calculates the ink reduction rate. In this modification, instead of the ink reduction rate, the AI ​​server 200 may calculate the amount of ink reduction (i.e., the difference between the amount of ink used for printing the target image and the amount of ink used for printing the image represented by the correction data). In this modification, the information indicating the amount of ink reduction is an example of "reduction information". In another modification, if the number of sheets of paper to be printed is reduced by the image correction performed by the AI ​​server 200, the AI ​​server 200 may calculate the number of sheets of paper reduced by the correction. In this modification, the information indicating the number of sheets of paper reduced is an example of "reduction information".

[0120] (Modification 10) The process in S2 of Figure 3 can be omitted. That is, when the CPU 32 accepts the selection of a target file, it does not need to convert the image data contained in the target file into print preview image data. In this case, in S16, the CPU 32 may send the image data contained in the target file itself to the AI ​​server 200 instead of the print preview image data. In this modification, the image data contained in the target file is an example of "corresponding data". Also, in this modification, the "conversion unit" can be omitted.

[0121] (Modification 11) In the print preview screen SC4, the modified preview image P12 may be displayed instead of the modified preview image P11. That is, the modified area does not need to be highlighted in the print preview screen SC4. In this modification, the "third display control unit" can be omitted.

[0122] (Modification 12) In the above embodiment, the modified areas were highlighted by methods such as surrounding them with a border. The highlighting method is not limited to the method of the above embodiment. For example, in the modification, the modified areas may be displayed in a different color from the unmodified areas. In another modification, an object indicating the modified area (for example, an arrow indicating the modified area) may be displayed.

[0123] (Modification 13) The CPU 32 can omit the processing in S22 and S24. That is, the CPU 32 does not have to display dialog D2. In this case, the CPU 32 may execute the processing in S30 and display a print preview screen that includes the modified preview image but does not include the original preview image, or it may display a print preview screen that includes both. In this modification, the "fourth display control unit", the "fifth display control unit", and the "sixth display control unit" can be omitted.

[0124] (Modification 14) In the first embodiment described above, the print settings screen SC34 is displayed when the setting object OB42 is selected in the print preview screen SC33. Then, the AI ​​modification settings screen SC35 is displayed when the object OB56 is selected in the print settings screen SC34. In this modification, the print preview screen SC33 may include an AI modification settings object for displaying the AI ​​modification settings screen SC35. In this modification, the AI ​​modification settings object included in the print preview screen SC33 is an example of a "predetermined object".

[0125] (Modification 15) The AI ​​modification settings screen SC35 does not have to include each object OB62 to OB67. That is, the AI ​​modification settings screen SC35 may only allow changes to the AI ​​eco mode setting 40.

[0126] (Modification 16) The CPU 32 can omit the processes S54 and S56 in Figure 3. In this case, the memory 34 of the terminal 10 does not need to store the normal eco mode setting 42. In this modification, the "reduction processing execution unit" can be omitted.

[0127] (Modification 17) In the above embodiment, the servers (e.g., AI server 200, print server 300, etc.) were physical servers installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "vendor"). In the modification, the servers do not have to be physical servers. For example, the AI ​​server 200 may be a virtual server on the cloud, or a virtual machine, etc. The AI ​​server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The AI ​​server 200 may be a server on an intranet or a server on the Internet 6. Furthermore, the AI ​​server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a different business operator than the vendor. Also, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the AI ​​server 200 itself, but may use an environment provided by a cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare the program (i.e., software) for the AI ​​server 200 and implement it in the above environment to realize the AI ​​server 200. The same applies to the print server 300.

[0128] (Modification 18) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the printer 100 includes an inkjet printing engine. The technology described herein is also useful for printers that include, for example, an electrophotographic printing engine. That is, by applying the technology described herein to a printer that includes an electrophotographic printing engine, the amount of toner used when printing images can be reduced. In this modification, toner is an example of a "consumable item".

[0129] (Modification 19) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step shown in Figure 4 is implemented by software (for example, OS 36, application 38, program 136, etc.), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0130] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0131] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for causing a printing execution unit of a printing device to print an image, wherein the computer program causes the computer to function as the following units: a first receiving unit that receives a specification from a user of target data representing a target image to be printed; a supply unit that, when the specification of the target data is received, supplies a learning model with corresponding data corresponding to the target data and related information relating to reducing the consumption of consumables used when printing an image in the printing device; a second receiving unit that receives corrected data generated from the learning model by correcting the corresponding data according to the related information, wherein the consumption of consumables when printing the corrected image represented by the corrected data is executed is less than the consumption of consumables when printing the target image represented by the target data is executed; and a print control unit that causes the printing execution unit to print the corrected image. (Item 2) The computer program according to Item 1, wherein the related information includes instruction information indicating that a modification corresponding to at least one instruction item from one or more predetermined instruction items for reducing the consumption of the consumables should be performed on the target image. (Item 3) The computer program according to Item 2, wherein the computer program further causes the computer to function as a first display control unit that displays a selection screen on a display device for selecting at least one instruction item from a plurality of instruction items when the specification of the target data is accepted.(Item 4) A computer program according to Item 2, wherein when the supply unit accepts the designation of the target data, it supplies the corresponding data and the related information, which includes instruction information indicating that the modifications corresponding to at least one predetermined instruction item should be performed on the target image, without the user selecting any instruction items. (Item 5) A computer program according to any one of Items 2 to 4, wherein one or more instruction items include an item corresponding to reducing the amount of text contained in the target image. (Item 6) A computer program according to any one of Items 2 to 5, wherein one or more instruction items include an item corresponding to reducing the consumption of colorants in a colorant cartridge containing a predetermined amount or less of colorants among a plurality of colorant cartridges installed in the printing device. (Item 7) A computer program according to Items 2 to 6, wherein one or more instruction items include an item corresponding to redrawing the figures contained in the target image in order to reduce the consumption of the consumables. (Item 8) A computer program according to Item 1, wherein the related information includes remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the consumables in the printing device. (Item 9) The computer program described in any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the computer program further causes the computer to function as: a third receiving unit that receives reduction information from the learning model indicating the amount of reduction in the amount of consumption of consumables reduced by the modification; and a second display control unit that, when the reduction information is received from the learning model, causes the reduction information to be displayed on a display device. (Item 10) The computer program described in Items 1 to 9, wherein the computer program further causes the computer to function as: a conversion unit that converts the target data to generate image data for displaying a print preview image, and the corresponding data is the image data.(Item 11) The computer program according to any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein the computer program further functions as a third display control unit that, when the correction data is received from the learning model, displays on a display device a print preview image corresponding to the correction data, wherein the correction portion is highlighted. (Item 12) The computer program according to any one of Items 1 to 11, wherein the computer program further functions as a fourth display control unit that, when the correction data is received from the learning model, displays on a display device an inquiry screen for inquiring with the user whether or not to allow the correction; a fifth display control unit that, when the user instructs on the inquiry screen to allow the correction, displays on the display device a print preview image corresponding to the correction data; and a sixth display control unit that, when the user instructs on the inquiry screen not to allow the correction, displays on the display device a print preview image corresponding to the target data. (Item 13) The computer program further comprises: a seventh display control unit that causes a display device to show a setting screen for setting whether or not to perform the modification; and a storage control unit that stores first flag information in memory, wherein the first flag information shows a first value when the user sets on the setting screen to perform the modification, and the first flag information shows a second value when the user sets on the setting screen to not perform the modification; and the supply unit supplies the corresponding data and the related information to the learning model when the designation of the target data is accepted while the first flag information in the memory shows a first value; and does not supply the corresponding data and the related information to the learning model when the designation of the target data is accepted while the first flag information in the memory shows a second value.(Item 14) The computer program according to Item 13, wherein the seventh display control unit causes the setting screen to be displayed on the display device when a predetermined object is selected in the print preview screen. (Item 15) The computer program according to Item 13 or 14, wherein the related information includes instruction information indicating that a modification corresponding to at least one instruction item from one or more instruction items predetermined for reducing the consumption of the consumables should be performed on the target image, and the setting screen is configured to allow selection of at least one instruction item from the one or more instruction items.(Item 16) The memory is further configured to store a second flag information different from the first flag information, the second flag information indicates either a third value corresponding to performing a reduction process to reduce the consumption of the consumable, which is a colorant, or a fourth value corresponding to not performing the reduction process, the computer program further causes the computer to function as a reduction process execution unit that performs the reduction process, the supply unit supplies the learning model with the relevant information including execution information indicating that the reduction process should be performed when the first flag information in the memory indicates a first value and the second flag information in the memory indicates a third value, and the learning model performs the modification and the reduction process in response to the supply of the relevant information including the execution information to the learning model, the first flag information in the memory indicates a first value and the second flag information in the memory indicates a fourth value, and the learning model supplies the relevant information without the execution information to the learning model, and the learning model performs the modification without performing the reduction process The reduction processing execution unit executes the reduction processing when the first flag information in the memory indicates the second value and the second flag information in the memory indicates the third value, and does not execute the reduction processing when the first flag information in the memory indicates the first value and the second flag information in the memory indicates the third value, according to any one of items 13 to 15.

[0132] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal, 12, 112: Operation unit, 14, 114: Display unit, 16, 116, 216, 316: Communication I / F, 30, 130, 230, 330: Control unit, 32, 132, 332: CPU, 34, 134, 234, 334: Memory, 36: OS program, 38: Application program, 40, 340: AI eco mode setting, 42, 342: Normal eco mode setting, 100: Printer, 118: Print execution unit, 136, 236, 336: Program, 200: AI server, 232: Processor, 300: Print server

Claims

A computer program that causes the printing execution unit of a printing device to print an image, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer using the following components, namely: A first receiving unit that receives a specification from the user for target data representing the target image to be printed, When the designation of the target data is accepted, a supply unit supplies the learning model with corresponding data corresponding to the target data and related information related to reducing the consumption of consumables used when printing images in the printing device. A second receiving unit that receives modified data generated by modifying the corresponding data according to the related information from the learning model, wherein the amount of consumables consumed when printing the modified image represented by the modified data is performed is less than the amount of consumables consumed when printing the target image represented by the target data is performed, A print control unit causes the print execution unit to print the corrected image, A computer program that functions as such. 　 The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the related information includes instruction information indicating that a modification corresponding to at least one of one or more predetermined instruction items should be performed on the target image in order to reduce the consumption of the consumables. 　 The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 2, which functions as a first display control unit that, when the specification of the target data is accepted, displays a selection screen on a display device for selecting at least one instruction item from a plurality of instruction items. 　 The computer program according to claim 2, wherein when the supply unit accepts the designation of target data, it supplies the corresponding data and the related information, which includes instruction information indicating that the modification corresponding to at least one predetermined instruction item should be performed on the target image, to the learning model without the user selecting an instruction item. 　 The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the one or more instruction items include an item corresponding to reducing the amount of text contained in the target image. 　 The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the one or more instruction items include an item corresponding to reducing the consumption of colorants in a colorant cartridge containing a predetermined amount or less of colorants among a plurality of colorant cartridges installed in the printing device. 　 The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the one or more instruction items include an item corresponding to redrawing the figures included in the target image in order to reduce the consumption of the consumables. 　 The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the related information includes remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the consumables in the printing apparatus. 　 The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A third receiving unit receives reduction information from the learning model that indicates the amount of reduction in the amount of consumption of the consumables reduced by the modification, A second display control unit that, when the reduction information is received from the learning model, causes the reduction information to be displayed on a display device, A computer program according to claim 1, which functions as such. 　 The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The aforementioned target data is converted and functions as a conversion unit that generates image data for displaying a print preview image. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding data is the image data. 　 The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as a third display control unit that, when the correction data is received from the learning model, displays on a display device a print preview image corresponding to the correction data, wherein the correction portion is highlighted. 　 The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A fourth display control unit that, when the correction data is received from the learning model, displays an inquiry screen on the display device to ask the user whether or not to allow the correction, A fifth display control unit, which, when the user instructs to allow the modification on the inquiry screen, causes the display device to display a print preview image corresponding to the modified data, If the user instructs that the modification should not be permitted on the inquiry screen, a sixth display control unit causes the display device to display a print preview image corresponding to the target data, A computer program according to claim 1, which functions as such. 　 The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A seventh display control unit that displays a setting screen on the display device for setting whether or not to perform the aforementioned modification, A memory control unit that stores first flag information in memory, wherein the first flag information indicates a first value when the user sets to perform the modification on the setting screen, and the first flag information indicates a second value when the user sets not to perform the modification on the setting screen. To make it function as, The aforementioned supply unit is When the first flag information in the memory indicates a first value, and the designation of the target data is accepted, the corresponding data and the related information are supplied to the learning model. When the first flag information in the memory indicates the second value, and the designation of the target data is accepted, the corresponding data and the related information are not supplied to the learning model. The computer program according to claim 1. 　 The computer program according to claim 13, wherein the seventh display control unit causes the setting screen to be displayed on the display device when a predetermined object is selected in the print preview screen. The aforementioned related information includes instruction information indicating that a modification corresponding to at least one of the one or more instruction items predetermined for reducing the consumption of the consumables should be performed on the target image. The computer program according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the settings screen is configured to allow the selection of at least one instruction item from among the one or more instruction items. 　 The memory is further configured to store a second flag information different from the first flag information. The second flag information indicates either a third value corresponding to performing a reduction process to reduce the consumption of the consumable, which is a colorant, or a fourth value corresponding to not performing the reduction process. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as a reduction processing execution unit that performs the aforementioned reduction processing, The aforementioned supply unit is When the first flag information in the memory indicates the first value and the second flag information in the memory indicates the third value, the related information including execution information indicating that the reduction process should be executed is supplied to the learning model, and in response to the supply of the related information including the execution information to the learning model, the learning model executes the modification and the reduction process. When the first flag information in the memory indicates the first value and the second flag information in the memory indicates the fourth value, the related information without execution information is supplied to the learning model, and in response to the supply of the related information without execution information to the learning model, the modification is performed by the learning model without the reduction process being performed. The reduction processing execution unit, When the first flag information in the memory indicates the second value, and the second flag information in the memory indicates the third value, the reduction process is executed. If the first flag information in the memory indicates the first value, and the second flag information in the memory indicates the third value, the reduction process is not executed. The computer program according to claim 13. 　 A device for printing an image to the printing execution unit of a printing device, A first receiving unit that receives a specification from the user for target data representing the target image to be printed, When the designation of the target data is accepted, a supply unit supplies the learning model with corresponding data corresponding to the target data and related information related to reducing the consumption of consumables used when printing images in the printing device. A second receiving unit that receives modified data generated by modifying the corresponding data according to the related information from the learning model, wherein the amount of consumables consumed when printing the modified image represented by the modified data is performed is less than the amount of consumables consumed when printing the target image represented by the target data is performed, A print control unit causes the print execution unit to print the corrected image, A device equipped with the following features. 　 A method for causing an image to be printed on the print execution unit of a printing device, A first receiving step involves receiving a specification from the user for target data representing the target image to be printed, When the designation of the target data is accepted, a supply process provides the learning model with corresponding data corresponding to the target data and related information related to reducing the consumption of consumables used when printing images in the printing device. A second receiving step that receives modified data generated by modifying the corresponding data according to the related information from the learning model, wherein the amount of consumables consumed when printing the modified image represented by the modified data is performed is less than the amount of consumables consumed when printing the target image represented by the target data, A print control step that causes the print execution unit to print the corrected image, A method that includes [a certain feature].

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