Concentration adaptive feathering printing method, device, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a concentration self-adaptive feathering printing method and device, equipment and storage medium, and relates to the field of inkjet printing technology. The method divides the printing data of the feathering area in the original printing data into a plurality of original unit printing data, obtains the actual feathering height of the original unit printing data according to the concentration of the original unit printing data, determines the corresponding unit feathering template, obtains the actual step distance according to the actual feathering height, and obtains the final actual printing data according to the unit feathering template to perform feathering printing. Since the feathering height of the unit feathering template can be different according to the different concentrations of the printing data, the feathering height corresponding to the printing area with a larger concentration is larger, and the feathering height corresponding to the printing area with a smaller concentration is smaller, so that the problem of uneven image after feathering printing is avoided, and the printing quality is improved. In the feathering printing, the step distance between each pass of the nozzle is adjusted according to the actual feathering height, which helps to improve the printing efficiency and increase the printing output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a density-adaptive feathering printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printing technology refers to the technology of ejecting ink droplets from nozzles on a printhead onto a printing medium to obtain images or text. It mainly includes reciprocating scanning printing, one-pass scanning printing, and multi-head side-by-side scanning printing. Reciprocating scanning printing is also called multi-pass scanning printing. Multi-pass scanning printing is further divided according to the number of times the printhead scans the same unit area, i.e., the number of passes. For example, a unit area requiring two scans to complete printing is 2-pass printing, and a unit area requiring four scans is 4-pass printing, and so on. In multi-pass printing, after the printhead completes the current pass, it moves a certain distance relative to the printing medium to perform the next pass. Figure 1 As shown, due to limitations in the printing precision and drive motor error of inkjet printers, it is difficult to guarantee that the relative movement distance between the printhead and the printing medium is exactly equal each time the printer operates. This leads to overlapping ink dots in parts of the printed image due to errors in the movement distance during the printhead's back-and-forth printing process, resulting in uneven printing and white spots, thus compromising print quality. To address this issue, a method has been proposed that feathers the print data, causing the data at the splicing positions to be printed in two separate steps to eliminate white spots or black streaks. Specifically, a feather template is determined based on the feathering amplitude, and the feather template is then screened. The printed data is then processed using the screened feather template to obtain the final print data, which is finally used for inkjet printing. While this method can improve the appearance of white or black streaks, it also has the following problems: Because the feathering amplitude is fixed, the feathering amplitude is the same for each data area. When the feathering amplitude is small, the printed image corresponding to the high-density data area will show unevenness, and when the feathering amplitude is large, the printed image corresponding to the low-density data area will show unevenness. This results in localized unevenness in the printed image, affecting print quality. Moreover, because the feathering amplitude is fixed, when the feathering amplitude is large, the feathered printing area needs to be larger, the printing speed is slower, and the efficiency is lower. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a concentration-adaptive feathering printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium to solve the problems of uneven images and low efficiency in feathering printing with fixed feathering amplitude in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a concentration-adaptive feathering printing method, the method comprising:

[0005] The original feathering height is obtained based on the nozzle height and feathering amplitude;

[0006] Based on the original feathering height, obtain the feathering area corresponding to the original print data, and divide the print data in the feathering area into several original unit print data.

[0007] Obtain the concentration of the original unit print data;

[0008] The actual feathering height of the original unit print data is determined based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height.

[0009] Generate a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height;

[0010] Obtain actual printing data based on the unit feathering template;

[0011] The actual step distance is obtained based on the actual feathering height.

[0012] The nozzle is controlled to perform feathering printing based on the actual step distance and the actual printing data.

[0013] Preferably, obtaining the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height includes:

[0014] Obtain the actual feathering height of the printed data for each of the original units;

[0015] The maximum feathering height is obtained based on the actual feathering height.

[0016] The actual step distance is obtained based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height.

[0017] Preferably, obtaining the actual step distance based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height includes:

[0018] The actual step distance is obtained using the following formula:

[0019]

[0020] Where f is the actual step distance, L is the nozzle height, R is the maximum feathering height, and S is the number of scans per unit area.

[0021] Preferably, obtaining the actual printing data based on the unit feathering template includes:

[0022] The original unit printing data is feathered according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit printing data.

[0023] The actual feathering printing data corresponding to the feathering region is obtained by combining the actual unit printing data of each of the actual units.

[0024] Obtain the print data of the non-feathered area from the original print data;

[0025] The actual printed data is obtained by combining the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area.

[0026] Preferably, obtaining the actual printing data based on the unit feathering template includes:

[0027] The actual feathering template is obtained by combining the feathering templates of each unit;

[0028] The actual feathered printing data is obtained by feathering the printing data of the feathered area according to the actual feathering template.

[0029] Obtain the print data of the non-feathered area from the original print data;

[0030] The actual printed data is obtained by combining the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area.

[0031] Preferably, the step of feathering the original unit printing data according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit printing data includes:

[0032] The unit feathering template is ANDed with the original unit printing data to obtain unit feathering printing data;

[0033] The complementary template of the unit feathering template is ANDed with the original unit printing data to obtain complementary unit feathering printing data;

[0034] The actual unit printing data is obtained by combining the feathered printing data of the unit and the feathered printing data of the complementary unit.

[0035] Preferably, the step of feathering the print data of the feathered area according to the actual feathering template to obtain the actual feathered print data includes:

[0036] The actual feathering template is ANDed with the printed data of the feathering area to obtain the actual feathering data;

[0037] The complementary template of the actual feathering template is ANDed with the printed data of the feathering area to obtain complementary feathering data;

[0038] The actual feathering data is combined with the complementary feathering data to obtain the actual feathering printing data.

[0039] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a concentration-adaptive feathering printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0040] The original feathering height acquisition module is used to obtain the original feathering height based on the nozzle height and feathering amplitude;

[0041] The data partitioning module is used to obtain the feathering region corresponding to the original printing data based on the original feathering height, and to divide the printing data in the feathering region into several original unit printing data.

[0042] A concentration acquisition module is used to acquire the concentration of the original unit print data;

[0043] The actual feathering height acquisition module is used to determine the actual feathering height of the original unit print data based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height;

[0044] The unit feathering template acquisition module is used to generate a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height.

[0045] The actual print data acquisition module is used to acquire actual print data based on the unit feathering template;

[0046] The actual step distance acquisition module is used to acquire the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height;

[0047] The feathering printing module is used to control the printhead to perform feathering printing based on the actual step distance and the actual printing data.

[0048] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a concentration-adaptive feathering printing 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0051] The concentration-adaptive feathering printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this invention divide the print data of the feathered region in the original print data into multiple original unit print data. The actual feathering height of each original unit print data is obtained based on its concentration, thereby determining its corresponding unit feathering template. The actual step distance is obtained based on the actual feathering height, and the final actual print data is obtained based on the unit feathering template for feathering printing. Since the feathering height of the unit feathering template can vary depending on the concentration of the print data, the feathering height is larger in print areas with higher concentrations and smaller in print areas with lower concentrations. This avoids the problem of uneven images during feathering printing after feathering processing based on the same feathering height, which is beneficial for improving image printing quality. Furthermore, the step distance between each pass of the printhead is adjusted according to the actual feathering height during feathering printing, which helps to improve printing efficiency and increase print yield. Attached Figure Description

[0052] 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.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of white or black streaks appearing in image printing in the background art.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the adaptive feathering process for printing data concentration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feathering region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the original unit printing data in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the original unit data in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a unit feathering template according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of the concentration-adaptive feathering printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concentration-adaptive feathering printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concentration-adaptive feathering printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0062] 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.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely 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. 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 additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] This invention provides an adaptive feathering method for printing data density, applicable to applications involving feathered printing of images. During feathered printing, the feathering height (i.e., the feathering amplitude) must first be determined based on the feathering amplitude. Since some areas of the image to be printed may have high density while others have low density, using the same feathering height will result in different printing effects for areas with different density. For example, using a larger feathering amplitude or height will produce better results for high-density areas, but will lead to uneven printing for low-density areas. Therefore, in this invention, the required feathered area in the image to be printed is divided into multiple unit areas. The printing data corresponding to each unit area is called the original unit printing data. The actual feathering height is determined based on the density of the original unit printing data, thus determining the corresponding unit feathering template to avoid uneven image printing when using the same feathering height.

[0066] Please see Figure 2 The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0067] S1: Obtain the original feathering height based on the nozzle height and feathering amplitude;

[0068] S2: Obtain the feathered area corresponding to the original printing data according to the original feathering height, and divide the printing data in the feathered area into several original unit printing data.

[0069] S3: Obtain the concentration of the original unit print data;

[0070] S4: Determine the actual feathering height of the original unit print data based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height;

[0071] S5: Generate a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height;

[0072] S6: Feather the original unit printing data according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit printing data;

[0073] S7: Obtain the actual printing data for feathering printing based on the actual unit printing data.

[0074] Specifically, the printhead height here is characterized by the number of nozzles arranged along the printhead height direction (the printhead height direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the printhead scanning direction during a single scan). Since the nozzles are arranged along the printhead height direction, the spacing between adjacent nozzles in the same column along the printhead height direction is equal. Therefore, the printhead height is equal to the product of the number of nozzles and the spacing between adjacent nozzles. Thus, the height can be expressed by the number of nozzles in the printhead. For example, if a column of printheads includes 360 nozzles, the printhead height is said to be L = 360.

[0075] Before feathering printing, the feathering amplitude needs to be determined, denoted as 'a', and expressed as a percentage. The feathering height, determined based on the feathering amplitude and printhead height, is denoted as the original feathering height D. The original feathering height D represents the height of the printhead feathering zone during printing. Generally, the original feathering height is obtained using the following formula:

[0076] D = a × L / 2; where D is the original feathering height, a is the feathering amplitude, and L is the nozzle height.

[0077] The maximum initial feathering height is half the nozzle height. At this point, the feathering amplitude 'a' is at its maximum value of 100%, i.e., D = a × L / 2 = 100% × L / 2 = L / 2. The feathering amplitude can be selected by the user from 0% to 100% according to the actual application. For example, the corresponding feathering amplitude can be input through the human-machine interface of the printing control software. Based on the feathering amplitude and the nozzle height, the initial feathering height can be obtained. For instance, when the nozzle height is 360° and the feathering amplitude is 80%, the initial feathering height D = 80% × 360 / 2 = 144°.

[0078] In one embodiment, obtaining the feathered region corresponding to the original print data based on the original feathering height, and dividing the print data in the feathered region into several original unit print data includes:

[0079] The image to be printed is screened to obtain the original printing data;

[0080] The feathering region is obtained based on the nozzle height and the original feathering height;

[0081] The printed data in the feathered area is divided into multiple original unit printed data according to the original feathering height and the preset number of columns N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0082] Specifically, the image to be printed is screened to obtain the raw print data. The raw print data is generally divided into several regions according to the printhead height, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the printhead is divided into a feathered zone and a non-feathered zone based on the original feathering height. The original print data area corresponding to the feathered zone is called the feathered zone. The print data in the feathered zone is divided into multiple original unit print data according to a preset number of columns N. Each original unit print data corresponds to N data columns. For example, when the printhead height is 360 and N is 2, the size of each original unit print data is 360×2. When the number of columns N is smaller, the calculated density deviation of the original unit print data is larger, but the calculation efficiency is higher. However, when the number of columns N is larger, the calculation efficiency is lower, but the density deviation is smaller. Therefore, the number of columns N can be selected with appropriate values ​​according to the actual situation.

[0083] In one embodiment, obtaining the concentration of the original cell print data includes:

[0084] The total ink output of all printed data in the original unit print data is obtained and denoted as the first total ink output.

[0085] The first average ink output is obtained based on the first total ink output.

[0086] The concentration of the original unit print data is obtained based on the first average ink output.

[0087] Specifically, to ensure the uniformity of feathered printing, a higher concentration of the original unit print data requires a larger feather height. When the concentration of the original unit print data is 100%, the actual feather height corresponding to that original unit print data is the original feather height, i.e., the maximum feather height. In this embodiment of the invention, the concentration of the original unit print data is calculated based on the average of the total ink output (denoted as the first total ink output) of all data in the original unit print data. For example, if the printhead height is 360, and the feathering amplitude is 80%, the original feather height is 144 (i.e., the number of rows is 144). Figure 4 As shown, the original unit print data 10 has 2 columns. The first average ink output is obtained by averaging the first total ink output corresponding to all data in the original unit print data 10. For example, the original print data is 1-bit dot matrix data, and the data in the original unit print data is either 1 or 0, such as A11=0, A12=1, A21=1, A22=0... where 1 indicates that the ink output of the corresponding ink dot is 100%, and 0 indicates that the ink output of the corresponding ink dot is 0. The first total ink output is 7200% after adding the ink output of all data in the original unit print data 10. The average value is then calculated to obtain the first average ink output: 7200% / (144×2) = 25%. This first average ink output of 25% is the concentration of the original unit print data 10. The concentration of the original unit print data 30 is calculated using the same method. In another example, if the original print data is 2-bit dot matrix data, then the data in the original cell print data is one of 00, 01, 10, 11, such as A11=10, A12=01, A21=11, A22=00... where 11 indicates that the ink output of the corresponding data dot is 100%, 10 indicates that the ink output of the corresponding data dot is 50%, 01 indicates that the ink output of the corresponding data dot is 25%, and 00 indicates that the ink output of the corresponding data dot is 0. Similarly, the density can be obtained by calculating the average value based on the ink output of each data dot.

[0088] In another embodiment, the concentration of obtaining the original cell print data includes:

[0089] The total ink output of all printed data, including the original unit print data and the M adjacent columns of print data before and after the original unit print data, is recorded as the second total ink output; where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, and the height of the M adjacent columns of print data is the same as the height of the original unit print data;

[0090] The second average ink output is obtained based on the second ink output;

[0091] The concentration of the original unit print data is obtained based on the second average ink output.

[0092] For example, the nozzle height is 360, the feathering amplitude is 80%, and the original feathering height is 144. Figure 5 Assuming the original unit print data 11 has 2 columns, the concentration is calculated by taking all data from the original unit print data 11 and the adjacent print data areas of the two columns before and after it (if there is no data before or after the original unit print data, then the data in the preceding or following columns is considered to be 0). Figure 5 As shown, the data area 20 for concentration calculation has a height of 144 and a width of 6. After obtaining the total ink output (second total ink output) corresponding to all data in data area 20, the average value is calculated to obtain the second average ink output. The second average ink output is the concentration of the original unit print data 11. Similarly, when calculating the concentration of the original unit print data 12, its data, along with all data from the first two columns (original unit print data 11) and the last two columns (original unit print data 13), are calculated together.

[0093] After obtaining the concentration of the original cell print data, the actual feathering height of the original cell print data is obtained based on this concentration. Determining the actual feathering height of the original cell print data based on the concentration and the original feathering height includes:

[0094] The actual feathering height is determined using the following formula:

[0095] P = C × D; where P is the actual feathering height, C is the concentration of the original unit printed data, and D is the original feathering height.

[0096] For example, when the density of the original cell print data is 25% and the original feathering height is 144, the actual feathering height is 25% × 144 = 36.

[0097] After obtaining the actual feather height of the original unit print data, preferably, generating the unit feather template corresponding to the original unit print data based on the actual feather height includes:

[0098] The height of the unit feathering template is determined based on the height of the original unit printing data.

[0099] The height of the concentration gradient region in the unit feathering template is determined based on the actual feathering height.

[0100] The concentration in the concentration gradient region is set to gradually increase from 0 to 100% along the nozzle height direction, and the concentration in the remaining regions is set to 100% to obtain the unit feathering template.

[0101] Specifically, the height of the unit feathering template is the same as the height of the original unit printed data. Preferably, the width of the unit feathering template is the same as the width of the original unit printed data. Based on the actual feathering height of the original unit printed data, the feathering template is divided into a density gradient region and other regions (concentration constant regions). For example, if the height of the original unit printed data is 144, then the height of the unit feathering template is 144, and the actual feathering height is 36. Figure 6 As shown, the area from 0 to 35 along the nozzle height direction in the unit feathering template is the concentration gradient area, and the concentration in this concentration gradient area gradually changes from 0 to 100%. The concentration in other areas is set to 100%.

[0102] In another embodiment, but in actual production applications, the starting position of the density gradient region can be adjusted according to the actual printing situation to improve the actual printing effect. For example, when the printing effect of a gradient starting from 0 is found to be unsatisfactory, the starting position of the density gradient region is moved down by 1 pixel, i.e., starting from 1, and the printing effect is tested again. If it still does not meet the requirements, it is moved down another pixel, and so on, until the printing effect meets the requirements. Assuming the final density gradient region is 5-40, then the density of the remaining regions adjacent to the 0% density gradient region (0-4) is set to 0%, while the density of the regions adjacent to the 100% density gradient region (41-143) is set to 100%.

[0103] After obtaining the unit feathering template, in one embodiment, the original unit printing data can be feathered according to the unit feathering template corresponding to each original unit printing data to obtain the actual unit printing data. Specifically, the unit feathering template is ANDed with the original unit printing data to obtain unit feathered printing data, the complementary template of the unit feathering template is ANDed with the unit printing data to obtain complementary unit feathered printing data, and the unit feathered data and complementary unit feathered printing data are combined to obtain the actual unit printing data. All actual unit printing data are combined to obtain the actual feathered printing data corresponding to the feathered region, or all unit feathering templates within the feathered region are combined to obtain the actual feathering template corresponding to the feathered region. The feathered region is then feathered according to the actual feathering template to obtain the corresponding actual feathered printing data (the specific feathering process is similar to the above-mentioned feathering process of the original unit printing data, and will not be elaborated here). The actual feathered printing data of the feathered region in the original printing data and the printing data of the non-feathered region in the original printing data are combined to obtain the actual printing data. Finally, feathered printing is performed according to the actual printing data to obtain the printed image.

[0104] In summary, the adaptive feathering processing method for print data density in this embodiment of the invention divides the print data of the feathered region in the original print data into multiple original unit print data. Based on the density of the original unit print data, the actual feathering height is obtained, thereby determining the corresponding unit feathering template. The feathering height of the unit feathering template can vary depending on the density of the print data, so that the feathering height is larger for print areas with higher density and smaller for print areas with lower density. This avoids the problem of uneven image printing after feathering processing based on the same feathering height, which is beneficial to improving the image printing quality.

[0105] Example 2

[0106] Based on the above embodiment one, this invention provides a concentration-adaptive feathering printing method. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The method includes:

[0107] S10: Obtain the original feathering height based on the nozzle height and feathering amplitude;

[0108] S20: Obtain the feathered area corresponding to the original printing data according to the original feathering height, and divide the printing data in the feathered area into several original unit printing data.

[0109] S30: Obtain the concentration of the original unit printing data;

[0110] S40: Determine the actual feathering height of the original unit print data based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height;

[0111] S50: Generate a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height;

[0112] S60: Obtain actual printing data based on the unit feathering template;

[0113] S70: Obtain the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height;

[0114] S80: Control the printhead to perform feathering printing based on the actual step distance and the actual printing data.

[0115] Specifically, the detailed processes in steps S10 to S50 are described in Embodiment 1 of this invention and will not be repeated here. After obtaining the unit feathering template, the actual printing data of the image to be printed is obtained according to the unit feathering template, and the actual step distance in feathering printing is obtained according to the actual feathering height. Finally, the printhead is controlled to perform reciprocating scanning and ink output printing along the main scanning direction according to the actual printing data, and to perform stepping between each PASS along the printhead height direction (perpendicular to the main scanning direction) according to the actual step distance.

[0116] In one embodiment, obtaining the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height includes:

[0117] Obtain the actual feathering height of the printed data for each of the original units;

[0118] The maximum feathering height is obtained based on the actual feathering height.

[0119] The actual step distance is obtained based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height.

[0120] Because the feathered area corresponding to the original print data is divided into several original unit print data, and the actual feathering height is obtained according to the concentration of the original unit print data, the actual feathering height is different for each original unit print data with different concentrations. In order to make the step distance between each PASS use each actual feathering height, in this embodiment of the invention, the maximum feathering height is obtained according to the actual feathering height of each original unit print data, and then the actual step distance is calculated based on this maximum feathering height, the printhead height, and the number of scans per unit area (number of PASSes).

[0121] Specifically, the actual step distance is obtained using the following formula:

[0122]

[0123] Where f is the actual step distance, L is the nozzle height, R is the maximum feathering height, and S is the number of scans per unit area.

[0124] In feathered printing, the initial step distance between each pass is generally calculated based on the printhead height and the initial feather height D. If D is greater than or equal to R, the actual step distance will be greater than or equal to the initial step distance, which helps improve printing efficiency. Especially for wide-format printing, the initial print data height is much greater than the printhead height. The initial print data can be divided into multiple feathered regions, each with a different maximum feather height. Therefore, the actual step distance can be adjusted in real-time based on the maximum feather height of each region. A larger maximum feather height results in a smaller actual step distance, and vice versa. This allows the step distance in feathered printing to be adjusted in real-time to match the feather height, which is beneficial for improving print quality.

[0125] Once the actual step distance is determined, the actual print data also needs to be determined.

[0126] In one embodiment, obtaining the actual print data based on the unit feathering template includes:

[0127] The original unit printing data is feathered according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit printing data.

[0128] The actual feathering printing data corresponding to the feathering region is obtained by combining the actual unit printing data of each of the actual units.

[0129] Obtain the print data of the non-feathered area from the original print data;

[0130] The actual printed data is obtained by combining the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area.

[0131] Specifically, the original unit print data can be feathered according to the unit feathering template corresponding to each original unit print data to obtain the actual unit print data. Specifically, the unit feathering template is ANDed with the original unit print data to obtain the unit feathered print data. The complementary template of the unit feathering template is ANDed with the unit print data to obtain the complementary unit feathered print data. The unit feathered data and the complementary unit feathered print data are combined to obtain the actual unit print data. All the actual unit print data are combined to obtain the actual feathered print data corresponding to the feathered area. The actual feathered print data is combined with the print data of the non-feathered area in the original print data to obtain the actual print data.

[0132] In one embodiment, obtaining the actual print data based on the unit feathering template includes:

[0133] The actual feathering template is obtained by combining the feathering templates of each unit;

[0134] The actual feathered printing data is obtained by feathering the printing data of the feathered area according to the actual feathering template.

[0135] Obtain the print data of the non-feathered area from the original print data;

[0136] The actual printed data is obtained by combining the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area.

[0137] Specifically, all unit feathering templates within the feathering area are combined to obtain the actual feathering template corresponding to that area. The printed data of the feathering area is then feathered based on this actual feathering template to obtain the corresponding actual feathered printed data. The specific process is as follows: the actual feathering template is ANDed with the printed data of the feathering area to obtain the actual feathered data; the complementary template of the actual feathering template is ANDed with the printed data of the feathering area to obtain complementary feathered data; the actual feathered data and the complementary feathered data are combined to obtain the actual feathered printed data. Then, this actual feathered printed data is combined with the printed data from the non-feathered areas of the original printed data to obtain the actual printed data.

[0138] After obtaining the actual print data and actual step distance, the printhead is controlled to perform inkjet printing based on the actual print data and actual step distance. Specifically, the actual print data is divided into print data corresponding to each PASS based on the number of scans per unit. After one PASS print data is sent to the printhead and ink is ejected along the main scanning direction to complete the printing of one PASS, the printhead is controlled to move along the printhead height direction (within the main scanning direction) by the actual step distance. Then, based on the next PASS print data, the printhead is controlled to scan along the main scanning direction (in the opposite direction) to complete the printing of the next PASS. The printhead is then controlled to move along the printhead height direction by the actual step distance again... This scanning and stepping is repeated until the image printing is completed.

[0139] In summary, the concentration-adaptive feathering printing method provided by this invention divides the printing data of the feathered region in the original printing data into multiple original unit printing data. It determines the corresponding unit feathering template by obtaining the actual feathering height based on the concentration of the original unit printing data. Feathering printing is then performed by obtaining the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height and the final actual printing data based on the unit feathering template. Since the feathering height of the unit feathering template can vary depending on the concentration of the printing data, the feathering height is larger in printing areas with higher concentrations and smaller in printing areas with lower concentrations. This avoids the problem of uneven images during feathering printing after feathering processing based on the same feathering height, thus improving image printing quality. Furthermore, the step distance between each pass of the printhead is adjusted according to the actual feathering height during feathering printing, which helps improve printing efficiency and increase printing yield.

[0140] Example 3

[0141] Please see Figure 8 This invention provides a concentration-adaptive feathering printing device 400, the device 400 comprising:

[0142] The original feathering height acquisition module 401 is used to acquire the original feathering height based on the nozzle height and feathering amplitude;

[0143] The data partitioning module 402 is used to obtain the feathering area corresponding to the original printing data according to the original feathering height, and to divide the printing data in the feathering area into several original unit printing data.

[0144] Concentration acquisition module 403 is used to acquire the concentration of the original unit print data;

[0145] The actual feathering height acquisition module 404 is used to determine the actual feathering height of the original unit print data based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height;

[0146] The unit feathering template acquisition module 405 is used to generate a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height.

[0147] The actual print data acquisition module 406 is used to acquire actual print data based on the unit feathering template;

[0148] The actual step distance acquisition module 407 is used to acquire the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height.

[0149] The feathering printing module 408 is used to control the printhead to perform feathering printing based on the actual step distance and the actual printing data.

[0150] Preferably, the actual step distance acquisition module 407 includes:

[0151] The actual feathering height acquisition unit is used to acquire the actual feathering height of the printed data of each of the original units.

[0152] The maximum feathering height acquisition unit is used to acquire the maximum feathering height based on the actual feathering height.

[0153] The actual step distance acquisition unit is used to acquire the actual step distance based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height.

[0154] Preferably, the actual print data acquisition module 406 includes:

[0155] The actual unit print data acquisition unit is used to feather the original unit print data according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit print data;

[0156] The actual feathering print data acquisition unit is used to combine the print data of each actual unit to obtain the actual feathering print data corresponding to the feathering area;

[0157] The first non-feathered print data acquisition unit is used to acquire print data of the non-feathered area in the original print data;

[0158] The first actual print data acquisition unit is used to combine the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area to obtain the actual print data.

[0159] Preferably, the actual print data acquisition module 406 includes:

[0160] The actual feathering template acquisition unit is used to combine the feathering templates of each unit to obtain the actual feathering template;

[0161] The feathering unit is used to feather the printing data of the feathered area according to the actual feathering template to obtain the actual feathered printing data.

[0162] The second non-feathered data acquisition unit is used to acquire the printing data of the non-feathered area in the original printing data;

[0163] The second actual print data acquisition unit is used to combine the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area to obtain the actual print data.

[0164] In summary, the concentration-adaptive feathering printing device provided in this embodiment of the invention divides the printing data of the feathered region in the original printing data into multiple original unit printing data. It determines the corresponding unit feathering template by obtaining the actual feathering height based on the concentration of the original unit printing data. Feathering printing is then performed by obtaining the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height and the final actual printing data based on the unit feathering template. Since the feathering height of the unit feathering template can vary depending on the concentration of the printing data, the feathering height is larger in printing areas with higher concentrations and smaller in printing areas with lower concentrations. This avoids the problem of uneven images during feathering printing after feathering processing based on the same feathering height, thus improving image printing quality. Furthermore, the step distance between each pass of the printhead is adjusted according to the actual feathering height during feathering printing, which helps to improve printing efficiency and increase printing output.

[0165] Example 4

[0166] In addition, the concentration-adaptive feathering printing method of this invention can be implemented by a concentration-adaptive feathering printing device. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the concentration-adaptive feathering printing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0167] The concentration-adaptive feathering printing device may include a processor 301 and a memory 302 storing computer program instructions.

[0168] Specifically, the processor 301 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 the embodiments of the present invention.

[0169] Memory 302 may include mass storage for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, memory 302 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, memory 302 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, memory 302 may be internal or external to a data processing device. In a particular embodiment, memory 302 is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, memory 302 includes 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.

[0170] The processor 301 reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory 302 to implement any of the concentration-adaptive feathering printing methods in the above embodiments.

[0171] In one example, the concentration-adaptive feathering printing device may also include a communication interface 303 and a bus 310. Wherein, as Figure 9 As shown, the processor 301, memory 302, and communication interface 303 are connected through bus 310 and complete communication with each other.

[0172] The communication interface 303 is mainly used to realize communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0173] Bus 310 includes hardware, software, or both, that couples components of a density-adaptive feathering printing device together. For example, and not limitingly, bus 310 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, bus 310 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.

[0174] Example 5

[0175] Furthermore, in conjunction with the concentration-adaptive feathering printing 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 the processor 301, they implement any one of the concentration-adaptive feathering printing methods in the above embodiments.

[0176] In summary, the concentration-adaptive feathering printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this invention divide the printing data of the feathered region in the original printing data into multiple original unit printing data. The actual feathering height of each original unit printing data is obtained based on its concentration, thereby determining its corresponding unit feathering template. The actual step distance is obtained based on the actual feathering height, and the final actual printing data is obtained based on the unit feathering template for feathering printing. Since the feathering height of the unit feathering template can vary depending on the concentration of the printing data, the feathering height is larger in printing areas with higher concentrations and smaller in printing areas with lower concentrations. This avoids the problem of uneven images during feathering printing after feathering processing based on the same feathering height, thus improving image printing quality. Furthermore, the step distance between each pass of the printhead is adjusted according to the actual feathering height during feathering printing, which helps improve printing efficiency and increase printing yield.

[0177] It should be clarified that the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of the present invention is not limited to the specific steps described and shown. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of the present invention.

[0178] 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.

[0179] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments mentioned in this invention describe methods or systems based on a series of steps or apparatus. However, this invention is not limited to the order of the steps described above; that is, the steps can be performed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0180] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A concentration-adaptive feathering printing method, characterized in that, The method includes: The original feathering height is obtained based on the nozzle height and feathering amplitude; where the nozzle height is characterized by the number of nozzles arranged along the nozzle height direction, and the nozzle height direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the nozzle scanning direction when the nozzle performs a single scan print. Based on the original feathering height, obtain the feathering area corresponding to the original print data, and divide the print data in the feathering area into several original unit print data. Obtain the concentration of the original unit print data; The actual feathering height of the original unit print data is determined based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height. Generating a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height includes: determining the height of the unit feathering template based on the height of the original unit printing data; determining the height of the concentration gradient region in the unit feathering template based on the actual feathering height; and setting the concentration of the concentration gradient region along the nozzle height direction to obtain the unit feathering template. Obtain actual printing data based on the unit feathering template; Obtaining the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height includes: obtaining the actual feathering height of the printed data of each original unit; obtaining the maximum feathering height based on the actual feathering height; and obtaining the actual step distance based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height. The nozzle is controlled to perform feathering printing based on the actual step distance and the actual printing data.

2. The concentration-adaptive feathering printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stepping distance is obtained based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height, including: The actual step distance is obtained using the following formula: Where f is the actual step distance, L is the nozzle height, R is the maximum feathering height, and S is the number of scans per unit area.

3. The concentration-adaptive feathering printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining actual printing data based on the unit feathering template includes: The original unit printing data is feathered according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit printing data. The actual feathering printing data corresponding to the feathering region is obtained by combining the actual unit printing data of each of the actual units. Obtain the print data of the non-feathered area from the original print data; The actual printed data is obtained by combining the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area.

4. The concentration-adaptive feathering printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining actual printing data based on the unit feathering template includes: The actual feathering template is obtained by combining the feathering templates of each unit; The actual feathered printing data is obtained by feathering the printing data of the feathered area according to the actual feathering template. Obtain the print data of the non-feathered area from the original print data; The actual printed data is obtained by combining the actual feathered print data with the print data of the non-feathered area.

5. The concentration-adaptive feathering printing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of feathering the original unit print data according to the unit feathering template to obtain the actual unit print data includes: The unit feathering template is ANDed with the original unit printing data to obtain unit feathering printing data; The complementary template of the unit feathering template is ANDed with the original unit printing data to obtain complementary unit feathering printing data; The actual unit printing data is obtained by combining the feathered printing data of the unit and the feathered printing data of the complementary unit.

6. The concentration-adaptive feathering printing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of feathering the print data of the feathered area according to the actual feathering template to obtain the actual feathered print data includes: The actual feathering template is ANDed with the printed data of the feathering area to obtain the actual feathering data; The complementary template of the actual feathering template is ANDed with the printed data of the feathering area to obtain complementary feathering data; The actual feathering data is combined with the complementary feathering data to obtain the actual feathering printing data.

7. A concentration-adaptive feathering printing device, characterized in that, The device includes: The original feathering height acquisition module is used to obtain the original feathering height based on the printhead height and feathering amplitude; wherein, the printhead height is characterized by the number of nozzles arranged along the printhead height direction, and the printhead height direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the printhead scanning direction when the printhead performs a single scan print. The data partitioning module is used to obtain the feathering region corresponding to the original printing data based on the original feathering height, and to divide the printing data in the feathering region into several original unit printing data. A concentration acquisition module is used to acquire the concentration of the original unit print data; The actual feathering height acquisition module is used to determine the actual feathering height of the original unit print data based on the concentration of the original unit print data and the original feathering height; The unit feathering template acquisition module is used to generate a unit feathering template corresponding to the original unit printing data based on the actual feathering height, including: determining the height of the unit feathering template based on the height of the original unit printing data; determining the height of the concentration gradient region in the unit feathering template based on the actual feathering height; and setting the concentration of the concentration gradient region along the nozzle height direction to obtain the unit feathering template. The actual print data acquisition module is used to acquire actual print data based on the unit feathering template; An actual step distance acquisition module is used to acquire the actual step distance based on the actual feathering height; wherein, the actual step distance acquisition module includes: an actual feathering height acquisition unit, used to acquire the actual feathering height of the printed data of each original unit; a maximum feathering height acquisition unit, used to acquire the maximum feathering height based on the actual feathering height; and an actual step distance acquisition unit, used to acquire the actual step distance based on the nozzle height, the number of scans per unit area, and the maximum feathering height; The feathering printing module is used to control the printhead to perform feathering printing based on the actual step distance and the actual printing data.

8. A concentration-adaptive feathering printing device, 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 1-6.

9. A storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, The method as described in any one of claims 1-6 is implemented when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor.

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