Methods, apparatus, equipment and storage media for printing with mixed light and dark inks

Abstract

This invention discloses a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for printing with mixed dark and light inks, relating to the field of inkjet printing technology. The method involves providing dark ink, light ink, and very light ink, and creating a dark-light ink mixing curve. Then, using the dark-light ink mixing curve, the printhead is controlled to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and very light ink for image printing. Light or very light-colored areas of the image can be printed using a mixture of light and light inks, while darker areas can be printed using a mixture of light and dark inks. This ensures that the desired density is achieved for both dark and light images, while reducing graininess and improving detail in the printed image, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, equipment, and storage medium for printing with mixed light and dark inks. Background Technology

[0002] Ink used for industrial inkjet printing comes in four colors: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Based on the depth of color, ink can be divided into dark ink (marked K on the ink bottle for dark black), light ink (marked LK on the ink bottle for light black), and very light ink (marked LLK on the ink bottle for very light black).

[0003] In inkjet printing, the same color can be printed using dark ink, light ink, and very light ink separately. If dark ink is used, the dot density is low, resulting in a grainy print. If light ink is used, the dot density increases, reducing graininess and producing a smoother print. Using even lighter inks, such as very light inks, yields an even higher dot density, resulting in a smoother, more delicate print with even better results. However, light inks, due to their pale color, cannot achieve the required density when printing some dark images, thus failing to accurately represent the darker areas. How to control the use of dark, light, and very light inks in image printing to reduce graininess and improve smoothness while meeting density requirements is a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, device and storage medium for printing with mixed light and dark inks, in order to solve the problems of strong graininess and insufficient fineness in printed images in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for printing with mixed light and dark inks, the method comprising:

[0006] Dark inks, light inks, and very light inks are available.

[0007] Create a color depth ratio curve, wherein the color depth ratio curve includes any one, two or three of the following: dark color curve, light color curve, and light-light color curve;

[0008] The nozzle is controlled to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and light-light ink according to the dark and light color ratio curve.

[0009] Preferably, the step of creating a light-dark color ratio curve includes any one, two, or three of the following: a dark color curve, a light color curve, and a light-dark color curve:

[0010] Determine the starting point of the dark curve, the ending point of the dark curve, the starting point of the light curve, the ending point of the light curve, and the highest point of the light curve, respectively;

[0011] The dark curve is obtained based on the start point and the end point of the dark curve;

[0012] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve.

[0013] The first target curve is obtained based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the dark-colored curve.

[0014] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve;

[0015] The light and dark color ratio curve is composed of any one, two, or three of the dark color curve, the light color curve, and the very light color curve.

[0016] Preferably, obtaining the dark curve based on the start point and the end point of the dark curve includes:

[0017] The dark curve is obtained by fitting the starting point and ending point of the dark curve.

[0018] Preferably, obtaining the light-colored curve based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve includes:

[0019] Based on the starting point and the highest point of the light-colored curve, the first part of the light-colored curve is obtained, wherein the first part of the light-colored curve is a line segment;

[0020] By fitting the highest point and the end point of the light-colored curve, the second part of the light-colored curve is obtained;

[0021] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the first part of the light-colored curve and the second part of the light-colored curve.

[0022] Preferably, obtaining the light-colored curve based on the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve includes:

[0023] The first target curve is sampled according to a preset sampling step size to obtain a number of first sampling points;

[0024] The dark curve is sampled according to the preset sampling step size to obtain several second sampling points;

[0025] The light-colored curve is sampled according to the preset sampling step size to obtain several third sampling points;

[0026] A fourth sampling point is obtained based on the first sampling point, the second sampling point, and the third sampling point;

[0027] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the fourth sampling point.

[0028] Preferably, the step of creating a light-dark color ratio curve includes at least one, two, or three of the following: a dark color curve, a light color curve, and a light-to-light color curve:

[0029] Determine the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the dark curve, the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the light curve, the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the very light curve, respectively;

[0030] The dark curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the dark curve;

[0031] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve.

[0032] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve.

[0033] The light and dark color ratio curve is composed of any one, two, or three of the dark color curve, the light color curve, and the very light color curve.

[0034] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0035] The second target curve is obtained based on the dark curve, the light curve, and the very light curve;

[0036] The second target curve is smoothed to obtain the third target curve;

[0037] Adjust the dark curve, the light curve, and the very light curve according to the third target curve.

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a printing apparatus for mixing light and dark inks, the apparatus comprising:

[0039] An ink supply module for supplying dark ink, light ink, and very light ink;

[0040] The curve acquisition module is used to create a light and dark color ratio curve, wherein the light and dark color ratio curve includes any one, two or three of the following: dark color curve, light color curve, and light and light color curve.

[0041] The printing control module is used to control the printhead to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and light-colored ink according to the dark-light color ratio curve.

[0042] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a printing apparatus for mixing light and dark inks, comprising: at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the method of the first aspect described above is implemented.

[0043] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a storage medium storing computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method of the first aspect described above.

[0044] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0045] The present invention provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for printing with mixed dark and light inks. By providing dark ink, light ink, and very light ink, and creating a dark-light ink mixing curve, the printhead is controlled to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and very light ink for image printing. Light ink or light ink can be used for printing in very light or relatively light-colored image areas, while light ink or dark ink can be used for printing in darker image areas. This ensures that the density required by the user can be achieved whether printing dark or light images, while reducing the graininess of the printed image and improving its fineness, thereby improving the quality of the printed image. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, and these are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the method for printing with mixed light and dark inks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the light and dark color matching curve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another light and dark color matching curve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of key points such as the starting point and the highest point of the dark curve in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another light and dark color matching curve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the light-colored curve and the dark-colored curve in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another light-colored curve and a dark-colored curve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light and dark ink mixing printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing device for mixing light and dark inks according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and are not configured to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the present invention by illustrating examples of the invention.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] This invention provides a method for printing with mixed light and dark inks. This method is applicable to inkjet printing equipment, including reciprocating scanning inkjet printing equipment and single-pass inkjet printing equipment. The inkjet printing equipment includes at least a printhead, a control board, and an ink cartridge. The control board controls the printhead to eject ink from the ink cartridge onto the printing medium to form a printed image.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 The method for printing with mixed light and dark inks includes the following steps:

[0061] Dark inks, light inks, and very light inks are available.

[0062] Create a color mixing curve, wherein the color mixing curve includes at least one, two or three of the following: dark color curve, light color curve, and light-light color curve.

[0063] The nozzle is controlled to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and light-light ink according to the dark and light color ratio curve.

[0064] Specifically, to achieve a more delicate and softer tones in the printed image, a mixture of dark inks, light inks, and very light inks is required. The key is controlling the ink ejection of these three inks during printing. A light-dark ink ratio curve is created to control the concentration at which the printhead ejects any one, two, or three of the dark, light, or very light inks. This light-dark ink ratio curve is an ink ejection control curve created based on the types of inks used in the printer. In one embodiment, using dark, light, and very light inks, a light-dark ink ratio curve, including curves for dark, light, and very light inks, is required. In another embodiment, if only dark and light inks are used, a light-dark ink ratio curve, including curves for dark and light inks, is also required. For example, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The curve showing the color mixing ratio is illustrated, where the horizontal axis represents the ink density printed by the printer, and the vertical axis represents the ink density output. For example... Figure 2 The light and dark color mixing curves shown only include the light and dark color curves, indicating that only dark and light inks are used together during printing. Figure 2As shown in the light and dark color mixing curves, when the ink concentration supplied to the printer is 0%, the printer outputs 0% ink. When the ink concentration supplied to the printer is less than 25%, the printer outputs light ink according to the light color curve, and the ink concentration is determined by the light color curve. For example, when the input ink concentration is 10%, the output is light ink with a concentration of 14%. When the ink concentration supplied to the printer is greater than or equal to 25%, the printer mixes light and dark inks according to the light color curve, with the output light ink concentration determined by the light color curve and the output dark ink concentration determined by the dark color curve. For example, when the input ink concentration is 60%, the output light ink concentration is 15%, and the output dark ink concentration is 55%.

[0065] Similarly, such as Figure 3 The light and dark color mixing curves shown include a light-light curve, a light curve, and a dark curve, indicating the use of light-light ink, dark ink, and light ink during printing, according to... Figure 3 As shown in the light and dark color mixing curves, when the ink concentration supplied to the printer is 0%, the printer will eject (output) ink with a concentration of 0%. When the ink concentration supplied to the printer is less than 25%, the printer will eject (output) light ink according to the light color curve, and the ink concentration will be determined based on the light color curve. When the ink concentration supplied to the printer is greater than or equal to 25% and less than 40%, the printer will eject (output) a mixture of light and very light inks. The concentration of the output very light ink will be determined by the very light color curve, and the concentration of the output light ink will be determined by the very light color curve. When the ink concentration supplied to the printer is greater than or equal to 40%, all three types of ink will be ejected in a mixture. The concentration of the output very light ink will be determined by the very light color curve, and the concentration of the output light ink will be determined by the very light color curve. The concentration of the output dark ink will be determined by the very dark color curve.

[0066] By controlling the printer's color mixing according to the light and dark color ratio curve, any one, two, or three of the light, dark, and dark inks can be used for image printing. This ensures that the final printed image has the preset density requirement, and guarantees a more delicate and softer image tone, thus improving the image printing quality.

[0067] In one embodiment, a light and dark color ratio curve is created through the following steps:

[0068] Determine the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the dark curve, the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the light curve, the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the very light curve, respectively;

[0069] The dark curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the dark curve.

[0070] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve.

[0071] The dark curve is obtained based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the light-colored curve;

[0072] The dark and light color ratio curve is obtained based on any one, two, or three of the dark color curve, light color curve, and very light color curve.

[0073] Specifically, the following key coordinate points (or critical points) can be set according to the actual production conditions such as printer status and ink batch: dark curve start point, dark curve highest point, dark curve end point, light curve start point, light curve highest point, light curve end point, light-light curve start point, light-light curve highest point, and light-light curve end point. Here, the dark curve start point refers to the coordinate point in the dark curve that represents the beginning of dark ink output; the dark curve highest point is the point with the largest ordinate value in the dark curve; and the dark curve end point is the coordinate point corresponding to an input ink concentration of 100%, representing the output ink concentration corresponding to a 100% input ink concentration. Preferably, the dark curve start point is (45%, 0%), the dark curve highest point is (100%, 100%), and the dark curve end point is (100%, 100%). The light curve start point refers to the coordinate point in the light curve that represents the beginning of light ink output; the light curve end point refers to the coordinate point in the light curve that represents the end of light ink output; and the light curve highest point is the point with the largest ordinate value in the light curve. Preferably, the starting point of the light-colored curve is (25%, 0%), and the ending point is (100%, 0%). The starting point of the light-colored curve refers to the coordinate point on the light-colored curve that represents the beginning of light-colored ink output, and the ending point is the coordinate point on the light-colored curve that represents the end of light-colored ink output. The highest point of the light-colored curve is the point with the largest ordinate value. Preferably, the starting point of the light-colored curve is (0%, 0%), and the ending point is (60%, 0%).

[0074] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, point C (40%, 0%) is set as the starting point of the dark curve, point E (100%, 100%) is set as the highest point of the dark curve, and point E is also the ending point of the dark curve. The dark curve is obtained by fitting (e.g., using cubic spline fitting) or interpolation and smoothing based on these two points C and E. In other embodiments, more points can be set for fitting the dark curve; the more points set, the more accurate the fitted dark curve, and the more precise the control of ink density output by the printer. Similarly, point F (25%, 0%) is set as the starting point of the light curve, point G (60%, 25%) is set as the highest point of the light curve, and point H (100%, 0%) is set as the ending point of the light curve. The light curve is obtained by fitting (e.g., using cubic spline fitting) or interpolation and smoothing based on points F, G, and H. Point A with coordinates (0%, 0%) is set as the starting point of the light-colored curve, point B with coordinates (25%, 25%) is set as the highest point of the light-colored curve, and point D with coordinates (65%, 0) is set as the ending point of the light-colored curve. The light-colored curve is obtained by fitting (such as cubic spline fitting) or interpolating and smoothing based on the three points A, B, and D.

[0075] The light-dark color matching curve is any one, two, or three of the following: dark color curve, light color curve, and light-light color curve. If only dark ink is used for printing, then the corresponding light-dark color matching curve has only one dark curve controlling the ink output. If both dark and light inks are used, then there are two corresponding dark and light curves. If a combination of dark, light, and light-light inks is used, then there are three corresponding dark, light, and light-light curves. In this embodiment, the light-dark color matching curve is obtained by curve fitting based on key points set according to the actual printing conditions, such as the start and end points of the dark curve, the start and highest points of the light curve, the end and highest points of the light-light curve, and the end point of the light-light curve. This method is simple and fast.

[0076] In another embodiment, the three curves can be added together to obtain a second target curve, which controls the total ink density of the printer (the total ink output density). Since the dark curve, light curve, and very light curve are obtained by fitting each other based on set key points, the first target curve obtained by adding these three curves may not necessarily be monotonically smooth. The smoother the second target curve, the more uniform the density transition from light to dark in the printed image. Therefore, the second target curve can be monotonically smoothed to obtain a third target curve, and then the light and dark color ratio curve can be adjusted accordingly based on the third target curve, thereby reducing graininess and improving fineness in the final image printing, while also achieving a more uniform transition between light and dark colors.

[0077] In another embodiment, the dark curve, light curve, and light-light curve can also be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, in Figure 5 The curves in the image are not obtained through fitting, but are all set to linear. For example, the curve for light colors is linear from its starting point to its highest point, and also linear from its highest point to its lowest point. Similarly, the curve for dark colors is linear from its starting point to its lowest point. Theoretically, setting the curves to linear results in the most uniform color transition. However, at the highest points of each curve, there will be abrupt changes in ink density, thus affecting the image transition. Furthermore, smoothing can be applied to the curves near the highest points of light and dark colors to avoid abrupt changes in density.

[0078] In one embodiment, a light and dark color ratio curve can also be created through the following steps:

[0079] Determine the starting point of the dark curve, the ending point of the dark curve, the starting point of the light curve, the ending point of the light curve, and the highest point of the light curve, respectively;

[0080] The dark curve is obtained based on the start point and the end point of the dark curve;

[0081] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve.

[0082] The target curve is obtained based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the dark-colored curve.

[0083] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve.

[0084] The dark-light color ratio curve is obtained from any one, two or three of the dark color curve, the light color curve, and the very light color curve.

[0085] Specifically, the following coordinate points can be set based on the actual production conditions such as printer status and ink batch: dark curve start point, dark curve end point, light curve start point, light curve end point, and light curve highest point. The dark curve start point refers to the coordinate point on the dark curve that represents the beginning of dark ink output. The dark curve end point is the coordinate point corresponding to an input ink concentration of 100%, representing the output ink concentration of the dark curve at 100% input ink concentration. The light curve start point refers to the coordinate point on the light curve that represents the beginning of light ink output, and the light curve end point is the coordinate point on the light curve that represents the end of light ink output.

[0086] The highest point of the light-colored curve is the point with the largest ordinate value within the light-colored curve. For example... Figure 6 As shown in the figure, point C with coordinates (40%, 0%) is set as the starting point of the dark curve, and point E with coordinates (100%, 100%) is set as the highest point of the dark curve. The dark curve is obtained by fitting (e.g., using cubic spline fitting), interpolation, or smoothing based on these two points C and E. In other embodiments, more points can be set for fitting the dark curve; the more points set, the more accurate the fitted dark curve, and the more precise the control of ink density output by the printer.

[0087] Similarly, point A (0%, 0%) is set as the starting point of the light-colored curve, point B (25%, 25%) as the highest point, and point D (65%, 0%) as the ending point. The light-colored curve is obtained by fitting, interpolating, or smoothing based on points A, B, and D. In one embodiment, a line segment is obtained based on points A and B, denoted as the first part of the light-colored curve. Then, the second part of the light-colored curve is obtained by fitting based on points B and D. The first and second parts are combined and smoothed to obtain the final light-colored curve. Using a line segment as the first part allows for linear ink output in lighter areas when using the light-colored curve to control the printer, resulting in a more uniform transition between lighter colors.

[0088] After obtaining the dark curve and the light curve, a target curve is fitted using the starting point A of the light curve, the highest point B of the light curve, and the ending point E of the dark curve. This target curve is denoted as the first target curve. The first target curve controls the total ink density of the printer (the total ink density output). Then, the light curve is obtained using the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light curve.

[0089] Preferably, obtaining the light-colored curve based on the target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve includes:

[0090] The target curve is sampled according to a preset sampling step size to obtain several first sampling points;

[0091] The dark curve is sampled according to the preset sampling step size to obtain several second sampling points;

[0092] The light-colored curve is sampled according to the preset sampling step size to obtain several third sampling points;

[0093] A fourth sampling point is obtained based on the first sampling point, the second sampling point, and the third sampling point;

[0094] The light-colored curve is obtained based on the fourth sampling point.

[0095] The preset sampling step size can be set according to the actual situation. Sampling is performed on the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light curve at intervals of one preset sampling step size on the horizontal axis, resulting in N first sampling points, N second sampling points, and N third sampling points, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. Then, the ordinate values ​​of the corresponding second and third sampling points are subtracted from the ordinate values ​​of each first sampling point to obtain the ordinate value of each fourth sampling point. The x-coordinate of the fourth sampling point can be obtained from the preset sampling step size, thus obtaining the coordinate values ​​of each fourth sampling point. The fourth sampling points are then fitted to obtain the light curve. For example, the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light curve were sampled at 5% ink concentration intervals on the horizontal axis, resulting in 21 first sampling points, 21 second sampling points, and 21 third sampling points. The first sampling points include (0%, P1), (5%, P2), ..., (100%, P21); the second sampling points include ((0%, Q1), (5%, Q2), ..., (100%, Q21); the third sampling points include (0%, R1), (5%, R2), ..., (100%, R21); and the fourth sampling point is (0%, P1-Q1-R1), (5%, P1-Q21-R1), ..., (100%, R21). (2-R2), ..., (100%, P21-Q21-R21). A light-colored curve is obtained by fitting these 21 fourth sampling points. The sampling step size can be set according to the actual situation, such as 1%, 2%, etc. The smaller the sampling step size, the more accurate the light-colored curve. In other embodiments, instead of using a sampling method to obtain the fourth sampling points and then fitting the light-colored curve, the mathematical expressions corresponding to the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve are obtained. Then, the mathematical expression corresponding to the light-colored curve is obtained by subtracting the dark curve and the light-colored curve from the first target curve to obtain the corresponding light-colored curve.

[0096] In another embodiment, the dark curve and the light curve can also be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, in Figure 7The curves in the model are not obtained through fitting, but are all set to be linear. For example, the curve from the start point to the highest point of the light-colored curve is linear, as is the curve from the highest point to the end point of the light-colored curve. The curve from the start point to the end point of the dark-colored curve is also linear. Similarly, the first target curve is also linear, and the ordinate value of the light-colored curve is obtained by directly subtracting the ordinate values ​​of the light-colored and dark-colored curves from the ordinate value of the first target curve.

[0097] Setting the curves to linear theoretically results in the most uniform color transition. However, abrupt changes in ink density occur at the peaks of each curve, affecting the image transition. Furthermore, after obtaining the light-colored curve, smoothing can be applied to all three curves to avoid abrupt changes in density.

[0098] In this embodiment, a dark curve, a light curve, and a first target curve are first fitted, and then a light curve is obtained. When fitting the first target curve, it is made as monotonous and smooth as possible to obtain the light curve. In other embodiments, the dark curve, light curve, and first target curve may be fitted first, and then a light curve obtained, or vice versa. Controlling the final printed image obtained by printing mixed inks based on the dark curve, light curve, and light curve results in a smooth transition from light to dark, while simultaneously reducing graininess and improving fineness.

[0099] In summary, the light and dark ink mixing printing method provided in this embodiment of the invention provides dark ink, light ink, and very light ink, and creates a light and dark ink mixing curve. Then, it uses the light and dark ink mixing curve to control the printhead to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and very light ink for image printing. Light or light ink can be used for printing in very light or relatively light-colored image areas, while light or dark ink can be used for printing in darker image areas. This ensures that the density required by the user can be achieved whether printing dark or light images, while also reducing the graininess of the printed image and improving its fineness, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

[0100] Example 2

[0101] Please see Figure 8 This invention provides a printing apparatus 200 for mixing light and dark inks, the apparatus 200 comprising:

[0102] Ink supply module 201 is used to supply dark ink, light ink and very light ink;

[0103] The curve acquisition module 201 is used to create a light and dark color ratio curve, wherein the light and dark color ratio curve includes any one, two or three of the following: dark color curve, light color curve, and light and light color curve.

[0104] The printing control module 203 is used to control the printhead to spray any one, two or three of the dark ink, light ink and light-colored ink according to the dark and light color ratio curve.

[0105] Preferably, the curve acquisition module 201 includes:

[0106] The first key point determination unit is used to determine the starting point of the dark curve, the ending point of the dark curve, the starting point of the light curve, the ending point of the light curve, and the highest point of the light curve, respectively.

[0107] The first dark curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the dark curve based on the start point and the end point of the dark curve.

[0108] The first light-colored curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the light-colored curve based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the light-colored curve;

[0109] The first target curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the first target curve based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the dark-colored curve.

[0110] The first light-colored curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the light-colored curve based on the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve.

[0111] The first combination unit is used to compose the dark-light color ratio curve according to any one, two or three of the dark color curve, the light color curve, and the light-light color curve.

[0112] Furthermore, the first dark curve acquisition unit includes:

[0113] The dark curve fitting unit is used to fit the dark curve using the start point and the end point of the dark curve to obtain the dark curve.

[0114] Furthermore, the first light-colored curve acquisition unit includes:

[0115] The first part of the curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the first part of the light-colored curve based on the starting point and the highest point of the light-colored curve, wherein the first part of the light-colored curve is a line segment;

[0116] The second part of the curve acquisition unit is used to fit the highest point and the end point of the light-colored curve to obtain the second part of the light-colored curve.

[0117] A light-colored curve combination unit is used to obtain the light-colored curve based on the first part of the light-colored curve and the second part of the light-colored curve.

[0118] Furthermore, the first light-colored curve acquisition unit includes:

[0119] The first sampling unit is used to sample the first target curve according to a preset sampling step size to obtain a number of first sampling points;

[0120] The second sampling unit is used to sample the dark curve according to the preset sampling step size to obtain a number of second sampling points;

[0121] The third sampling unit is used to sample the light-colored curve according to the preset sampling step size to obtain a number of third sampling points;

[0122] The fourth sampling point acquisition unit is used to acquire a fourth sampling point based on the first sampling point, the second sampling point, and the third sampling point;

[0123] The light-colored curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the light-colored curve based on the fourth sampling point.

[0124] Preferably, the curve acquisition module 201 includes:

[0125] The second key point determination unit is used to determine the starting point of the dark curve, the highest point of the dark curve, the ending point of the dark curve, the starting point of the light curve, the highest point of the light curve, the ending point of the light curve, the starting point of the light-light curve, the highest point of the light-light curve, and the ending point of the light-light curve, respectively.

[0126] The second dark curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the dark curve based on the starting point of the dark curve, the highest point of the dark curve, and the ending point of the dark curve;

[0127] The second light-colored curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the light-colored curve based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the light-colored curve;

[0128] The second light-colored curve acquisition unit is used to acquire the light-colored curve based on the starting point of the light-colored curve, the highest point of the light-colored curve, and the ending point of the light-colored curve.

[0129] The second combination unit is used to compose the dark-light color ratio curve according to any one, two or three of the dark color curve, the light color curve, and the light-light color curve.

[0130] Preferably, the device 200 further includes:

[0131] The second target curve acquisition unit is used to acquire a second target curve based on the dark curve, the light curve, and the very light curve;

[0132] The third target curve acquisition unit is used to smooth the second target curve to obtain the third target curve;

[0133] An adjustment unit is used to adjust the dark curve, the light curve, and the very light curve according to the third target curve.

[0134] In summary, the light and dark ink mixing printing device provided in this embodiment of the invention provides dark ink, light ink, and very light ink, and creates a light and dark ink mixing curve. Then, it uses the light and dark ink mixing curve to control the printhead to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and very light ink for image printing. Light or light ink can be used for printing in very light or relatively light-colored image areas, while light or dark ink can be used for printing in darker image areas. This ensures that the density required by the user can be achieved whether printing dark or light images, while reducing the graininess of the printed image and improving its fineness, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

[0135] Example 3

[0136] In addition, the method for printing mixed light and dark inks according to the present invention can be implemented by a mixed light and dark ink printing device. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a printing device for mixing light and dark inks provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0137] A printing device for mixing light and dark inks may include a processor 301 and a memory 302 storing computer program instructions.

[0138] Specifically, the processor 301 may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits that can be configured to implement the embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] Memory 302 may include mass storage for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, memory 302 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, memory 302 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, memory 302 may be internal or external to a data processing device. In a particular embodiment, memory 302 is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, memory 302 includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0140] The processor 301 reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory 302 to implement any of the light and dark ink mixing printing methods in the above embodiments.

[0141] In one example, the printing device for mixing light and dark inks may also include a communication interface 303 and a bus 310. For example, Figure 9 As shown, the processor 301, memory 302, and communication interface 303 are connected through bus 310 and complete communication with each other.

[0142] The communication interface 303 is mainly used to realize communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0143] Bus 310 includes hardware, software, or both, that couples components of a light and dark ink mixing printing device together. For example, and not limitingly, bus 310 may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses, or combinations of two or more of these. Where appropriate, bus 310 may include one or more buses. While specific buses are described and illustrated in embodiments of the invention, the invention contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[0144] Example 4

[0145] Furthermore, in conjunction with the mixed light and dark ink printing method in the above embodiments, this invention can be implemented using a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions; when these computer program instructions are executed by the processor 301, they implement any of the mixed light and dark ink printing methods described in the above embodiments.

[0146] In summary, the method, apparatus, equipment, and storage medium for mixed printing of dark and light inks provided in the embodiments of the present invention provide dark ink, light ink, and very light ink, and create a dark-light ink mixing ratio curve. Then, the printhead is controlled to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and very light ink for image printing using the dark-light ink mixing ratio curve. Light ink or light ink can be used for printing in very light or relatively light-colored image areas, while light ink or dark ink can be used for printing in darker image areas. This ensures that the density required by the user can be achieved whether printing dark or light images, while also reducing the graininess of the printed image and improving its fineness, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

[0147] It should be clarified that the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of the present invention is not limited to the specific steps described and shown. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of the present invention.

[0148] The functional blocks shown in the above-described structural diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this invention are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. The programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried in a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0149] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments mentioned in this invention describe methods or systems based on a series of steps or apparatus. However, this invention is not limited to the order of the steps described above; that is, the steps can be performed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0150] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for printing with mixed light and dark inks, characterized in that, The method includes: Dark inks, light inks, and very light inks are available. Creating a light-dark color ratio curve, wherein the light-dark color ratio curve includes any one, two, or three of a dark color curve, a light color curve, and a light-light color curve, including: determining the start point, end point, start point, end point, and highest point of the light color curve; fitting the dark color curve based on the start point and end point of the dark color curve to obtain the dark color curve; obtaining the light color curve based on the start point, highest point, and end point of the light color curve, including: obtaining a first part of the light color curve based on the start point and highest point of the light color curve, wherein... The first part of the light-colored curve is a line segment; the second part of the light-colored curve is obtained by fitting the highest point and the end point of the light-colored curve; the light-colored curve is obtained based on the first part and the second part of the light-colored curve; a first target curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point and the end point of the dark curve; the light-colored curve is obtained based on the first target curve, the dark curve and the light-colored curve; the light-colored curve is formed by any one, two or three of the dark curve, the light curve and the light-colored curve. The nozzle is controlled to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and light-light ink according to the dark and light color ratio curve.

2. The method for printing with mixed light and dark inks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the light-colored curve based on the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve includes: The first target curve is sampled according to a preset sampling step size to obtain a number of first sampling points; The dark curve is sampled according to the preset sampling step size to obtain several second sampling points; The light-colored curve is sampled according to the preset sampling step size to obtain several third sampling points; A fourth sampling point is obtained based on the first sampling point, the second sampling point, and the third sampling point; The light-colored curve is obtained based on the fourth sampling point.

3. The method for printing with mixed light and dark inks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of creating the light and dark color matching curve includes: Determine the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the dark curve, the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the light curve, the starting point, highest point, and ending point of the very light curve, respectively; The dark curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the dark curve; The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve. The light-colored curve is obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the ending point of the light-colored curve. The light and dark color ratio curve is composed of any one, two, or three of the dark color curve, the light color curve, and the very light color curve.

4. The method for printing with mixed light and dark inks according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second target curve is obtained based on the dark curve, the light curve, and the very light curve; The second target curve is smoothed to obtain the third target curve; Adjust the dark curve, the light curve, and the very light curve according to the third target curve.

5. A printing device for mixing light and dark inks, characterized in that, The device comprises: An ink supply module for supplying dark ink, light ink, and very light ink; The curve acquisition module is used to create a light-dark color ratio curve, wherein the light-dark color ratio curve includes any one, two, or three of a dark color curve, a light color curve, and a light-light color curve, including: determining the start point, end point, start point, end point, and highest point of the light color curve; fitting the dark color curve based on the start point and end point of the dark color curve to obtain the dark color curve; obtaining the light color curve based on the start point, highest point, and end point of the light color curve, including: obtaining the first part of the light color curve based on the start point and highest point of the light color curve. The process involves: a first part of the light-colored curve being a line segment; a second part of the light-colored curve being obtained by fitting the highest point and the end point of the light-colored curve; the light-colored curve being obtained based on the first part and the second part of the light-colored curve; a first target curve being obtained based on the starting point, the highest point, and the end point of the dark curve; the light-colored curve being obtained based on the first target curve, the dark curve, and the light-colored curve; and the light-dark color matching curve being composed of any one, two, or three of the dark curve, the light curve, and the light-colored curve. The printing control module is used to control the printhead to spray any one, two, or three of the dark ink, light ink, and light-colored ink according to the dark-light color ratio curve.

6. A printing device for mixing light and dark inks, characterized in that, include: At least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, which, when executed by the processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

7. A storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, The method as described in any one of claims 1-4 is implemented when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor.

Images