Inkjet method and device for printing sparse dot matrix codes

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of sparse dot array code ink-jet printing method and device, the method includes determining the width and height of the allowed ink-jet printing area and the code value of the sparse dot array code;According to the nozzle orifice spacing ratio, the nozzle orifice spacing ratio is the ratio of nozzle orifice spacing and nozzle itself size, and the code point spacing ratio is the ratio of code point spacing and code point itself size;According to the width and height of the allowed ink-jet printing area, ink-jet printing position, the code point spacing ratio candidate array, the material of ink-jet printing position, ink-jet printing ink and / or ink-jet printing shielding condition, the code point spacing ratio and code pattern shape are determined;According to the code value of the sparse dot array code, the ink-jet printing position, the code point spacing ratio and the code pattern shape, ink-jet printing is carried out.The present application has good ink-jet printing stability, excellent nozzle adaptability, supports low-cost consumables, and has excellent beauty and hiding effect after ink-jet printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of anti-counterfeiting technology, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for printing sparse dot matrix codes. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, serious cross-selling issues exist in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution channels. Brands typically implement a unique code for each box or carton to link to the original distributor. However, cross-selling sellers can find and destroy these anti-counterfeiting codes on the packaging, thus negating the brand's evidence. Reliable traceability and verification technologies are needed not only for product packaging but also for the products themselves, such as clothing, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings, and valuable certificates.

[0003] CN109801082A discloses a method, system, server, and storage medium for anti-counterfeiting and anti-diversion of fast-moving consumer goods. It primarily relies on encrypted QR code printing. However, QR codes, whether encrypted or not, are easily detected by the naked eye because the printed area cannot be less than 6mm*6mm, and the positioning pattern is a square, making it very easy to spot, locate, and destroy. It is known that even when using invisible ink, QR codes are still a very conspicuous pale yellow. Furthermore, in the industrial field, inks are divided into ordinary black ink and invisible ink. The cost of invisible ink is at least twice that of black ink.

[0004] CN105741330A discloses a coding method and equipment based on image dot matrix conversion, proposing a cost reduction scheme by decreasing the area and density of ink dots within the same area. However, different printheads experience ink dot drift at high speeds, especially paper speeds exceeding 80 meters per minute, resulting in unreadable codes. Furthermore, common kraft paper is used for outer box coding, or color boxes are made of gray-based white boards with rich patterns; the two materials have different ink absorption effects, making it impossible to use a single dot matrix code to print suitable ink dot size and color depth, causing detection devices to struggle to maintain a high readability rate. While invisible ink can be considered for color boxes, the cost remains too high. Kraft paper is cheaper than color boxes, making kraft paper and black ink a better way to reduce costs; however, currently available dot matrix code technology using black ink is difficult to read and easily detected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for printing sparse dot matrix codes. This method and apparatus for printing sparse dot matrix codes has excellent printing stability, excellent printhead compatibility, supports low-cost consumables, and has excellent aesthetics and concealment effect after printing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for inkjet printing sparse dot matrix codes. The method includes: determining the width and height of an allowed inkjet printing area and the code value of the sparse dot matrix code; determining a candidate array of dot pitch ratios for the sparse dot matrix code based on the nozzle pitch ratio, wherein the nozzle pitch ratio is the ratio of the nozzle spacing to the size of the nozzle itself, and the dot pitch ratio is the ratio of the dot spacing to the size of the dot itself; determining the dot pitch ratio and the code pattern shape based on the width and height of the allowed inkjet printing area, the inkjet printing position, the candidate array of dot pitch ratios, the material of the inkjet printing position, the inkjet printing ink, and / or the inkjet printing occlusion; and performing inkjet printing based on the code value of the sparse dot matrix code, the inkjet printing position, the dot pitch ratio, and the code pattern shape.

[0007] Preferably, determining the candidate array of code point spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code based on the nozzle orifice spacing ratio includes: calculating integer multiples of the nozzle orifice spacing ratio to form the candidate array of code point spacing ratios.

[0008] Preferably, the integer multiple is 1, 2, 3, or 4 times.

[0009] Preferably, determining the dot pitch ratio and code shape based on the width and height of the allowed coding area, the coding position, the candidate array of dot pitch ratios, the material of the coding position, the coding ink, and / or the coding obstruction includes: when the coding ink is invisible ink or the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side of the minimum printhead, determining the dot pitch ratio as the minimum dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of dot pitch ratios; when the coding ink is visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead, determining the following four cases: First case: the coding position is a paste-up area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold. The code point spacing ratio is determined to be the minimum code point spacing ratio in the candidate code point spacing ratio array; Second case: the coding position is a camouflage area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, the code point spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code point spacing ratio in the first case; Third case: the coding position is not a camouflage area and has dark occlusion, the code point spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code point spacing ratio in the second case; Fourth case: the coding position is not a camouflage area and has no dark occlusion, the code point spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code point spacing ratio in the third case; wherein the dark color is a color with a Gray value less than the overall image depth threshold.

[0010] Preferably, when the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the smallest printhead, the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 1 times the nozzle spacing ratio when the coding position is at a gluing point and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold; the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 2 times the nozzle spacing ratio when the coding position is at a gluing point and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold; the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 2 times the nozzle spacing ratio when the coding position is not at a gluing point and is obscured by dark color; the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 3 times the nozzle spacing ratio when the coding position is made of kraft paper, is not at a gluing point and is not obscured by dark color; and the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 4 times the nozzle spacing ratio when the coding position is made of white cardboard, is not at a gluing point and is not obscured by dark color.

[0011] This invention also provides a sparse dot matrix coding device, the device comprising: a parameter determination unit, a processing unit, and a coding unit, wherein the parameter determination unit is used to determine the width and height of the allowed coding area and the code value of the sparse dot matrix code; the processing unit is used to: determine a candidate array of code dot spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code based on the nozzle spacing ratio, wherein the nozzle spacing ratio is the ratio of the nozzle spacing to the size of the nozzle itself, and the code dot spacing ratio is the ratio of the code dot spacing to the size of the code dot itself; determine the code dot spacing ratio and the code pattern shape based on the width and height of the allowed coding area, the coding position, the candidate array of code dot spacing ratios, the material of the coding position, the coding ink, and / or the coding occlusion situation; the coding unit is used to perform coding based on the code value of the sparse dot matrix code, the coding position, the code dot spacing ratio, and the code pattern shape.

[0012] Preferably, the processing unit is used to: calculate integer multiples of the nozzle spacing ratio to form a candidate array of code point spacing ratios.

[0013] Preferably, the integer multiple is 1, 2, 3, or 4 times.

[0014] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to: determine the dot pitch ratio as the minimum dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of dot pitch ratios when the ink is invisible ink or the narrow side of the allowed ink printing area is less than the narrow side of the minimum printhead; and determine the following four cases when the ink is visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed ink printing area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead: First case: the ink printing position is a paste-up area and the narrow side of the allowed ink printing area is less than the narrow side threshold, and determine the dot pitch ratio as the minimum dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of dot pitch ratios; The second scenario: the coding location is a covered area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, then the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the first scenario; the third scenario: the coding location is not a covered area and is obscured by dark colors, then the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the second scenario; the fourth scenario: the coding location is not a covered area and is not obscured by dark colors, then the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the third scenario; wherein the dark color is a color with a Gray value less than the overall image depth threshold.

[0015] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to: when the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the smallest printhead, when the coding position is at a cambered area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than a narrow side threshold, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 1 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the coding position is at a cambered area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 2 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the coding position is not at a cambered area and is obscured by dark color, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 2 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the material of the coding position is kraft paper, the coding position is not at a cambered area and is not obscured by dark color, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 3 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the material of the coding position is white cardboard, the coding position is not at a cambered area and is not obscured by dark color, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 4 times the nozzle spacing ratio.

[0016] Through the above technical solution, the sparse dot matrix code used in this invention can seamlessly integrate into brand information, improving aesthetics. Furthermore, the sparse dot matrix code is difficult for the human eye to perceive, providing excellent concealment. Even when using black ink on kraft paper, a near-invisible effect can be achieved, supporting low-cost consumables. Commercially available printheads generally consist of multiple rows of nozzles, with the mainstream combination being a 2, 3, or 4 nozzle spacing ratio. This invention is compatible with various printheads, exhibiting excellent printhead adaptability. The candidate array of dot spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code is determined based on the nozzle nozzle spacing ratio, thereby selecting the appropriate dot spacing. This results in excellent coding stability, improved post-printing inspection and readability rates, increased inspection efficiency and convenience, and reduced inspection sampling costs.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a sparse dot matrix code inkjet printing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a disassembly diagram of a nozzle provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of a sparse dot matrix coding device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1-Parameter determination unit, 2-Processing unit, 3-Inkjet printing unit Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a sparse dot matrix coding method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0026] Step S101: Determine the width and height of the allowed coding area and the code value of the sparse dot matrix code;

[0027] Among them, sparse dot matrix code is a closed-source encoding and decoding algorithm. The code image cannot be read by other open-source code decoding algorithms. Compared with the traditional dense QR code that converts the code value into binary 1 and 0 and arranges them in the form of dark and light code dots respectively, the code value of micro dot code has obvious gaps of more than one data position between the binary data. The code value can be a string encoded by any character.

[0028] Physical security codes using sparse dot matrix codes with randomly added dot patterns exhibit over 90% robustness within a 20mm x 20mm area. They can still be decoded even when damaged to the point where only a 3mm x 3mm intact area remains, and maintain 15% fault tolerance within the minimum readable area of ​​3mm x 3mm. They can also be read even with interference patterns other than linear, clumped, or irregularly shaped dots. This robust dot matrix code system provides strong support for embedding a sufficient number of anti-counterfeiting features that are independent of area and position.

[0029] The embodiments of this invention preferably use micro-dot codes, which are sparse dot matrix codes with high robustness and adjustable dot spacing. However, those skilled in the art will know that other similar sparse dot matrix codes can also be used, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0030] Step S102: Determine the candidate array of code point spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code based on the nozzle orifice spacing ratio. The nozzle orifice spacing ratio is the ratio of the nozzle orifice spacing to the size of the nozzle itself, and the code point spacing ratio is the ratio of the code point spacing to the size of the code point itself.

[0031] The nozzle typically consists of multiple rows of spray holes, such as... Figure 2 The diagram shows a disassembly schematic of a certain printhead, which consists of four rows of 150 DPI nozzles, equivalent to a 600 DPI nozzle when assembled. However, different printheads, at high speeds, especially above 80 meters per minute, may experience ink droplet drift, resulting in unreadable printed codes. Therefore, embodiments of this invention aim to avoid ink droplet drift caused by multiple nozzles working together at high speeds. Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle itself has 1 unit, and the nozzle spacing is 4 units, therefore the nozzle spacing ratio is 4. Currently, the mainstream nozzle spacing ratio on the market is generally 4, although some nozzles have nozzle spacing ratios of 2 and 3.

[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, an integer multiple of the nozzle spacing ratio is used to form a candidate array for the code dot spacing ratio. Preferably, the integer multiple is 1, 2, 3, or 4 times, but it is not limited to these. Other integer multiples can also be achieved, such as 5 times. When the nozzle spacing is 2 units, the integer multiple can reach 10 times, which will not be elaborated here. However, the code dot spacing ratio should not exceed 20 to prevent the code from becoming unreadable. This code dot spacing results in excellent stability for the inkjet printing.

[0033] Step S103: Determine the dot spacing ratio and code shape based on the width and height of the allowed coding area, the coding position, the candidate array of the dot spacing ratio, the material of the coding position, the coding ink and / or the coding occlusion.

[0034] Specifically, for the code shape, if the coding position is irregular, the code shape will also match accordingly.

[0035] Regarding the code point spacing ratio, the present invention provides the following embodiments:

[0036] 1. When the ink used for coding is invisible ink or the narrow side of the allowed coding area is smaller than the narrow side of the smallest printhead (generally 12.7mm), the dot pitch ratio is determined to be the smallest dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of dot pitch ratios, including several possibilities as shown in the table below:

[0037] Table 1

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] 2. When the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead (generally 12.7mm), determine that the dot pitch ratio of the next case is not less than the dot pitch ratio of the previous case in the following four situations:

[0042] The first case: the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold (preferably 15mm). In this case, the code dot spacing ratio is the minimum code dot spacing ratio.

[0043] The second case: the coding position is a paste-up area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold. In this case, the code dot spacing ratio is not less than the code dot spacing ratio in the first case.

[0044] The third case: The coding location is not a glued area and is covered by dark color. In this case, the code dot spacing ratio is not less than that in the second case.

[0045] The fourth scenario: The coding location is not a grouting area and is not obscured by dark colors. In this scenario, the dot spacing ratio is not less than that in the third scenario.

[0046] In this article, "dark colors" refers to colors with a Gray value less than the overall image's lightness / darkness threshold. Commonly known inks use cyan (C), magenta (M), black (K), and yellow (Y) as base colors for overprinting. After being captured by image acquisition equipment, these inks are converted into the RGB color space, where lower grayscale values ​​represent darker colors, and higher grayscale values ​​represent lighter colors. For example, K, M, and C represent darker colors, and Y represents lighter colors. The well-known grayscale formula is Gray = 0.30*R + 0.59*G + 0.11*B. Gray values ​​range from 0 to 255, with values ​​closer to 0 representing darker colors and values ​​closer to 255 representing lighter colors. Specifically, a threshold for distinguishing lightness / darkness can be dynamically calculated for each image, such as by averaging the grayscale values ​​of all pixels in the image, but this is not limited to this. Therefore, colors with grayscale values ​​greater than this lightness / darkness threshold are defined as close to 255, and colors with grayscale values ​​less than or equal to this lightness / darkness threshold are defined as close to 0.

[0047] Regarding the situation described above where "the ink used for coding is a visible dark ink and the narrow edge of the coding area is allowed to be greater than or equal to the narrow edge of the smallest printhead (generally 12.7mm)," the following examples only illustrate the case where the candidate array for the dot pitch ratio is an integer multiple of the nozzle pitch ratio, such as 1, 2, 3, or 4. Other integer multiples can also meet the requirements, and will not be elaborated here.

[0048] When the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 1 times the nozzle spacing ratio. This is because the glued area will have random adhesive, and tearing the image is ineffective. Therefore, the code dot spacing ratio needs to be reduced to improve fault tolerance.

[0049] When the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be twice the nozzle spacing ratio. This is because the glued area will have random adhesive, and tearing the image is ineffective. It is necessary to reduce the code dot spacing ratio to improve fault tolerance, but it can be greater than the case where the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold.

[0050] When the coding location is not a glued area and is covered by dark colors, the dot spacing ratio is determined to be twice the nozzle spacing ratio. This is because the dark pattern covering does not affect the aesthetics and is not easily noticed, so a smaller dot spacing ratio is sufficient.

[0051] When the material of the coding location is kraft paper, the coding location is not a glued area and there is no dark obscuration, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 3 times the nozzle spacing ratio. The reason is that when there is no dark pattern obscuration, the code dot spacing ratio needs to be increased so that it is not easily detected by the human eye.

[0052] When the material of the coding position is white cardboard, the coding position is not a glued area and there is no dark obscuring, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 4 times the nozzle spacing ratio. The reason is that the background of the kraft paper is lighter than that of the paper, so the code dot spacing ratio needs to be further increased in order to make it less noticeable to the human eye.

[0053] Step S104: Perform inkjet printing based on the code value of the sparse dot matrix code, the inkjet printing position, the code dot spacing ratio, and the code pattern shape.

[0054] Once the code value, inkjet position, dot pitch ratio, and code shape of the sparse dot matrix code are determined, a code image data stream can be generated accordingly. The data stream is then printed using an appropriate inkjet power to perform the inkjet printing.

[0055] After obtaining the actual code image through inkjet printing, a detection system using the corresponding code decoding algorithm can detect the code image to obtain the code value. Using the brand owner's or manufacturer's existing IT system for multi-level packaging and associated shipments, the code value and associated business data (including but not limited to shipping order numbers and distributor information) can be output as a relationship between the code value and the associated business data. During barcode scanning audits, a corresponding decoding optical device can be used to scan the code to obtain the code value. Then, the decoding software can be used to connect to the internet and query the relationship between the code value and the associated business data to obtain the relevant business data.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of a sparse dot matrix coding device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the device includes: a parameter determination unit 1, a processing unit 2, and a coding unit 3. The parameter determination unit 1 is used to determine the width and height of the allowed coding area and the code value of the sparse dot matrix code. The processing unit 2 is used to: determine a candidate array of code dot spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code based on the nozzle spacing ratio, where the nozzle spacing ratio is the ratio of the nozzle spacing to the size of the nozzle itself, and the code dot spacing ratio is the ratio of the code dot spacing to the size of the code dot itself; determine the code dot spacing ratio and the code pattern shape based on the width and height of the allowed coding area, the coding position, the candidate array of code dot spacing ratios, the material of the coding position, the coding ink, and / or the coding obstruction situation; and the coding unit 3 is used to perform coding based on the code value of the sparse dot matrix code, the coding position, the code dot spacing ratio, and the code pattern shape.

[0057] Preferably, the processing unit 2 is used to: calculate integer multiples of the nozzle spacing ratio to form a candidate array of code point spacing ratios.

[0058] Preferably, the integer multiple is 1, 2, 3, or 4 times.

[0059] Preferably, the processing unit 2 is configured to: determine the dot pitch ratio as the minimum dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of dot pitch ratios when the inkjet ink is invisible ink or the narrow side of the allowed inkjet area is less than the narrow side of the minimum printhead; and determine the following four cases when the inkjet ink is visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed inkjet area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead: First case: the inkjet position is a paste-up area and the narrow side of the allowed inkjet area is less than the narrow side threshold, and determine the dot pitch ratio as the minimum dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of dot pitch ratios. The second scenario: the coding location is a non-coated area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, thus the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the first scenario; the third scenario: the coding location is a non-coated area and is obscured by dark colors, thus the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the second scenario; the fourth scenario: the coding location is a non-coated area and is not obscured by dark colors, thus the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the third scenario; wherein the dark color is a color with a Gray value less than the overall image depth threshold.

[0060] Preferably, the processing unit 2 is configured to: when the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the smallest printhead, when the coding position is at a cambered area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than a narrow side threshold, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 1 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the coding position is at a cambered area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 2 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the coding position is not at a cambered area and is obscured by dark color, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 2 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the material of the coding position is kraft paper, the coding position is not at a cambered area and is not obscured by dark color, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 3 times the nozzle spacing ratio; when the material of the coding position is white cardboard, the coding position is not at a cambered area and is not obscured by dark color, determine that the dot spacing ratio is 4 times the nozzle spacing ratio.

[0061] The embodiments of the sparse dot matrix code inkjet printing device described above are similar to the embodiments of the sparse dot matrix code inkjet printing method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0063] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0064] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0065] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0066] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0067] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0068] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0069] It should also be noted that 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 process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0070] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for inkjet printing sparse dot matrix codes, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the width and height of the allowed coding area and the code value of the sparse dot matrix code; The candidate array of code point spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code is determined based on the nozzle orifice spacing ratio, wherein the nozzle orifice spacing ratio is the ratio of the nozzle orifice spacing to the size of the nozzle orifice itself, and the code point spacing ratio is the ratio of the code point spacing to the size of the code point itself. Based on the width and height of the allowed coding area, the coding position, the candidate array of code dot pitch ratios, the material of the coding position, the coding ink, and / or the coding occlusion, the code dot pitch ratio and the code pattern shape are determined, including: when the coding ink is invisible ink or the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side of the minimum printhead, the code dot pitch ratio is determined to be the minimum code dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of code dot pitch ratios; when the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead, the following four cases are determined, wherein the dark ink is a color with a Gray value less than the overall image depth threshold: In the first case: the inkjet printing position is the paste area and the narrow side of the allowed inkjet printing area is less than the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be the minimum code dot spacing ratio in the candidate array of code dot spacing ratios; The second scenario: the coding location is a paste-up area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, then the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the first scenario; The third scenario: the coding location is not a glued area and is covered by a dark color, and the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the second scenario; The fourth scenario: the coding location is not a glued area and there is no dark obstruction, and the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the third scenario; The inkjet printing is performed based on the code value of the sparse dot matrix code, the inkjet printing position, the code dot spacing ratio, and the code pattern shape.

2. The inkjet printing method for sparse dot matrix codes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The candidate array for determining the code point spacing ratio of the sparse dot matrix code based on the nozzle orifice spacing ratio includes: Calculate integer multiples of the nozzle spacing ratio to form a candidate array of code dot spacing ratios.

3. The inkjet printing method for sparse dot matrix codes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The integer multiple is 1, 2, 3 or 4 times.

4. The inkjet printing method for sparse dot matrix codes according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead. When the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 1 times the nozzle spacing ratio; When the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be twice the nozzle spacing ratio; When the coding location is not a glued area and is covered by dark color, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be twice the nozzle spacing ratio; When the material of the inkjet printing location is kraft paper, the inkjet printing location is not a glued area and there is no dark obscuring, the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 3 times the nozzle spacing ratio; When the material of the coding position is white cardboard, the coding position is not a glued area and there is no dark obscuring, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 4 times the nozzle spacing ratio.

5. A sparse dot matrix coding device, characterized in that, The device includes: The system comprises a parameter determination unit, a processing unit, and a coding unit. The parameter determination unit is used to determine the width and height of the allowed inkjet printing area and the code value of the sparse dot matrix code; The processing unit is used for: The candidate array of code point spacing ratios for the sparse dot matrix code is determined based on the nozzle orifice spacing ratio, wherein the nozzle orifice spacing ratio is the ratio of the nozzle orifice spacing to the size of the nozzle orifice itself, and the code point spacing ratio is the ratio of the code point spacing to the size of the code point itself. Based on the width and height of the allowed coding area, the coding position, the candidate array of code dot pitch ratios, the material of the coding position, the coding ink, and / or the coding occlusion, the code dot pitch ratio and the code pattern shape are determined, including: when the coding ink is invisible ink or the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side of the minimum printhead, the code dot pitch ratio is determined to be the minimum code dot pitch ratio in the candidate array of code dot pitch ratios; when the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead, the following four cases are determined, wherein the dark ink is a color with a Gray value less than the overall image depth threshold: In the first case: the inkjet printing position is the paste area and the narrow side of the allowed inkjet printing area is less than the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be the minimum code dot spacing ratio in the candidate array of code dot spacing ratios; The second scenario: the coding location is a paste-up area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, then the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the first scenario; The third scenario: the coding location is not a glued area and is covered by a dark color, and the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the second scenario; The fourth scenario: the coding location is not a glued area and there is no dark obstruction, and the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be no less than the code dot spacing ratio in the third scenario; The coding unit is used to perform coding based on the code value of the sparse dot matrix code, the coding position, the code dot spacing ratio, and the code pattern shape.

6. The inkjet printing device for sparse dot matrix codes according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing unit is used for: Calculate integer multiples of the nozzle spacing ratio to form a candidate array of code dot spacing ratios.

7. The inkjet printing device for sparse dot matrix codes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The integer multiple is 1, 2, 3 or 4 times.

8. The inkjet printing device for sparse dot matrix codes according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing unit is configured to: when the coding ink is a visible dark ink and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side of the minimum printhead. When the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is less than the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 1 times the nozzle spacing ratio; When the coding position is at the glued area and the narrow side of the allowed coding area is greater than or equal to the narrow side threshold, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be twice the nozzle spacing ratio; When the coding location is not a glued area and is covered by dark color, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be twice the nozzle spacing ratio; When the material of the inkjet printing location is kraft paper, the inkjet printing location is not a glued area and there is no dark obscuring, the dot spacing ratio is determined to be 3 times the nozzle spacing ratio; When the material of the coding position is white cardboard, the coding position is not a glued area and there is no dark obscuring, the code dot spacing ratio is determined to be 4 times the nozzle spacing ratio.

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