Printing system for producing an optimized image

Abstract

A printing system includes a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions and a processor to execute the instructions. The processor is to execute the instructions to receive a source image including a plurality of regions and analyze each of the plurality of regions to determine an ink concentration for each of the regions. The processor is to execute the instructions to further consume the ink concentration for a region in response to the ink concentration for the region exceeding a threshold and maintain the ink concentration for the region in response to the ink concentration for the region not exceeding the threshold. The processor is to execute the instructions to further combine the consumed regions and the maintained regions to produce an optimized image.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] As an example of a fluid jetting system, an inkjet printing system may include a printhead, an ink supply unit that supplies liquid ink to the printhead, and an electronic controller that controls the printhead. As an example of a fluid jetting device, the printhead ejects ink droplets through multiple nozzles or orifices toward a printing medium such as paper for printing on the medium. In some examples, the orifices are arranged in at least a row or array such that ink is ejected from the orifices in the correct sequence as the printhead and printing medium move relative to each other, causing characters or other images to be printed on the printing medium. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figures 1A to 1E This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing system for producing optimized images.

[0003] Figure 2 An example of a printing system is shown.

[0004] Figure 3A An example of a source image is shown.

[0005] Figure 3B An example of an optimized image is shown.

[0006] Figures 4A to 4E This is a block diagram illustrating another example of a processing system used to produce optimized images.

[0007] Figures 5A to 5C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for printing duplex print jobs. Detailed Implementation

[0008] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and are illustrated by way of illustrative specific examples in which this disclosure can be practiced. It should be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered in a limiting sense, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that features of the various examples described herein may be combined in part or in whole with each other, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

[0009] The duplex printing mode of a printing system may fail under certain conditions. For example, if the first side is printed too densely, the printing media may curl and prevent it from being re-fed into the printing mechanism, causing the second side to fail. During printing, a uniform consumption of 50% or a special consumption color map can be applied to the first side to limit the amount of ink applied to the printing media and help prevent paper path problems. However, uniform consumption may cause the text to appear faded.

[0010] Accordingly, the printing system disclosed herein may include an algorithm for selectively limiting the amount of ink applied to the first side of the printing medium based on the ink concentration in local areas of the source image for duplex printing jobs to help avoid clogging of the printing mechanism. Areas of the source image to be printed on the first side of the printing medium can be analyzed to determine the ink concentration of each area. If the ink concentration of an area exceeds a threshold, the ink concentration of that area is consumed. If the ink concentration of an area does not exceed the threshold, the ink concentration of that area is not consumed. The consumed and unconsumed areas are combined to produce an optimized image for printing. In some examples, text and / or fine lines are separated from the source image and not analyzed before each area of ​​the source image is analyzed. In this case, the consumed areas, unconsumed areas, and text and / or fine lines are then combined to produce an optimized image for printing. By reducing the ink concentration in the selected areas, printing medium curling, which could prevent the printing medium from being re-fed into the printing mechanism and cause printing failure on the second side of the printing medium, can be avoided.

[0011] Figures 1A to 1E This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing system 100 for producing optimized images. In one example, the processing system 100 may be as described below (referring to...). Figure 2 This is a further description of a printing system 200. The processing system 100 includes a processor 102 and a machine-readable storage medium 106. The processor 102 is communicatively coupled to the machine-readable storage medium 106 via a communication path 104. Although the following description refers to a single processor and a single machine-readable storage medium, the description can also be applied to systems with multiple processors and multiple machine-readable storage media. In such an example, instructions can be distributed (e.g., stored) across multiple machine-readable storage media, and instructions can be distributed across multiple processors (e.g., executed by multiple processors).

[0012] Processor 102 includes one (i.e., a single) central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor or more than one (i.e., multiple) CPUs or microprocessors and / or other suitable hardware devices for retrieving and executing instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 106. Processor 102 can fetch, decode, and execute instructions 108 to 116 to produce an optimized image.

[0013] Processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute actions for receiving a source image comprising multiple regions (e.g., referred to below). Figure 3AThe processor 102 receives the source image (300) from a host device (e.g., a computer, tablet, etc.) communicatively coupled to the processing system 100 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection). The processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute instructions 110 for analyzing each of multiple regions to determine the ink concentration (e.g., amount of ink per unit area) of each region. The processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute instructions 112 for consuming (e.g., reducing) the ink concentration of a region in response to the region's ink concentration exceeding a threshold (e.g., a selected maximum amount of ink per unit area). The processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute instructions 114 for maintaining (e.g., not modifying) the ink concentration of a region in response to the region's ink concentration not exceeding a threshold. The processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute instructions 116 for combining the consumed and maintained regions to produce an optimized image. In one example, the optimized image may be stored in a machine-readable storage medium 106.

[0014] like Figure 1B As shown, processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 118 for separating text and fine lines in the source image so that the text and fine lines are not analyzed before analyzing each of the multiple regions to determine the ink concentration of each region. In one example, the separated text and fine lines may be stored in machine-readable storage medium 106. Processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 120 for combining the consumed regions, the retained regions, and the text and fine lines to produce an optimized image.

[0015] like Figure 1C As shown, processor 102 can acquire, decode, and perform operations for (e.g., via...) Figure 2 The printing system 200) further instructs 122 to print an optimized image on the first surface of the printing medium. In one example, a threshold is selected to prevent curling of the printing medium due to printing the optimized image on the first surface of the printing medium.

[0016] like Figure 1D As shown, processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 124 for consuming ink concentration in each region exceeding a threshold at a fixed percentage. Alternatively, as... Figure 1E As shown, processor 102 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 126 for consuming ink concentration in each region exceeding a threshold at a variable percentage based on the ink concentration in each region exceeding a threshold.

[0017] As an alternative or additional scheme for retrieving and executing instructions, processor 102 may include one (i.e., a single) or more (i.e., multiple) electronic circuits comprising a plurality of electronic components for performing one or more of the instructions in the machine-readable storage medium 106. Regarding the representation of executable instructions (e.g., blocks) described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that, in alternative examples, some or all of the executable instructions and / or electronic circuits included in one block may be included in different blocks shown in the drawings or may be included in different blocks not shown.

[0018] Machine-readable storage medium 106 is a non-transitory storage medium and can be any suitable electrical, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device for storing executable instructions. Therefore, machine-readable storage medium 106 can be, for example, random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage drive, and an optical disk, etc. Machine-readable storage medium 106 can be configured in ways such as... Figures 1A to 1E In the system 100 shown, in this case, executable instructions can be installed on system 100. Alternatively, machine-readable storage medium 106 can be a portable, external, or remote storage medium that allows system 100 to download instructions from portable, external, or remote storage media. In this case, the executable instructions can be part of an installation package.

[0019] Figure 2 An example of a printing system 200 is shown. The printing system 200 may be an inkjet printing system or another suitable fluid jet or printing system. The printing system 200 may include a printhead, an ink supply unit for supplying liquid ink to the printhead, and an electronic controller for controlling the printhead. In one example, the electronic controller may include previously referenced... Figures 1A to 1E The processing system 100 described and shown below, or as will be referred to below, is a processing system 100. Figures 4A to 4E The described processing system 400, as an example of a fluid jetting device, ejects ink droplets through multiple nozzles or orifices toward a printing medium such as paper for printing on the medium. In some examples, the orifices are arranged in at least a row or array such that ink is ejected from the orifices in the correct sequence as the print head and printing medium move relative to each other, causing characters or other images to be printed on the printing medium. The printing system 200 may include a duplex printing mode, allowing images to be printed on both sides of the printing medium.

[0020] Figure 3A An example of a source image 300 is shown. The source image 300 includes multiple regions 302. 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 Additionally, area 302 2,1 302 2,2and 302 2,3 This includes the text 304 (e.g., “THANK YOU!”) and the thin line 306. Although area 302... 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 exist Figure 3A The area is shown as a square, but in other examples, each area is 302. 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 It can have another suitable shape such as a rectangle, triangle, hexagon, etc. Additionally, although in Figure 3A The text shows 15 regions, 302. 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 However, in other examples, the source image 300 can be divided into any appropriate number of consecutive regions such as 30, 60, 120, etc.

[0021] 302 for each area 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 It has a width as indicated by 308 and a length as indicated by 310. In one example, the width 308 may be equal to the length 310. In another example, the width 308 may be greater than the length 310. In yet another example, the width 308 may be less than the length 310. In some examples, the width 308 may be selected to be in the range of approximately 1 mm and approximately 25 mm, and the length 310 may be selected to be in the range of approximately 1 mm and approximately 25 mm.

[0022] 302 for each area 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 Shading is created based on the ink density of a region. The ink density of a region can be defined as the amount of ink per unit area. Figure 3A In the middle, area 302 0,0 302 0,1 302 2,0 302 2,3 and 302 2,4 With first ink concentration, area 302 1,0 Region 302 has a second ink concentration greater than that of the first ink concentration. 0,2 302 0,3 302 1,1 and 302 2,1 A third ink concentration greater than the second ink concentration, and region 302 0,4 302 1,2 302 1,3 302 1,4 and 302 2,2 A fourth ink concentration greater than the third ink concentration. Although in Figure 3AFour ink concentrations are shown, but in other examples, source image 300 may include up to region 302. 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 The quantity of various ink concentrations (e.g., in) Figure 3A (Up to 15 ink concentrations in the examples).

[0023] Before printing, analyze each region 302. 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 To determine the ink concentration in each region. In one example, the ink concentration of a region can be measured based on the predicted number of ink droplets to be deposited in the region. In other examples, the ink concentration of a region can be measured based on the predicted mass (e.g., nanograms) of ink to be deposited in the region. In yet another example, the ink concentration can be measured based on the predicted volume (e.g., nanoliters) of ink to be deposited in the region.

[0024] Then each area 302 0,0 Up to 302 2,4 The ink concentration is compared to a threshold. The threshold can be defined as the maximum amount of ink per unit area below which printing media curl is mitigated or prevented. The threshold can be selected such that printing media curl is mitigated or prevented when printing an optimized image, thereby enabling duplex printing while avoiding printer path problems. In this example, the threshold is selected as a value between a third ink concentration and a fourth ink concentration, such that region 302 of the source image 300 with the fourth ink concentration... 0,4 302 1,2 302 1,3 302 1,4 and 302 2,2 Exceeding the threshold. Accordingly, such as Figure 3B As shown in the optimized image 350, each region 302 0,4 302 1,2 302 1,3 302 1,4 and 302 2,2 The ink concentration is consumed (e.g., reduced).

[0025] In one example, the ink concentration of each region exceeding a threshold is consumed at a fixed percentage, such as 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or another suitable percentage. In other examples, the ink concentration of each region exceeding a threshold is consumed at a variable percentage based on the ink concentration of the corresponding region. For example, if the ink concentration of a region exceeds the threshold by 10%, then the ink concentration of that region can be consumed by 10%; and if the ink concentration of a region exceeds the threshold by 20%, then the ink concentration of that region can be consumed by 20%; and so on. In one example, the ink concentration of each region exceeding the threshold can be consumed by modifying (e.g., in a machine-readable storage medium) the source image 300 to provide (e.g., in a machine-readable storage medium) an optimized image 350. In another example, the ink concentration of each region exceeding the threshold can be consumed by marking (e.g., object marking) (e.g., in a machine-readable storage medium) the regions of the source image 300 that exceed the threshold. Then, during the printing of the marked source image, the marked regions are consumed to produce the printed optimized image 350.

[0026] In some examples, any text (e.g., 304) and fine lines (e.g., 306) can be separated from the source image 300 before analyzing the source image to determine the ink density of each area. In one example, a fine line can be defined as a line with a thickness of less than or equal to approximately 3 millimeters. The text and fine lines can be detected and cut to separate them from the background. Snapshots of the text and fine lines can then be stored (e.g., in a machine-readable storage medium) for later combination with the consumed and retained areas to produce an optimized image. In this way, the text and fine lines are... Figure 3B The optimized image 350 is not consumed.

[0027] Figures 4A to 4E This is a block diagram illustrating another example of a processing system 400 for producing an optimized image. In one example, the processing system 400 may be as previously referenced. Figure 2 This is part of a printing system 200 described and illustrated. Processing system 400 includes a processor 402 and a machine-readable storage medium 406. Processor 402 is communicatively coupled to machine-readable storage medium 406 via communication path 404. Although the following description refers to a single processor and a single machine-readable storage medium, the description can also be applied to systems with multiple processors and multiple machine-readable storage media. In such an example, instructions can be distributed (e.g., stored) across multiple machine-readable storage media, and instructions can be distributed across multiple processors (e.g., executed by multiple processors).

[0028] Processor 402 includes one (i.e., a single) central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor or more than one (i.e., multiple) CPUs or microprocessors and / or other suitable hardware devices for retrieving and executing instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 406. Processor 402 can fetch, decode, and execute instructions 408 to 414 to produce an optimized image.

[0029] Processor 402 can acquire, decode, and execute actions for receiving a source image comprising multiple regions (e.g., Figure 3A The processor 402 receives the source image (300) via instruction 408. In one example, the processing system 400 may receive the source image from a host device (e.g., a computer, tablet, etc.) communicatively coupled to the processing system 400 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection). The processor 402 may acquire, decode, and execute instruction 410 for analyzing each of the multiple regions to determine the ink concentration of each region. The processor 402 may acquire, decode, and execute instruction 412 for marking the region for ink concentration consumption in response to the region's ink concentration exceeding a threshold. The processor 402 may acquire, decode, and execute instruction 414 for consuming the ink concentration of the corresponding regions marked for ink concentration consumption during image printing optimization based on the source image and maintaining the ink concentration of regions not marked for ink concentration consumption.

[0030] like Figure 4B As shown, processor 402 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 416 for separating text and fine lines in the source image before analyzing each of the multiple regions to determine the ink concentration of each region, so that text and fine lines are not analyzed. Processor 402 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 418 for consuming the ink concentration of regions marked for ink concentration consumption during image printing optimization, maintaining the ink concentration of regions not marked for ink concentration consumption, and maintaining the ink concentration of text and fine lines.

[0031] like Figure 4C As shown, processor 402 can acquire, decode, and perform operations for (e.g., via...) Figure 2 The printing system 200) further instructs 420 to print an optimized image on the first surface of the printing medium. In one example, a threshold is selected to prevent curling of the printing medium due to printing the optimized image on the first surface of the printing medium.

[0032] like Figure 4D As shown, processor 402 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 422 for consuming the ink concentration of each area marked as being for ink concentration consumption at a fixed percentage during the printing of an optimized image. Alternatively, as Figure 4E As shown, processor 402 can acquire, decode, and execute further instructions 424 for consuming the ink concentration of the corresponding region based on the ink concentration of each region marked for ink concentration consumption during the printing of an optimized image.

[0033] As an alternative or additional scheme for retrieving and executing instructions, processor 402 may include one (i.e., a single) or more (i.e., multiple) electronic circuits comprising a plurality of electronic components for performing one or more of the instructions in the machine-readable storage medium 406. Regarding the representation of executable instructions (e.g., blocks) described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that, in alternative examples, some or all of the executable instructions and / or electronic circuits included in one block may be included in different blocks shown in the drawings or may be included in different blocks not shown.

[0034] Machine-readable storage medium 406 is a non-transitory storage medium and can be any suitable electrical, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device for storing executable instructions. Therefore, machine-readable storage medium 406 can be, for example, RAM, EEPROM, a memory drive, and an optical disk. Machine-readable storage medium 406 can be configured as follows: Figures 4A to 4E In the system 400 shown, in this case, executable instructions can be installed on system 400. Alternatively, machine-readable storage medium 406 can be a portable, external, or remote storage medium that allows system 400 to download instructions from portable, external, or remote storage media. In this case, the executable instructions can be part of an installation package.

[0035] Figures 5A to 5C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 500 for printing duplex print jobs. In one example, method 500 can be derived from a previously referenced... Figure 2 The printing system 200 is described and explained for implementation. (As in...) Figure 5A As shown at point 502, method 500 includes receiving a source image (e.g., to be printed on a first surface of a printing medium) Figure 3A At 504, method 500 includes dividing the source image into multiple regions (e.g., region 302). 0,0 Up to 302 2,4At 506, method 500 includes analyzing each of the plurality of regions to determine the ink concentration of each region. At 508, method 500 includes comparing the ink concentration of each of the plurality of regions with a threshold. At 510, method 500 includes consuming the ink concentration of the corresponding region in response to a region in the plurality of regions being greater than or equal to the threshold. At 512, method 500 includes maintaining the ink concentration of the corresponding region in response to a region in the plurality of regions being less than the threshold. At 514, method 500 includes combining the consumed region and the maintained region to produce an optimized image (e.g., Figure 3B (350). At 516, method 500 includes (e.g., via...) Figure 2 The printing system 200 prints an optimized image on the first surface of the printing medium.

[0036] like Figure 5B As shown at 518, method 500 may further include printing a further source image on a second surface of the printing medium without consuming the ink concentration of the further source image.

[0037] As in Figure 5C As shown at 520, method 500 may further include receiving a first image and a second image to be printed on the opposite side of the printing medium. At 522, method 500 may further include analyzing the first image and the second image to determine which of the first image and the second image includes a larger ink density. At 524, method 500 may further include setting the source image as the first image in response to the second image including a larger ink density. At 526, method 500 may further include setting the source image as the second image in response to the first image including a larger ink density. In this way, an image with a larger ink density can be printed unmodified on the second side of the printing medium, where it is not necessary to consume density to mitigate or prevent curling to prevent paper path problems.

[0038] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be used instead of the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising: a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions; and a processor to execute the instructions to: receive a source image to be printed on a first side of a print medium; divide the source image into a plurality of regions; analyze each of the plurality of regions to determine an ink density of each region; compare the ink density of each of the plurality of regions to a threshold; in response to the ink density of a region exceeding the threshold, consume the ink density of the region; in response to the ink density of a region not exceeding the threshold, maintain the ink density of the region; combine the consumed regions and the maintained regions to produce an optimized image; print the optimized image on the first side of the print medium; and print a further source image on a second side of the print medium without consuming an ink density of the further source image. the processor to execute the instructions to further:

2. The printing system of claim 1, wherein, prior to analyzing each of the plurality of regions to determine the ink density of each region, isolate text and fine lines in the source image so that the text and the fine lines are not analyzed; and combine the consumed regions, the maintained regions, and the text and the fine lines to produce the optimized image. the threshold is selected to prevent curling of the print medium as a result of printing the optimized image on the first side of the print medium. the processor to execute the instructions to further:

3. The printing system of claim 1, wherein, consume the ink density of each region exceeding the threshold by a fixed percentage.

4. The printing system of claim 1, wherein, the processor to execute the instructions to further: consume the ink density of each region exceeding the threshold by a variable percentage based on the ink density of the respective region exceeding the threshold.

5. The printing system of claim 1, wherein, the processor to execute the instructions to further: receive a first image and a second image to be printed on opposite sides of the print medium; 6. The printing system of claim 1, wherein, analyze the first image and the second image to determine which of the first image and the second image includes a greater ink density; in response to the second image including the greater ink density, set the source image to the first image; and in response to the first image including the greater ink density, set the source image to the second image.

7. A printing system comprising: a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions; and a processor to execute the instructions to: receive a source image to be printed on a first side of a print medium; divide the source image into a plurality of regions; analyze each of the plurality of regions to determine an ink density of each region; compare the ink density of each of the plurality of regions to a threshold; in response to the ink density of a region exceeding the threshold, flag the region for consumption of the ink density for use with an optimized image; ​ ​ during printing of the optimized image on the first side of the print medium, depleting the ink concentration of the respective regions marked for depletion of the ink concentration and preserving the ink concentration of the regions not marked for depletion of the ink concentration; and printing a further source image on a second side of the print medium without depleting an ink concentration of the further source image.

8. The printing system of claim 7, wherein, the processor is to execute the instructions to further: prior to analyzing each of the plurality of regions to determine the ink concentration of each region, isolating text and fine lines in the source image such that the text and the fine lines are not analyzed; and during printing of the optimized image, depleting the ink concentration of the regions marked for depletion of the ink concentration, preserving the ink concentration of the regions not marked for depletion of the ink concentration, and preserving the ink concentration of the text and the fine lines.

9. The printing system of claim 7, wherein, the threshold value is selected to prevent curling of the print medium as a result of printing the optimized image on the first side of the print medium.

10. The printing system of claim 7, wherein, the processor is to execute the instructions to further: during printing of the optimized image, depleting the ink concentration of each region marked for depletion of the ink concentration at a fixed percentage.

11. The printing system of claim 7, wherein, the processor is to execute the instructions to further: during printing of the optimized image, depleting the ink concentration of each region marked for depletion of the ink concentration at a fixed percentage.

12. The printing system of claim 7, wherein, the processor is to execute the instructions to further: receiving a first image and a second image to be printed on opposite sides of the print medium; analyzing the first image and the second image to determine which of the first image and the second image includes a greater ink concentration; in response to the second image including the greater ink concentration, setting the source image to the first image; and in response to the first image including the greater ink concentration, setting the source image to the second image.

13. A method for printing a double-sided print job, the method comprising: receiving a source image to be printed on a first side of a print medium; dividing the source image into a plurality of regions; analyzing each of the plurality of regions to determine an ink concentration of each region; comparing the ink concentration of each of the plurality of regions to a threshold value; in response to a region of the plurality of regions being greater than or equal to the threshold value, depleting the ink concentration of the respective region; in response to a region of the plurality of regions being less than the threshold value, preserving the ink concentration of the respective region; combining the depleted regions and the preserved regions to produce an optimized image; printing the optimized image on the first side of the print medium; and printing a further source image on a second side of the print medium without depleting an ink concentration of the further source image.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving a first image and a second image to be printed on opposite sides of the print medium; analyzing the first image and the second image to determine which of the first image and the second image includes a greater ink concentration; in response to the second image including the greater ink concentration, setting the source image to the first image; and in response to the first image including the greater ink concentration, setting the source image to the second image.

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