Printing method, printing device, printing system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided are a printing method, a printing device, a printing system and a storage medium, the method comprising: obtaining at least one layer slice of a plurality of layer slices of a model to be printed (101); storing at least one layer slice in a printing pool of a printing device (102); and executing a printing operation of the first layer slice based on the first layer slice in the printing pool (103), wherein the first layer slice is an unprinted layer slice of at least one layer slice. The method of the present application realizes parallel processing of slicing, transmission and printing, greatly improves the printing rate of 3D models, reduces the time required for printing, thereby saving user time, ensuring the instant response of printing instructions, and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to a printing method, a printing device, a printing system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, 3D printing equipment has been widely used. In the 3D printing process, after using modeling software to obtain a virtual three-dimensional model, the model file needs to be converted into action data of the printer. The above data conversion process can be understood as slicing the virtual three-dimensional model to separate the model into layer-by-layer sections (layer slices). However, whether the model is sliced ​​on the terminal or in the cloud, all layer slices of the corresponding complete model need to be processed before uploading or downloading. The 3D printer starts to print the model after downloading all the layer slices. Due to the slow slicing speed, it takes a long time to trigger the printing operation, and the printer is in a waiting state during slicing, resulting in poor real-time performance of the printing instruction, which is not conducive to the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a printing method, a printing device, a printing system and a storage medium, which realize parallel processing of slicing, transmission and printing, save user time and meet the user's demand for immediacy of printing instructions.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present application, a printing method is provided, comprising:

[0005] Acquire at least one layer slice of a plurality of layer slices of a model to be printed;

[0006] storing at least one layer slice in a print pool of a printing device;

[0007] Based on the existence of a first layer slice in the printing pool, a printing operation of the first layer slice is performed, where the first layer slice is an unprinted layer slice in the at least one layer slice.

[0008] Optionally, the printing device is in communication connection with the slicing end, and obtaining at least one layer slice of multiple layer slices of the model to be printed specifically includes:

[0009] A slicing operation of the model to be printed is performed based on the slicing end. During the slicing operation, at least one layer slice is obtained. The slicing operation is used to divide the model to be printed into multiple layer slices.

[0010] Optionally, obtaining at least one layer slice of a plurality of layer slices of the model to be printed specifically includes:

[0011] At least one layer slice sent by the receiving slice end.

[0012] Optionally, obtaining at least one layer slice of a plurality of layer slices of the model to be printed specifically includes:

[0013] A data acquisition request is sent to the slice end, and at least one layer slice fed back by the slice end is received.

[0014] Optionally, the printing method further includes:

[0015] Based on the fact that the number of slice layers of the second layer slice is the same as the total number of layers of the multiple layer slices of the to-be-printed model, completion prompt information is output, wherein the second layer slice is a printed layer slice of the at least one layer slice.

[0016] Optionally, the printing method further includes:

[0017] Based on the fact that the number of storage layers of the layer slice in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice, a layer slice whose number of slice layers in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice is determined as a first layer slice, wherein the second layer slice is a printed layer slice in at least one layer slice.

[0018] Optionally, the printing method further includes:

[0019] In response to a printing instruction of a printing device, parsing configuration information in the printing instruction, the configuration information including printing parameters of a model to be printed;

[0020] According to the printing parameters, the printing operation of the first layer of slices is performed.

[0021] Optionally, the printing method further includes:

[0022] Verify the configuration information and / or the first layer of slices;

[0023] Based on the result of the verification process being correct, the printing operation of the first layer of slices is performed.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a printing device, comprising:

[0025] An acquisition module, used for acquiring at least one layer slice of a plurality of layer slices of a model to be printed;

[0026] A storage module, used for storing at least one layer slice in a printing pool of a printing device;

[0027] The printing module is used to execute a printing operation of the first layer slice based on the existence of the first layer slice in the printing pool, where the first layer slice is an unprinted layer slice in at least one layer slice.

[0028] Optionally, the printing device is communicatively connected to the slicing end, and the acquisition module is specifically used to perform a slicing operation of the model to be printed based on the slicing end. During the slicing operation, at least one layer slice is acquired. The slicing operation is used to divide the model to be printed into multiple layer slices.

[0029] Optionally, obtain a module, specifically including:

[0030] The first receiving module is used to receive at least one layer slice sent by the slice end.

[0031] Optionally, obtain a module, specifically including:

[0032] The request module is used to send data acquisition requests to the slice end;

[0033] The second receiving module is used to receive at least one layer slice fed back by the slice end.

[0034] Optionally, the printing device further comprises:

[0035] The output module is used to output completion prompt information based on the number of slice layers of the second layer slice being the same as the total number of layer slices of the model to be printed, wherein the second layer slice is a printed layer slice of at least one layer slice.

[0036] Optionally, the printing device further comprises:

[0037] A determination module is used to determine a layer slice whose number of slice layers in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice as a first layer slice based on the fact that the number of storage layers of the layer slice in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice, wherein the second layer slice is a layer slice that has been printed in at least one layer slice.

[0038] Optionally, the printing device further comprises:

[0039] A parsing module, configured to respond to a printing instruction of a printing device and parse configuration information in the printing instruction, wherein the configuration information includes printing parameters of a model to be printed;

[0040] The printing module is specifically used to execute the printing operation of the first layer of slices according to the printing parameters.

[0041] Optionally, the printing device further comprises:

[0042] A verification module, used to verify the configuration information and / or the first layer of slices;

[0043] The printing module is specifically used to execute the printing operation of the first layer of slices based on the result of the verification processing being correct.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present application, a printing device is provided, including a storage medium, a processor, and a computer program stored on the storage medium and executable on the processor, wherein the above-mentioned printing method is implemented when the processor executes the computer program.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a printing system, comprising:

[0046] The slicing end is used to perform a slicing operation on the model to be printed, so as to divide the model to be printed into multiple layer slices;

[0047] The above-mentioned printing device is communicatively connected to the slicing end, and the printing device can implement the following steps when executing a computer program: obtaining at least one layer slice of multiple layer slices of the model to be printed; storing at least one layer slice in a printing pool of the printing device; and performing a printing operation of the first layer slice based on the existence of the first layer slice in the printing pool, where the first layer slice is a layer slice that has not been printed in at least one layer slice.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present application, a storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned printing method is implemented.

[0049] By means of the above technical solution, in the process of slicing the model to be printed, at least one layer slice generated by the slicing end is obtained in real time, and at least one layer slice of the model to be printed is stored, so as to guide the printing device to print layer by layer. At the same time, in the process of storing at least one layer slice, when it is detected that the printing pool contains a layer slice (first layer slice) that has not been printed, the first layer slice is printed layer by layer. Thus, parallel processing of slicing, transmission and printing is realized, which greatly improves the printing rate of 3D models, reduces the time required for printing, and saves user time, ensures the instant response of printing instructions, and improves the user experience.

[0050] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a printing method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a printing method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a printing method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0055] Figure 4 A logic block diagram of a printing method provided by a specific embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0056] Figure 5 A logic block diagram of a printing method provided by a specific embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0057] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0058] Figure 7 An interactive schematic diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0059] Figure 8 An interactive schematic diagram of a printing device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0061] In this embodiment, a printing method is provided, which is applied to a printing device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0062] Step 101, obtaining at least one layer slice of a plurality of layer slices of a model to be printed;

[0063] The model to be printed may be any 3D model, such as daily necessities, architectural models, appliances, etc. The at least one layer slice is at least one layer slice among all the multiple layer slices segmented from the model to be printed, and the number of the at least one layer slice may be one or more, which is related to the slice parameters and is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0064] In this embodiment, in the process of printing the model to be printed, it is necessary to first slice the model to be printed, and convert the model to be printed of the target 3D object into action data of the printing device, that is, layer slices. During the model printing, the printing device obtains at least one layer slice of all layer slices corresponding to the model to be printed in real time, so as to guide the printing device to print through at least one layer slice. Thus, the slicing operation process and the layer slice transmission process of the model to be printed are performed synchronously, so that the printing device can obtain the slice data required for printing the model in a timely manner, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the printing device is communicatively connected to the slicing end, the step of obtaining at least one layer slice among multiple layer slices of the model to be printed specifically includes: performing a slicing operation of the model to be printed based on the slicing end, and obtaining at least one layer slice during the slicing operation.

[0066] The slicing operation is used to divide the model to be printed into multiple layer slices.

[0067] Specifically, slicing refers to the process of converting the model file of the model to be sliced ​​into the action data of the 3D printing device. Specifically, the model to be printed in STL format can be sliced ​​multiple times to form multiple layer slices of preset thickness. Each layer slice cut corresponds to an image, that is, a layer slice image, which can be regarded as a two-dimensional image.

[0068] In this embodiment, the slicing end performs a layer-by-layer slicing operation on the model to be printed according to the slicing parameters. As the slicing operation progresses, the slicing end gradually generates more and more new layer slices until the model to be processed is completely divided into multiple layer slices. During the slicing operation, the printing device obtains at least one new layer slice generated based on the slicing operation in real time, and can start the relevant printing work of the model layer slices when the slicing operation is in progress. In this way, the slicing data can be transmitted in real time during the slicing process, which greatly improves the printing rate of the 3D model, reduces the time required for printing, and saves user time, ensures the instant response of the printing instruction, and improves the user experience.

[0069] In actual application scenarios, the slicing end includes the cloud or local end.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, for an embodiment of an independent local terminal, a connection relationship between a printing device and an independent local terminal for slicing is first established, and a slicing operation of a model to be printed is performed through the local terminal. During the slicing operation, the local terminal sends at least one layer slice obtained by the current slicing operation to the printing device, so that the printing device performs a printing operation of the layer slice. The local terminal can be a mobile phone, or a personal computer (PC), etc.

[0071] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8As shown, for the cloud-based embodiment, the cloud server and the printing device interact via the Internet, wherein the printing device can be connected to the network via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The model to be printed is sent to the cloud via the network in advance, and the cloud server performs slicing. The printing device then downloads at least one layer slice that has been sliced ​​from the cloud according to the specified download path, or directly receives at least one layer slice sent by the cloud.

[0072] It is understandable that the local end or the cloud can also be used to remotely control the printing device, with the local end issuing printing instructions.

[0073] It is worth mentioning that when slicing can be performed locally and on the cloud, the complexity of the model to be printed is calculated; the first slicing time for slicing the model to be printed on the local side and the second slicing time for slicing the model to be printed on the cloud are calculated according to the complexity; when the first slicing time is less than the second slicing time, the model to be printed is sliced ​​by the local side. When the first slicing time is greater than the second slicing time, the model to be printed is uploaded to the cloud for slicing. Therefore, by comparing the slicing time on the local side and on the cloud, the optimal slicing path is accurately selected to achieve the best slicing efficiency, thereby greatly improving the slicing efficiency and user experience. Among them, the complexity of the model to be printed can be calculated based on the printing parameters of the model to be printed.

[0074] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining at least one layer slice of the multiple layer slices of the model to be printed may specifically include the following implementation methods:

[0075] Method 1: receiving at least one layer slice sent by the slice end.

[0076] Specifically, Figure 5 As shown, after generating at least one new layer slice, the slicing end will actively send at least one layer slice to the printing device, and the printing device directly receives at least one layer slice sent by the cloud. Thus, the newly generated layer slice after the slicing operation can be obtained in time, so as to facilitate real-time printing operation. Among them, the number of at least one layer slice is related to the slicing speed of the slicing segment.

[0077] Method 2: sending a data acquisition request to the slice end; receiving at least one layer slice fed back by the slice end.

[0078] Specifically, Figure 5 As shown, the printing device sends a data acquisition request to the slicing system, and the slicing system responds to the data acquisition request by sending at least one newly generated layer slice to the printing device, and the printing device then receives at least one layer slice fed back by the slicing section. Thus, the newly generated layer slice after the slicing operation can be obtained in time, so as to facilitate real-time printing operations.

[0079] In actual application scenarios, the conditions for triggering the acquisition of at least one layer slice of the model to be printed include but are not limited to at least one of the following:

[0080] (1) Periodically acquiring at least one layer slice according to a preset time interval. The preset time interval can be reasonably set according to the user's demand for printing immediacy, and the preset time intervals between two consecutive acquisitions of at least one layer slice can be the same or different.

[0081] (2) A preset number of layer slices are generated based on the accumulation of the slice end, and a preset number of layer slices are obtained. The preset number may be one or more.

[0082] (3) Determine the current processing progress of the slicing operation, that is, the ratio of the portion of the model to be printed that has been sliced ​​to the portion of the model that has not been sliced. Based on the current processing progress reaching a preset progress, obtain at least one layer slice generated by the slicing operation based on the current processing progress. For example, the progress of the slicing operation is preset to reach 20%, 40%, 50%, 80%, and 100% (preset progress), respectively. When it is determined that the progress reaches 20%, 40%, 50%, 80%, and 100%, respectively, obtain at least one layer slice of the slicing operation.

[0083] Step 102, storing at least one layer slice in a printing pool of a printing device;

[0084] The print pool is used to store the print data required by the printing device. In some embodiments, the print pool may be a specific memory or a designated storage area in the memory.

[0085] In this embodiment, after the printing device obtains at least one layer slice, it saves the at least one layer slice in the printing pool of the printing device, so that the relevant data can be read in time when the layer slice is subsequently printed, and it is helpful for the user to trace the printing related data.

[0086] Step 103 : Based on the existence of the first layer of slices in the printing pool, a printing operation of the first layer of slices is performed.

[0087] The first layer slice is a layer slice that has not been printed in the at least one layer slice.

[0088] In this embodiment, during the process of storing at least one layer slice, at least one layer slice in the printing pool is detected to determine whether there is an unprinted layer slice (first layer slice) in the at least one layer slice currently stored. If it is determined that there is, the printing operation of the first layer slice is executed, and if it is determined that there is not, the printing operation is suspended. Thus, a parallel processing mechanism of slicing, transmission and printing is realized, which greatly improves the printing rate of 3D models, reduces the time required for printing, and thus saves user time, ensures the instant response of printing instructions, and improves the user experience.

[0089] It should be noted that, considering the influence of download or transmission speed during the transmission of layer slices, the printing order of the layer slice printing queue in the printing pool may not match the printing order required by the model to be printed, which may lead to model printing errors. Therefore, when executing the printing operation of the first layer of slices, it is necessary to re-sort the order of the first layer of slices according to the printing order and the number of slices of the first layer. Among them, the printing order is the superposition order of multiple layer slices formed after the model to be printed is divided after the slicing operation. The printing operation of the first layer of slices can only be performed when the first layer of slices and the second layer of slices that have been printed meet the adjacent relationship in the printing order. If the first layer of slices does not meet the printing order, the printing is suspended.

[0090] It can be understood that the slicing operation of the slicing end, the layer slice transmission between the slicing end and the printing device, and the printing operation of the printing device are three independent processes. That is to say, the time for printing the first layer slice is not limited to the model slicing operation or the time for storing at least one layer slice. Therefore, even if the slicing operation of the model to be printed has been completed or at least one layer slice has been stored in the printing pool, if it is still detected that there is an unprinted first layer slice in the printing pool, the printing operation of the first layer slice can also be performed. In some embodiments, the time for printing the first layer slice only partially overlaps with the time required to store at least one layer slice or the time of the slicing operation of the slicing end.

[0091] For example, Figure 4As shown, take the slicing process using the cloud as an example. After the printing device is turned on, it is initialized. First, a network connection between the printing device and the cloud is established. When the connection with the cloud is successful, that is, the device can communicate normally with the cloud, the printing device can receive and send instructions from the cloud, so that it can process the instructions from the cloud and perform corresponding operations. After the printing task starts, check whether the data in the "print file pool" is empty. If the "print file pool" is empty, request the slicing data of the model to be printed from the cloud, and store the slicing data downloaded from the cloud into the "print file pool". If the "print file pool" is not empty, when reading the unprinted slicing data (first layer slicing) in the "print file pool", write the unprinted slicing data into the print buffer, and perform real-time printing operations, such as motor lifting, exposure, etc.

[0092] In some possible embodiments, the printing method may further include: performing spatial filtering and image enhancement processing on the first layer of slices. This makes the image edge of the first layer of slices smoother, and is also conducive to controlling the degree of curing of the resin at the corresponding position of the edge pixel points of the first layer of slices, which can effectively reduce the pixel layer lines of the model to be printed and improve the printing quality of the model. Among them, the spatial filtering process refers to using a preset convolution template to perform spatial filtering on the pixel points in the image of adjacent first layer slices in turn. The preset convolution template is used to indicate the weight value of each pixel point in the pixel point set of the image. Image enhancement processing refers to performing grayscale value transformation on each pixel point in the image of the first layer of slices. Specifically, the grayscale value of each pixel point in the image of the first layer of slices can be transformed into the same grayscale value, or the grayscale value of each pixel point in the image of the first layer of slices can be transformed into a different grayscale value.

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the printing method may further include:

[0094] Step 201 : outputting completion prompt information based on the fact that the number of slice layers of the second layer slice is the same as the total number of slice layers of the model to be printed.

[0095] The second layer slice is a printed layer slice of the at least one layer slice.

[0096] Specifically, each layer slice includes a printing label, which is used to record the printing information related to the layer slice. For example, the printing label records the slice layer number of the multiple layer slices corresponding to the model to be printed where the layer slice is located, and the slice layer number is used to indicate the layer of the model to be printed where the layer slice is located; as well as the exposure time, light off time, resolution, z-axis lifting height and other printing parameters used to print the layer slice. Users can track each layer slice of the model to be printed through the printing label.

[0097] In this embodiment, during the execution of the printing operation, the printing device reads the first layer of slices from the printing pool layer by layer according to the number of slices recorded in the printing label of the first layer of slices, and prints them. After the printing operation of the first layer of slices is completed, the printed layer slices are recorded as the second layer of slices. It is detected whether the number of slices of the second layer of slices currently being printed is the same as the total number of layers of all layer slices corresponding to the model to be printed. If they are the same, it means that all the layer slices corresponding to the model to be printed have been printed, and it is determined that the printing of the model to be printed is completed. At this time, a completion prompt message is output. The user can promptly know the model printing status through the completion prompt message, which is convenient for quickly carrying out subsequent printing tasks.

[0098] After the output completion prompt message, the printing device is controlled to shut down after a preset time. Therefore, the printing device can be shut down in time after the model printing is completed without affecting the subsequent normal operation of the printing device, reducing the resource consumption of the printing device, which is conducive to extending the service life of the printing device and reducing printing costs. Among them, the preset time is used to buffer the changes caused by the switching of the operating state of the printing device, which is related to the structure of the printing device or the printing requirements and can be set as needed.

[0099] Specifically, the method of outputting completion prompt information is not limited to adjusting lights, playing prompt sounds, voices, displaying text, images, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the printing method may further include:

[0101] Step 301: based on the fact that the number of storage layers of the layer slice in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice, a layer slice whose number of printing slice layers in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice is determined as a first layer slice.

[0102] The number of stored layers refers to the number of layer slices stored in the printing pool. The second layer slice is a layer slice that has been printed in at least one layer slice.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the printing pool is not cleaned, if it is detected that the number of storage layers of the layer slices stored in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slices, it means that the layer slices located at the next layer of the printed layer slices can be read from the printing pool, that is, there are layer slices that have not been printed. At this time, the layer slices located after the printed second layer slices in the model printing sequence can be read from the printing pool, and the layer slices with the number of slice layers in the printing pool greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slices are taken as the first layer slices, and at the same time, it is determined that there are first layer slices in the printing pool. Therefore, whether the printing pool stores unprinted first layer slices is detected by the size relationship between the number of slices of the second layer slices and the number of layer slices stored in the printing pool, ensuring that the stored layer slices can be printed in time, thereby realizing parallel processing of slicing and printing, reducing the time required for printing, and saving user time.

[0104] For example, the number of slices of the second layer slice currently printed is 680, which means that the printing operation of the first 680 layers of the model to be printed has been completed. However, there are 1000 layer slices stored in the printing pool, indicating that there are unprinted layer slices in the printing pool, and the layer slices after the 680th layer in the printing pool are confirmed as the first layer slices.

[0105] It is worth mentioning that after storing at least one layer slice and executing the printing operation of the first layer slice, the storage progress of the layer slice and the printing progress of the first layer slice can also be output, so that the user can know the current printing status of the printing device. The storage progress can be represented by the number of storage layers, and the printing progress can be represented by the number of slice layers of the second layer slice.

[0106] It is understandable that after executing the printing operation of the first layer of slices, the first layer of slices in the printing pool can also be deleted. This reduces the memory usage of the first layer of slices in the printing device, ensures that the printing pool has sufficient space for storing subsequent layer slices, reduces the hardware requirements for the printing device, and is conducive to printing tasks of models with large data volumes.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present application, the printing method may further include: in response to a printing instruction of a printing device, parsing configuration information in the printing instruction; and executing a printing operation of the first layer of slices according to printing parameters in the configuration information.

[0108] Among them, the configuration information may include model information and / or printing parameters of the model to be printed. Model information is used to represent the model to be printed. The model information of different models to be printed is different. For example, the model information includes information such as model size, model category, model weight, total model volume, model preview image and model number. Printing parameters include slicing parameters and printing control parameters. Slicing parameters include the total number of layer slices, the thickness of each layer slice, etc.; printing control parameters include the total pixel size of the screen, the number of bottom layers, the number of transition layers, the total time to print the model, the price of materials consumed for printing the model, the control parameters for starting single-layer printing, the anti-aliasing level of the model, the z-axis lifting / lowering speed and the z-axis lifting height, etc. It can be understood that the thickness of each layer of slices ranges from 0.05mm to 1mm. The smaller the layer thickness, the higher the printing accuracy, and the slower the printing speed of the corresponding device.

[0109] In this embodiment, after receiving a printing instruction, the printing device responds to the printing instruction, parses the configuration information in the printing instruction to determine the model information and printing parameters of the model to be printed as required by the user, and then performs subsequent printing operations according to the configuration information.

[0110] Specifically, the user may issue a print instruction by operating the printing device, or the user may send a print instruction to the printing device by operating a cloud or local terminal that can interact with the printing device.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, the printing method may further include: performing verification processing on the configuration information and / or the first layer slice; and executing the printing operation of the first layer slice based on the result of the verification processing being correct.

[0112] In this embodiment, it is considered that the failure of configuration information parsing may cause some configuration information to be wrong, unable to be read, or the configuration information set by the user does not meet the printing requirements of the printing device, which will affect the subsequent printing operation. Before executing the printing operation, first verify whether the configuration information of the printing instruction is correct, that is, determine whether the configuration information meets the user's needs or meets the requirements of the printing device. If the result of the verification process is determined to be correct, the printing operation of the first layer of slices can be executed. In this way, while ensuring that the printing operation can be completed smoothly, the accuracy of the model printing is improved, and the printing device is prevented from working in vain, which is conducive to saving printing resources.

[0113] Similarly, considering that some data of the first layer of slices may be lost during the slicing or transmission process, and that the printing parameters of the first layer of slices do not meet the printing requirements of the printing device, before executing the printing operation, first verify whether the first layer of slices of the printing instruction is correct, that is, determine whether the first layer of slices is damaged, data is missing, or does not meet user requirements, etc., which may affect the printing operation. If the result of the verification process is determined to be correct, the printing operation of the first layer of slices can be executed. In this way, while ensuring that the printing operation can be completed smoothly, the accuracy of the model printing is improved, the printing device is prevented from working in vain, and printing resources are saved.

[0114] Specifically, the verification processing methods may include the following three methods:

[0115] Method 1: match the configuration information and / or the first layer slice in the printing instruction with the corresponding preset configuration information and / or layer slice data, and determine that the verification result is correct if the match is successful.

[0116] Method 2: Display the configuration information and / or the slice image of the first slice layer for the user to view. When receiving the user's confirmation instruction, it is determined that the verification result is correct.

[0117] Method 3, based on cyclic redundancy check (CRC) technology, generates a short fixed-bit check code based on network data packets or computer files to detect or check errors that may occur after the configuration information and / or the first layer slices are transmitted or saved. Specifically, cyclic redundancy check uses the principle of division and remainder for error detection.

[0118] If the result of the verification process is an error, a failure code is output and the printing operation is suspended, so as to promptly remind the user that the printing task has failed. Specifically, the failure code includes file format parsing failure, file opening failure, printing failure or file verification failure.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present application, the printing method may further include: determining the operating state of the printing device; based on the operating state being an idle state, executing a printing operation of the first layer of slices, and updating the operating state to a printing state.

[0120] The operating status includes printing status, idle status and shutdown status.

[0121] In this embodiment, before executing the printing operation, it is first detected whether the printing device is in an idle state. If it is determined that the operating state is an idle state, it means that the printing operation can be carried out smoothly. Then the printing operation is executed, and the operating state is changed to the printing state. In this way, data confusion caused by the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks is avoided, and the printing quality of the printing device is guaranteed.

[0122] If the running state is the printing state, the printing operation of the first layer of slices is performed after the printing device becomes idle again. If the running state is the shutdown state, the printing device is first controlled to turn on, and the printing preparation processing operation is performed, for example, whether the printing material is loaded is detected. After the preparation processing operation is completed, that is, after determining that the printing device is in an idle state capable of printing, the printing operation of the first layer of slices is performed.

[0123] For example, take the use of the cloud for slicing. After the printing device is turned on, it is initialized and the network connection between the printing device and the cloud is established. When the connection with the cloud is successful, that is, the device can communicate with the cloud normally, the printing device can receive and send instructions from the cloud, so that it can process the instructions from the cloud and perform corresponding operations. Figure 5 As shown, the printing method may include the following steps:

[0124] (1) After the printing device receives the "print task" command from the cloud, it parses the printing-related configuration information carried in the command and verifies whether the data is correct. If it is correct, it further checks whether the cloud printing operation can be executed. If the device is printing other tasks, it returns a failure code and ends the cloud task. If the device is idle, it executes the printing operation and reports the cloud printing start status, entering (2).

[0125] (2) After the printing task starts, read data from the "print file pool" of the printing device to check whether the data in the "print file pool" is empty. If the "print file pool" is empty, execute (3); if the "print file pool" is not empty, execute (5).

[0126] (3) Request the slice data of the model to be printed from the cloud, and execute the startup check to see if the "download slice data" command on the cloud has timed out. If there is no response from the cloud, the printing device is controlled to pause. If the cloud responds in time and issues the "download slice data" command, execute (4).

[0127] (4) The printing device downloads the slice data according to the download address provided by the cloud and verifies whether the slice data is correct. If it is incorrect, a "failure code" is returned to the cloud and the printing device is suspended. If it is correct, the slice data is filled into the "print file pool", and the process returns to (2). The printing device is checked to see whether the printing is suspended due to insufficient slice data in the cloud. If so, the problem has been overcome because the slice data has been filled, and printing is resumed.

[0128] (5) Read the data file of the unprinted layer slices in the "print file pool" and write them into the print buffer. The method can be used to determine whether there are unprinted layer slices in the "print file pool" by detecting whether the layer slices stored in the "print file pool" can read the next layer data of the currently printed layer slices, that is, whether the number of layer slices in the "print file pool" is greater than the number of layers currently printed. If not, proceed to (2). If yes, perform real-time printing operations (motor lifting, exposure, etc.), record the current layer data, increase the current number of printed layers by 1, and then proceed to (7).

[0129] (6) Check whether the layer slice currently being printed is the last layer of the slice data. If yes, proceed to (7); if not, proceed to (5).

[0130] (7) Detect whether the printing device is disconnected from the network. If so, the control screen prompts that the network is disconnected. Otherwise, report the real-time printing status of the device to the cloud.

[0131] It is understandable that if the cloud slicing is completed, the slicing completion instruction can also be automatically issued, skipping (3) and going directly to (4).

[0132] In this embodiment, after the printing device and the cloud communicate normally, the cloud instructions can be processed and corresponding operations can be performed. During the printing process, the cloud can slice while the printing device prints, achieving the immediacy and rapid processing of cloud printing instructions, effectively saving the user's time and optimizing the user's operating experience in the cloud. In addition, there is no need to modify the existing printing equipment, reducing the hardware requirements for the printing equipment.

[0133] As a specific implementation of the above printing method, the present application embodiment provides a printing device, such as Figure 6 As shown, the printing device 600 includes: an acquisition module 601 , a storage module 602 and a printing module 603 .

[0134] Among them, the acquisition module 601 is used to obtain at least one layer slice among multiple layer slices of the model to be printed; the storage module 602 is used to store at least one layer slice in the printing pool of the printing device; the printing module 603 is used to perform the printing operation of the first layer slice based on the existence of the first layer slice in the printing pool, and the first layer slice is a layer slice that has not been printed in at least one layer slice.

[0135] The printing device is in communication connection with the slicing end. The acquisition module 601 is specifically used to perform a slicing operation of the model to be printed based on the slicing end. During the slicing operation, at least one layer slice is acquired. The slicing operation is used to divide the model to be printed into multiple layer slices.

[0136] The acquisition module 601 specifically includes: a first receiving module (not shown in the figure), which is used to receive at least one layer slice sent by the slice end.

[0137] The acquisition module 601 specifically includes: a request module (not shown in the figure) and a second receiving module (not shown in the figure).

[0138] Among them, the request module is used to send a data acquisition request to the slice end; the second receiving module is used to receive at least one layer slice fed back by the slice end.

[0139] The printing device 600 may also include: an output module (not shown in the figure), which is used to output a completion prompt message based on the fact that the number of slice layers of the second layer slice is the same as the total number of layers of multiple layer slices of the model to be printed, wherein the second layer slice is a layer slice that has been printed in at least one layer slice.

[0140] The printing device 600 may further include: a determination module (not shown in the figure), the determination module being used to determine, based on the fact that the number of storage layers of the layer slice in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice, a layer slice having a number of slice layers in the printing pool greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice as a first layer slice, wherein the second layer slice is a layer slice that has been printed in at least one layer slice

[0141] The printing device 600 may also include: a parsing module (not shown in the figure), which is used to respond to the printing instruction of the printing device and parse the configuration information in the printing instruction, where the configuration information includes the printing parameters of the model to be printed; and a printing module 603, which is specifically used to execute the printing operation of the first layer of slices according to the printing parameters.

[0142] The printing device 600 may further include: a verification module (not shown in the figure), which is used to verify the configuration information and / or the first layer of slices; the printing module 603 is specifically used to execute the printing operation of the first layer of slices based on the result of the verification processing being correct.

[0143] It should be noted that for other corresponding descriptions of the functional modules involved in the printing device 600 provided in the embodiment of the present application, reference can be made to Figure 1 The corresponding description will not be repeated here.

[0144] Based on the above Figures 1 to 3 The printing method shown, and Figure 6 In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application also provides a printing device, which can be a personal computer, a network device, etc. The printing device includes a storage medium and a processor; the storage medium is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program to achieve the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 3 Printing method shown.

[0145] Optionally, the printing device may further include a user interface, a network interface, a camera, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a sensor, an audio circuit, a WI-FI module, etc. The user interface may include a display screen (Display), an input unit such as a keyboard (Keyboard), etc., and the optional user interface may also include a USB interface, a card reader interface, etc. The network interface may optionally include a standard wired interface, a wireless interface (such as a Bluetooth interface, a WI-FI interface), etc.

[0146] In a specific application scenario, the printing device may be an LCD light-curing 3D printer or a projection light-curing 3D printer.

[0147] In addition, as a specific implementation of the above-mentioned printing method, an embodiment of the present application provides a printing system, including: a slicing end, which is used to perform a slicing operation on the model to be printed, so as to divide the model to be printed into multiple layer slices; the printing device provided in the above-mentioned embodiment is communicatively connected to the slicing end, and the printing device can implement the following steps when executing a computer program: obtaining at least one layer slice of the multiple layer slices of the model to be printed; storing at least one layer slice in a printing pool of the printing device; and based on the existence of a first layer slice in the printing pool, performing a printing operation of the first layer slice, the first layer slice being an unprinted layer slice of at least one layer slice.

[0148] In some embodiments, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the slice end includes a local end and / or a cloud end.

[0149] Based on the above Figures 1 to 3 The printing method shown in the figure, accordingly, the embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by the processor, the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 3 Printing method shown.

[0150] Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product or a hardware product or a combination of software and hardware. The software product can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (which can be a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, etc.), including a number of instructions for enabling a printing device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various implementation scenarios of the present application.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the printing device structure provided in this embodiment does not constitute a limitation on the printing device, and may include more or fewer components, or a combination of certain components, or different component arrangements.

[0152] The storage medium may also include an operating system and a network communication module. The operating system is a program that manages and saves the hardware and software resources of the printing device, and supports the operation of information processing programs and other software and / or programs. The network communication module is used to realize communication between the various controls inside the storage medium, and communication with other hardware and software in the physical device.

[0153] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present application can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, or by hardware.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the accompanying drawings are only schematic diagrams of a preferred implementation scenario, and the units or processes in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily necessary for implementing the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units in the devices in the implementation scenario can be distributed in the devices of the implementation scenario according to the description of the implementation scenario, or can be changed accordingly and located in one or more devices different from the present implementation scenario. The units of the above-mentioned implementation scenarios can be combined into one unit, or can be further split into multiple sub-units.

[0155] The above serial numbers of this application are only for description and do not represent the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation scenarios. The above disclosure is only a few specific implementation scenarios of this application, but this application is not limited to them, and any changes that can be thought of by technicians in this field should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A printing method, characterized in that: include: In a process of performing a slicing operation of a model to be printed at a slicing end, obtaining from the slicing end at least one layer slice generated based on the slicing operation, wherein the slicing operation is used to divide the model to be printed into a plurality of layer slices; storing the at least one layer slice in a print pool of a printing device; Based on whether the number of storage layers of the layer slice in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice, determining the layer slice whose number of printed slice layers in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice as the first layer slice; Based on the first layer of slices existing in the printing pool, executing a printing operation of the first layer of slices; The first layer slice is unprinted layer slice data in the at least one layer slice, and the second layer slice is printed layer slice data in the at least one layer slice.

2. The printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acquiring, from the slicing end, at least one layer slice generated based on the slicing operation comprises: receiving the at least one layer slice sent by the slice end; or A data acquisition request is sent to the slice end, and the at least one layer slice fed back by the slice end is received.

3. The printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After performing the printing operation of the first layer of slices, the method further includes: Based on whether the number of slice layers of the second layer slice is the same as the total number of layers of the plurality of layer slices of the to-be-printed model, a prompt message indicating whether printing is completed is output.

4. The printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The printing method further comprises: In response to a printing instruction of the printing device, configuration information in the printing instruction is parsed, where the configuration information includes printing parameters of the model to be printed.

5. The printing method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The printing method further comprises: Performing verification processing on the configuration information and / or the first layer slice; Determine whether the result of the verification process is correct.

6. A printing device, comprising a storage medium, a processor, and a computer program stored in the storage medium and executable on the processor, characterized in that: When the processor executes the computer program, the printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

7. A printing system comprising: A slicing end, which is used to perform a slicing operation on the model to be printed, so as to divide the model to be printed into a plurality of layer slices; The printing device according to claim 6, being communicatively connected to the slicing end, wherein the printing device can implement the following steps when executing the computer program: In a process of performing a slicing operation of a model to be printed at a slicing end, obtaining from the slicing end at least one layer slice generated based on the slicing operation, wherein the slicing operation is used to divide the model to be printed into a plurality of layer slices; storing the at least one layer slice in a print pool of the printing device; Based on whether the number of storage layers of the layer slice in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice, determining the layer slice whose number of printed slice layers in the printing pool is greater than the number of slice layers of the second layer slice as the first layer slice; Based on the first layer of slices existing in the printing pool, executing a printing operation of the first layer of slices; The first layer slice is unprinted layer slice data in the at least one layer slice, and the second layer slice is printed layer slice data in the at least one layer slice.

8. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

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