Inkjet printing test pattern positioning method, device, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of industrial inkjet printing technology. It solves the technical problem in the prior art where confusion easily occurs when dividing test patterns corresponding to multiple channels of a printhead, leading to inaccurate positioning. The invention provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for positioning inkjet printed test patterns. The method includes: partitioning the test pattern by acquiring image information of each first identifier in the test pattern, so that all test patterns printed by all printheads are divided into channel images according to each channel of the printhead; then identifying the printhead channel identifier area in each channel image that represents the channel sequence; since the image information of the printhead channel identifier area is different between each channel image, each channel image is mapped one-to-one with each channel of the printhead, generating each target image; by setting the first identifier, the confusion between adjacent images that exists when directly identifying the entire test pattern can be avoided, improving the accuracy of detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, equipment, and storage medium for positioning test patterns printed by inkjet printing. Background Technology

[0002] During printing, inkjet printer printheads are susceptible to damage from impurities in the ink, dust in the air, ambient temperature, and humidity, leading to nozzle clogging. When a printhead becomes clogged, it's necessary to inspect and identify which nozzles are blocked to allow for printhead cleaning or ink ejection adjustments. This is especially crucial for printing very long images or printing unattended for extended periods; failure to promptly detect and address nozzle malfunctions can negatively impact print quality, reduce print output, and even result in wasted print material.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, the conventional method for detecting abnormal nozzles is to continuously eject ink from each nozzle in the printhead for a period of time, printing a relatively wide test pattern. Then, an operator manually counts the missing locations. However, manual counting is inefficient and has a high error rate. Especially with existing printheads having multiple channels and a large number of nozzles per channel, the printed test pattern area is large. If the image intervals between adjacent channels are large, it easily leads to wasted printing media; if the image intervals between adjacent channels are small, confusion can easily occur during detection, resulting in the printed test pattern failing to accurately locate the corresponding printhead channel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, device and storage medium for locating inkjet printed test patterns, in order to solve the technical problem in the prior art that confusion easily occurs when dividing test patterns corresponding to multiple channels of a printhead into their respective channels, resulting in inaccurate positioning.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0006] This invention provides a method for positioning a test pattern printed by inkjet printing, the method comprising:

[0007] Obtain the test pattern printed by the printhead;

[0008] Based on the image information corresponding to each first identifier in the test image, the test image is divided into multiple channel images according to each corresponding channel;

[0009] Based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area used to characterize the channel sequence in each of the channel images, each of the channel images is divided into target images that correspond one-to-one with each channel.

[0010] Preferably, the step of dividing each channel image into target images corresponding one-to-one with each channel based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identifier area used to characterize the channel sequence in each channel image includes:

[0011] Obtain the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence;

[0012] Each target image is obtained based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area and the number of binary bits.

[0013] Preferably, obtaining the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence includes:

[0014] Obtain the position of the first identifier and determine the number of binary bits based on the position of the first identifier.

[0015] Preferably, the step of dividing the test image into multiple channel images according to the corresponding channels based on the image information of each first identifier in the test image includes:

[0016] Obtain the nozzle sequence of each channel of the nozzle and the position information of each of the first identifiers;

[0017] Based on the nozzle sequence number corresponding to each of the location information, each of the channel images, including multiple nozzle segments, is obtained.

[0018] Preferably, the step of dividing each channel image into target images corresponding one-to-one with each channel based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identifier area used to characterize the channel sequence in each channel image includes:

[0019] Image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area of ​​each channel image is obtained respectively, wherein the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area includes multiple binary patterns used to characterize the channel sequence;

[0020] By comparing the image information of each binary pattern, each target image is obtained.

[0021] Preferably, the step of dividing the test image into multiple channel images according to the corresponding channels based on the image information of each first identifier in the test image includes:

[0022] Obtain the positioning images of the same type of channel boundary used for adjacent nozzles in the test diagram;

[0023] Based on the positioning images, the same type of channel in the test images is divided according to different nozzles to obtain multiple test sub-images;

[0024] Based on the image information corresponding to each of the first identifiers, each of the test sub-images is divided into each of the channel images;

[0025] Each row of pixels in the positioning image includes inkjet data from at least two nozzles.

[0026] Preferably, the test pattern obtained by the printhead for testing includes:

[0027] Obtain the grouping rules for the nozzle orifices of each channel of the nozzle;

[0028] According to the grouping rules, the nozzles of each channel are evenly divided into at least two nozzle groups;

[0029] The nozzles of each nozzle group are controlled to perform test printing to obtain the test pattern, wherein the test patterns printed by each nozzle group are arranged side by side in a specified direction.

[0030] The present invention also provides a positioning device for inkjet-printed test patterns, the detection device comprising:

[0031] Image acquisition module: Used to acquire test patterns for printout testing;

[0032] Image analysis module: used to divide the test image into multiple channel images according to the corresponding channels based on the image information of each first identifier in the test image;

[0033] Data processing module: used to divide each channel image into target images corresponding to each channel based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area used to characterize the channel sequence in each channel image.

[0034] The present invention also provides a printing apparatus, comprising: at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the method described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0035] The present invention also provides a storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method described in any of the preceding claims.

[0036] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0037] This invention provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for locating inkjet printed test patterns. The method partitions the test pattern by acquiring image information corresponding to each first identifier in the test pattern, dividing the test pattern printed by all printheads into channel images according to each channel of the printhead. Then, the image information corresponding to the printhead channel identifier area in each channel image is identified. This printhead channel identifier area represents the channel sequence; therefore, the image information corresponding to the printhead channel identifier area is different for each channel image, thus creating a one-to-one correspondence between each channel image and each channel of the printhead, generating each target image. The target image can then be analyzed to determine if there are any nozzle anomalies. If so, the location of the abnormal nozzle is further determined. By setting the first identifier, the method avoids the confusion between adjacent images that can occur when directly identifying the entire test pattern, improving the accuracy of detection. Attached Figure Description

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing test for detecting abnormal nozzles in the background art of this invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the positioning method for the inkjet-printed test pattern in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inkjet printing test pattern in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of channel sequence information in a channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of channel sequence information in the channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is yet another schematic diagram of channel sequence information in the channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is yet another schematic diagram of channel sequence information in the channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of nozzle segmentation in the channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 This is yet another schematic diagram of channel sequence information in the channel image in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the test diagram corresponding to the grouping of nozzles in the channel in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the printing device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the printing device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0052] Figures 1 to 13 The attached figure labels are:

[0053] 1. Test image; 11. Anomaly image; 12. Channel image; 121. Nozzle channel marking area; 122. Scale line; 123. Second marker; 13. First marker; 14. Positioning image. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. 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. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the phrase "including..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0055] Inkjet printers create printed images by ejecting ink from nozzles onto the printing medium through a moving printhead. Each printhead includes multiple channels; for example, a printhead might have four channels corresponding to the CMYK pattern: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Each channel corresponds to multiple nozzles. For instance, the I3200 printhead has 400 nozzles per channel. Before printing or after a period of printing, the ink ejection status of each nozzle must be checked to prevent abnormal nozzle operation from causing unsatisfactory printed images. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 Determining whether the nozzles are abnormal typically involves controlling all nozzles to print test patterns, generating corresponding test images. The imaging information of these test images is then analyzed to determine if any nozzle abnormalities exist and their locations. Current test images are generated by controlling the nozzles to print in a stepped pattern, resulting in... Figure 1 The stepped test pattern shown is used to determine whether the nozzle is abnormal by observing whether there are any missing parts in the test pattern, either by machine or manually. Figure 1 It is evident that this method results in significant waste of printing media. For printing tasks where the printing media is expensive, the excessively high production cost affects product competitiveness. Furthermore, the study found that due to the high precision of the equipment and the large number of nozzles, misalignment and other issues can easily occur when locating abnormal nozzles on such test images.

[0056] To address the aforementioned issues, the inventors employed a continuous printing method to form a single color block image for all test samples corresponding to each channel. This accelerates test printing efficiency, reduces printing media waste, and increases the number of test prints per channel. To prevent confusion between printed images of adjacent channels, corresponding reference images are placed between the test samples of adjacent channels.

[0057] It should be noted that: the color block image is a visual image formed by the excessive density of printed images from multiple nozzles, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the direction from left to right is denoted as the X-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the other direction is denoted as the Y-direction (this is used throughout the text when referring to the X and Y directions). The image formed by multiple line segments located in the same column, printed by the nozzles of each nozzle with the same x-coordinate but different y-coordinates, is denoted as a color block image. It should be noted that the nozzles can be divided into different groups as needed, such as... Figure 4 As shown, all nozzles in the same channel are divided into two groups according to the parity of their Y-direction sequence numbers, thus resulting in a greater spacing between the printed images of adjacent nozzles.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for positioning an inkjet-printed test pattern according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The method includes:

[0060] S1: Obtain the printhead for test printing. Figure 1 ;

[0061] S2: Based on the test Figure 1 The image information corresponding to each of the first identifiers 13 in the test Figure 1 The images are divided into multiple channels according to their respective channels 12;

[0062] S3: Based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 used to characterize the channel sequence in each of the channel images 12, divide each of the channel images 12 into target images that correspond one-to-one with each channel.

[0063] Specifically, tests were conducted on the printhead for inkjet printing. Figure 1 (like Figure 3 As shown, this test Figure 1 Two anomalies were found. Figure 11 The test Figure 1 It is obtained by continuous printing from the nozzles of each channel of the printhead. Continuous printing means that all nozzles in the same nozzle group spray ink within the same time period, forming a pattern like... Figure 3 The color block diagram shown depicts images printed from all nozzles in channel C, channel M, channel Y, and channel K in one column. All nozzles in a channel can be grouped together as a single group or divided into multiple groups. (For testing...) Figure 1 Perform image recognition. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The image information corresponding to each first identifier 13 is determined, specifically by determining the position information of each first identifier 13 to perform the test. Figure 1 The image is divided into multiple channel images 12. Then, the nozzle channel identification area 121 of each channel image 12 is identified to determine the channel sequence corresponding to the image information of the nozzle channel identification area 121. This allows for the determination of the specific nozzle number and channel sequence corresponding to each channel image 12. Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle channel identification area 121 includes multiple second identifiers 123. The binary information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 is "00000001", meaning that the channel image 12 is the image printed by all nozzles of channel C of nozzle a. It should be noted that the nozzle channel identification area 121 can also be other patterns to represent channel sequence information, such as "1", "2", ... "n" pattern; or The pattern style of the nozzle channel marking area 121 is not specifically limited here. By setting the first marker 13 between the corresponding images of each channel, confusion in the detection of images from adjacent channels is avoided, thus improving the testing efficiency. Figure 1 The positioning accuracy is improved. In addition, the same channel is divided into different areas according to the first marker 13, which facilitates the positioning of the nozzle.

[0064] It should be noted that the first identifier 13 is a filler block, and the shape of the filler block includes, but is not limited to, the shape shown in the attached figure. The first identifier 13 can also be in other forms, such as "●". “□”, “◆”, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0065] In one embodiment, S3 includes:

[0066] S31: Obtain the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence;

[0067] S32: Based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 and the number of binary bits, obtain each target image.

[0068] Specifically, the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 is a binary pattern. When identifying the binary information of each channel, the number of binary bits is first determined, and then the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 is converted into the corresponding binary information, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the image information corresponding to the printhead channel identification area 121 is represented by an 8-bit binary number, with the least significant bit being "00000000" and the most significant bit being "11111111". The actual binary value corresponding to the image information of the printhead channel identification area 121 is "00010010", indicating that the channel image 12 corresponds to the 18th channel. Taking a printhead that includes C, M, Y, and K channels as an example, the 18th channel represents the second channel (M channel) of printhead e. Representing the corresponding channel with a binary pattern can avoid inaccurate recognition due to ink diffusion, thus improving recognition accuracy. In addition, compared with the traditional method of printing channel characters, the binary code requires a smaller width, further saving printing material.

[0069] In one embodiment, S31 includes:

[0070] S311 obtains the position of the first identifier 13 and determines the number of binary bits based on the position of the first identifier 13.

[0071] Specifically, first markers 13 are provided at the beginning and end positions of the nozzle channel marking area 121. Each nozzle channel marking area 121 occupies one unit height. The number of binary bits is determined by the spacing between adjacent first markers 13 and the unit height. On the one hand: such as Figure 4 As shown, corresponding extension lines are set as scale lines 122 according to preset intervals. The unit area between adjacent scale lines 122 is considered as a binary bit. The number of binary bits is determined based on the position of the nozzle channel identification area 121 on the scale line 122. For example, if the unit area is 1 scale unit, and 1 scale unit represents the printing height of 10 nozzles, there are 10 unit areas in the scale [0, 100]. The first identifier 13 appears at scale [80, 90], indicating that the area corresponding to scale [0, 80] is used to identify nozzle channel information. This area has 8 unit areas, i.e., an eight-bit binary number. On the other hand: Figure 5 As shown, after determining the spacing between adjacent first identifiers 13, the number of unit images that the spacing can contain is determined based on the size information (height h) of the unit image representing the binary bit and the spacing distance (not shown), thereby obtaining the number of bits of the binary bit; the first identifier 13 includes color blocks, and by setting the first identifier 13 to clearly define the number of bits of the binary bit, different binary patterns are avoided from influencing each other, which could lead to errors in the identification of the number of binary bits, thus improving the accuracy of associating the channel image 12 with each channel.

[0072] In one embodiment, the position and representation of the binary pattern are not limited to the methods described above, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the area between the scale lines 13 in the interval region of the channel image 12 of adjacent channels is used to represent binary bits, thereby eliminating the image interval between different channels of the same nozzle, thus making the test... Figure 1 The overall width is compressed, saving printing media for test prints; for example... Figure 7 As shown, the nozzle channel marking area 121 is set between the scale line 13 and the channel image 12 of another channel to avoid interference between adjacent images and affect the detection accuracy; the setting position of the nozzle channel marking area 121 is not limited to the above position.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, "△" represents binary "0" and "■" represents binary "1". By recognizing specific patterns, the corresponding binary values ​​are obtained, thereby determining the nozzle and its channel corresponding to the current sub-color block.

[0074] In one embodiment, S2 includes:

[0075] S21: Obtain the nozzle sequence of each channel of the nozzle and the position information of each of the first identifiers 13;

[0076] S22: Based on the nozzle sequence number corresponding to each of the position information, obtain each of the channel images 12, which includes multiple nozzle segments.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, each channel of the nozzle contains 400 nozzles, divided into four second nozzle groups: nozzles 1 to 100 form the first nozzle segment, nozzles 101 to 200 form the second nozzle segment, nozzles 201 to 300 form the third nozzle segment, and nozzles 301 to 400 form the fourth nozzle segment. A first identifier 13 is set in the boundary area between adjacent nozzle segments, so that each channel image 12 includes at least one first identifier 13. The starting position of the binary bit is the second unit area after the first identifier 13 as the least significant bit of the next nozzle segment, and the first unit area before the first identifier 13 as the most significant bit of the previous nozzle segment. This completes the positioning of the binary bit and avoids inaccurate identification due to incorrect binary bit positions. The number of nozzle segments in the channel is not specifically limited, and the number and position of the first identifier 13 can be set according to actual needs. The above settings divide the single-channel image 12 into multiple regions, which facilitates the positioning of the nozzles.

[0078] In one embodiment, S3 includes:

[0079] S33: Obtain the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 of each of the channel images 12, wherein the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 includes multiple binary patterns used to characterize the channel sequence;

[0080] S34: Compare the image information of each binary pattern to obtain each target image.

[0081] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, each channel image 12 has a nozzle channel identification area 121 for characterizing the channel sequence. When the test... Figure 1 After the first identifier 13 is divided into multiple channel images 12, the nozzle channel identifier area 121 of each channel image 12 is identified. The nozzle channel identifier area 121 contains at least one binary pattern representing the channel sequence number. Figure 9 The corresponding channel image 12 contains 4 binary patterns. By comparing the channel sequence numbers corresponding to the 4 binary patterns, the channel sequence corresponding to the current channel image 12 is obtained. By setting multiple binary patterns to represent the channel sequence for the same channel image 12, the recognition results are compared to improve the accuracy of channel information recognition.

[0082] In one embodiment, S2 includes:

[0083] S24: Obtain the test results Figure 1 The positioning images 14 are used to demarcate the similar channels of adjacent nozzles;

[0084] S25: Based on each of the positioning images 14, the test... Figure 1 The same type of channel is divided according to different nozzles to obtain multiple test sub-images;

[0085] S26: Based on the image information corresponding to each of the first identifiers 13, each of the test sub-images is divided into channel images 12 that correspond one-to-one with each channel;

[0086] Each row of pixels in the positioning image 14 includes inkjet data from at least two nozzles.

[0087] Specifically, channels of the same type for adjacent nozzles are defined as those belonging to the same category but different nozzles, such as channel C of nozzle a and channel C of nozzle b. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10 For testing Figure 1 The test images 14 are identified to identify each location image in the test. Figure 1 Each column of image regions is divided into multiple test sub-images according to each printhead; then, using the first identifier 13, each test sub-image is further divided into channel images 12 corresponding to different channels of the same printhead. The image corresponding to each row of pixels in the positioning image 14 is formed by inkjet printing from at least two nozzles. In one embodiment, the image corresponding to the first row of pixels in the positioning image 14 includes inkjet data from at least two nozzles; for example, the image region corresponding to the first row of pixels in the positioning image 14 corresponding to the printhead a region includes the first nozzle of the C channel of printhead a being inkjet printed in this region, and also includes other nozzles that can reach this position being inkjet printed, such as the first nozzle of the M channel and / or Y channel and / or K channel of printhead a, and / or the nozzles corresponding to printhead b and / or printhead c that can reach this position being inkjet printed; similarly, the image regions corresponding to the pixels in other rows of the positioning image 14 can also be printed in this way; printing the positioning image 14 in this way avoids the uniqueness of the nozzle corresponding to the same row of pixels causing image loss, and improves the positioning accuracy of the channel images 12 of the same channel of different printheads.

[0088] In one embodiment, S1 includes:

[0089] S11: Obtain the grouping rules for the nozzle holes of each channel of the nozzle;

[0090] S12: Divide the nozzles of each channel into at least two nozzle groups evenly according to the grouping rules;

[0091] S13: Control the nozzles of each nozzle group to perform test printing, and obtain the test results. Figure 1Among them, the test printed by each of the nozzle groups Figure 1 Set side-by-side in the specified direction.

[0092] For details, please see Figure 11 To avoid interference between images printed from adjacent nozzles, the nozzles in each channel can be divided into multiple nozzle groups in an alternating manner. Printheads belonging to the same nozzle group print at the same time, forming a pattern such as... Figure 11 The color block diagram shown, Figure 11 Only the test of the first nozzle a first channel (Channel C) is shown. Figure 1 ,from Figure 11 It can be seen that the nozzles of channel C are divided into odd and even groups based on the parity of the nozzle sequence. The test corresponding to the odd group of nozzles... Figure 1 For the first column of the image region, the test corresponding to the even array of nozzles. Figure 1 For the second column of the image area, it should be noted that the grouping of nozzles in each channel is not limited to the above grouping method. Other grouping methods are also possible, such as grouping nozzles at fixed intervals. For example, grouping nozzles at intervals of 2 nozzles can divide all nozzles in the same channel into 3 first nozzle groups. Nozzles numbered 1, 4, 7, 10... form one group, nozzles numbered 2, 5, 8, 11... form another group, and nozzles numbered 3, 6, 9, 12... form yet another group. The specific number of nozzles at intervals can be flexibly set according to the specific situation to achieve the purpose of saving printing media and improving detection accuracy.

[0093] In one embodiment, the method further includes location detection of abnormal nozzles:

[0094] S4: Compare each channel image 12 with the standard test image to obtain the target color block image with abnormal nozzles;

[0095] S5: Enlarge the target area containing the abnormal image in the target color block image to obtain the nozzle information of the abnormal nozzle.

[0096] Specifically, the target color block image containing the abnormal nozzle is identified, and then the target area containing the abnormal image is magnified. Then, the nozzle information of the abnormal nozzle is determined based on the location information of the abnormal area in the magnified image. By magnifying the local area, the confusion caused by the image being too small is avoided, and the detection accuracy is improved.

[0097] In one embodiment, S5 includes:

[0098] S51: Obtain the number of nozzles and the initial image size corresponding to the target area;

[0099] S52: Based on the initial image size and the number of nozzles, obtain the unit image size of a single nozzle relative to the target area;

[0100] S53: Based on the target image size of the magnified target region, obtain the target image information of the magnified abnormal image;

[0101] S54: Based on the target image information, the unit image size, and the magnification ratio, obtain the nozzle information of the abnormal nozzle corresponding to the abnormal image.

[0102] Specifically, determine if it contains an anomaly. Figure 11 The number of nozzles corresponding to the target image and the image size (height dimension in the Y direction) of the target image are used to obtain the image size (height dimension in the Y direction) of a nozzle-printed image in the target image. Similarly, the target image size and anomaly size of the magnified image are obtained. Figure 11 The target image information (height and dimensions of the blank area in the Y direction) is used to determine anomalies by magnification ratio, target image information, and unit image size. Figure 11 The corresponding number and location of nozzles; for example, if the unit image size corresponding to a single nozzle print image is 0.1mm high, and the target area is magnified 10 times, the resulting anomalies... Figure 11 If the image size is 2cm, then there are two nozzle anomalies; furthermore, the target area includes at least two nozzle location maps, and the anomalies... Figure 11 Located between two nozzle location maps; the magnified image is further numbered to obtain the target sequence number, thereby obtaining the specific location information of the nozzle.

[0103] The inkjet printing test pattern positioning method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention obtains the test pattern. Figure 1 Image information of each of the first identifiers 13 in the test Figure 1 Divide the printheads into zones to allow for testing of prints from all printheads. Figure 1 The nozzle is divided into channel images 12 according to each channel. Then, the nozzle channel identification area 121 in each channel image 12 is identified. The nozzle channel identification area 121 is used to represent the channel sequence. Therefore, the image information of the nozzle channel identification area 121 corresponding to each channel image 12 is different, so that each channel image 12 is matched with each channel of the nozzle to generate each target image. Then, the target image can be analyzed to determine whether there is an abnormal nozzle. If so, the location of the abnormal nozzle can be further determined. By setting the first identification element, the confusion between adjacent images caused by directly identifying the entire test sample image can be avoided, thus improving the accuracy of detection.

[0104] Example 2

[0105] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a printing device, please refer to... Figure 12 ,include:

[0106] Image acquisition module: Used to acquire images of the printhead for test printing. Figure 1 ;

[0107] Image analysis module: used to analyze the test Figure 1 The image information corresponding to each of the first identifiers 13 in the test Figure 1 The images are divided into multiple channels according to their respective channels 12;

[0108] Data processing module: used to divide each of the channel images 12 into target images corresponding to each channel based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 used to characterize the channel sequence in each of the channel images 12.

[0109] The printing device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention obtains test results. Figure 1 Image information of each of the first identifiers 13 in the test Figure 1 Divide the printheads into zones to allow for testing of prints from all printheads. Figure 1 The nozzle is divided into channel images 12 according to each channel. Then, the nozzle channel identification area 121 in each channel image 12 is identified. The nozzle channel identification area 121 is used to represent the channel sequence. Therefore, the image information of the nozzle channel identification area 121 corresponding to each channel image 12 is different, so that each channel image 12 is matched with each channel of the nozzle to generate each target image. Then, the target image can be analyzed to determine whether there is an abnormal nozzle. If so, the location of the abnormal nozzle can be further determined. By setting the first identification element, the confusion between adjacent images caused by directly identifying the entire test sample image can be avoided, thus improving the accuracy of detection.

[0110] In one embodiment, the data processing module includes:

[0111] Parameter acquisition unit: Acquires the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence;

[0112] Image segmentation unit: Based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 and the number of binary bits, each target image is obtained.

[0113] In one embodiment, the parameter acquisition unit includes:

[0114] Reference position acquisition unit: Acquires the position of the first identifier;

[0115] Binary bit unit: The number of binary bits is determined based on the position of the first identifier.

[0116] In one embodiment, the image analysis module includes:

[0117] Nozzle sequence acquisition unit: acquires the nozzle sequence of each channel of the nozzle head and the position information of each of the first identifiers 13;

[0118] Nozzle segmentation unit: Based on the nozzle sequence number corresponding to each of the nozzle positions, obtain each of the channel images 12, which includes multiple nozzle segments.

[0119] In one embodiment, the data processing module includes:

[0120] Image parameter acquisition unit: acquires the nozzle channel identification area 121 of each of the channel images 12, wherein the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area 121 includes multiple binary patterns for representing the channel sequence;

[0121] Image information comparison unit: compares the image information of each binary pattern to obtain each target image.

[0122] In one embodiment, the image analysis module includes:

[0123] Boundary information acquisition unit: acquires the test Figure 1 The positioning images 14 are used to demarcate the similar channels of adjacent nozzles;

[0124] Test image decomposition unit: Decomposes the test image based on each of the positioning images 14. Figure 1 The same type of channel is divided according to different nozzles to obtain multiple test sub-images;

[0125] Channel image generation unit: Based on the image information corresponding to each of the first identifiers 13, divide each of the test sub-images into each of the channel images 12;

[0126] Each row of pixels in the positioning image 14 includes inkjet data from at least two nozzles.

[0127] In one embodiment, the image acquisition module includes:

[0128] Nozzle grouping information unit: Obtains the grouping rules for nozzles in each channel of the nozzle head;

[0129] Nozzle grouping unit: Divide the nozzles of each channel into at least two nozzle groups evenly according to the grouping rules;

[0130] Test pattern printing unit: controls the nozzles of each nozzle group to perform test printing, and obtains the test pattern. Figure 1 Among them, the test printed by each of the nozzle groups Figure 1 Set side-by-side in the specified direction.

[0131] The printing device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention obtains test results. Figure 1 Image information of each first identifier 121 in the test Figure 1 Divide the printheads into zones to allow for testing of prints from all printheads. Figure 1The nozzle is divided into channel images 12 according to each channel. Then, the nozzle channel identification area 121 in each channel image 12 is identified. The nozzle channel identification area 121 is used to represent the channel sequence. Therefore, the image information of the nozzle channel identification area 121 corresponding to each channel image 12 is different, so that each channel image 12 is matched with each channel of the nozzle to generate each target image. Then, the target image can be analyzed to determine whether there is an abnormal nozzle. If so, the location of the abnormal nozzle can be further determined. By setting the first identification element 121, the confusion between adjacent images that exist when directly identifying the entire test sample image can be avoided, thus improving the accuracy of detection.

[0132] Example 3

[0133] Embodiment 3 of the present invention discloses a printing device, please refer to... Figure 13 It includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory.

[0134] Specifically, the processor 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 embodiments of the present invention.

[0135] The memory may include a large-capacity storage device for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, the memory may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, the memory may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, the memory may be internal or external to a data processing device. In a particular embodiment, the memory is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, the memory includes a 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.

[0136] The processor reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the inkjet printing test pattern positioning methods in Embodiment 1 above.

[0137] In one example, the printing device may also include a communication interface and a bus. The processor, memory, and communication interface are connected via the bus and communicate with each other.

[0138] The communication interface is mainly used to enable communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] A bus, including hardware, software, or both, couples components of a printing device together. For example, and not limitingly, a bus 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, a bus 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.

[0140] In summary, the inkjet printing test pattern positioning method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present invention acquire test results... Figure 1 The image information of each first identifier 121 is used to partition the test pattern, so that the test prints from all printheads can be divided into sections. Figure 1 The nozzle is divided into channel images 12 according to each channel. Then, the nozzle channel identification area 121 in each channel image 12 is identified. The nozzle channel identification area 121 is used to represent the channel sequence. Therefore, the image information of the nozzle channel identification area 121 corresponding to each channel image 12 is different, so that each channel image 12 is matched with each channel of the nozzle to generate each target image. Then, the target image can be analyzed to determine whether there is an abnormal nozzle. If so, the location of the abnormal nozzle can be further determined. By setting the first identification element 121, the confusion between adjacent images that exist when directly identifying the entire test sample image can be avoided, thus improving the accuracy of detection.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for positioning a test pattern printed by inkjet printing, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the test pattern printed by the printhead; Based on the image information corresponding to each first identifier in the test image, the test image is divided into multiple channel images according to each corresponding channel; Based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identifier area used to characterize the channel sequence in each of the channel images, each of the channel images is divided into target images corresponding one-to-one with each channel, specifically including: Obtaining the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence, wherein obtaining the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence includes: obtaining the position of the first identifier, and determining the number of binary bits based on the position of the first identifier, specifically including: determining the number of binary bits by the interval distance and unit height of adjacent first identifiers, wherein the first identifier is provided at the beginning and end positions of the nozzle channel identification area; Each target image is obtained based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area and the number of binary bits, wherein the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area is a pattern representing binary.

2. The positioning method for inkjet-printed test patterns according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of dividing the test image into multiple channel images according to each corresponding channel based on the image information corresponding to each first identifier in the test image includes: Obtain the nozzle sequence of each channel of the nozzle and the position information of each of the first identifiers; Based on the nozzle sequence number corresponding to each of the location information, each of the channel images, including multiple nozzle segments, is obtained.

3. The positioning method for inkjet-printed test patterns according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of dividing each channel image into target images corresponding to each channel one-to-one based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area used to characterize the channel sequence in each channel image includes: Image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area of ​​each channel image is obtained respectively, wherein the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area includes multiple binary patterns used to characterize the channel sequence; By comparing the image information of each binary pattern, each target image is obtained.

4. The method for positioning an inkjet-printed test pattern according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of dividing the test image into multiple channel images according to each corresponding channel based on the image information corresponding to each first identifier in the test image includes: Obtain the positioning images of the same type of channel boundary used for adjacent nozzles in the test diagram; Based on the positioning images, the same type of channel in the test images is divided according to different nozzles to obtain multiple test sub-images; Based on the image information corresponding to each of the first identifiers, each of the test sub-images is divided into each of the channel images; Each row of pixels in the positioning image includes inkjet data from at least two nozzles.

5. The method for positioning an inkjet-printed test pattern according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test pattern obtained from the printhead for testing includes: Obtain the grouping rules for the nozzle orifices of each channel of the nozzle; According to the grouping rules, the nozzles of each channel are evenly divided into at least two nozzle groups; The nozzles of each nozzle group are controlled to perform test printing to obtain the test pattern, wherein the test patterns printed by each nozzle group are arranged side by side in a specified direction.

6. A positioning device for inkjet-printed test patterns, characterized in that, The positioning device includes: Image acquisition module: Used to acquire test patterns for printout testing; Image analysis module: used to divide the test image into multiple channel images according to the corresponding channels based on the image information of each first identifier in the test image; Data processing module: used to divide each channel image into target images corresponding to each channel based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identifier area used to characterize the channel sequence in each channel image, specifically used for: Obtaining the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence, wherein obtaining the number of binary bits used to characterize the channel sequence includes: obtaining the position of the first identifier, and determining the number of binary bits based on the position of the first identifier, specifically including: determining the number of binary bits by the interval distance and unit height of adjacent first identifiers, wherein the first identifier is provided at the beginning and end positions of the nozzle channel identification area; Each target image is obtained based on the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area and the number of binary bits, wherein the image information corresponding to the nozzle channel identification area is a pattern representing binary.

7. A 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 1-5.

8. 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 1-5 is implemented.

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