Inkjet printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses an inkjet printing method, device, equipment and storage medium, and relates to the technical field of inkjet printing. The method performs screening processing on the to-be-printed image according to the scanning times and the original printing accuracy and / or the single-channel accuracy to obtain a plurality of pieces of printing data. Since the plurality of pieces of printing data are obtained through independent screening processing, compared with the case that the to-be-printed image is subjected to overall screening processing to obtain original printing data and then each-pass printing data is split, the ink dot uniformity is better, and inkjet printing according to the plurality of pieces of printing data can improve the accuracy of a printed image, thereby improving the printing effect and quality of the image.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to an inkjet printing method, device, equipment and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Inkjet printing technology refers to a technology of spraying ink droplets through nozzles on a nozzle head onto a printing medium to obtain an image or text. With the development of technology and the improvement of living standards, people pursue higher and higher quality of printed images, often requiring high-precision and large-format products to be printed. High-precision and large-format printed products are often realized through reciprocating scanning printing or multi-pass printing. Specifically, it is realized by alternately performing reciprocating movement of the nozzle head in the main scanning direction of the printer and forward movement in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction (or forward movement of the printing medium in the sub-scanning direction). However, due to machine paper feeding errors, nozzle installation errors, or machine jitter errors, etc., the error of each pass printing data in multi-pass printing is enlarged. The existing multi-pass printing is obtained by splitting each pass printing data from the original printing data and performing reciprocating scanning printing. However, the uniformity of each pass printing data split from the original printing data is poor, and there are some areas with relatively dense ink dots and some areas with relatively sparse ink dots. Therefore, combined with the paper feeding or installation errors of the equipment, the final printed image is prone to have poor precision and poor effect. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide an inkjet printing method, device, equipment and storage medium to solve the problem of poor precision and effect of the printed image caused by poor uniformity of each pass printing data split from the original printing data.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an inkjet printing method, which comprises:

[0005] obtaining an original printing precision, a number of scans and a single-channel precision of a to-be-printed image;

[0006] performing screening processing on the to-be-printed image according to the number of scans, the original printing precision and / or the single-channel precision to obtain a plurality of printing data;

[0007] inkjet printing the to-be-printed image according to the plurality of printing data.

[0008] Preferably, the performing screening processing on the to-be-printed image according to the number of scans, the original printing precision and / or the single-channel precision to obtain a plurality of printing data comprises:

[0009] splitting the image to be printed into J pieces of image data according to the single-channel precision and the number of scans, wherein the single-channel precision is the precision of a column of nozzles in a printhead, J is the product of the number of scans and the number of channels, and J is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0010] performing screening processing on the J pieces of image data respectively to obtain J pieces of printing data.

[0011] Preferably, the number of scans and the original printing precision and / or the single-channel precision perform screening processing on the image to be printed to obtain a plurality of pieces of printing data, comprising:

[0012] obtaining the printing precision of each scan according to the original printing precision and the number of scans, denoted as single-time printing precision, and the single-channel precision is the longitudinal precision of the single-time printing precision;

[0013] splitting the image to be printed into N pieces of image data according to the single-time printing precision and the number of scans, wherein N is equal to the number of scans, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0014] performing screening processing on the N pieces of image data respectively to obtain N pieces of printing data.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of horizontally arranged printheads are used for each scan printing, and the performing screening processing on the N pieces of image data respectively to obtain N pieces of printing data comprises:

[0016] obtaining the number M of horizontally arranged printheads, wherein M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0017] splitting the N pieces of image data according to the number M of printheads respectively to obtain K pieces of sub-image data, wherein K=N*M;

[0018] performing screening processing on the K pieces of sub-image data respectively to obtain K pieces of sub-printing data;

[0019] obtaining the N pieces of printing data according to the K pieces of sub-printing data.

[0020] Preferably, the original printing precision comprises original horizontal printing precision and original longitudinal printing precision, the single-time printing precision comprises single-time horizontal printing precision and single-time longitudinal printing precision, and the obtaining the printing precision of each scan according to the original printing precision and the number of scans, denoted as single-time printing precision comprises:

[0021] setting the single-time horizontal printing precision to be equal to the original horizontal printing precision;

[0022] obtaining the number of longitudinal scans according to the number of scans;

[0023] The original vertical printing accuracy is divided into several single vertical printing accuracies based on the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy.

[0024] The single-print accuracy is determined based on the single-print horizontal accuracy and the single-print vertical accuracy.

[0025] Preferably, dividing the original vertical printing precision into several single-scan vertical printing precisions based on the number of vertical scans includes:

[0026] The single vertical printing accuracy is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy divided by the number of vertical scans.

[0027] Preferably, the original printing precision includes the original horizontal printing precision and the original vertical printing precision. The step of obtaining the printing precision for each scan based on the original printing precision and the number of scans, denoted as the single-scan printing precision, includes:

[0028] The number of horizontal scans and the number of vertical scans are obtained based on the number of scans.

[0029] The original horizontal printing precision is divided into several single horizontal printing precisions based on the number of horizontal scans, and the sum of the single horizontal printing precisions is equal to the original horizontal printing precision.

[0030] The original vertical printing accuracy is divided into several single vertical printing accuracies based on the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy.

[0031] The single-print accuracy is determined based on the single-print horizontal accuracy and the single-print vertical accuracy.

[0032] Preferably, dividing the original horizontal printing precision into several single horizontal printing precisions based on the number of horizontal scans, wherein the sum of the single horizontal printing precisions equals the original horizontal printing precision, includes:

[0033] The single horizontal printing accuracy is equal to the original horizontal printing accuracy divided by the number of horizontal scans;

[0034] The step of dividing the original vertical printing precision into several single vertical printing precisions based on the number of vertical scans, wherein the sum of the single vertical printing precisions equals the original vertical printing precision, includes:

[0035] The single vertical printing accuracy is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy divided by the number of vertical scans.

[0036] Preferably, the screening process includes any one of frequency modulation screening, amplitude modulation screening, 1-bit screening, 2-bit screening, three-segment screening, and hybrid screening.

[0037] Preferably, the screening methods of several copies of the printed data are the same or different.

[0038] Preferably, before inkjet printing the image to be printed based on the plurality of print data, the method further includes: merging the plurality of print data into a new print data, wherein inkjet printing the image to be printed based on the plurality of print data includes:

[0039] The image to be printed is inkjet printed based on the new printing data.

[0040] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an inkjet printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0041] The acquisition module is used to acquire the original printing precision, number of scans, and single-channel precision of the image to be printed;

[0042] The screening module is used to screen the image to be printed based on the number of scans and the original printing accuracy and / or the single-channel accuracy to obtain several copies of print data.

[0043] A printing module is used to inkjet print the image to be printed based on several copies of the printing data.

[0044] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an inkjet printing device, including: 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 of the first aspect described above.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0047] The inkjet printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this invention obtain several print data sets by performing halftone processing on the image to be printed based on the number of scans and the original printing precision and / or single-channel precision. Since the several print data sets are obtained by performing halftone processing independently, compared to performing halftone processing on the entire image to be printed to obtain the original print data and then splitting it into each pass print data, the ink droplet uniformity is better. Inkjet printing based on several print data sets can improve the precision of the printed image, thereby improving the printing effect and quality of the image. Attached Figure Description

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of reciprocating scanning inkjet printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of nozzle assembly 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of 4Pass scanning and printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Example 1

[0060] This invention provides an inkjet printing method applicable to a reciprocating scanning inkjet printer, wherein the printer includes at least one printhead, and the printhead includes at least one row of nozzles for ink output printing.

[0061] Please see Figure 1 The inkjet printing method provided in this embodiment of the invention specifically includes the following steps:

[0062] S1: Obtain the original print resolution, number of scans, and single-channel resolution of the image to be printed;

[0063] S2: Based on the number of scans, the original printing accuracy, and / or the single-channel accuracy, the image to be printed is screened to obtain several copies of printing data;

[0064] S3: Inkjet print the image to be printed based on several copies of the print data.

[0065] like Figure 2 The diagram shows a reciprocating scanning inkjet printing process. During printing, the print carriage, equipped with the printhead, moves from left to right or from right to left along the main scanning direction once, which is called a Pass. Between each Pass, the printing media and the print carriage move a certain distance relative to each other along the secondary scanning direction; this distance is the paper feed distance.

[0066] When the printing precision of the image to be printed is higher than that of the printhead, multi-pass printing is required to achieve the desired precision. Before printing, the image needs to be screened or halftone processed. Here, the image to be printed is a continuous-tone image. After screening, the printer obtains print data that it can recognize. Screening methods include frequency modulation (FM) screening, amplitude modulation (AM) screening, 1-bit screening, 2-bit screening, three-segment screening, and hybrid screening. Specifically, 1-bit screening means that the print data obtained after screening the image to be printed includes only "1" or "0", where "1" indicates ink output and "0" indicates no ink output. 2-bit screening means that the print data obtained after screening the image to be printed includes "00", "01", "10", and "11", where "00" indicates no ink output, "01" indicates a small dot, "10" indicates a medium dot, and "11" indicates a large dot. Three-segment halftone means that when the image density n ≤ X1, the printed data is represented entirely by empty and small dots, with the density of the small dots gradually changing from 0 to 100%; when X1 < n ≤ X2, it is represented entirely by small and medium dots, with the density of the medium dots gradually changing from 0 to 100%; and when n > X2, it is represented entirely by medium and large dots, with the density of the large dots changing from 0 to 100%. The values ​​of X1 and X2 can be set according to the actual situation.

[0067] Hybrid halftone screening refers to the process where, before the image density reaches X1, it is represented only by empty and small dots. After reaching X1, mid-point dots are gradually added, resulting in a composition of empty, small, and mid-point dots. Once the density reaches X2, large dots are gradually added, resulting in a composition of empty, small, mid, and large dots. The values ​​of X1 and X2 can be set according to actual conditions. The above figures are merely examples to clearly illustrate the technical principle and are not intended to limit the invention. Any numbers or symbols that conform to this principle are included within the scope of this invention.

[0068] The image precision of the image to be printed is called the original printing precision. After screening the image at the original printing precision, the print data of the image to be printed is obtained. In existing technology, printers divide the print data of the image to be printed into several passes based on the printhead precision and firing frequency, and distribute each pass of print data to the corresponding printhead for each pass of printing. In this invention, instead of screening at the original printing precision to obtain a single print data, the image to be printed is screened according to a single-channel precision or the printing precision of each scan to obtain several uniform print data. These several print data are obtained using any of the aforementioned screening methods, resulting in good ink droplet uniformity. Then, inkjet printing is performed based on these print data, improving the precision of the printed image.

[0069] Before explaining how to process the image to be printed by halftone printing at a single-channel precision or the precision of each scan to obtain several uniform print data sets, it is necessary to first clarify that the original print precision includes both horizontal and vertical print precision, denoted as original horizontal print precision and original vertical print precision, respectively. To obtain the original print precision and the number of print passes (or scans) of the image to be printed, the actual print precision for each scan is calculated based on the original print precision and the number of scans, denoted as single-pass print precision. Similarly, the print precision for each scan (single scan) also includes both horizontal and vertical print precision, denoted as single-pass horizontal print precision and single-pass vertical print precision, respectively.

[0070] In some embodiments, the step of performing halftone processing on the image to be printed based on the original printing precision, number of scans, and single-channel precision to obtain several sets of print data includes:

[0071] The image to be printed is divided into J parts of image data based on the single-channel accuracy and the number of scans, wherein the single-channel accuracy is the accuracy of a row of nozzles in the printhead, J is the product of the number of scans and the number of channels, and J is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0072] The J copies of image data are respectively processed by halftone to obtain J copies of print data.

[0073] The single-channel accuracy here refers to the vertical printing accuracy achievable by each channel (a row of nozzles) in the printhead. For example... Figure 3aThe printhead 1 shown consists of two staggered channels (two rows of nozzles) with a resolution of 300 dpi (single-channel resolution or resolution of each row of nozzles of 300 dpi). When the two single channels simultaneously spray ink of the same color during a single scan, the printhead 1 can achieve a printing resolution (printhead resolution) of 600 dpi. Thus, a single vertical printing resolution of 600 dpi can be achieved during each scan. Assuming a single horizontal printing resolution of 600 dpi, the single printing resolution is 600 dpi × 600 dpi, and the single-channel printing resolution is 600 dpi × 300 dpi. In this embodiment, the image to be printed is screened according to the single-channel resolution to obtain several copies of print data, and then these copies of print data are distributed to the corresponding channels for printing. For example, suppose the original printing resolution of the image to be printed is 1200dpi × 600dpi, and it is printed in 2 passes, with a single print resolution of 600dpi × 600dpi. The 600dpi vertical print resolution per pass is formed by interpolation printing from two single-channel prints with a resolution of 300dpi. Further, one single print resolution is split into two 600dpi × 300dpi single-channel print resolutions. Based on this single-channel print resolution of 600dpi × 300dpi, the image to be printed is divided into four image data sets. These four image data sets are then screened. The screening methods for these four image data sets can be the same or different, and can be any of the following: frequency modulation screening, amplitude modulation screening, 1-bit screening, 2-bit screening, three-segment screening, or hybrid screening. The four print data sets obtained after screening are distributed to the corresponding channels for inkjet printing to obtain the final printed image.

[0074] In other embodiments, to increase the printing width, several printheads with the same precision are arranged longitudinally to form a printhead group. For example... Figure 3bThe diagram shows a printhead assembly 2, which includes printheads 21-28. Printheads 21-24 are arranged vertically in one column, and printheads 25-28 are arranged vertically in another column. In each scan, printheads 21-24 are treated as a virtual printhead 3, and printheads 25-28 are treated as a virtual printhead 4 to output ink and print the image. At this time, virtual printheads 3 and 4 are equivalent to two single channels in the printhead assembly, and their single-channel accuracy is equal to that of printhead 21 (or any one of printheads 22-28). When printing the image, the image is similarly split according to the number of scans to obtain several image data sets. These image data sets are then halftone-processed according to the single-channel accuracy to obtain several print data sets. These print data sets are distributed to the corresponding channels (virtual printheads 3, 4) for printing. It is worth noting that the number of nozzles arranged vertically or the number of virtual nozzles arranged horizontally in nozzle group 2 can be set according to the actual situation, such as including 16 nozzles in 4 rows and 4 columns. The above numbers are merely examples given to clearly illustrate the technical principle and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any reasonable setting method is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining several sets of print data by halftone processing of the image to be printed based on the original print precision, number of scans, and single-channel precision includes:

[0076] The printing accuracy for each scan is obtained based on the original printing accuracy and the number of scans, and is denoted as the single-scan printing accuracy. The single-channel accuracy is the vertical accuracy of the single-scan printing accuracy.

[0077] The image to be printed is divided into N image data based on the single printing accuracy and the number of scans, where N is equal to the number of scans and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0078] The N image data are respectively processed by halftone to obtain N print data.

[0079] For example, using such Figure 4The printhead assembly 5 (composed of 4 printheads 1) shown is used for scanning and printing. At this time, the two single channels in printhead 1 spray ink of different colors respectively. In each scan, the printhead assembly 5 can achieve a vertical printing resolution of 600dpi for each of the C, M, Y, and K channels. Assuming that the horizontal printing resolution is 600dpi, the single printing resolution of scanning and printing using this printhead assembly is 600dpi × 600dpi. At this time, the image to be printed is screened according to the single printing resolution to obtain several copies of print data, and then these copies of print data are distributed to the corresponding channels for printing. For example, suppose the original print resolution of the image to be printed is 1200dpi × 600dpi. Using this printhead assembly, it needs to be printed in 2 passes, with a single print resolution of 600dpi × 600dpi. Based on this single print resolution and the number of scans (2), the image to be printed is split into two image data sets. These two image data sets are then screened. The screening methods for these two image data sets can be the same or different, and can be any of the following: frequency modulation screening, amplitude modulation screening, 1-bit screening, 2-bit screening, three-segment screening, or hybrid screening. The four print data sets obtained after screening are distributed to the corresponding channels for inkjet printing to obtain the final printed image.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 The printhead assembly shown consists of four printheads arranged horizontally. The image to be printed is divided into several image data sets according to the single print resolution and the number of scans. Each of these image data sets is further divided into several sub-image data sets based on the number of printheads in the horizontally arranged printhead assembly. These sub-image data sets are then screened to obtain corresponding sub-print data. These sub-print data sets are then distributed to the appropriate printheads for inkjet printing during each scan, or they can be grouped together to form single-scan print data sets and distributed to each pass for printing. For example, suppose the original printing resolution of the image to be printed is 1200dpi × 600dpi. Using this printhead group, it needs to be printed in 2 passes, with a single print resolution of 600dpi × 600dpi. Based on this single print resolution and the number of scans (2), the image to be printed is split into 2 image data. Since these 2 image data are printed by inkjet from 4 horizontally arranged printheads, these 2 image data are further divided according to the number of horizontally arranged printheads (each image data is divided into 4 sub-image data), resulting in 8 sub-image data. These 8 sub-image data are combined into 2 image data (each image data corresponds to 1 pass scan) and distributed to the corresponding 4 printheads in the two scans for printing.

[0081] The number of scans is generally determined by four printing accuracies: the original horizontal printing accuracies, the original vertical printing accuracies, the single horizontal printing accuracies, and the single vertical printing accuracies. Let the original horizontal printing accuracies and the original vertical printing accuracies be M and N, respectively, and the single horizontal printing accuracies and the single vertical printing accuracies be m and n, respectively. Then, the number of scans P = (M / m) × (N / n).

[0082] For example, suppose the original printing resolution of the image to be printed is 600dpi × 800dpi (where the original horizontal printing resolution is 600dpi and the original vertical printing resolution is 800dpi), and the printhead resolution is 400pi (that is, the single vertical printing resolution, which is determined by the number of nozzles per inch in the printhead). If the printhead scans once along the main scanning direction and the printing resolution is 600dpi (that is, the single horizontal printing resolution is 600dpi, which is determined by the ignition frequency of the printhead; the higher the ignition frequency, the greater the single horizontal printing resolution. However, the ignition frequency of the printhead has a maximum value, so the maximum value of the single horizontal printing resolution is determined by the maximum value of the printhead ignition frequency), then the number of scans required to print this image is P = (600dpi / 600dpi) × (800dpi / 400dpi) = 2, or 2 passes. If the printhead achieves a printing resolution of 300 dpi per scan along the main scanning direction (i.e., a single horizontal printing resolution of 300 dpi), then printing this image requires P = (600 dpi / 300 dpi) × (800 dpi / 400 dpi) = 4, or 4 passes. Achieving the original horizontal printing resolution requires 2 passes, and achieving the original vertical printing resolution requires 2 passes. The number of passes required to achieve the original horizontal printing resolution is recorded as the horizontal printing count, and the number of passes required to achieve the original vertical printing resolution is recorded as the vertical printing count. Therefore, the number of scans equals the product of the horizontal and vertical scanning counts.

[0083] like Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a 4-pass printing process (4 scans in total, including 2 horizontal and 2 vertical scans) of an image to be printed. In the first pass, the printhead moves along the main scanning direction and prints pixel ①. Then, the printhead moves a certain distance relative to the printing medium and moves in the opposite direction along the main scanning direction, printing pixel ②. Next, the printhead moves a certain distance relative to the printing medium and moves again along the main scanning direction, printing pixel ③. After moving a certain distance relative to the printing medium, the printhead moves in the opposite direction again, printing pixel ④. This process is repeated until printing is complete.

[0084] Furthermore, it should be noted that when printing the same image, different printing modes result in different N sets of image data processed based on the number of scans N. In some embodiments, an interpolation printing mode is used to print the image. The first pass of inkjet printing prints pixels at position ①, the second pass prints pixels at position ②, the third pass prints pixels at position ③, and the fourth pass prints pixels at position ④. When the image is split based on the number of scans 4, the image data for the first pass consists of pixels corresponding to position ①, the second pass consists of pixels corresponding to position ②, the third pass consists of pixels corresponding to position ③, and the fourth pass consists of pixels corresponding to position ④. These image data are then screen-processed according to the single-print precision to obtain four different sets of print data.

[0085] In other embodiments, a fusion mode is used for inkjet printing of the image to be printed. At the beginning of printing, the first pass prints pixel ①, the second pass prints pixels ① and ②, the third pass prints pixels ①, ②, and ③, and the fourth pass prints pixels ①, ②, ③, and ④. In each subsequent pass, pixels ①, ②, ③, and ④ are printed (the regions of pixels ①, ②, ③, and ④ are different in each pass). Therefore, when the image to be printed is split according to the number of scans, the resulting image data consists of the pixels corresponding to pixels ①, ②, ③, and ④ in different regions. Then, these image data are screened according to the single print precision to obtain four different print data.

[0086] In some embodiments, since the printhead ignition frequency is variable, the single-pass lateral printing accuracy and the number of scans are variable when printing different images. In this embodiment, the number of print data copies obtained by halftone processing of the image depends on the single-pass printing accuracy; the lower the single-pass printing accuracy, the more print data copies are obtained. Therefore, by adjusting the single-pass printing accuracy and the number of scans, a number of N print data copies can be obtained. Since the N print data copies are processed using different or the same halftone algorithm, the ink droplet uniformity is relatively good, resulting in better final printed image accuracy.

[0087] In some embodiments, obtaining the printing accuracy for each scan based on the original printing accuracy and the number of scans includes:

[0088] Set the single horizontal printing precision to be equal to the original horizontal printing precision;

[0089] The longitudinal scan count is obtained based on the number of scans.

[0090] The original vertical printing accuracy is divided into several single vertical printing accuracies based on the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy.

[0091] In this embodiment, the single-pass horizontal printing precision is set to be equal to the original horizontal printing precision, while the single-pass vertical printing precision is divided into several single-pass vertical printing precisions based on the number of vertical scans. These several single-pass vertical printing precisions can be the same or different. For example, if the original printing precision of the image to be printed is 360dpi × 1800dpi, and the printing precision per pass is 360dpi × 600dpi, the printing data is completed in 3 passes (1 horizontal scan and 3 vertical scans). In this embodiment, the single-pass horizontal printing precision is set to be equal to the original horizontal printing precision, that is, the horizontal printing precision of the original printing precision remains unchanged, and it is still completed in 3 passes. However, the vertical printing precision of each pass can be divided into different or the same printing precisions depending on the actual situation. In one example, the single-pass vertical printing precision of each pass is the same, that is, the original vertical printing precision of 1800dpi divided by the number of vertical scans of 3 equals 600dpi. Therefore, the single-pass printing precision of each pass is 360dpi × 600dpi. Based on this single-pass printing precision, the image to be printed is screened to obtain three print data sets. Each print data set corresponds to one print pass. These three print data sets are then sent to the corresponding nozzles for direct inkjet printing, thus obtaining the printed image. In another example, at least one vertical printing precision is different for each pass; for example, the vertical printing precision of the first pass is 900 dpi, the second pass is 300 dpi, and the third pass is 300 dpi. Therefore, the single-pass printing resolutions for the first, second, and third passes are 360dpi×900dpi, 360dpi×300dpi, and 360dpi×300dpi, respectively. The images to be printed are then screened according to these three single-pass printing resolutions to obtain three sets of print data. The print data with a resolution of 360dpi×900dpi corresponds to the first pass, the print data with a resolution of 360dpi×300dpi corresponds to the second pass, and the print data with a resolution of 360dpi×300dpi corresponds to the third pass. These three sets of print data are then sent to the corresponding nozzles for direct inkjet printing to obtain the printed image.

[0092] In some embodiments, the single horizontal printing precision is set to be different from the original horizontal printing precision, and the single vertical printing precision is set to be different from the original vertical printing precision. Therefore, obtaining the printing precision for each scan based on the original printing precision and the number of scans includes:

[0093] The number of horizontal scans and the number of vertical scans are obtained based on the number of scans.

[0094] The original horizontal printing precision is divided into several single horizontal printing precisions based on the number of horizontal scans, and the sum of the single horizontal printing precisions is equal to the original horizontal printing precision.

[0095] The original vertical printing accuracy is divided into several single vertical printing accuracies based on the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy.

[0096] Specifically, based on the original printing resolution of the image to be printed, the printhead resolution, ignition frequency, etc., the number of scans required to achieve that original printing resolution can be determined. This number of scans is further divided into horizontal scans and vertical scans. For example, if the original printing resolution is 720dpi × 1800dpi, and printing is completed in 6 passes, the number of horizontal scans is 2, and the number of vertical scans is 3. The single-pass printing resolution is 360dpi × 600dpi.

[0097] In this embodiment, the image to be printed is also printed in 6 passes, but the horizontal and vertical printing resolutions of each pass can be different or the same depending on the actual situation. In one example, the single horizontal printing resolution and the single vertical printing resolution of each pass are the same. That is, the original horizontal printing resolution of 720 dpi divided by the number of horizontal scans (2) equals 360 dpi, and the original vertical printing resolution of 1800 dpi divided by the number of vertical scans (3) equals 600 dpi. Therefore, the single printing resolution of each pass is 360 dpi × 600 dpi. The image to be printed is screened according to this single printing resolution to obtain 6 sets of print data. Each set of print data corresponds to one pass of printing. The 6 sets of print data are sent to the corresponding nozzles for direct inkjet printing to obtain the printed image.

[0098] In another example, the original horizontal printing resolution of 720 dpi can be divided into six passes: the first pass has a horizontal printing resolution of 540 dpi, and the second pass has a horizontal printing resolution of 180 dpi. For example, the single-pass printing resolutions for the first to sixth passes are 540 dpi × 600 dpi, 180 dpi × 600 dpi, 540 dpi × 600 dpi, 180 dpi × 600 dpi, 540 dpi × 600 dpi, and 180 dpi × 600 dpi, respectively. The image to be printed is then halftoneted according to these six single-pass printing resolutions to obtain six sets of print data. The print data with a resolution of 540 dpi × 600 dpi corresponds to the first pass, the print data with a resolution of 180 dpi × 600 dpi corresponds to the second pass, and so on. These six sets of print data are then sent to the corresponding nozzles for direct inkjet printing to obtain the printed image.

[0099] In another example, the printer head can achieve a maximum horizontal scan resolution of 1800 dpi in a single pass. If the original print resolution is 1800 dpi × 400 dpi, and the print is done in 3 passes, then each pass can be set to a print resolution of 600 dpi × 400 dpi. Alternatively, the first pass can be set to 900 dpi × 400 dpi, the second pass to 300 dpi × 400 dpi, and the third pass to 600 dpi × 400 dpi. The image to be printed is then halftoned according to the print resolution of each pass, resulting in three sets of print data. These three sets of print data are then sent to the corresponding nozzles for direct inkjet printing, thus obtaining the printed image.

[0100] In other embodiments, before sending N copies of print data to the printhead for inkjet printing, these N copies can be merged into a single new print data set, which is then sent to the printhead for inkjet printing. The merged print data can be split by the print control board and sent separately to the corresponding nozzles for printing. Since the N copies of print data are processed using different dot matrix algorithms, the ink droplet uniformity is relatively good. Merging the N copies into a single new print data set results in even better ink droplet uniformity compared to print data obtained by halftone processing at the original print precision, thereby improving the final image accuracy and print quality.

[0101] In summary, the inkjet printing method of this invention obtains several print data sets by performing halftone processing on the image to be printed based on the number of scans and the original printing accuracy and / or single-channel accuracy. Since the several print data sets are obtained by performing halftone processing independently, compared with performing halftone processing on the entire image to be printed to obtain the original print data and then splitting it into each pass print data, the ink droplet uniformity is better. Inkjet printing based on several print data sets can improve the accuracy of the printed image, thereby improving the printing effect and quality of the image.

[0102] Example 2

[0103] Please see Figure 6 This invention provides an inkjet printing apparatus 200, the apparatus 200 comprising:

[0104] The acquisition module 201 is used to acquire the original printing precision, number of scans, and single-channel precision of the image to be printed;

[0105] Screening module 202 is used to screen the image to be printed according to the number of scans, the original printing accuracy and / or the single-channel accuracy to obtain several copies of print data;

[0106] The printing module 203 is used to inkjet print the image to be printed based on several copies of the printing data.

[0107] Preferably, the meshing module 202 includes:

[0108] The first splitting unit is used to split the image to be printed into J parts of image data according to the single-channel precision and the number of scans, wherein the single-channel precision is the precision of a row of nozzles in the printhead, J is the product of the number of scans and the number of channels, and J is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0109] The first screening unit is used to screen the J copies of image data to obtain J copies of print data.

[0110] Preferably, the meshing module 202 includes:

[0111] A single-scan printing accuracy acquisition unit is used to acquire the printing accuracy of each scan based on the original printing accuracy and the number of scans, denoted as single-scan printing accuracy, where the single-channel accuracy is the longitudinal accuracy of the single-scan printing accuracy;

[0112] The second splitting unit is used to split the image to be printed into N image data according to the single printing accuracy and the number of scans, where N is equal to the number of scans and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0113] The second screening unit is used to screen the N copies of image data to obtain N copies of print data.

[0114] Preferably, a plurality of horizontally arranged printheads are used for each scan and print, and the second screening unit further includes:

[0115] The nozzle count acquisition unit is used to acquire the number M of horizontally arranged nozzles, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0116] The N image data are split according to the number M of nozzles to obtain K sub-image data, where K = N × M;

[0117] The third screening unit is used to perform screening processing on the K-molecule image data to obtain K-molecule printing data;

[0118] A print data acquisition unit is used to obtain the N copies of print data based on the K copies of print data.

[0119] Preferably, the single-print accuracy acquisition unit includes:

[0120] The first single-pass horizontal printing accuracy acquisition unit is used to set the single-pass horizontal printing accuracy to be equal to the original horizontal printing accuracy;

[0121] The first longitudinal scan count acquisition unit is used to acquire the longitudinal scan count based on the scan count;

[0122] The first single-pass vertical printing accuracy acquisition unit is used to divide the original vertical printing accuracy into several single-pass vertical printing accuracies according to the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single-pass vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy.

[0123] The first single-print accuracy determination unit is used to determine the single-print accuracy based on the single-print horizontal printing accuracy and the single-print vertical printing accuracy.

[0124] Preferably, the single-print accuracy acquisition unit includes:

[0125] The second scan count acquisition unit is used to acquire the horizontal scan count and the vertical scan count based on the scan count;

[0126] The second single-pass horizontal printing accuracy acquisition unit is used to divide the original horizontal printing accuracy into several single-pass horizontal printing accuracies according to the number of horizontal scans, and the sum of the single-pass horizontal printing accuracies is equal to the original horizontal printing accuracy.

[0127] The second single-pass vertical printing accuracy unit is used to divide the original vertical printing accuracy into several single-pass vertical printing accuracies according to the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single-pass vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy.

[0128] The second single-print accuracy determination unit is used to determine the single-print accuracy based on the single-print horizontal printing accuracy and the single-print vertical printing accuracy.

[0129] Preferably, the screening process in the screening module includes any one of the following: frequency modulation screening, amplitude modulation screening, 1-bit screening, 2-bit screening, three-segment screening, and hybrid screening.

[0130] Preferably, the screening methods for several copies of the printed data in the screening module are the same or different.

[0131] Preferably, the device 200 further includes:

[0132] The merging module is used to merge the several print data into a new print data.

[0133] In summary, the inkjet printing apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention obtains several print data sets by performing halftone processing on the image to be printed based on the number of scans and the original printing accuracy and / or single-channel accuracy. Since the several print data sets are obtained by performing halftone processing independently, compared to performing halftone processing on the entire image to be printed to obtain the original print data and then splitting it into each pass print data, the ink droplet uniformity is better. Inkjet printing based on several print data sets can improve the accuracy of the printed image, thereby improving the printing effect and quality of the image.

[0134] Example 3

[0135] In addition, the inkjet printing method of this invention can be implemented by an inkjet printing device. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an inkjet printing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0136] Inkjet printing equipment may include a processor 301 and a memory 302 storing computer program instructions.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] The processor 301 implements any of the inkjet printing methods described in the above embodiments by reading and executing computer program instructions stored in the memory 302.

[0140] In one example, the inkjet printing device may also include a communication interface 303 and a bus 310. Wherein, as Figure 7 As shown, the processor 301, memory 302, and communication interface 303 are connected through bus 310 and complete communication with each other.

[0141] 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.

[0142] Bus 310 includes hardware, software, or both, that couples components of an inkjet 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.

[0143] Example 4

[0144] Furthermore, in conjunction with the inkjet printing methods 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 one of the inkjet printing methods in the above embodiments.

[0145] In summary, the inkjet printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this embodiment of the invention obtain several print data sets by performing halftone processing on the image to be printed based on the number of scans and the original printing accuracy and / or single-channel accuracy. Since the several print data sets are obtained by performing halftone processing independently, compared to performing halftone processing on the entire image to be printed to obtain the original print data and then splitting it into each pass print data, the ink droplet uniformity is better. Inkjet printing based on several print data sets can improve the accuracy of the printed image, thereby improving the printing effect and quality of the image.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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. An inkjet printing method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the original print resolution, number of scans, and single-channel resolution of the image to be printed; Based on the number of scans, the original printing accuracy, and / or the single-channel accuracy, the image to be printed is screened to obtain several copies of print data; The image to be printed is inkjet printed according to several copies of the aforementioned print data; The step of performing halftone processing on the image to be printed based on the number of scans, the original printing precision, and / or the single-channel precision to obtain several sets of print data includes: The image to be printed is divided into J image data based on the single-channel accuracy and the number of scans, wherein the single-channel accuracy is the accuracy of a row of nozzles in the printhead, J is the product of the number of scans and the number of channels, and J is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; the J image data are then processed by halftone to obtain J print data. or, The printing precision for each scan is obtained based on the original printing precision and the number of scans, and is denoted as the single-scan printing precision. The image to be printed is divided into N image data based on the single-scan printing precision and the number of scans, where N is equal to the number of scans and is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The N image data are then processed by halftone to obtain N print data.

2. The inkjet printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Using several horizontally arranged printheads for each scan and print, the step of performing halftone processing on the N copies of image data to obtain N copies of print data includes: Get the number M of horizontally arranged nozzles, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; The N image data are split according to the number M of nozzles to obtain K sub-image data, where K = N × M; The K-molecule image data are subjected to halftone processing to obtain K-molecule printing data; The N copies of printing data are obtained based on the K copies of printing data.

3. The inkjet printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The original printing precision includes the original horizontal printing precision and the original vertical printing precision. The single-scan printing precision includes the single horizontal printing precision and the single vertical printing precision. The step of obtaining the printing precision for each scan based on the original printing precision and the number of scans, denoted as the single-scan printing precision, includes: Set the single horizontal printing precision to be equal to the original horizontal printing precision; The longitudinal scan count is obtained based on the stated scan count. The original vertical printing accuracy is divided into several single vertical printing accuracies based on the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy. The single-print accuracy is determined based on the single-print horizontal accuracy and the single-print vertical accuracy.

4. The inkjet printing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of dividing the original vertical printing precision into several single-scan vertical printing precisions based on the number of vertical scans includes: The single vertical printing accuracy is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy divided by the number of vertical scans.

5. The inkjet printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The original printing precision includes the original horizontal printing precision and the original vertical printing precision. The step of obtaining the printing precision for each scan based on the original printing precision and the number of scans, denoted as the single-scan printing precision, includes: The number of horizontal scans and the number of vertical scans are obtained based on the number of scans. The original horizontal printing precision is divided into several single horizontal printing precisions based on the number of horizontal scans, and the sum of the single horizontal printing precisions is equal to the original horizontal printing precision. The original vertical printing accuracy is divided into several single vertical printing accuracies based on the number of vertical scans, and the sum of the single vertical printing accuracies is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy. The single-print accuracy is determined based on the single-print horizontal accuracy and the single-print vertical accuracy.

6. The inkjet printing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of dividing the original horizontal printing precision into several single horizontal printing precisions based on the number of horizontal scans, wherein the sum of the single horizontal printing precisions equals the original horizontal printing precision, includes: The single horizontal printing accuracy is equal to the original horizontal printing accuracy divided by the number of horizontal scans; The step of dividing the original vertical printing precision into several single vertical printing precisions based on the number of vertical scans, wherein the sum of the single vertical printing precisions equals the original vertical printing precision, includes: The single vertical printing accuracy is equal to the original vertical printing accuracy divided by the number of vertical scans.

7. The inkjet printing method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The screening process includes any one of frequency modulation screening, amplitude modulation screening, 1-bit screening, 2-bit screening, three-segment screening, and hybrid screening.

8. The inkjet printing method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The screening methods of several copies of the printed data may be the same or different.

9. The inkjet printing method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Before inkjet printing the image to be printed based on several copies of the print data, the method further includes: Merging the plurality of print data into a new print data, and inkjet printing the image to be printed based on the plurality of print data includes: The image to be printed is inkjet printed based on the new printing data.

10. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, The device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the original printing precision, number of scans, and single-channel precision of the image to be printed; A screening module is used to screen an image to be printed based on the number of scans, the original printing precision, and / or the single-channel precision to obtain several copies of print data. This includes: splitting the image to be printed into J copies of image data based on the single-channel precision and the number of scans, where the single-channel precision is the precision of a row of nozzles in the printhead, J is the product of the number of scans and the number of channels, and J is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; and performing screening processing on each of the J copies of image data to obtain J copies of print data; or it includes: obtaining the printing precision of each scan based on the original printing precision and the number of scans, denoted as the single-scan printing precision; splitting the image to be printed into N copies of image data based on the single-scan printing precision and the number of scans, where N is equal to the number of scans and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; and performing screening processing on each of the N copies of image data to obtain N copies of print data. A printing module is used to inkjet print the image to be printed based on several copies of the printing data.

11. An inkjet printing device, 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 1-9.

12. A storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, the method as described in any one of claims 1-9 is implemented.

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