Methods, apparatus, equipment and storage media for multi-nozzle arrangement calibration

Abstract

This invention provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for multi-printhead alignment calibration, relating to the field of inkjet printing technology. It solves the problem of time-consuming and labor-intensive printhead calibration in multi-printhead splicing. The method includes: acquiring printhead installation information, including the number of printheads, their arrangement, and the spacing between them; acquiring a reference image based on the installation information; controlling the printheads to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a reference image; controlling the printheads to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration image; and acquiring the printhead installation error based on the reference image and the calibration image, and determining whether printhead adjustment is needed based on the installation error. This solves the problem of time-consuming, labor-intensive, and wasteful printhead calibration in multi-printhead splicing printing, which requires calibrating each printhead with a reference printhead. The method easily achieves printhead calibration through a printed image, ensuring print quality in multi-printhead splicing printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for calibrating a multi-printer arrangement. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of inkjet technology, people have increasingly higher demands for printed materials, such as high-precision ink paintings, embossed art paintings, and large-format products. However, the width of a single printhead is relatively small. To achieve high-precision, large-format printing, the printhead needs to not only jet ink back and forth multiple times in the horizontal direction but also move continuously in the vertical direction, resulting in very low printing efficiency. Therefore, in existing inkjet printing, industrial inkjet printers, especially color inkjet printers, require at least two or more printheads. Multiple printheads are vertically joined into a row, and several rows of printheads are joined together for inkjet printing. This increases the width of the printhead in a single scan while achieving high-quality printing. Figure 1 As shown, three printheads are vertically joined into a single column, and two other printheads, N1 and N2, are horizontally joined together. However, this arrangement will result in image alignment errors during printing due to the alignment of the printheads. Printhead alignment errors can be categorized into horizontal alignment errors and vertical alignment errors.

[0003] Existing printhead alignment schemes for inkjet printing using multiple printheads vertically aligned in a row all select one printhead as a reference printhead, and all printheads are calibrated against this reference printhead. Figure 2 If the first nozzle is selected as the reference nozzle, then all nozzles are calibrated in the same way as the first nozzle; however, if the following occurs... Figure 3 When printing with the printhead tilted as a whole or directly tilted, if using Figure 2 The selection of a reference nozzle for alignment calibration is then performed. Figure 3 All nozzle conditions need to be adjusted.

[0004] But at this time Figure 3 The printheads do not require alignment adjustments and can be used directly for printing, saving printhead calibration time and improving production efficiency. Figure 2 Since the overall deviation of the printheads is the same, they can be used directly. During printing, simply setting the starting position or the ignition position of the printhead as a whole will resolve the overall deviation issue. Adjusting the printheads to be as follows... Figure 2 The alignment method not only requires a long time of fine-tuning, but also requires repeated printing of calibration diagrams, which is not only time-consuming and inefficient, but also wastes ink and printing materials. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, device and storage medium for multi-printer arrangement calibration, in order to solve the problems of long calibration time, low efficiency and waste of ink and printing materials in the prior art when calibrating multi-printer arrangement.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, the method comprising:

[0007] Obtain the installation information of the nozzles, including: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles;

[0008] Based on the installation information, a reference image is obtained, and the printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing according to the reference image to obtain a reference image;

[0009] The printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration image;

[0010] The installation error of the nozzle is obtained based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and it is determined whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error.

[0011] Preferably, the step of obtaining a reference image based on the installation information and controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain the reference image includes:

[0012] Obtain a horizontal reference image based on the installation information;

[0013] Generate corresponding print data based on the horizontal reference image;

[0014] The first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate a horizontal reference map based on the printing data. The first printhead is the first column printhead.

[0015] Preferably, the step of controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration image includes:

[0016] Acquire the horizontal reference image;

[0017] The second printhead is controlled to generate a horizontal calibration map by inkjet printing based on the horizontal reference image. The second printhead is the printhead in the other columns besides the first printhead.

[0018] Preferably, the step of obtaining a reference image based on the installation information and controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain the reference image includes:

[0019] Obtain a vertical reference image based on the installation information;

[0020] Generate corresponding printing data based on the vertical reference image;

[0021] The first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate a vertical reference map based on the printing data. The first printhead is the first column printhead.

[0022] Preferably, the step of obtaining the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and determining whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error, includes:

[0023] The horizontal installation error between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is obtained based on the horizontal reference diagram and the horizontal calibration diagram.

[0024] Determine whether the first and second nozzles need to be adjusted based on the horizontal installation error.

[0025] If the horizontal installation errors are not the same, the installation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle shall be adjusted according to the horizontal installation errors.

[0026] If the horizontal installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0027] Preferably, the step of obtaining the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and determining whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error, includes:

[0028] Obtain the vertical reference image;

[0029] The vertical installation error of the first nozzle is obtained based on the vertical reference diagram;

[0030] Determine whether the first nozzle needs adjustment based on the vertical installation error;

[0031] If the vertical installation errors are not the same, the installation of the first nozzle shall be adjusted according to the vertical installation errors;

[0032] If the vertical installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the first nozzle.

[0033] Preferably, it includes:

[0034] The reference image comprises several unit images, each unit image including a color block image and a line segment image, and the spacing between two adjacent unit images is greater than or equal to 90 pixels.

[0035] Preferably, the multi-nozzle calibration method includes:

[0036] Acquire a first calibration image, and control the printhead inkjet printing based on the first calibration image to generate a first calibration diagram;

[0037] Acquire a second calibration image, and control the printhead inkjet printing based on the second calibration image to generate a second calibration map;

[0038] The horizontal installation error is obtained based on the first calibration diagram and the second calibration diagram, and it is determined whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the horizontal installation error.

[0039] The first calibration image is a line segment with a specific pixel interval, and the second calibration image is an equilateral triangle.

[0040] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a device for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, the device comprising:

[0041] The acquisition module is used to acquire the installation information of the nozzles, including: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles;

[0042] The reference image module is used to obtain a reference image based on the installation information, control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image, and obtain the reference image.

[0043] The calibration map module is used to control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image and obtain a calibration map.

[0044] The adjustment module is used to obtain the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and to determine whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error.

[0045] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device, comprising: at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the method of the first aspect described above is implemented.

[0046] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a storage medium storing computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method of the first aspect described above.

[0047] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0048] The method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for multi-printhead arrangement calibration provided in this invention obtains printhead installation information, acquires reference image data based on the installation information, controls the printheads to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image data, acquires a reference image and a calibration image, obtains the installation error of the printhead based on the reference image and the calibration image, and determines whether the printhead needs to be adjusted based on the installation error. When multiple printheads are used for inkjet printing, this invention saves time and effort in adjusting and calibrating multiple printheads, ensuring the printing quality of the printed image. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, and these are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a reference diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles when multiple nozzles are spliced ​​together.

[0051] Figure 2 It is a nozzle calibration diagram for multi-nozzle splicing in existing technology.

[0052] Figure 3 Splicing multiple nozzles together. Nozzle calibration diagram.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for calibrating the multi-nozzle arrangement according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of nozzle installation when multiple nozzles are spliced ​​together according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a horizontal reference map printed by the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the unit diagram printed by the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal reference diagram and the horizontal calibration diagram printed by the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical reference map printed by the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a horizontal reference map printed by the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and are not configured to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the present invention by illustrating examples of the invention.

[0065] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0066] Example 1

[0067] Please see Figure 4 This invention provides a method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, the method comprising:

[0068] S1: Obtain the installation information of the nozzles, including: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles;

[0069] S2: Obtain a reference image based on the installation information, control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image, and obtain a reference image;

[0070] S3: Control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration image;

[0071] S4: Obtain the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and determine whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error.

[0072] The multi-printer arrangement calibration method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention acquires printer installation information, obtains reference image data based on the installation information, controls the printers to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image data, acquires a reference image and a calibration image, obtains the installation error of the printers based on the reference image and the calibration image, and determines whether the printers need to be adjusted based on the installation error. When multiple printers are used for inkjet printing, this invention saves time and effort in adjusting and calibrating multiple printers, ensuring the printing quality of the printed image.

[0073] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining a reference image based on the installation information and controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a reference image includes:

[0074] Obtain a horizontal reference image based on the installation information;

[0075] Generate corresponding print data based on the horizontal reference image;

[0076] The first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate a horizontal reference map based on the printing data. The first printhead is the first column printhead.

[0077] Specifically, the installation information includes: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles. For example... Figure 5 In the multi-nozzle arrangement shown, the nozzles are arranged as follows: first column nozzles N1, second column nozzles N2, first row nozzles M1, second row nozzles M2, and third row nozzles M3. The spacing between the installed nozzles is as follows: the column spacing between the first column nozzles N1 and the second column nozzles N2 is b, and the row spacing between the first row nozzles M1 and the second row nozzles M2 is a. In a correctly arranged multi-nozzle configuration, the column spacing between adjacent nozzles is the same, and the row spacing between adjacent nozzles is the same.

[0078] The acquisition of the horizontal reference image includes:

[0079] Design a horizontal reference image based on the installation information.

[0080] Specifically, the horizontal reference image is designed based on the arrangement of the nozzles in the installation information and the column spacing and row spacing between the installed nozzles.

[0081] Based on the horizontal reference image data, corresponding printing data is generated, and the first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate the horizontal reference image. The first printhead is the first column of printheads in multi-printer splicing printing. Figure 6As shown, when the multi-head splicing printing is performed, there are two columns of printheads, and each column has three printheads. Based on the corresponding printing data generated from the horizontal reference image, the first printhead N1 is controlled to perform inkjet printing, generating the horizontal reference image A, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, in the horizontal reference diagram, printhead 1 of the first printhead N1 is controlled to print the horizontal reference diagram at position ① in the horizontal reference diagram, printhead 2 of the first printhead N1 is controlled to print the horizontal reference diagram at position ② in the horizontal reference diagram, and printhead 3 of the first printhead N1 is controlled to print the horizontal reference diagram at position ③ in the horizontal reference diagram. Figure 6 In the horizontal reference map shown, there is a unit map at the positions of pixels 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 respectively.

[0082] The horizontal reference map includes several unit maps, each unit map consisting of a color block map and a line segment map. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a unit image Z consists of a color block image Z1 and a line image Z2. The spacing between two adjacent unit images in the same horizontal reference image can be different, but the spacing between two identical unit images must be greater than or equal to 90 pixels.

[0083] In one embodiment, controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration image includes:

[0084] Acquire the horizontal reference image;

[0085] The second printhead is controlled to generate a horizontal calibration map by inkjet printing based on the horizontal reference image. The second printhead is the printhead in the other columns besides the first printhead.

[0086] Specifically, the second printhead is controlled to generate a horizontal calibration image based on the horizontal reference image. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the printhead in the second printhead N2 is controlled to print the horizontal calibration map B. Printhead 4 in the second printhead N2 is controlled to print the horizontal calibration map at position ① in the horizontal calibration map. Printhead 5 in the first printhead N1 is controlled to print the horizontal calibration map at position ② in the horizontal calibration map. Printhead 6 in the first printhead N1 is controlled to print the horizontal calibration map at position ③ in the horizontal calibration map. The horizontal calibration map B has one unit map at pixel positions 1003, 2002, 3001, 4000, 4999, 5998, and 6997 on the same horizontal direction.

[0087] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining a reference image based on the installation information and controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a reference image includes:

[0088] Obtain a vertical reference image based on the installation information;

[0089] Generate corresponding printing data based on the vertical reference image;

[0090] The first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate a vertical reference map based on the printing data. The first printhead is the first column printhead.

[0091] Specifically, the vertical reference image is acquired, printing data is generated based on the vertical reference image, and the first printhead is controlled to spray ink to generate the vertical reference image.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, the nozzles 1, 2, and 3 in the first nozzle N1 are controlled to print vertical reference diagrams at positions ①, ②, and ③, respectively.

[0093] When printing the vertical reference map, the pixel difference between the unit map in the vertical reference map at position ① and the unit map in the vertical reference map at position ②, and the pixel difference between the unit map in the vertical reference map at position ② and the unit map in the vertical reference map at position ③, are printed at the positions below the unit map at positions ② and ③, respectively.

[0094] In one embodiment, obtaining the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and determining whether the nozzle needs adjustment based on the installation error, includes:

[0095] The horizontal installation error between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is obtained based on the horizontal reference diagram and the horizontal calibration diagram.

[0096] Determine whether the first and second nozzles need to be adjusted based on the horizontal installation error.

[0097] If the horizontal installation errors are not the same, the installation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle shall be adjusted according to the horizontal installation errors.

[0098] If the horizontal installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0099] Specifically, based on the horizontal reference map and the horizontal calibration map, the difference in pixel position between the unit image in the horizontal reference map and the unit image in the horizontal calibration map is obtained. This difference is the horizontal installation difference between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. It is determined whether all the horizontal installation differences between the first nozzle and the second nozzle are the same. When the horizontal installation differences are the same, no adjustment to the nozzle installation is needed. When the horizontal installation errors are different, the positions of the corresponding second nozzle and the first nozzle are adjusted according to the corresponding horizontal installation errors.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, the horizontal installation errors of nozzle 1 in the first nozzle and nozzle 4 in the second nozzle are obtained according to the horizontal reference diagram and horizontal calibration diagram at position ① in the figure; the horizontal installation errors of nozzle 2 in the first nozzle and nozzle 5 in the second nozzle are obtained according to the horizontal reference diagram and horizontal calibration diagram at position ① in the figure; the horizontal installation errors of nozzle 3 in the first nozzle and nozzle 6 in the second nozzle are obtained according to the horizontal reference diagram and horizontal calibration diagram at position ① in the figure.

[0101] In one embodiment, obtaining the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and determining whether the nozzle needs adjustment based on the installation error, includes:

[0102] Obtain the vertical reference image;

[0103] The vertical installation error of the first nozzle is obtained based on the vertical reference diagram;

[0104] Determine whether the first nozzle needs adjustment based on the vertical installation error;

[0105] If the vertical installation errors are not the same, the installation of the first nozzle shall be adjusted according to the vertical installation errors;

[0106] If the vertical installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the first nozzle.

[0107] Specifically, the vertical reference image is acquired, corresponding printing data is generated based on the vertical reference image, and the first printhead is controlled to inkjet print and generate the vertical reference image.

[0108] like Figure 9As shown, the nozzles 1, 2, and 3 in the first nozzle N1 are controlled to print vertical images of regions ①, ②, and ③ respectively. The pixel position difference between the unit image of region ① and the unit image of region ② is printed below the unit image of region ②, and the pixel position difference between the unit image of region ② and the unit image of region ③ is printed below the unit image of region ③. The pixel position difference is the vertical installation error.

[0109] Determine whether the vertical installation errors are the same. If the vertical installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the nozzles in the first nozzle. If the vertical installation errors are different, adjust the installation of each nozzle in the first nozzle according to the vertical installation errors.

[0110] Example 2

[0111] like Figure 11 As shown, the present invention provides a method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, the method comprising:

[0112] S5: Obtain the first calibration image, and control the printhead inkjet printing to generate the first calibration image based on the first calibration image;

[0113] S6: Obtain the second calibration image, and control the printhead inkjet printing to generate the second calibration image based on the second calibration image;

[0114] S7: Obtain the installation error based on the first calibration diagram and the second calibration diagram, and determine whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error;

[0115] The first calibration image is a line segment with a specific pixel interval, and the second calibration image is an equilateral triangle.

[0116] Specifically, the first calibration image is acquired, and the first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing based on the first calibration image to generate a first calibration image; the second calibration image is acquired, and the second printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing based on the second calibration image to generate a second calibration image. The line segments of the first calibration image and a vertex of the equilateral triangle in the second calibration image coincide.

[0117] like Figure 10 As shown, printheads 1, 2, and 3 in the first printhead N1 are controlled to inkjet print the first calibration map in areas ①, ②, and ③, respectively. Printheads 4, 5, and 6 in the second printhead are controlled to inkjet print the second calibration map in areas ①, ②, and ③. The horizontal installation error is obtained based on the pixels displayed at the overlapping positions of the first and second calibration maps in areas ①, ②, and ③. Based on the horizontal installation error, it is determined whether the installation of the first and second printheads needs adjustment.

[0118] In this embodiment 2, the first calibration diagram can be used to initially estimate the printhead installation error value. By combining the second calibration diagram and the first calibration diagram, the horizontal installation error values ​​of the first and second printheads can be clearly defined. The installation error of the printheads is determined by printing images, indicating whether the printheads need readjustment. The installation of the printheads is adjusted according to the installation error; it is not necessary to adjust the installation error to zero, but only to keep the installation error consistent to ensure the print quality of multi-printhead printing.

[0119] Example 3

[0120] Please see Figure 12 This invention provides a device for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, the device comprising:

[0121] The acquisition module 1 is used to acquire the installation information of the nozzles, including: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles.

[0122] The reference image module 2 is used to obtain a reference image based on the installation information, control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image, and obtain the reference image.

[0123] The calibration map module 3 is used to control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration map.

[0124] Adjustment module 4 is used to obtain the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and to determine whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error.

[0125] like Figure 13 As shown, the device further includes:

[0126] The first calibration module 5 is used to acquire a first calibration image and control the printhead to generate a first calibration diagram based on the first calibration image.

[0127] The second calibration module 6 is used to acquire the second calibration image and control the printhead inkjet printing to generate the second calibration image based on the second calibration image.

[0128] The installation error acquisition module 7 is used to acquire the installation error based on the first calibration diagram and the second calibration diagram, and to determine whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error.

[0129] Example 4

[0130] In addition, combined Figure 1 The multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method described in this embodiment of the invention can be implemented by a multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device. Figure 14A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0131] The device for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement may include a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions.

[0132] Specifically, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits that can be configured to implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] The memory may include a large-capacity storage device for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, the memory may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, the memory may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, the memory may be internal or external to a data processing device. In a particular embodiment, the memory is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, the memory includes a read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0134] The processor reads and executes computer program instructions stored in memory to implement any of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration methods in the above embodiments.

[0135] In one example, the device for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement may also include a communication interface and a bus. For example, Figure 14 As shown, the processor, memory, and communication interface are connected via a bus and communicate with each other.

[0136] The communication interface is mainly used to enable communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0137] A bus, including hardware, software, or both, couples components of a multi-nozzle arrangement calibration device together. For example, and not limitingly, a bus may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses, or combinations of two or more of these. Where appropriate, a bus may include one or more buses. While specific buses are described and illustrated in embodiments of the invention, the invention contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[0138] Furthermore, in conjunction with the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration method in the above embodiments, this invention can be implemented using a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions; when these computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement any of the multi-nozzle arrangement calibration methods in the above embodiments.

[0139] In summary, the method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for multi-printer arrangement calibration provided in this embodiment of the invention obtains printer installation information, acquires reference image data based on the installation information, controls the printers to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image data, acquires a reference image and a calibration image, obtains the installation error of the printers based on the reference image and the calibration image, and determines whether the printers need to be adjusted based on the installation error. When multiple printers are used for inkjet printing, this invention saves time and effort in adjusting and calibrating multiple printers, ensuring the printing quality of the printed image.

[0140] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and illustrated in the figures. For the sake of brevity, a detailed description of known methods is omitted. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and illustrated as examples. However, the method of the present invention is not limited to the specific steps described and illustrated. Those skilled in the art may make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of the steps after understanding the spirit of the present invention.

[0141] The functional blocks shown in the above-described structural diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this invention are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. The programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried in a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0142] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described herein describe methods or systems based on a series of steps or devices. However, the present invention is not limited to the order of the steps described above. In other words, the steps may be performed in the order described in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0143] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, modules and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, and these modifications or replacements should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the installation information of the nozzles, including: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles; A reference image is obtained based on the installation information, and the printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image. Obtaining the reference image includes: The reference image is controlled to perform inkjet printing with the first printhead to generate the reference image, wherein the first printhead is a first column of printheads; Based on the reference image, the printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to obtain a calibration image, including: The second printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to generate the calibration image, wherein the second printhead is the printhead in the remaining columns other than the first printhead. The installation error of the nozzle is obtained based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram. The determination of whether the nozzle needs adjustment is based on the installation error includes: The horizontal installation errors of the first nozzle and the second nozzle are obtained based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram; Determine whether the first and second nozzles need to be adjusted based on the horizontal installation error. If the horizontal installation errors are not the same, the installation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle shall be adjusted according to the horizontal installation errors. If the horizontal installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

2. The method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining a reference image based on the installation information and controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image includes: Obtain a horizontal reference image based on the installation information; Generate corresponding print data based on the horizontal reference image; Based on the printing data, the first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate a horizontal reference map.

3. The method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image to obtain a calibration image includes: Acquire the horizontal reference image; The second printhead is controlled to generate a horizontal calibration map based on the horizontal reference image.

4. The method for calibrating the arrangement of multiple nozzles according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain a vertical reference image based on the installation information; Generate corresponding printing data based on the vertical reference image; Based on the printing data, the first printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing to generate a vertical reference map.

5. The method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the horizontal installation error of the first nozzle and the second nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram includes: The horizontal installation error of the first nozzle and the second nozzle is obtained based on the horizontal reference diagram and the horizontal calibration diagram.

6. The method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the vertical reference map; The vertical installation error of the first nozzle is obtained based on the vertical reference diagram; Determine whether the first nozzle needs adjustment based on the vertical installation error; If the vertical installation errors are not the same, the installation of the first nozzle shall be adjusted according to the vertical installation errors; If the vertical installation errors are the same, there is no need to adjust the installation of the first nozzle.

7. The method for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The reference image includes several unit images, each unit image including a color block image and a line segment image, and the spacing between two adjacent unit images is greater than or equal to 90 pixels.

8. A device for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, characterized in that, The apparatus for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 comprises: The acquisition module is used to acquire the installation information of the nozzles, including: the number of nozzles, the arrangement of the nozzles, and the spacing between the installed nozzles; The reference image module is used to obtain a reference image based on the installation information, control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image, and obtain the reference image. The calibration map module is used to control the printhead to perform inkjet printing based on the reference image and obtain a calibration map. The adjustment module is used to obtain the installation error of the nozzle based on the reference diagram and the calibration diagram, and to determine whether the nozzle needs to be adjusted based on the installation error.

9. A device for calibrating a multi-nozzle arrangement, characterized in that, include: At least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, which, when executed by the processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, The method as described in any one of claims 1-7 is implemented when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor.

Images