An automatic inkjet printing system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automatic inkjet printing technology, and discloses an automatic inkjet printing system and method. It utilizes photoelectric sensing technology of an inductive switch to determine the product's position on a conveyor belt, uses a camera to acquire product images, and determines the inkjet printing position and detects inkjet printing quality through image recognition and comparative analysis, thereby improving inkjet printing accuracy and ensuring inkjet printing quality. This invention determines whether automatic inkjet printing is needed by comparing the current product information with preset product information, reducing the process of sorting and printing individual products based on current information, saving equipment costs, and improving inkjet printing accuracy. By using image recognition to identify the pre-printed inkjet printing position and adjusting the inkjet printer height accordingly, the degree of automation is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic inkjet printing technology, and specifically to an automatic inkjet printing system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Before products leave the warehouse, they usually need to be marked with identifying patterns or text on their outer packaging, which is typically done using an inkjet printer. However, before the inkjet printer can print, it needs to determine the specific content of the pattern or text to be printed on the outer packaging based on the relevant information of the product. In the current technology, this process is usually done manually, which results in a high probability of printing errors, low automation, and low printing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an automatic inkjet printing system and method to solve the problems of low accuracy and low automation in existing inkjet printing processes.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an automatic inkjet printing system, comprising: a conveyor belt, a code reader, a first camera, a controller, an inkjet printer, a height adjustment device, multiple inductive switches, a second camera, and sorting equipment, wherein...

[0005] Conveyor belts are used to transport products from the beginning of the conveyor belt to the end of the conveyor belt;

[0006] The barcode reader, located at the first preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt, is connected to the controller and is used to read the product's own QR code to identify the current product information and transmit the current product information to the controller.

[0007] The first camera, located at the second preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt, is connected to the controller and is used to take pictures of the product according to the camera's shooting instructions to obtain product images and send the product images to the controller.

[0008] The inkjet printer is installed at the third preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt via a height adjustment device and is connected to the controller. It is used to print ink according to the inkjet printing instructions of the controller. The distance between the first preset position, the second preset position, the third preset position and the starting point of the conveyor belt increases sequentially.

[0009] A height adjustment device, connected to the controller, is used to adjust the height of the inkjet printer according to the height adjustment command of the controller;

[0010] Multiple sensor switches are located at multiple fourth preset positions on both sides of the conveyor belt and are connected to the controller to acquire product position information and transmit the product position information to the controller.

[0011] The second camera, located at the fifth preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt, is connected to the controller and is used to take pictures of the inkjet-printed product according to the camera's photo-taking instructions to obtain inkjet-printed images, and then send the inkjet-printed images to the controller.

[0012] The sorting equipment is located at the sixth preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt and is connected to the controller. It is used to sort products according to the sorting instructions of the controller. The distance between the first preset position, the second preset position, the third preset position, the fifth preset position, and the sixth preset position and the starting point of the conveyor belt increases sequentially.

[0013] The controller compares the current product information with the preset product information. When the current product information and the preset product information are completely consistent, it controls the first camera to take a picture of the product based on the product position information, and determines the pre-printing position based on the product image. Alternatively, it controls the height adjustment device to drive the inkjet printer to print at the pre-printing position based on the pre-printing position. The inkjet printing quality is detected based on the inkjet image to obtain the inkjet printing detection result, and a sorting instruction is issued based on the inkjet printing detection result.

[0014] The automatic inkjet coding system provided by this invention determines whether to automatically inkjet code by comparing whether the current product information is consistent with the preset product information. This reduces the process of sorting and inkjet coding based on the current product information, saves equipment costs, and improves the accuracy of inkjet coding. By using image recognition to identify the pre-inking position, the height of the inkjet printer is adjusted according to the pre-inking position for automatic inkjet coding, which improves the degree of automation.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the fourth preset position includes:

[0016] The first camera is located on the side closest to the start of the conveyor belt;

[0017] The inkjet printer is located on the side closest to the start of the conveyor belt;

[0018] The second camera is located on the side near the start of the conveyor belt.

[0019] The automatic inkjet printing system provided by this invention, by installing inductive switches on the side of the first camera and the inkjet printer near the starting point of the conveyor belt, facilitates the determination of whether the product has reached the position of the first camera and the inkjet printer by the inductive switches, thereby controlling the time of taking pictures and printing inkjet printing, and improving the accuracy of the time of taking pictures and printing inkjet printing.

[0020] In one alternative implementation, the height adjustment device is a traveling mechanism.

[0021] The automatic inkjet printing system provided by this invention uses a common mechanical structure and control technology for the traveling mechanism. By using the traveling mechanism as a height adjustment device, it is easy to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the inkjet printer for accurate inkjet printing.

[0022] In one optional implementation, the controller is connected to an external host computer, and the controller obtains preset product information from the external host computer. The preset product information includes: supplier number, product sales area, vehicle information, logistics information, and product type information.

[0023] The automatic inkjet printing system provided by this invention allows the controller to acquire preset product information from an external source, reducing the storage space occupied by the controller itself and improving the versatility of the automatic inkjet printing system. The preset product information includes multiple contents, and comparing and confirming these multiple contents ensures the accuracy of the automatic inkjet printing.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an automatic inkjet printing method, applied to the automatic inkjet printing system of any one of the first aspects, the method comprising:

[0025] Obtain current product information and product location information, and compare the current product information with preset product information;

[0026] If the current product information is consistent with the preset product information, and the current product position is determined to be the second preset position based on the product position information, the product image is acquired using the first camera;

[0027] Determine the pre-printing position based on the product image, and adjust the height of the inkjet printer accordingly.

[0028] When the current product position is determined to be the third preset position based on the product position information, the inkjet printer is used to print at the preset printing position.

[0029] When the current product position is determined to be the fifth preset position based on the product position information, the second camera is used to acquire the inkjet image.

[0030] The inkjet printing quality is detected based on the inkjet image to obtain the inkjet printing result;

[0031] The products are sorted using the sorting equipment based on the inkjet printing results.

[0032] The automatic inkjet printing method provided by this invention determines whether to automatically print inkjet by comparing whether the current product information is consistent with the preset product information. This reduces the process of sorting and printing inkjet based on the current product information, saves equipment costs, and improves the accuracy of inkjet printing. By using image recognition to identify the pre-printing position, the height of the inkjet printer is adjusted according to the pre-printing position for automatic printing, which improves the degree of automation.

[0033] In one optional implementation, the product location information is obtained as follows:

[0034] When a product passes by a sensor switch, the sensor switch sends an electrical signal to the controller. The controller then determines the product's location based on the position of the sensor switch that sent the signal.

[0035] The automatic inkjet printing method provided by this invention uses the level signal from the inductive switch to the controller to determine the product position. It is simple to use and has a low failure rate, ensuring the stability of the automatic inkjet printing system.

[0036] In one alternative implementation, when the product reaches the side of the first camera near the start of the conveyor belt, the inductive switch located on the side of the first camera near the start of the conveyor belt sends a second position signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first camera to take a picture according to the second position signal.

[0037] When the product arrives at the side of the inkjet printer near the start of the conveyor belt, the induction switch located on the side of the inkjet printer near the start of the conveyor belt sends a third position signal to the controller. The controller then controls the inkjet printer to print the product based on the third position signal.

[0038] When the product reaches the side of the second camera near the start of the conveyor belt, the sensor switch located on the side of the second camera near the start of the conveyor belt sends a fifth position signal to the controller, and the controller controls the second camera to take a picture based on the fifth position signal.

[0039] The automatic inkjet printing method provided by the present invention improves the accuracy of photographing and inkjet printing time by installing inductive switches on the side of the first camera and the inkjet printer near the starting point of the conveyor belt. The inductive switches determine whether the product has reached the position of the first camera and the position of the inkjet printer, thereby controlling the time of photographing and inkjet printing.

[0040] In one optional implementation, sorting products using the sorting equipment based on the coding result includes:

[0041] If the coding result is qualified in the coding quality test, the sorting equipment will not operate, and the conveyor belt will continue to transport the product to the qualified coding area.

[0042] If the coding result is that the coding quality inspection is unqualified, the sorting equipment will operate and place the product in the coding unqualified area.

[0043] The automatic inkjet printing method provided by this invention detects the inkjet printing quality based on the inkjet printing results and automatically sorts qualified and unqualified inkjet printing products, thereby improving inkjet printing quality and sorting efficiency.

[0044] Thirdly, the present invention provides a computer device, comprising: a memory and a processor, the memory and the processor being communicatively connected to each other, the memory storing computer instructions, and the processor executing the computer instructions to perform the method described in the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof.

[0045] Fourthly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a computer to perform the method described in the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic inkjet printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another automatic inkjet printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an automatic inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] This invention provides an automatic inkjet printing system and method, which determines whether to automatically print inkjet by comparing the current product information with preset product information, thereby improving the accuracy and automation of inkjet printing.

[0053] According to embodiments of the present invention, an automatic inkjet printing system is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a conveyor belt 1, a barcode reader 2, a first camera 3, a controller 4, an inkjet printer 5, a height adjustment device 6, multiple sensor switches 7, a second camera 8, and a sorting device 9, wherein...

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, conveyor belt 1 is used to transport products from the starting point of conveyor belt 1 to the ending point of conveyor belt 1.

[0055] Specifically, before the products are loaded onto the truck, the products are placed on different conveyor belts 1 according to different orders. The starting point of conveyor belt 1 is connected to the outbound chain, and the products entering conveyor belt 1 are products that have been sorted by the sorting robot. The ending point of conveyor belt 1 is connected to the transport vehicle, and the transport vehicle will also be reflected in the order. In other words, the automatic inkjet printing system is set on conveyor belt 1 before the products are loaded onto the truck.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the barcode reader 2 is located at the first preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt 1 and is connected to the controller 4. It is used to read the QR code of the product itself to identify the current product information and transmit the current product information to the controller 4.

[0057] Specifically, each product has a unique QR code after it comes off the production line. The information in the QR code includes, but is not limited to, the supplier number corresponding to the current product, the product sales region, vehicle information, logistics information, product type information, and relevant production information. Among them, the relevant production information is the product's corresponding smallest stock keeping unit (SKU) information, which can also be called the product's unique identification number. The information content in the QR code can be preset, and the specific setting method is not restricted here. Based on the position of the product's QR code, the orientation and angle of the product when it enters the conveyor belt 1, etc., the first preset position and angle of the barcode reader 2 on the conveyor belt 1 are determined so that when the product passes by the barcode reader 2, the barcode reader 2 can read the product's QR code and identify the current product information.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the first camera 3 is located at the second preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt 1 and is connected to the controller 4. It is used to take pictures of the product according to the picture-taking command of the controller 4 to obtain product images and send the product images to the controller 4.

[0059] Specifically, the first camera 3 is a three-dimensional first camera. The product image obtained by taking pictures of the product is a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image contains more information about the product's appearance. When the controller 4 uses the three-dimensional image for image analysis, it can more accurately determine the pre-marking position. Alternatively, multiple ordinary two-dimensional first cameras can be used instead of the three-dimensional first camera to acquire multiple two-dimensional images of the product. Then, the controller 4 uses image analysis to comprehensively process the multiple two-dimensional images to determine the pre-marking position. If the accuracy of the pre-marking position is not very important, ordinary two-dimensional first cameras can also be used. This is just an example and is not a limitation.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the inkjet printer 5 is installed at the third preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt 1 via the height adjustment device 6 and is connected to the controller 4 to perform inkjet printing according to the inkjet printing instructions of the controller 4.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the height adjustment device 6 is connected to the controller 4 and is used to adjust the height of the inkjet printer 5 according to the height adjustment command of the controller 4.

[0062] Specifically, the inkjet printer 5 can be any model of inkjet printer 5 that can execute inkjet printing according to the inkjet printing command of the external controller 4, which will not be elaborated here. The inkjet printing content of the inkjet printer 5 can be preset by the controller 4 or the host computer, and the inkjet printing content corresponds one-to-one with the preset product information. The adjustment range of the height adjustment device 6 is less than or equal to the height of the product to ensure that the height adjustment device 6 can drive the inkjet printer 5 to move up and down, so that the inkjet printing position of the inkjet printer 5 is consistent with the pre-printing position determined by the controller 4 through the product image, and the inkjet printer 5 can print accurately. For the inkjet printer, a flow sensor is installed at the preset position of the printhead to determine whether the printhead is blocked by detecting the flow of the printhead. If the printhead is blocked, a fault alarm is issued to remind the user to deal with the fault. A capacity sensor is installed at the preset position of the ink cartridge to monitor the remaining ink in the ink cartridge. When the capacity is lower than the preset ink capacity threshold, an alarm is issued to remind the user to add ink. This is only an example and is not limited to this.

[0063] The inkjet printer's printing speed is adaptively adjusted according to the size of the box and the length of the printed content. When the box is large and the printed content is long, the printing speed is increased; when the box is small and the printed content is short, the printing speed is decreased. This is just an example and is not a limitation.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple sensor switches 7 are located at multiple fourth preset positions on both sides of the conveyor belt 1 and are connected to the controller 4 to acquire product position information and transmit the product position information to the controller 4.

[0065] Specifically, the induction switch 7 can be a photoelectric induction switch, which is only an example and is not limited thereto. When no product passes between the transmitter and receiver of the induction switch 7, the induction switch 7 does not emit an electrical signal. When a product passes between the transmitter and receiver of the induction switch 7, the receiver cannot receive the light emitted by the transmitter due to the product blocking it. The induction switch 7 then emits an electrical signal to the controller 4. After receiving the electrical signal of the corresponding induction switch 7, the controller 4 determines the product position information based on the position of the induction switch 7.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the second camera 8 is located at the fifth preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt and is connected to the controller. It is used to take pictures of the inkjet-printed product according to the camera's photo instruction to obtain inkjet-printed images and send the inkjet-printed images to the controller.

[0067] Specifically, the second camera 8 can be a two-dimensional camera, and the shooting area can be larger than the inkjet printing area. It can also shoot the entire surface of one side of the inkjet printing. This is just an example, but it is not limited to this.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the sorting device 9 is located at the sixth preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt and is connected to the controller. It is used to sort products according to the sorting instructions of the controller. The distances from the first preset position, the second preset position, the third preset position, the fifth preset position, and the sixth preset position to the starting point of the conveyor belt increase sequentially.

[0069] Specifically, sorting equipment 9 can be a robotic arm or an interception device. If the inkjet printing quality fails the inspection, the robotic arm will place the corresponding product in a preset inkjet printing failure area, or the interception device will push the corresponding product off the conveyor belt to the preset inkjet printing failure area. This is just an example, but not a limitation.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, controller 4 is used to compare the current product information with preset product information. When the current product information and the preset product information are completely consistent, it controls the first camera to take a picture of the product based on the product position information, and determines the pre-printing position based on the product image. Alternatively, it controls the height adjustment device to drive the inkjet printer to print at the pre-printing position based on the pre-printing position. The inkjet printing quality is detected based on the inkjet image, and a sorting instruction is issued based on the inkjet printing detection result. Acceptable inkjet printing quality includes: inkjet printing has been completed and the inkjet printing content is clearly displayed. If inkjet printing is not detected, or the inkjet printing content is incorrect, or the inkjet printing content is unclear, the inkjet printing quality is considered unacceptable.

[0071] Controller 4, acting as the "brain" of the automatic inkjet printing system, acquires relevant information and controls related equipment to perform actions, enabling the automatic inkjet printing system to automatically complete the inkjet printing task. Optionally, controller 4 can be a programmable logic controller (PLC), but this is only an example and not a limitation. Controller 4 acquires the current product information through the code reader 2 and compares it with preset product information. If they match perfectly, the product continues to be transmitted; if the current product information differs from the preset product information, an alarm is issued, and the product is manually or automatically placed in the incorrect product storage area, this is only an example and not a limitation. If controller 4 receives a signal that the product has reached the second preset position, it controls the first camera 3 to take a picture of the product. Controller 4 processes the product image using a preset image processing algorithm and, combined with the current position of the product, determines the pre-printed code position on the product's outer packaging.

[0072] When processing using a preset image processing algorithm, a blank area within a specified range (the area that the inkjet printer can cover when moving up and down) is determined. The length and width of the blank area are measured and compared with the length and width occupied by the field to be printed. If the length and width of the blank area are greater than those of the field to be printed, the blank area is selected as the pre-printing position, and the inkjet printer is controlled to move to the pre-printing position for printing; otherwise, no printing is performed. If there are multiple blank areas, the length and width of each blank area need to be measured individually. The blank area that meets the above requirements is selected as the pre-printing position. If multiple areas meet the above requirements, one blank area is selected as the pre-printing position for printing based on the actual situation. This is just an example and is not a limitation.

[0073] The controller 4 determines whether the height of the inkjet printer 5 needs to be adjusted based on the pre-printing position and the current printing position of the inkjet printer 5. If the error between the pre-printing position and the current printing position of the inkjet printer 5 is greater than a preset error threshold, the controller 4 determines the adjustment height based on the error and sends the adjustment height to the height adjustment device 6. The height adjustment device 6 then moves the inkjet printer 5 up and down so that the current printing position of the inkjet printer 5 reaches the pre-printing position. When the controller 4 receives a signal that the product has reached the third preset position, it sends a printing command to the inkjet printer 5, and the inkjet printer 5 automatically executes the printing action.

[0074] It should be noted that the entire automatic inkjet printing system has a pre-maintenance reminder function. When a device reaches a corresponding preset state or reaches its maintenance cycle, a maintenance reminder will be issued to promptly maintain the automatic inkjet printing system and ensure its normal operation.

[0075] The automatic inkjet printing system provided in this embodiment determines whether to automatically print inkjet by comparing whether the current product information is consistent with the preset product information. This reduces the process of sorting and printing inkjet based on the current product information, saves equipment costs, and improves the accuracy of inkjet printing. After recognizing the pre-printing position using image recognition, the height of the inkjet printer 5 is adjusted according to the pre-printing position for automatic inkjet printing, which improves the degree of automation.

[0076] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fourth preset position includes:

[0077] The first camera 3 is located on the side near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1, the inkjet printer 5 is located on the side near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1, and the second camera 8 is located on the side near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1.

[0078] Specifically, since the first camera 3 and the second camera 8 need to take pictures of the product, and the inkjet printer 5 needs to print codes on the product, it is necessary to determine whether the product has reached the second preset position (that is, the position where the first camera 3 is suitable for taking pictures) or the third preset position (that is, the position where the inkjet printer 5 is suitable for printing codes). Therefore, induction switches 7 are installed on the side of the first camera 3 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1 and on the side of the inkjet printer 5 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1 to determine the product position, and to determine whether the first camera 3 takes a picture and the inkjet printer 5 prints codes based on the product position. The picture taking time of the first camera 3 can be determined based on the position of the first camera 3 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1, the position of the first camera 3, and the speed of the conveyor belt 1. The interval time from the product to the first camera 3 is determined by the induction switch 7. After the product triggers the induction switch 7, the interval time is extended and the product reaches the second preset position. At this time, the first camera 3 is controlled to take a picture. The specific adjustment process can be calculated and determined according to the actual situation. The determination process of the inkjet printer 5 printing time and the picture taking time of the second camera 8 is the same as that of the first camera 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] Data processing can be performed in the controller or on the host computer side through data interaction between the controller and the host computer. This is just an example and is not a limitation.

[0080] The automatic inkjet printing system provided in this embodiment, by installing induction switches 7 on the side of the first camera 3 and the inkjet printer 5 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1 respectively, facilitates the determination of whether the product has reached the position of the first camera 3 and the inkjet printer 5 through the induction switches 7, thereby controlling the time of taking pictures and printing inkjet printing, and improving the accuracy of the time of taking pictures and printing inkjet printing.

[0081] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the height adjustment device 6 is a traveling mechanism.

[0082] Specifically, common traveling mechanisms include wheeled, wheel-rail, and tracked types. In this embodiment, the height adjustment device 6 can select the form of the traveling mechanism according to the actual situation. For example, if the positional accuracy of the inkjet printer 5 is high, a tracked traveling mechanism can be selected. At the same time, the adjustment accuracy of the traveling mechanism can be improved by combining the control step size in the controller 4. This is just an example, but it is not a limitation.

[0083] The automatic inkjet printing system provided in this embodiment controls the mechanical structure of the traveling mechanism through relevant technologies. The traveling mechanism is used as a height adjustment device 6, which facilitates the control of the height adjustment device 6 to adjust the height of the inkjet printer 5 for accurate inkjet printing.

[0084] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 2As shown, controller 4 is connected to an external host computer. Controller 4 obtains preset product information from the external host computer. The preset product information includes: supplier number, product sales area, vehicle information, logistics information, and product type information.

[0085] Specifically, the preset product information can be determined based on order information. It can be obtained directly from the order management system or manually entered based on the order. This is just an example, but not a limitation. The content it includes can be set as needed, including but not limited to supplier number, product sales area, vehicle information, logistics information, and product type information. In addition to being obtained from an external host computer, the preset product information can also be stored in the controller 4's own storage space. This is just an example, but not a limitation.

[0086] The automatic inkjet printing system provided in this embodiment obtains preset product information from the outside, reducing the storage space occupied by the controller 4 and improving the versatility of the automatic inkjet printing system. The preset product information includes multiple contents, and the comparison and confirmation of multiple contents ensures the accuracy of automatic inkjet printing.

[0087] This embodiment provides an automatic inkjet printing method, applied to the automatic inkjet printing system of the previous embodiment. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an automatic inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0088] Step S301: Obtain current product information and product location information, and compare the current product information with preset product information.

[0089] Specifically, the current product information is the QR code marked on the product packaging when the product comes off the production line. Before proceeding, the QR code on the product packaging can be read by the code reader 2 to determine the current product information. The product location information can be determined by a location detection device or by a sensor switch 7 to determine whether the product has reached multiple preset locations. This is just an example and is not limited to this. The current product information and the preset product information each contain multiple information items, and the information items are the same, but the content of each information item may be different. Therefore, it is necessary to compare whether the content of each information item in the current product information and the preset product information is the same.

[0090] Step S302: If the current product information is consistent with the preset product information, and the current product position is determined to be the second preset position based on the product position information, the product image is acquired using the first camera.

[0091] Specifically, if the content of multiple information items in the current product information is identical to that in the preset product information, it indicates that the current product information is consistent with the preset product information. The multiple information items to be compared can be set in advance according to the coding requirements. Information items that do not need to be compared are not discussed here. For example, if the information item is product type information, and the product type in the current product information is A, and the product type in the preset product information is also A, then the product type information is the same. Based on this comparison method, multiple information items are compared one by one. When the content of one of the multiple information items is different, the product is placed in the error product storage area. If the current product information is consistent with the preset product information, and the current product reaches the second preset position based on the product position information, the first camera 3 is used to acquire an image of the product.

[0092] Step S303: Determine the pre-printing position based on the product image, and adjust the height of the inkjet printer according to the pre-printing position.

[0093] Specifically, image processing and analysis are performed on the product image to determine the pre-printing code position on the product's outer packaging. Specific image processing and analysis methods can employ existing methods such as feature point selection, which will not be elaborated upon here. The pre-printing code position may vary depending on the product's posture on conveyor belt 1. To ensure that the actual printing position does not deviate significantly from the pre-printing position, the height of the inkjet printer 5 needs to be adjusted according to the pre-printing position. Specific adjustment methods are explained in the above-mentioned automatic inkjet printing system and will not be repeated here.

[0094] Step S304: When the current product position is determined to be the third preset position based on the product position information, the inkjet printer is used to print at the preset position.

[0095] Specifically, when the product reaches the third preset position, that is, when the product reaches the position suitable for inkjet printer 5 to print, the inkjet printer 5 is controlled to print.

[0096] Step S305: When the current product position is determined to be the fifth preset position based on the product position information, the second camera 8 is used to acquire the inkjet image.

[0097] Step S306: Detect the inkjet printing quality based on the inkjet printing image to obtain the inkjet printing result.

[0098] Step S307: Based on the coding results, the products are sorted using the sorting equipment 9.

[0099] In one optional implementation, the sorting equipment 9 is used to sort the products according to the coding result, including:

[0100] If the coding result is qualified in the coding quality test, the sorting equipment 9 will not operate, and the conveyor belt will continue to transport the product to the qualified coding area.

[0101] If the coding result is that the coding quality inspection is unqualified, the sorting equipment 9 will operate and place the product in the coding unqualified area.

[0102] The automatic inkjet printing method provided by this invention detects the inkjet printing quality based on the inkjet printing results and automatically sorts qualified and unqualified inkjet printing products, thereby improving inkjet printing quality and sorting efficiency.

[0103] The automatic inkjet printing method provided in this embodiment determines whether to automatically print inkjet by comparing whether the current product information is consistent with the preset product information. This reduces the process of sorting and printing inkjet based on the current product information, saves equipment costs, and improves the accuracy of inkjet printing. After using image recognition to identify the pre-printing position, the height of the inkjet printer 5 is adjusted according to the pre-printing position for automatic inkjet printing, which improves the degree of automation.

[0104] In some optional implementations, the product location information is obtained in the following ways:

[0105] When the product passes by the sensor switch 7, the sensor switch 7 sends an electrical signal to the controller 4. The controller 4 determines the product's position information based on the position of the sensor switch 7 that sent the electrical signal.

[0106] Specifically, the product location information can be determined by the sensor switch 7, or by other location detection devices, such as using a visual camera for real-time location tracking. This is just an example, but not a limitation.

[0107] The automatic inkjet printing method provided in this embodiment uses the level signal from the induction switch 7 to the controller 4 to determine the product position. It is simple to use and has a low failure rate, ensuring the stability of the automatic inkjet printing system.

[0108] In some alternative implementations, when the product reaches the side of the first camera 3 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1, the inductive switch 7 located on the side of the first camera 3 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1 sends a first position signal to the controller 4, and the controller 4 controls the first camera 3 to take a picture according to the first position signal.

[0109] When the product arrives at the side of the inkjet printer 5 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1, the induction switch 7 located on the side of the inkjet printer 5 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1 sends a second position signal to the controller 4. The controller 4 controls the inkjet printer 5 to perform inkjet printing according to the second position signal.

[0110] When the product reaches the side of the second camera 8 near the start of the conveyor belt, the sensor switch located on the side of the second camera 8 near the start of the conveyor belt sends a fifth position signal to the controller, and the controller controls the second camera 8 to take a picture according to the fifth position signal.

[0111] The automatic inkjet printing method provided in this embodiment improves the accuracy of photographing and inkjet printing time by installing induction switches 7 on the side of the first camera 3 and the inkjet printer 5 near the starting point of the conveyor belt 1, and determining whether the product has reached the position of the first camera 3 and the inkjet printer 5 by the induction switches 7.

[0112] The further description of the above-described automatic inkjet coding method is the same as that of the corresponding automatic inkjet coding system embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] This invention also provides a computer device for executing the automatic inkjet coding method described in the above embodiments.

[0114] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the computer device includes one or more processors 10, memory 20, and interfaces for connecting the components, including high-speed interfaces and low-speed interfaces. The components communicate with each other via different buses and can be mounted on a common motherboard or otherwise installed as needed. The processors can process instructions executed within the computer device, including instructions stored in or on memory to display graphical information of a GUI on external input / output devices (such as display devices coupled to the interfaces). In some alternative implementations, multiple processors and / or multiple buses can be used with multiple memories and multiple memory modules, if desired. Similarly, multiple computer devices can be connected, each providing some of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server array, a group of blade servers, or a multiprocessor system). Figure 4 Take a processor 10 as an example.

[0115] Processor 10 may be a central processing unit, a network processor, or a combination thereof. Processor 10 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The programmable logic device may be a complex programmable logic device (CAMP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general-purpose array logic (GDA), or any combination thereof.

[0116] The memory 20 stores instructions executable by at least one processor 10 to cause the at least one processor 10 to perform the method shown in the above embodiments.

[0117] The memory 20 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the computer device. Furthermore, the memory 20 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some alternative embodiments, the memory 20 may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor 10, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0118] The memory 20 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory 20 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0119] The computer device also includes a communication interface 30 for communicating with other devices or communication networks.

[0120] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The methods described above according to embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or firmware, or implemented as computer code that can be recorded on a storage medium, or implemented as computer code downloaded via a network and originally stored on a remote storage medium or a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and then stored on a local storage medium. Thus, the methods described herein can be processed by software stored on a storage medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory, hard disk, or solid-state drive, etc.; further, the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory. It is understood that computers, processors, microprocessor controllers, or programmable hardware include storage components capable of storing or receiving software or computer code, which, when accessed and executed by the computer, processor, or hardware, implements the methods shown in the above embodiments.

[0121] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic inkjet printing system, characterized in that, The system includes: a conveyor belt, a barcode reader, a first camera, a controller, an inkjet printer, multiple proximity switches, a second camera, and sorting equipment. Conveyor belts are used to transport products from the beginning of the conveyor belt to the end of the conveyor belt; The barcode reader, located at the first preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt, is connected to the controller and is used to read the product's own QR code to identify the current product information and transmit the current product information to the controller. The first camera, located at a second preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt, is connected to the controller and is used to take pictures of the product according to the camera's shooting instructions to obtain product images, and send the product images to the controller. The inkjet printer is installed at the third preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt via a height adjustment device and is connected to the controller. It is used to perform inkjet printing according to the inkjet printing instructions of the controller. The inkjet printing speed of the inkjet printer is adaptively adjusted according to the size of the box and the length of the inkjet content. A height adjustment device, connected to the controller, is used to adjust the height of the inkjet printer according to the height adjustment command of the controller; Multiple sensor switches are located at multiple fourth preset positions on both sides of the conveyor belt and are connected to the controller to acquire product position information and transmit the product position information to the controller. The second camera, located at the fifth preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt, is connected to the controller and is used to take pictures of the inkjet-printed product according to the camera's photo-taking command to obtain inkjet-printed images, and send the inkjet-printed images to the controller. The sorting equipment is located at the sixth preset position on both sides of the conveyor belt and is connected to the controller. It is used to sort products according to the sorting instructions of the controller. The distances from the first preset position, the second preset position, the third preset position, the fifth preset position, and the sixth preset position to the starting point of the conveyor belt increase sequentially. The controller is used to compare the current product information with the preset product information. When the current product information is completely consistent with the preset product information, it controls the first camera to take a picture to obtain a product image based on the product position information, and determines the pre-printing position based on the product image. Alternatively, it controls the height adjustment device to drive the inkjet printer to print at the pre-printing position based on the pre-printing position. It detects the printing quality based on the printing image, obtains the printing detection result, and issues a sorting instruction based on the printing detection result. The step of determining the pre-printing position based on the product image includes: when processing with a preset image processing algorithm, determining a blank area within a specified range, measuring the length and width of the blank area, and comparing it with the length and width occupied by the field to be printed. If the length and width of the blank area are greater than the length and width occupied by the field to be printed, then the blank area is taken as the pre-printing position, and the inkjet printer is controlled to reach the pre-printing position to print.

2. The automatic inkjet printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth preset position includes: The first camera is located on the side closest to the start of the conveyor belt; The inkjet printer is located on the side closest to the start of the conveyor belt; The second camera is located on the side near the start of the conveyor belt.

3. The automatic inkjet printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height adjustment device is a traveling mechanism.

4. The automatic inkjet printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is connected to an external host computer, and the controller obtains preset product information from the external host computer. The preset product information includes: supplier number, product sales area, vehicle information, logistics information, and product type information.

5. An automatic inkjet printing method, characterized in that, The method, applied to the automatic inkjet printing system of any one of claims 1-4, comprises: Obtain current product information and product location information, and compare the current product information with preset product information; If the current product information is consistent with the preset product information, and the current product position is determined to be the second preset position based on the product position information, the product image is acquired using the first camera; Determine the pre-printing position based on the product image, and adjust the height of the inkjet printer according to the pre-printing position; When the current product position is determined to be the third preset position based on the product position information, the inkjet printer is used to print at the preset printing position. When the current product position is determined to be the fifth preset position based on the product position information, the second camera is used to acquire the inkjet image. The inkjet printing quality is detected based on the inkjet image to obtain the inkjet printing result; The products are sorted using the sorting equipment based on the inkjet printing results.

6. The automatic inkjet printing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The product location information is obtained in the following way: When a product passes by a sensor switch, the sensor switch sends an electrical signal to the controller, and the controller determines the product's location information based on the position of the sensor switch that sent the electrical signal.

7. The automatic inkjet printing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the product reaches the side of the first camera near the start of the conveyor belt, the sensor switch located on the side of the first camera near the start of the conveyor belt sends a second position signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first camera to take a picture according to the second position signal. When the product arrives at the side of the inkjet printer near the start of the conveyor belt, the induction switch located on the side of the inkjet printer near the start of the conveyor belt sends a third position signal to the controller. The controller then controls the inkjet printer to print the product based on the third position signal. When the product reaches the side of the second camera near the start of the conveyor belt, the sensor switch located on the side of the second camera near the start of the conveyor belt sends a fifth position signal to the controller, and the controller controls the second camera to take a picture based on the fifth position signal.

8. The automatic inkjet printing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Based on the inkjet printing results, the products are sorted using the sorting equipment, including: If the coding result is qualified in the coding quality test, the sorting equipment will not operate, and the conveyor belt will continue to transport the product to the qualified coding area. If the coding result is that the coding quality inspection is unqualified, the sorting equipment will operate and place the product in the coding unqualified area.

9. A computer device, characterized in that, include: A memory and a processor are communicatively connected, the memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the automatic inkjet printing method according to any one of claims 5 to 8 by executing the computer instructions.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions for causing the computer to perform the automatic inkjet coding method according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

Images