Nozzle detection method and device based on different visual ranges, equipment and medium

Abstract

The application discloses a nozzle detection method and device based on different visual ranges, equipment and medium, and relates to the field of ink-jet printing technology. The method comprises the following steps: N image acquisition devices are spliced to collect N second images in each Pass scanning; after the N second images are processed, a detection image set is obtained, and image detection is performed according to the detection image set to obtain a detection result; and nozzle calibration or positioning of an abnormal nozzle is performed according to the detection result. According to the embodiment of the application, the integrity of each Pass printing image collected by splicing multiple image acquisition devices is ensured, false detection and missed detection are avoided, and the correctness and effectiveness of the detection result are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a printhead detection method, apparatus, equipment, and medium based on different visual ranges. Background Technology

[0002] In practical production applications, to improve printing output and efficiency, splicing printheads are being used more and more frequently, such as... Figure 1 As shown, to increase print volume per pass, multiple printheads are stitched together in the Y direction or on the secondary scan direction; to improve print accuracy per pass, multiple printheads are staggered and stitched together in the X direction or on the main scan direction. However, currently, printhead installation and fixing are all done manually, leading to significant installation errors, frequently resulting in printhead tilting, inaccurate installation distances, and ultimately, deviations in the printed image. Furthermore, to improve printing accuracy and efficiency, reciprocating scanning technology is often used for inkjet printing. During printing, the printhead reciprocates along the X direction, and between each pass, the printhead and printing medium move a certain step distance along the Y direction, alternating in this manner to achieve high precision and large-format printing. However, due to the stepper motor and machine structure, problems such as inaccurate stepping, misaligned left and right reciprocating printing positions, and inaccurate color registration often occur. Current methods to solve these problems involve printhead calibration using calibration diagrams, such as step calibration, printhead spacing calibration, lateral spacing calibration, longitudinal spacing calibration, vertical calibration, bidirectional calibration, and color registration calibration, etc. Current technologies often involve printing calibration maps and manually identifying them to obtain calibration parameters before performing calibration. However, this method is highly manual, prone to errors, and inefficient. If machine vision technology is used with image acquisition devices to identify calibration maps and complete the calibration, it can easily lead to missed or false detections when the height of the calibration map to be acquired exceeds the imaging height of a single image acquisition device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a nozzle detection method, apparatus, equipment and medium based on different visual ranges to solve the problems of missed and false nozzle detection in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges, the method comprising:

[0005] N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction are controlled to move synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, the first image to be printed is acquired to obtain N second images. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0006] Process the N second images to obtain a set of detection images;

[0007] Image detection is performed based on the set of detected images, and the detection results are obtained. The detection results are used for nozzle calibration or to locate abnormal nozzles.

[0008] Preferably, the process of controlling N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction to move synchronously with the printing carriage, and acquiring the first image to print to obtain N second images during each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, further includes:

[0009] When the height of the printing carriage in the sub-scanning direction is greater than the height of a single image acquisition device, the number N of the image acquisition devices is determined based on the height of the printing carriage.

[0010] Preferably, the control of N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction moves synchronously with the printing carriage, and the acquisition of the first image to print to obtain N second images during each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction by the printing carriage includes:

[0011] By controlling N image acquisition devices to acquire different regions of the first image, N different second images are obtained.

[0012] Preferably, the height of the stitching area between two adjacent image acquisition devices is greater than or equal to the height of one nozzle, and the process of processing N second images to obtain a detection image set includes:

[0013] Add N of the second images as elements to the detected image set; or,

[0014] The third image is obtained by stitching together N of the second images;

[0015] The third image is added as an element to the set of detected images.

[0016] Preferably, the height of the stitching area between two adjacent image acquisition devices is less than the height of one nozzle, and the process of processing N second images to obtain a detection image set includes:

[0017] The third image is obtained by stitching together N of the second images;

[0018] The third image is added to the set of detected images.

[0019] Preferably, the step of stitching together N second images to obtain a third image includes:

[0020] The image stitching template is obtained based on the physical dimensions of the image acquisition device, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching spacing.

[0021] The third image is obtained by selecting N image regions from the second image according to the image stitching template.

[0022] Preferably, the N image acquisition devices include at least a first image acquisition device and a second image acquisition device. The imaging area per pass of the first image acquisition device is denoted as the first imaging area, the imaging area per pass of the second image acquisition device is denoted as the second imaging area, and the overlapping area between the first and second imaging areas is denoted as the third imaging area. The step of obtaining the image stitching template based on the physical dimensions of the image acquisition devices, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching spacing includes:

[0023] The third imaging area is obtained based on the physical dimensions of the first image acquisition device, the physical dimensions of the second image acquisition device, the first imaging area, the second imaging area, and the stitching spacing;

[0024] Based on the third imaging region, a fifth imaging region and a sixth imaging region are respectively determined in the first imaging region and the second imaging region for image stitching.

[0025] The image stitching template is obtained based on the fifth imaging region, the third imaging region, and the sixth imaging region.

[0026] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a nozzle detection device based on different visual ranges, the device comprising:

[0027] The acquisition module is used to control N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction to move synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, it acquires the first image to print to obtain N second images. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0028] The image processing module is used to process N second images to obtain a set of detection images;

[0029] The detection module is used to perform image detection based on the set of detection images and obtain detection results, which are used for nozzle calibration or locating abnormal nozzles.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] The printhead detection method, apparatus, device, and medium based on different visual ranges provided in this invention involve stitching together N image acquisition devices to acquire N second images in each pass of scanning. These N second images are then processed to obtain a detection image set, which is used for image detection to obtain detection results. Based on these results, printhead calibration or abnormal nozzle location is performed. This invention ensures the integrity of the acquired print images for each pass by stitching together multiple image acquisition devices, avoiding false positives and false negatives, and guaranteeing the accuracy and validity of the detection results. Furthermore, by utilizing machine vision technology with image acquisition devices, automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection are achieved. Compared to manual recognition methods, this is more efficient, has lower error rates, and higher accuracy. Automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection, combined with automatic printhead calibration and cleaning, can improve the automation and intelligence of printing equipment, contributing to intelligent manufacturing in the printing industry. Attached Figure Description

[0034] 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.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of nozzle splicing in the background technology.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the splicing of the printing carriage and image acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the image stitching module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a nozzle detection device based on different visual ranges according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] This invention provides a printhead detection method based on different visual ranges. This method is applied to an inkjet printer, preferably a Onepass printer or a scanning printer. The inkjet printer includes a printing carriage for printing images, and several printheads are installed in the printing carriage. The image acquisition device can be a CCD camera, a CIS camera, a scanner, etc., preferably a CIS camera. To ensure synchronized and uniform movement with the printheads during printing and to acquire printed images in real time, the image acquisition device is installed adjacent to the printing carriage and communicates with the inkjet printer via a communication interface.

[0045] Please see Figure 2 The nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges specifically includes the following steps:

[0046] S1: Control N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction to move synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, it acquires the first image to print to obtain N second images. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0047] S2: Process the N second images to obtain a set of detection images;

[0048] S3: Perform image detection based on the set of detected images and obtain the detection results. The detection results are used for nozzle calibration or to locate abnormal nozzles.

[0049] In practical applications, to increase the output of a single scan, multiple printheads are often stitched together in the Y direction or on the sub-scan, and to improve the accuracy of a single scan, multiple printheads are also staggered together in the X direction or on the main scan. For example... Figure 2 The diagram shows a common printhead splicing method. The printing carriage 10 includes 15 printheads, with 5 printheads spliced ​​together in one column along the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) and arranged in 3 columns along the X direction (main scan direction). The maximum print width of the multi-printhead spliced ​​printing carriage is often greater than the imaging height of a single image acquisition device 11 along the Y direction. Therefore, multiple image acquisition devices are needed to ensure that the imaging height during acquisition is greater than the maximum print width, thus guaranteeing that a complete print image is acquired in each scan pass. The specific number of splices depends on the height of the printing carriage in the Y direction (including the height of several printheads spliced ​​together and the thickness of the printing carriage shell). Let the imaging height of the image acquisition device 11 along the Y direction be P, and the height of the printing carriage 10 (along the Y direction) be F. Then, the number of layer acquisition devices 11, N ≥ 10. The sign indicates rounding up. For example, suppose the height of the printing carriage is 204mm and the imaging height of the image acquisition device is 146mm. Then N≧2. Two identical image acquisition devices are used to stitch together so that the overall imaging height after stitching is at least equal to the height of the printing carriage. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when two image acquisition devices with an imaging height of 146mm are used and stitched together along the Y direction with a stitching height of 88mm, the overall imaging height of the stitched image acquisition device will be equal to the height of the printing carriage, 204mm. In other embodiments, if image acquisition devices with different imaging heights are used for stitching, the number of stitched image acquisition devices depends on the height of the printing carriage and the imaging height of the selected image acquisition devices. Preferably, image acquisition devices with the same signal are used for stitching to ensure consistent resolution of the acquired images, which is more beneficial for subsequent image detection and analysis.

[0050] After installing N image acquisition devices on one side of the printing carriage, the N image acquisition devices are controlled to move synchronously with the printing carriage. During each pass of scanning, the first image printed by the printing carriage is acquired to obtain N second images. The first image here can be a calibration diagram used for printhead calibration, such as a calibration diagram for step calibration, printhead spacing calibration, lateral spacing calibration, longitudinal spacing calibration, vertical calibration, bidirectional calibration, and color registration calibration. It can also be a hole detection diagram used to detect whether the printhead is abnormal (such as clogging, blurring, or oblique spraying), or an image printed during the execution of a printing task.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first image of the printing is captured in real time during each pass of the printing carriage. Due to different installation positions, each image acquisition device has a different visual range and the image area of ​​the first image is different. The image acquired by the image acquisition device is recorded as the second image. N image acquisition devices will acquire N second images.

[0052] After acquiring the second image, the height along the Y-direction of the stitching area between two adjacent image acquisition devices determines whether stitching processing is required. When the height of the stitching area is greater than the height of one printhead, during image acquisition, the printhead's image within the stitching area will not be located in two different second images. In other words, the printhead's image within the stitching area will always be completely located in one or both second images, preventing missed detection of that printhead's image. If a printhead's image has part of its area in one second image and another part in another, the incomplete image will be ignored during recognition, leading to missed detection of that printhead's image.

[0053] In some implementations, when the height of the stitched area between two adjacent image acquisition devices is greater than or equal to the height of one printhead, the N second images do not require processing and are directly placed into the detection image set. Each second image in the detection image set is then sequentially passed to the image detection module in the printing system for image recognition processing. Based on the received N second images, the image detection module identifies the printing status of each printhead in the printing carriage. If the second image is a calibration image used for printhead breakage detection or calibration, the image detection module will identify the corresponding printed image for each printhead from the N second images and analyze this printed image to determine whether the printhead needs abnormal nozzles or requires calibration.

[0054] In some implementations, when the height of the stitching area between two adjacent image acquisition devices is greater than or equal to the height of one printhead, N second images can be stitched together into a single image (denoted as the third image). This image is then added to the detection image set and transmitted to the image detection module in the printing system for image recognition processing using machine vision technology. Based on the received third image, the image detection module identifies the printing status of each printhead in the printing carriage. If the third image is a calibration image used for printhead breakage detection or calibration, the image detection module will identify the corresponding printed image for each printhead from the third image and analyze it to determine if the printhead has abnormal nozzles or requires calibration.

[0055] When the height of the stitching area between two adjacent image acquisition devices is less than the height of one printhead, it is necessary to stitch together N second images into a single image. This is because when the stitching area is less than the height of one printhead, the printheads corresponding to the stitching area will be located in two different second images during image acquisition. If a printhead's printhead has part of its image in one second image and another part in a different second image, the incomplete image will be ignored during recognition, leading to missed detection of that printhead's printhead. Therefore, it is necessary to stitch together N second images into a single image (denoted as the third image). The synthesized third image for each pass is then placed into the detection image set and sequentially passed to the image detection module in the printing system for image recognition processing. The image detection module identifies the printing status of each printhead in the printing carriage based on the received third image. If the third image is a calibration image used for printhead break detection or calibration, the image detection module will identify the printhead's corresponding printhead from the third image and analyze it to determine if the printhead has abnormal nozzles or requires calibration.

[0056] Preferably, the third image is obtained by stitching together N second images:

[0057] The image stitching template is obtained based on the physical dimensions of the image acquisition device, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching spacing.

[0058] The third image is obtained by selecting N image regions from the second image according to the image stitching template.

[0059] Since the first image is acquired using a stitched image acquisition device, the image areas acquired by different image acquisition devices are different. Furthermore, due to the existence of stitching areas in the image acquisition devices, adjacent second images among the N second images have both different and identical parts. Therefore, when stitching images, it is necessary to identify which parts among the N second images are valid and can be used for image stitching. These parts are then selected before image stitching to ensure that the best stitched image is obtained.

[0060] The following example illustrates how to set up an image stitching template by stitching together two image acquisition devices, taking into account the physical dimensions of the two devices, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching interval.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the installation position of the first image acquisition device is closer to the printing carriage than the second image acquisition device; that is, the distance between the first image acquisition device and the printing carriage is greater than the distance between the second image acquisition device and the printing carriage. Let the physical dimensions of the first image acquisition device be H1×W1, and the physical dimensions of the second image acquisition device be H2×W2 (H1 and W1 are the height and width of the first image acquisition device, respectively, and H2 and W2 are the height and width of the second image acquisition device, respectively). Preferably, the first and second image acquisition devices are of the same model, i.e., H1 = H2, W1 = W2. The physical dimensions here include the shell thickness. The actual imaging height of the first image acquisition device is smaller than the height H1 including the shell thickness, and similarly, the actual imaging height of the second image acquisition device is smaller than the height H2 including the shell thickness. Let the splicing distance between the first and second image acquisition devices be D, and the splicing height be H3. The two image acquisition devices acquire the first image for printing as the printing carriage scans along the X direction (or the opposite direction of the X direction). In the Y direction, let the imaging height of the first image acquisition device be P1, and the imaging height of the second image acquisition device be P2. The width of the first image printed by the printing carriage per pass is Q. Since the image acquisition devices move synchronously with the printing carriage and acquire images in real time, a start image acquisition signal is sent to both image acquisition devices when the printing carriage begins printing, triggering them to simultaneously begin acquiring images. A stop image acquisition signal is sent to both image acquisition devices after printing ends, triggering them to simultaneously stop acquiring images. Therefore, in the X direction (or the reverse of the X direction), the width of the image acquired by the image acquisition device in each pass is consistent with the width of the first image. However, due to differences in position, the areas acquired by the first and second image acquisition devices are not identical. For example... Figure 4As shown, when the start image acquisition signal is received, the first image acquisition device starts acquiring images from point S1, while the second image acquisition device starts acquiring images from point S2. The distance between S2 and S1 is the sum of the width W1 of the first image acquisition device and the installation interval D. Similarly, when the stop image acquisition signal is received, the first image acquisition device stops acquiring images from point E1, while the second image acquisition device stops acquiring images from point E2. Again, the distance between E2 and E1 is the sum of the width W1 of the first image acquisition device and the installation interval D. Let the height × width of region 1 be P1 × Q, which is the imaging area of ​​the first image acquisition device during each pass of scanning (the second image acquired by the first image acquisition device), and the height × width of region 2 be P2 × Q, which is the imaging area of ​​the second image acquisition device during each pass of scanning (the second image acquired by the second image acquisition device). The height × width of the overlapping imaging region 3 is C × B. Preferably, when stitching images, regions 5 (height × width A × width), 3 (height × width C × width), and 6 (height × width D × width) are selected and stitched together to create a third image. These three regions form an image stitching selection area, denoted as the image stitching module. Analysis shows that:

[0062] B = Q – (W1 + D);

[0063] C=H3–(H1-P1) / 2–(H2–P2) / 2;

[0064] A=P1–C=P1–(H3–(H1-P1) / 2–(H2–P2) / 2);

[0065] D=P2-C=P2-(H3–(H1-P1) / 2–(H2–P2) / 2);

[0066] After the image stitching module obtains the image regions used for third image stitching, it stitches these regions together to form a third image, which is then added to the detection image set and passed to the image detection module in the printing system for image recognition processing. Based on the received third image, the printing system identifies the printing status of each printhead in the printing carriage. If the third image is a calibration image used for printhead breakage detection or calibration, the image detection module will identify the corresponding printed image for each printhead and analyze it to determine whether the printhead needs breakage compensation or calibration.

[0067] The above Figure 4 The example illustrates how to set up an image stitching template by stitching together two image acquisition devices, taking into account the physical dimensions of the two image acquisition devices, the size of the imaging area per pass, and the installation interval between the two image acquisition devices. In other embodiments, it is possible to acquire a first image by stitching together three or more image acquisition devices, as described above. Figure 4 The example shown is similar. The image stitching template is determined based on the physical size of these image acquisition devices, the size of the program area per pass, and the specific installation situation. In this way, the multiple second images acquired during each pass of scanning and printing are quickly selected by the image stitching module to be stitched into a third image, thereby improving the image stitching efficiency.

[0068] In summary, the printhead detection method based on different visual ranges provided by this invention involves stitching together N image acquisition devices to acquire N second images in each pass of scanning. These N second images are then processed to obtain a detection image set, which is used for image detection to obtain the detection results. Based on these results, printhead calibration or abnormal nozzle location is performed. This invention ensures the integrity of the acquired print images for each pass by stitching together multiple image acquisition devices, avoiding false positives and false negatives, and guaranteeing the accuracy and effectiveness of the detection results. Furthermore, utilizing machine vision technology with image acquisition devices to achieve automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection is more efficient, has lower error, and higher accuracy compared to manual recognition methods. Automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection, combined with automatic printhead calibration and cleaning, can improve the automation and intelligence of printing equipment, contributing to intelligent manufacturing in the printing industry.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] Please see Figure 5 This invention provides a nozzle detection device 200 based on different visual ranges, the device 200 comprising:

[0071] The acquisition module 201 is used to control N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction to move synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, it acquires the first image to print to obtain N second images. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0072] Image processing module 202 is used to process N second images to obtain a detection image set;

[0073] The detection module 203 is used to perform image detection based on the detection image set and obtain the detection results, which are used for nozzle calibration or locating abnormal nozzles.

[0074] Preferably, the device 200 further includes:

[0075] An image acquisition device quantity determination module is used to determine the number N of image acquisition devices based on the height of the printing carriage when the height of the printing carriage in the sub-scanning direction is greater than the height of a single image acquisition device.

[0076] Preferably, the acquisition module 201 includes:

[0077] The second image acquisition unit is used to control N image acquisition devices to acquire different regions of the first image respectively, so as to obtain N different second images.

[0078] Preferably, the image processing module 202 includes:

[0079] A first processing unit is configured to insert N of the second images as elements into the detected image set; or,

[0080] The second processing unit is used to stitch together N second images to obtain a third image;

[0081] The third processing unit is used to put the third image as an element into the detection image set.

[0082] Preferably, the second processing unit includes:

[0083] The image stitching template acquisition unit is used to acquire an image stitching template based on the physical size of the image acquisition device, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching spacing.

[0084] The stitching unit is used to select N image regions from the second image according to the image stitching template and stitch them together to obtain the third image.

[0085] Preferably, the image stitching template acquisition unit includes:

[0086] The first imaging region determination unit is used to obtain the third imaging region based on the physical size of the first image acquisition device, the physical size of the second image acquisition device, the first imaging region, the second imaging region, and the stitching spacing.

[0087] The second imaging region determination unit is used to determine, based on the third imaging region, a fifth imaging region and a sixth imaging region for image stitching in the first imaging region and the second imaging region, respectively.

[0088] The template determination unit is used to obtain the image stitching template based on the fifth imaging region, the third imaging region, and the sixth imaging region.

[0089] In summary, the printhead detection device based on different visual ranges provided in this invention acquires N second images by stitching together N image acquisition devices in each pass of scanning. These N second images are then processed to obtain a detection image set, which is used for image detection to obtain the detection results. Based on these results, printhead calibration or abnormal nozzle location is performed. This invention ensures the integrity of the acquired print images for each pass by stitching together multiple image acquisition devices, avoiding false positives and false negatives, and guaranteeing the accuracy and effectiveness of the detection results. Furthermore, by utilizing machine vision technology with image acquisition devices, automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection are achieved. Compared to manual recognition methods, this is more efficient, has lower error rates, and higher accuracy. Automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection, combined with automatic printhead calibration and cleaning, can improve the automation and intelligence of printing equipment, contributing to intelligent manufacturing in the printing industry.

[0090] Example 3

[0091] Furthermore, the nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges in this embodiment of the invention can be implemented by an inkjet printing device. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an inkjet printing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0092] Inkjet printing equipment may include a processor 301 and a memory 302 storing computer program instructions.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The processor 301 reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory 302 to implement any of the nozzle detection methods based on different visual ranges in the above embodiments.

[0096] In one example, the inkjet printing device may also include a communication interface 303 and a bus 310. Wherein, as Figure 5 As shown, the processor 301, memory 302, and communication interface 303 are connected through bus 310 and complete communication with each other.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Example 4

[0100] Furthermore, in conjunction with the nozzle detection methods based on different visual ranges 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 executed by the processor 301, these computer program instructions implement any of the nozzle detection methods based on different visual ranges in the above embodiments.

[0101] In summary, the printhead detection method, apparatus, device, and medium based on different visual ranges provided by the embodiments of the present invention acquire N second images by stitching together N image acquisition devices in each pass of scanning. These N second images are then processed to obtain a detection image set, and image detection is performed based on this set to obtain detection results. Printhead calibration or abnormal nozzle location is then performed based on these detection results. The embodiments of the present invention ensure the integrity of the acquired printing images for each pass by stitching together multiple image acquisition devices, avoiding false detections and missed detections, and ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the detection results. Furthermore, by utilizing machine vision technology with image acquisition devices to achieve automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection, the invention is more efficient, has lower error, and higher accuracy compared to manual recognition methods. Automatic image acquisition and image recognition detection, combined with automatic printhead calibration and automatic printhead cleaning, can improve the automation and intelligence of printing equipment, contributing to intelligent manufacturing in the printing industry.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges, characterized in that, The method includes: N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction are controlled to move synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, the first image to be printed is acquired to obtain N second images. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The N second images are processed to obtain a set of detection images, including: Add N of the second images as elements to the detected image set; or, The third image is obtained by stitching together N second images; the third image is then used as an element in the detection image set. Image detection is performed based on the set of detected images, and the detection results are obtained. The detection results are used for nozzle calibration or to locate abnormal nozzles.

2. The nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of controlling N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction to move synchronously with the printing carriage, and acquiring the first image to print N second images during each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, further includes: When the height of the printing carriage in the sub-scanning direction is greater than the height of a single image acquisition device, the number N of the image acquisition devices is determined based on the height of the printing carriage.

3. The nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction moves synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, acquiring the first image to obtain N second images includes: By controlling N image acquisition devices to acquire different regions of the first image, N different second images are obtained.

4. The nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of stitching together N second images to obtain a third image includes: The image stitching template is obtained based on the physical dimensions of the image acquisition device, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching spacing. The third image is obtained by selecting N image regions from the second image according to the image stitching template.

5. The nozzle detection method based on different visual ranges according to claim 4, characterized in that, The N image acquisition devices include at least a first image acquisition device and a second image acquisition device. The imaging area per pass of the first image acquisition device is denoted as the first imaging area, the imaging area per pass of the second image acquisition device is denoted as the second imaging area, and the overlapping area between the first and second imaging areas is denoted as the third imaging area. The step of obtaining the image stitching template based on the physical dimensions of the image acquisition devices, the imaging area per pass, and the stitching spacing includes: The third imaging area is obtained based on the physical dimensions of the first image acquisition device, the physical dimensions of the second image acquisition device, the first imaging area, the second imaging area, and the stitching spacing; Based on the third imaging region, a fifth imaging region and a sixth imaging region are respectively determined in the first imaging region and the second imaging region for image stitching. The image stitching template is obtained based on the fifth imaging region, the third imaging region, and the sixth imaging region.

6. A nozzle detection device based on different visual ranges, characterized in that, The device includes: The acquisition module is used to control N image acquisition devices stitched together along the sub-scanning direction to move synchronously with the printing carriage. When the printing carriage performs each pass of scanning along the main scanning direction, it acquires the first image to print to obtain N second images. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The image processing module is used to process N second images to obtain a detection image set, including: inserting the N second images as elements into the detection image set; or, The third image is obtained by stitching together N second images; the third image is then used as an element in the detection image set. The detection module is used to perform image detection based on the set of detection images and obtain detection results, which are used for nozzle calibration or locating abnormal nozzles.

7. 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 1-5.

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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