Printing method, printing system, computer readable medium and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a printing method, a printing system, a computer readable medium and electronic equipment, and the method comprises the steps: carrying out the data conversion processing and data fragmentation processing of a to-be-printed file, so as to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmentation processing files; the data conversion processing is used for converting the to-be-printed file into recognizable data of the printing equipment; and the multiple fragmented processing files are sequentially sent to printing equipment, so that the printing equipment carries out printing based on the received fragmented processing files. According to the technical scheme, printing operation is carried out while data transmission is carried out, the printing time consumption is shortened, and the printing efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of printing technology, and particularly relates to a printing method, a printing system, a computer-readable medium, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] DTF (Direct to Film) printing technology is a digital printing technology. It involves printing a pattern onto a transfer film and then transferring the pattern from the film to various textiles by means of hot pressing. In this process, the general process is that the host computer generates a processing file according to the printing pattern and transmits the processing file to the printing device. The printing device performs printing operations according to the processing file. The printing operation adopts the form of an ordinary task queue. After the host computer creates a task, it queues up in the printing device and is processed sequentially. Only when the previous task is processed can it trigger the generation, transmission, and printing process of the processing file corresponding to the next task, resulting in low printing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a printing method, a printing system, a computer-readable medium, and an electronic device to improve printing efficiency.

[0004] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent through the following detailed description, or be learned in part through the practice of this application.

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a printing method is provided, which is applied to a host computer and includes:

[0006] Perform data conversion processing and data fragmentation processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple fragmented processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device; send the multiple fragmented processing files to the printing device in sequence, so that the printing device performs printing based on the received fragmented processing files.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a printing method is provided, which is applied to a printing device and includes:

[0008] Receive the fragmented processing file sent by the host computer during the generation of the fragmented processing file; the fragmented processing file is one of the multiple fragmented processing files obtained by the host computer through data conversion processing and data fragmentation processing on the file to be printed, and the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device; perform printing according to the fragmented processing file.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a printing method is provided, which is applied to a printing device and includes:

[0010] Obtain the file to be printed; perform data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple sharded processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device; during the process of generating the multiple sharded processing files, print according to the sharded processing files synchronously.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a printing device is provided, which is applied to a host computer and includes:

[0012] A data conversion module, configured to perform data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple sharded processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device;

[0013] A data sending module, configured to sequentially send the multiple sharded processing files to a printing device, so that the printing device prints based on the received sharded processing files.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a printing device is provided, which is applied to a printing device and includes:

[0015] A data receiving module, configured to receive the sharded processing file sent by the host computer during the generation process of the sharded processing file; the sharded processing file is one of the multiple sharded processing files obtained by the host computer through data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed, and the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device;

[0016] A printing module, configured to print according to the sharded processing file.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a printing device is provided, which is applied to a printing device and includes:

[0018] A file acquisition module, configured to acquire the file to be printed;

[0019] A data conversion module, configured to perform data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple sharded processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device;

[0020] A printing module, configured to print according to the sharded processing file synchronously during the process of generating the multiple sharded processing files.

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a computer-readable medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the printing method provided in any embodiment of the present application is implemented.

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a printing system is provided, including:

[0023] A host computer, configured to execute the printing method applied to the host computer provided in any embodiment of the present application;

[0024] A printing device, communicatively connected to the host computer, configured to perform a printing operation according to the printing method applied to the printing device provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0025] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, an electronic device is provided, which includes: a processor; and a memory, configured to store executable instructions of the processor; wherein, the processor executes the executable instructions to enable the electronic device to execute the printing method provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0026] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a computer program product or a computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions to enable the computer device to execute the printing method provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0027] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, the host computer performs data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate a plurality of sharded processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into data recognizable by the printing device; and then the plurality of sharded processing files are sequentially sent to the printing device, so that the printing device performs printing based on the received sharded processing files. In this way, the host computer can convert the file to be printed into a plurality of sharded processing files and send them to the printing device, and the printing device can start the printing operation after receiving the sharded processing files, thereby realizing that while the host computer transmits data to the printing device, the printing device synchronously performs the printing operation, that is, realizing printing while transmitting data, thereby shortening the printing time and improving the printing efficiency.

[0028] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0029] The drawings here are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0030] Figure 1 Schematically shows an architecture block diagram of a printing system to which the technical solution of the present application is applied.

[0031] Figure 2 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 3 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 4A Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a host computer transmission interface provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 4B Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a printing device task directory provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 5A Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a transmitted file list provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 5B Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 6 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 7 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 8 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 9 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a task queue provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 10 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 11A Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 11B Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a file transmission process provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 12 Schematically shows a structure block diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Figure 13 Schematically shows a structural block diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 14 Schematically shows a structural block diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 15 Schematically shows a computer system structural block diagram of an electronic device suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0048] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be more complete and comprehensive, and will fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In addition, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the technical solutions of the present application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps, etc. can be adopted. In other cases, well-known methods, devices, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present application.

[0050] The block diagrams shown in the drawings are only functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software form, or in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0051] The flowcharts shown in the drawings are only illustrative and do not necessarily include all the contents and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be executed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be decomposed, while some operations / steps can be combined or partially combined, so the actual execution order may change according to the actual situation.

[0052] In the related art, the printing process has a strong dependence on the integrity of the processed file. It is necessary to wait until the processed file is completely generated before it can be transmitted; after the processed file is completely transmitted, it can be processed. The generation, transmission, and printing of the file are carried out in series, and the printing efficiency is relatively low.

[0053] Figure 1The architecture block diagram of a printing system to which the technical solution of the present application is applied is schematically shown.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the printing system may include a printing device 101 and a host computer 102. The printing device 101 is a device capable of printing on a medium to be printed, such as a DTF printer, other printers, etc. The host computer 102 may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a smart voice interaction device, a control terminal of the printing device 101, or any electronic device capable of communicating with the printing device 101. A communication connection is established between the printing device 101 and the host computer 102, and this communication connection may be a communication link provided by various types of communication media, such as a wired communication link or a wireless communication link.

[0055] The printing provided by the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0056] Figure 2 The flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. This method can be implemented by the host computer, as Figure 1 shown by the host computer 102. As Figure 2 shown, the printing method provided by the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0057] Step 210: Perform data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple sharded processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into data recognizable by the printing device.

[0058] Specifically, the file to be printed includes the content that the user needs to print, and is usually content recognizable by the user, such as images, text, etc. When performing a printing operation, it is necessary to convert it into data recognizable by the printing device that actually performs the printing operation, such as a PRN file, also known as a printer file. Converting the file to be printed into a PRN file is the data conversion processing. Generally, the data transfer processing can be implemented by the RIP (Raster Image Processor) algorithm running in the host computer, so the data conversion processing can be simply referred to as RIP processing. The data sharding processing refers to dividing the overall data into multiple sharded data.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present application, during the RIP processing, data sharding processing is simultaneously performed, that is, the converted data is sharded so that it is divided into multiple sharded processing files with smaller data volumes. Each sharded processing file belongs to a PRN file, and the printing device can recognize the sharded processing file and perform corresponding processing operations.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, the RIP process and the data fragmentation process are carried out simultaneously. It can be that the RIP process and the data fragmentation process are carried out at the same time, that is, the RIP process is slightly earlier than the data fragmentation process. Whenever the converted data reaches a predetermined data volume, it means that it is sufficient to form a fragmented processing file, and the data fragmentation process starts. The corresponding data is packed to form a fragmented processing file. Thus, as the RIP process progresses, multiple fragmented processing files can be generated in sequence.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present application, the RIP process and the data fragmentation process are carried out simultaneously. It can be that the data fragmentation process and the RIP process are carried out at the same time, that is, the data fragmentation process is slightly earlier than the RIP process. First, the file to be printed is fragmented. When the fragmented data reaches a predetermined data volume, such as at least one fragmented data, then the RIP process starts. The data after RIP of one fragmented data can be used as a fragmented processing file, or the data after RIP of multiple fragmented data can be used as a fragmented processing file.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present application, the RIP process can be carried out first. After the entire file to be printed is converted into data recognizable by the printing device, the converted data is then fragmented in sequence to obtain multiple fragmented processing files.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present application, the data fragmentation process can be carried out first. After the entire file to be printed is divided into multiple fragmented data, the fragmented data is then subjected to the RIP process in sequence to obtain multiple fragmented processing files. Step 220: Send the multiple fragmented processing files to the printing device in sequence so that the printing device prints based on the received fragmented processing files.

[0064] Specifically, the host computer sends the fragmented processing file to the printing device. When the printing device receives the fragmented processing file, it can parse and recognize the fragmented processing file and perform the corresponding printing operation. That is, when the printing device receives a fragmented processing file, it can start printing immediately without waiting for all fragmented processing files to be received.

[0065] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, the host computer performs data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple sharded processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into data recognizable by the printing device; then the multiple sharded processing files are sequentially sent to the printing device, so that the printing device performs printing based on the received sharded processing files. In this way, the host computer can convert the file to be printed into multiple sharded processing files and send them to the printing device, and the printing device can start the printing operation after receiving the sharded processing files, thereby realizing that while the host computer transmits data to the printing device, the printing device synchronously performs the printing operation, that is, realizing printing while performing data transmission, thereby shortening the printing time and improving the printing efficiency.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, when the host computer sequentially sends multiple sharded processing files to the printing device, it can be that for each generated sharded processing file, the sharded processing file is sent to the printing device. This can further shorten the time taken for the printing device to receive the multiple sharded processing files corresponding to the file to be printed, so that the printing device can start printing faster, thereby improving the printing efficiency.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present application, when the host computer sequentially sends multiple sharded processing files to the printing device, after the multiple sharded processing files are generated, according to the generation order of the sharded processing files, the multiple sharded processing files are sequentially sent to the printing device. In this way, the printing device performs printing sequentially based on the reception order of the sharded processing files, thereby ensuring the accuracy of printing.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present application, the host computer can perform data conversion processing, data sharding processing, and send the sharded processing files to the printing device at the same time, that is, realize RIP while transmitting while printing, so that RIP processing, data transmission, and printing operations are "three-line parallel", further shortening the printing time and improving the printing efficiency.

[0069] Figure 3 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application, and this method can be implemented by a host computer. As Figure 3 shown, the printing method provided by the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0070] Step 310: Perform data conversion preprocessing on the file to be printed to generate processing file description information corresponding to the file to be printed.

[0071] Specifically, before the formal RIP process, the host computer can preprocess the data conversion of the file to be printed, also known as pre-RIP processing. Through this processing, the processed file description information corresponding to the file to be printed is generated, or the RIP description file. The processed file description information is the description information of the converted sliced processed file, such as the number of sliced processed files, the volume (size) of the sliced processed files, etc.

[0072] Step 320: Send the processed file description information to the printing device to create a printing task in the printing device.

[0073] Specifically, the host computer sends the processed file description information to the printing device. After receiving the processed file description information, the printing device stores it as the task data of the printing task, thus creating the printing task of the host computer in the printing device.

[0074] Step 330: When receiving the handshake request sent by the printing device, establish a data transmission connection with the printing device; the handshake request is generated by the printing device when it determines that the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processed file indicated by the processed file description information and executes the printing task.

[0075] Specifically, there can be multiple printing tasks in the printing device. These multiple printing tasks can be created by the same host computer or by different host computers. The multiple printing tasks in the printing device wait for execution through queue sorting. When the printing device executes a certain printing task, it determines the storage requirements of the processed file corresponding to the printing task through the processed file description information of the printing task, and judges whether the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processed file. If it meets, the printing device determines that it can execute the printing task, and thus sends a handshake request to the host computer to establish a data transmission connection with the printing device. This data transmission connection is used for the subsequent stable transmission of the data to be processed from the host computer to the printing device. In this way, when the host computer receives the handshake request sent by the printing device, it means that the current printing task can be executed, and thus a data transmission connection is established with the printing device.

[0076] As mentioned above, the processed file description information includes information such as the number of sliced processed files and the volume of the sliced processed files. According to this information, the printing device can determine how much storage space the corresponding printing task needs to occupy. The printing device can compare the current available storage space with the storage requirements of the processed file indicated by the processed file description information. If the current available storage space is greater than or equal to the storage requirements of the processed file, it means that the storage requirements of the processed file are met; otherwise, it means that the storage requirements of the processed file are not met. When the storage requirements of the processed file are not met, the printing device will not execute the corresponding printing task. The printing device can skip this printing task and select other printing tasks in the queue to continue the judgment.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present application, the handshake request sent by the printing device may be a response message when the printing device determines that the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file indicated by the processing file description information, or specific event information, such as the REQUEST_PD event. After receiving the handshake request, the host computer may send a handshake response message to the printing device. For example, the handshake response message may be to notify the printing device to start the RIP processing of the file to be printed, that is, the STRAT_RIP instruction. After receiving the handshake response message, the printing device indicates that the data transmission connection is established, that is, the RIP handshake is completed, and the host computer can perform data transmission while performing RIP.

[0078] Step 340: Perform data conversion processing on the file to be printed, and when the converted data reaches a predetermined data volume, simultaneously perform data fragmentation processing on the converted data to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmented processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into data recognizable by the printing device.

[0079] Specifically, after receiving the handshake request sent by the printing device, before performing the formal RIP, the host computer sends an instruction to start the RIP processing to the printing device, and then starts the RIP processing on the file to be printed. After a short period of time after the start of RIP, data fragmentation processing is simultaneously started to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmented processing files. The specific process of the RIP processing can refer to the relevant description in the foregoing step 210 and will not be elaborated here.

[0080] Step 350: During the process of generating a plurality of fragmented processing files, synchronously send the generated fragmented processing files to the printing device so that the printing device synchronously prints based on the received fragmented processing files.

[0081] Specifically, the RIP algorithm will sequentially output the PRN data fragments, and add a sequence identifier to each fragmented processing file. The sequence identifier is used to indicate the processing order of each fragmented processing file, and the sequence identifier can be added to the file name of the fragmented processing file. For example, the file names are data1.pd, data2.pd, dataN.pd, and each fragmented processing file contains the data required for this processing. A fragmented processing file is also called one PASS data. When the host computer generates a fragmented processing file, it sends the fragmented processing file to the printing device according to the sequence identifier so that the printing device sequentially executes the printing operations corresponding to the fragmented processing files. Thus, RIP, transmission, and printing are realized simultaneously.

[0082] Exemplarily, Figure 4A Schematically shows a schematic diagram of the host computer transmission interface provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 4AAs shown, a preview image of the file to be printed can be displayed on the left side of the interface. When the printing device receives the sliced processing file and starts printing, a prompt message "Printing" is displayed in the interface of the host computer. Information such as file transfer progress, current number of copies, and remaining duration can also be displayed on the right side of the interface. The file transfer progress is represented by the proportion of the data volume of the transferred sliced processing file in the total processing file data volume corresponding to the file to be printed. The remaining duration represents the remaining duration of this printing, and the current number of copies refers to the current number of copies being printed. Based on this display interface, the user can at least determine that the host computer and the printing device are printing while transferring data. It should be noted that Figure 4A The display positions of each picture or parameter in

[0083] Exemplarily, Figure 4B A schematic diagram of the task directory of the printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. The task directory includes at least one printing task (it can be understood that the task directory can also be empty, indicating that there is no printing task). The printing task is represented by a sliced processing file. One sliced processing file can correspond to one printing task, such as Figure 4B As shown, passdata46.pd represents a sliced processing file and can also represent a printing task. Figure 4B The shown printing device task directory can be displayed in the host computer or in the display interface of the printing device. The user can open this task directory through the task directory option in the host computer or the printing device.

[0084] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, the processing file description information is generated through data conversion preprocessing and sent to the printing device, so that the printing device can determine whether the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file. When the requirements are met, the printing device establishes a data transfer connection and starts the synchronous progress of data conversion, data transfer, and printing operations. While improving the printing efficiency, it can effectively ensure that the printing device has sufficient storage space to use during the printing process, improving the stability of the printing process.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present application, during the process of sending the sliced processing file, if the currently sent sliced processing file is the last file among multiple sliced processing files, the host computer sends a file transfer completion instruction to the printing device to notify the printing device that all the processing data of this printing task has been transferred. After the printing device finishes the printing operation corresponding to the last sliced processing file, it can determine that the printing task corresponding to the file to be printed is completed.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present application, during the process of the host computer transmitting the sliced processing file, the transmitted sliced processing file is recorded in the transmitted file list; when the file transmission is abnormal, the transmission of the sliced processing file is stopped, and after the transmission resumes to normal, the untransmitted sliced processing file is continued to be transmitted according to the transmitted file list. Among them, file transmission abnormalities include abnormal situations such as file transmission loss and communication connection timeout. Through the transmitted file list, the host computer can implement the resume function after the transmission resumes to normal, that is, after the transmission resumes to normal, the sliced processing files recorded in the transmitted file list are skipped, and the transmission starts from the untransmitted sliced processing files. Optionally, the host computer can set a transmission identifier for each sliced processing file, the transmitted sliced processing file is set as transmitted, and the untransmitted sliced processing file is set as untransmitted. After the abnormality is restored, the transmission starts from the most recent untransmitted sliced processing file.

[0087] Exemplarily, as Figure 5A shown, the host computer stores a task list created by itself, and the host computer sets a transmitted file list for each printing task. After RIP starts, the RIP algorithm slices the file to be printed and outputs sliced processing files named data1.pd, data2.pd...dataN.pd. After the host computer detects the generation of the sliced processing file, it will transmit them to the printing device in sequence according to the serial number in the file name. After each sliced processing file is transmitted, the host computer will add the corresponding transmitted file list file transmission record in the transmitted file list of the corresponding printing task. For example, after data1.pd is transmitted, the item data1.pd is added in the transmitted file list to mark that data1.pd has been transmitted. When the network is unstable, the host computer will stop the transmission of the sliced processing file and wait for the network to be stable. When the network is stable, the host computer skips the sliced processing files that have been transmitted according to the transmitted file list in the task and starts the transmission from the untransmitted sliced processing files. Assuming that data1.pd and data2.pd have been transmitted, the transmitted file list will contain the identifiers of data1.pd and data2.pd. After the data transmission connection is re-established with the printing device, the transmission of the sliced processing files of data1.pd and data2.pd will be skipped, and the sliced processing files will be transmitted to the printing device starting from data3.pd.

[0088] Exemplarily, Figure 5B schematically shows a schematic diagram of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5BAs shown in the figure, before the host computer creates a print task, it needs to pre-RIP the file to be printed (bitmap) to generate a RIP description file (processing file description information). The RIP description file contains all the file information of this RIP processing, such as the number of slice processing files generated, the volume of slice processing files and other processing information. When creating a print task, the RIP description file will be provided to the printing device as task data for queueing. The printing device calculates whether the current storage space is sufficient based on the number and size of files in the RIP description file. When the storage space is sufficient, the RIP handshake process will be performed. The purpose of the RIP handshake process is to ensure normal communication with the upper printing device and avoid invalid waiting time. The printing device sends a REQUEST_PD event (handshake request) to notify the host computer to start image RIP processing. After the host computer receives the REQUEST_PD event, it will send a STRAT_RIP instruction to the printing device before starting the formal RIP, and the RIP handshake is completed.

[0089] For example, Figure 6 The flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. Figure 6 As shown, the image is the file to be printed. The host computer first performs pre-RIP processing on the image to generate a RIP description file (i.e., processing file description information). The host computer creates a print task in itself according to the RIP description file and sends it to the printing device at the same time. The printing device creates a print task and the printing device feeds back the task creation response information. When the printing device needs to execute the print task, it sends a REQUEST_PD notification to the host computer for RIP handshake. The host computer sends a START_RIP instruction to the printing device to implement the RIP handshake. After the handshake is completed, the host computer starts to perform RIP processing on the image and continuously generates slice processing files. The host computer continuously transmits the generated slice processing files to the printing device, and the printing device feeds back the file reception response. When the last file is transferred, the host computer sends a FINISHED_RIP transmission completion instruction to the printing device. The printing device modifies the data transmission flag of the corresponding task to completed transmission, and the data transmission of this task is completed.

[0090] During the RIP process, the RIP algorithm will output the PRN data in slices in sequence, and the slice processing files (i.e. Figure 5B The processing file blocks in the file are named as data1.pd, data2.pd, dataN.pd. According to its file format, the slice processing file is also called pd file. The file name will contain the sequence information of this part of the file, which is used to identify the processing order. All the slice processing files contain the data required for this processing, and the slice processing files can be processed directly. In this embodiment, Figure 5BAs shown, after the RIP algorithm processes the bitmap, it directly slices and outputs multiple PRN file blocks. The PRN file block is the PRN file, which records the original processing data that has not been optimized for images. After obtaining the PRN file block, image optimization processing is performed on the PRN file block to obtain a processed file block, which is the sliced processed file in the technical solution of this application and is used to be sent to the printing device. Among them, one processed file block includes at least one PRN file block. In this embodiment, the data conversion process includes the conversion from bitmap to PRN file and from PRN file to pd file.

[0091] When it is detected that the sliced processed file is generated, the host computer can start the transmission of the sliced processed file and concurrently transmit the sliced processed file to the printing device. Since the sliced processed file only contains partial processing data, the volume of the file is small, and the generation rate and transmission rate are high, which can achieve that the transmission is completed approximately when the file generation is completed. When all the processing data of this time is transmitted, the host computer needs to send a transmission completion instruction to notify the printing device that the processing data transmission is completed. Thus, the process of RIP while transmitting ends.

[0092] Normally, after adding the RIP description file pre-transmission mechanism, for the first task, if the type of the task is printing while transmitting, the printing device can enter the printing state and prepare to print after receiving the PD header file and the 1PASS data (the first sliced processed file). At this time, the host computer can send data while the printing device is printing, that is, printing while transmitting. Among them, the PD header file refers to the processed file header generated during RIP while transmitting, including the summary information of the sliced processed file this time, such as the number of sliced processed files and the size of each sliced processed file.

[0093] Figure 7 Schematically shows the flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of this application, and this method can be implemented by a printing device. As Figure 7 shown, the printing method provided by the embodiment of this application includes the following steps:

[0094] Step 710: Receive the sliced processed file sent by the host computer during the generation of the sliced processed file; the sliced processed file is one of the multiple sliced processed files obtained by the host computer through data conversion processing and data slicing processing on the file to be printed, and the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data by the printing device.

[0095] Step 720: Print according to the sliced processed file.

[0096] Specifically, when the printing device receives the sliced processed file, it can parse and recognize the sliced processed file and execute the corresponding printing operation. The specific implementation process of the host computer has been described in the printing method executed by the host computer and will not be elaborated here.

[0097] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, the printing device receives the sliced processing file sent by the host computer during the generation of the sliced processing file, and performs a printing operation according to the sliced processing file; the sliced processing file is one of the multiple sliced processing files obtained by the host computer through data conversion processing and data slicing processing on the file to be printed in sequence, and the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data by the printing device. In this way, the host computer quickly sends the sliced processing file to the printing device after generating it, and the printing device can start the printing operation after receiving the sliced processing file, thereby realizing that while the host computer transmits data to the printing device, the printing device synchronously performs the printing operation, that is, realizing the printing operation while performing data transmission, thereby shortening the printing time and improving the printing efficiency.

[0098] Figure 8 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application, and this method can be implemented by a printing device. As Figure 8 shown, the printing method provided by the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0099] Step 810: Receive the processing file description information sent by the host computer, and the processing file description information is generated by the host computer through data conversion preprocessing on the file to be printed.

[0100] The generation process of the processing file description information can refer to the description in the corresponding embodiment of the printing method executed by the aforementioned host computer, and will not be elaborated here.

[0101] Step 820: Create a printing task according to the processing file description information.

[0102] Specifically, after the printing device receives the processing file description information, it uses the processing file description information as a task data to create a printing task.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present application, the printing device can create multiple printing tasks, and these printing tasks are instructed to be created by one or more host computers. To manage these printing tasks, the printing device adds the created printing tasks to a task queue for queuing, and obtains the printing tasks from it for execution in sequence according to the principle of first in first out of the queue. Among them, the printing tasks created first are added to the task queue first, so the printing tasks in the task queue are sorted according to the task creation time.

[0104] Step 830: Detect the current storage space of the printing device.

[0105] Specifically, when a printing task needs to be executed, it is necessary to determine whether the current data storage requirements of the task are met. If not, the task cannot be executed; if so, subsequent operations are performed.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present application, the printing device can obtain the currently required printing task from the task queue. After obtaining a printing task from the task queue, it can detect the current storage space of the printing device to determine whether to execute the printing task. If the printing device executes a printing task, it means that the host computer has transmitted the corresponding data to be processed to the printing device. If a certain printing task is not executed, it means that the data to be processed has not been transmitted yet. Therefore, the printing device can determine which task needs to be executed based on the data transmission status corresponding to the printing task. Specifically, the printing device can set a data transmission identifier for each printing task, and this transmission identifier is used to reflect the transmission status of the sliced processing file corresponding to the printing task. For example, the printing device can set the data transmission identifier of the printing task in progress to "transmitting", the data transmission identifier of the unexecuted printing task to "not transmitted", and the data transmission identifier of the executed printing task to "transmission completed". Then, after the printing device finishes executing a printing task, it can obtain the currently required printing task according to the data transmission identifiers of each printing task in the task queue. For example, it can take the printing task with the most recent data transmission identifier of "not transmitted" as the currently required printing task.

[0107] Exemplarily, Figure 9 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of the task queue provided by an embodiment of the present application. Multiple different host computers can create printing tasks in the same printing device. As Figure 9 shown, host computer 1, host computer 2, and host computer 3 have respectively created corresponding tasks in the printing device. One host computer can also create multiple printing tasks in a printing device. As Figure 9 shown, host computer 1 has created task 1 and task 3 in the printing device. The printing order of each task in the printing device is specified through the task queue, and each task in the queue is sorted based on the creation time (i.e., Figure 9 the added time in it). At the same time, the printing device sets data transmission identifiers for each task. For example, tasks 1 and 2 correspond to "transmission completed", indicating that tasks 1 and 2 have been executed; task 3 corresponds to "transmitting", indicating that task 3 is in execution; task 4 corresponds to "not transmitted", indicating that task 4 has not been executed yet.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present application, when the printing device receives a file transmission completion instruction corresponding to any printing task to be printed in the task queue, it sets the data transmission identifier corresponding to the printing task to "transmission completed"; the file transmission completion instruction is sent by the host computer corresponding to the printing task after sending the last sliced processing file.

[0109] In one embodiment of the present application, after receiving all the shard processing corresponding to a printing task, the printing device obtains the next printing task from the task queue, so that during the execution of the current printing task, it receives the shard processing file corresponding to the next printing task. That is to say, the task execution process of the printing device is synchronized with the receiving process of the shard processing file, thereby accelerating the file receiving speed and further accelerating the printing speed of the next printing task.

[0110] Step 840: If the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file indicated by the processing file description information corresponding to the current printing task, send a handshake request to the corresponding host computer to establish a data transmission connection with the host computer.

[0111] Specifically, when the printing device performs a printing operation, it needs to allocate a section of memory space to store the data of the printing task. Therefore, to execute a printing task, the printing device needs to have sufficient memory space. When the current storage space of the printing device meets the storage requirements of the processing file of the current task to be executed, that is, the printing device can store all the processing data corresponding to the current task to be executed, it indicates that the printing device can start the task, and thus sends a handshake request to the host computer corresponding to the task to facilitate the establishment of a data transmission connection, which is used for subsequent data transmission to the printing device.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present application, if the current storage space of the printing device does not meet the storage requirements of the processing file of the current printing task, it means that the printing device cannot execute the printing task. Then, at this time, the printing device skips the printing task, obtains the next printing task from the task list as the current printing task, and returns to step 830 to continue to determine whether it meets the storage requirements of the processing file of the printing task.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present application, when the printing device skips a certain printing task, it keeps the data transmission identifier of the printing task unchanged as untransmitted, and can move the printing task one position backward, so that after the printing device finishes executing the next printing task, it determines again whether it can execute the printing task. Exemplarily, assume that the task queue includes untransmitted printing tasks 1 to 4. First, obtain task 1 as the current task to be executed. After detecting that the current storage space does not meet the storage requirements of the processing file of task 1, skip task 1 and obtain task 2 as the current task to be executed. At this time, the task sorting in the task queue is task 1, task 3, task 4. Optionally, task 1 can also be moved backward so that the task sorting becomes task 3, task 4, task 1.

[0114] Taking task sorting as an example of task 1, task 3, and task 4, if it is detected that the current storage space does not meet the storage requirements of the processing file of task 2, since the next task at this time is task 1 and task 1 has been judged before, so task 1 is skipped at this time, and task 3 is obtained as the current task to be executed. At this time, the task sorting changes to task 1, task 2, and task 4. If it is detected that the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file of task 2, after the host computer finishes executing task 2, it continues to judge with task 1 as the current task to be executed. By doing so, the tasks that are not executed and created first can be executed more quickly.

[0115] Taking task sorting as an example of task 3, task 4, and task 1, if it is detected that the current storage space does not meet the storage requirements of the processing file of task 2, then task 3 is obtained as the current task to be executed for judgment according to the task queue. At this time, the task sorting changes to task 4, task 1, and task 2. If it is detected that the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file of task 2, after the host computer finishes executing task 2, it can preferentially judge with task 1, which is the task that was created earlier but not completed, as the current task to be executed to avoid long task waiting. Optionally, if it is detected that the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file of task 2, after the host computer finishes executing task 2, it can detect whether the waiting time of task 1 reaches the threshold. If it reaches, task 1 is used as the current task to be executed for judgment. If it does not reach, task 3 is used as the current task to be executed for judgment according to the order in the task queue.

[0116] Step 850: Receive the sliced processing file sent by the host computer based on the data transmission connection; the sliced processing file is generated and sent to the printing device by the host computer through slice-based data conversion processing of the file to be printed. The slice-based data conversion processing includes slicing the converted data during the data conversion process, and the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into data recognizable by the printing device.

[0117] Step 860: Perform a printing operation according to the sliced processing file.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present application, while the printing device performs printing according to the received sliced processing file, it synchronously receives the remaining sliced processing files. In this way, the transmission of the processing file will not be hindered by the printing, improving the file transmission efficiency and printing efficiency.

[0119] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, the printing device creates a printing task in advance according to the processing file description information, and when the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the corresponding processing file, the printing device establishes communication with the host computer to perform data transmission and printing operations, effectively ensuring that the printing device has sufficient storage space for the current task, while improving the printing efficiency and the stability of the printing process at the same time.

[0120] In an embodiment of the present application, when the printing device receives the first fragmented processing file sent by the host computer, it can perform printing operations according to the fragmented processing file, and at the same time set the data transmission identifier of the corresponding printing task to in transmission. After the last fragmented processing file is sent to the printing device, the host computer sends a file transmission completion instruction corresponding to the currently pending task to the printing device. After receiving this instruction, the printing device sets the transmission identifier corresponding to the currently pending task to transmission completed.

[0121] In an embodiment of the present application, when the printing device receives a file transmission completion instruction for the currently executing task, it can obtain the next printing task from the task queue as the currently pending task to receive the fragmented processing file corresponding to the currently pending task. That is, after the data transmission of the previous printing task is completed, establish a data transmission connection with the host computer of the next printing task as soon as possible to receive the fragmented processing file corresponding to the next printing task, without waiting for the previous printing task to be printed before performing the data transmission of the next printing task. In this way, when the previous printing task is printed, the printing device can quickly enter the printing operation of the next printing task, thereby saving the printing time of the next printing task and improving the multi-task printing efficiency.

[0122] In an embodiment of the present application, the printing device includes a data receiving module and a printing module. The data receiving module is used to receive various data sent by the host computer, and the printing module is used to perform printing operations. The printing module may include an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) controller and a print head. The FPGA controller can control the print head to perform specific printing operations. After the data receiving module receives the sliced processing file, it sends the sliced processing file to the printing module, and the FPGA controller can control the movement of the print head according to the sliced processing file to perform printing operations, such as inkjet printing. During this process, the data receiving module can detect the sliced processing file identifier sent to the printing module and the received sliced processing file identifier. If the sliced processing file identifier sent to the printing module is the same as the received sliced processing file identifier, it means that the currently sent sliced processing file to the printing module is already the latest received sliced processing file, then the data receiving module continues to wait for the host computer to send a new sliced processing file. If the sliced processing file identifier sent to the printing module is different from the received sliced processing file identifier, it means that there are still sliced processing files that have not been printed, so the received sliced processing file is continuously sent to the printing module to enable the printing module to perform printing operations according to the sliced processing file.

[0123] Figure 10 Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application, and this method is executed by a printing device. As Figure 10 shown, this printing method includes steps 1010 to 1030, which are specifically as follows:

[0124] Step 1010: Obtain the file to be printed.

[0125] Step 1020: Perform data conversion processing and data slicing processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate multiple sliced processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device.

[0126] Step 1030: During the process of generating multiple sliced processing files, synchronously perform printing according to the sliced processing files.

[0127] The specific operations involved in steps 1010 to 1030 are the same as or similar to those in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0128] In this embodiment, the host computer directly sends the file to be printed to the printing device. The printing device performs data conversion processing and data fragmentation processing on the file to be printed, and executes the printing operation. On the one hand, the printing device realizes the operation of RIP while printing, improving the printing efficiency. On the other hand, the host computer only needs to send the file to be printed to the printing device, with a small amount of transmitted data and a fast transmission speed. At the same time, the fragmented processed file can be printed immediately after being generated, eliminating the need for the transmission operation of the processed file between the host computer and the printing device, further improving the printing efficiency.

[0129] The following uses specific embodiments to illustrate the implementation process of the technical solution of this application.

[0130] Figure 11A Schematically shows a flowchart of a printing method provided by an embodiment of this application, which is jointly implemented by a host computer and a printing device.

[0131] As Figure 11A shown, after the host computer creates a processing task, it adds it to the printing queue of the printing device for queue sorting. The printing device checks whether there is a task to be processed (i.e., a task to be executed) in the task queue. If so, it sends a processing notification to the host computer. After receiving the processing notification, the host computer starts bitmap RIP processing, and performs file transmission while RIPping, and transmits the fragmented processed file to the printing device. The printing device detects whether the file transmission times out (for example, if the fragmented processed file is not received within a set time, it is considered timed out). If not timed out, after receiving the fragmented processed file, the printing device performs the logic of printing while transmitting until all the fragmented processed files are printed, then this processing task (i.e., the printing task) is completed. If timed out, the printing device cancels the current task and enters the printing process of the next task. At the same time, the printing device sets a data transmission identifier for each task, setting the processed ones as transmission completed, the processing ones as in transmission, and the unprocessed ones as not transmitted.

[0132] Exemplarily, Figure 11B Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a file transmission process provided by an embodiment of this application. As Figure 11BAs shown, before the host computer creates a task, it performs pre-RIP processing on the image (the file to be printed), generating a RIP description file (processing file description information). All file information of this RIP contained in the RIP description file, such as the number of processed files generated, the volume of the processed files, and other processing information. The RIP description file will be provided to the printing device as task data for queueing when creating a task (that is, creating a printing task in the printing device and adding the printing task to the task queue). After creating the processing task, the printing device stores the RIP description file as task data in the printing queue. When multiple host computers have tasks, the processing order is arranged according to the time sequence of adding the printing tasks, and the printing device sequentially obtains the corresponding task data for printing and processing.

[0133] According to the data transmission identifier of the task, the printing device detects whether there is an untransmitted completed processing task in the task queue. Assume that Task 1 is the first untransmitted task in the current queue. The printing device starts to execute Task 1, parses the RIP description file of Task 1, and obtains information such as the total number of PASSes (total number of sliced processing files) and the total size of the current task processing data. If the disk space is sufficient to store the data of this task, it sends a REQUEST_PD notification (i.e., handshake request) to the host computer for RIP handshake. After receiving the REQUEST_PD notification, the host computer sends a START_RIP instruction to the printing device. After receiving the START_RIP, the RIP handshake is completed, and the task status switches to printing. T1 seconds is the preset RIP handshake timeout. If the printing device does not receive the START_RIP instruction sent by the host computer after more than T1 seconds, it means the handshake fails, cancels and skips this task, and then starts to execute the next task in sequence.

[0134] After completing the RIP handshake, the host computer starts to perform RIP processing on the image, generating sliced processing files. During the RIP process, the RIP algorithm will sequentially output the PRN data in slices, and the sliced processing file names are in the form of data1.pd, data2.pd, dataN.pd. When it detects the generation of the sliced processing files, the host computer can start to transmit the sliced processing files and transmit the sliced processing files to the printing device concurrently. When all the processing data of this time is transmitted, the host computer sends a FINISHED_RIP transmission completion instruction to notify the printing device that the processing data transmission is completed. After receiving the transmission completion instruction, the printing device modifies the data transmission identifier in the task to transmission completed.

[0135] After Task 1 finishes data transmission, the printing device starts the file pre - transmission process of Task 2, that is, parses the RIP description file of Task 2, determines that the disk space is sufficient to store the data of Task 2, and the file transmission process refers to the transmission process of Task 1. This process repeats until the task list is traversed and file pre - transmission is performed for all tasks. If the disk space is insufficient, it will wait until the disk space is sufficient and then try the RIP handshake process again.

[0136] When the printing device receives the sliced processing file data, it enters the processing and printing process to print the sliced processing file. The printing device will allocate a section of memory space, read the data of the PASS file (sliced processing file) according to the storage path of the current task into the memory, and update the storage index of the current memory space. The transmission module of the printing device then reads the PASS data from the memory space and sends it to the FPGA. The FPGA controls the movement of the print head for inkjet printing according to the received printing data. During the printing process, it compares the current PASSID (sliced processing file identifier) sent to the FPGA with the PASSID received from the host computer. If the two are the same, it waits for the host computer to transmit new PASS data; otherwise, it continues to transmit data to the FPGA for continued printing until all the processing files of Task 1 are printed.

[0137] After Task 1 is processed, the printing device starts to execute Task 2. Due to the file pre - transmission mechanism, some of the processing files of Task 2 have been transmitted and the printing process of Task 2 will start directly. If there are no sliced processing files for Task 2, it will wait for the sliced processing files to be generated and transmitted to the printing device before starting the printing and processing process of Task 2. This process repeats, and the printing device executes tasks in sequence according to the task queue until all tasks in the queue are processed.

[0138] In the host computer, there is its own task list queue corresponding to the task queue of the printing device. At the same time, the host computer sets a list of transmitted files for each printing task. Both the host computer and the printing device set a file transmission timeout time T2. Each time a sliced processing file is transmitted, the timing restarts. If the network is unstable and the timing time exceeds T2, the host computer and the printing device determine the connection status. The host computer stops transmitting the sliced processing file, and the printing device cancels the current task. If the network is stable within the file transmission timeout time T2, the printing device re - establishes the connection, and the host computer will perform resume - interrupted transfer, starting to upload from the unsent sliced files according to the list of transmitted files. When the connection between the host computer and the printing device is disconnected for more than time T2 and then re - connected, the task list of the host computer is compared with the task queue of the printing device, and the tasks skipped by the host computer are automatically removed from the task queue and the tasks are cancelled.

[0139] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, the method of RIP while transmitting and printing performs file transmission during the generation of the processing task and file printing during the file transmission, greatly reducing the time-consuming of the processing task and improving the printing efficiency. At the same time, based on RIP while transmitting, the characteristic of fragmentation is utilized to achieve resume of interrupted file transmission, improving the robustness of the system.

[0140] It should be noted that although the steps of the methods in the present application are described in a specific order in the drawings, this does not require or imply that these steps must be executed in that specific order, or that all the steps shown must be executed to achieve the desired result. Additionally or alternatively, some steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step for execution, and / or one step may be decomposed into multiple steps for execution, etc.

[0141] The following introduces the device embodiments of the present application, which can be used to execute the printing method in the above embodiments of the present application. Figure 12 Schematically shows the structural block diagram of the printing device provided by the embodiments of the present application. This device is configured in the host computer, such as Figure 12 As shown, the printing device provided by the embodiments of the present application includes:

[0142] A data conversion module 1210, configured to perform data conversion processing and data fragmentation processing on the file to be printed, so as to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmented processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device;

[0143] A data sending module 1220, configured to sequentially send the plurality of fragmented processing files to the printing device, so that the printing device performs printing based on the received fragmented processing files.

[0144] In an embodiment of the present application, the data conversion module 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0145] Perform the data conversion processing on the file to be printed, and when the converted data reaches a predetermined data volume, simultaneously perform the data fragmentation processing on the converted data to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmented processing files; or

[0146] Perform the data fragmentation processing on the file to be printed, and when the fragmented data reaches a predetermined data volume, simultaneously perform the data conversion processing on the fragmented data to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmented processing files; or

[0147] Perform the data conversion processing on the file to be printed to obtain the converted data; perform the data fragmentation processing on the converted data to sequentially generate a plurality of fragmented processing files; or

[0148] Perform the data sharding process on the file to be printed to obtain the sharded data; perform the data conversion process on the sharded data to sequentially generate multiple sharded processing files.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present application, the data sending module 1220 is specifically configured to:

[0150] During the process of generating multiple sharded processing files, synchronously send the generated sharded processing files to the printing device so that the printing device can print synchronously; or

[0151] After multiple sharded processing files are generated, send the multiple sharded processing files to the printing device in sequence according to the generation order of the sharded processing files.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further includes:

[0153] A preprocessing module, configured to perform data conversion preprocessing on the file to be printed to generate processing file description information corresponding to the file to be printed;

[0154] A task creation module, configured to send the processing file description information to the printing device so that the printing device creates a printing task.

[0155] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further includes:

[0156] A connection module, configured to establish a data transmission connection with the printing device when receiving a handshake request sent by the printing device, and perform the steps of performing data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed; the handshake request is generated by the printing device when it determines that the current storage space meets the storage requirements of the processing file indicated by the processing file description information; the data transmission connection is used to send the sharded processing files to the printing device.

[0157] In an embodiment of the present application, the data sending module 1220 is specifically configured to:

[0158] Record the sent sharded processing files in the transmitted file list; when the file transmission is abnormal, stop sending the sharded processing files, and after the transmission resumes normal, continue to send the unsent sharded processing files according to the transmitted file list.

[0159] The specific details of the printing device configured on the host computer provided in each embodiment of the present application have been described in detail in the corresponding method embodiments applied to the host computer, and will not be elaborated here.

[0160] Figure 13A structural block diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. The device is configured in a printing device, such as Figure 13 As shown, the printing device provided by the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0161] A data receiving module 1310, configured to receive the sliced processing file sent by the host computer during the generation of the sliced processing file; the sliced processing file is one of multiple sliced processing files obtained by the host computer through data conversion processing and data slicing processing of the file to be printed in sequence, and the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device;

[0162] A printing module 1320, configured to perform printing according to the sliced processing file.

[0163] In an embodiment of the present application, the printing module 1320 is further configured to:

[0164] Perform printing according to the received sliced processing file and synchronously receive the remaining sliced processing files.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further includes:

[0166] A description information receiving module, configured to receive the processing file description information sent by the host computer, where the processing file description information is generated by the host computer through data conversion preprocessing of the file to be printed;

[0167] A task creation module, configured to create a printing task according to the processing file description information.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further includes:

[0169] A connection module, configured to detect the current storage space of the printing device; if the current storage space meets the storage requirement of the processing file indicated by the processing file description information corresponding to the current printing task, send a handshake request to the corresponding host computer to establish a data transmission connection with the host computer, and the data transmission connection is used to receive the sliced processing file sent by the host computer.

[0170] In an embodiment of the present application, the printing module 1320 is specifically configured to:

[0171] Obtain the current printing task from the task queue according to the data transmission identifier of the printing task, and perform the step of detecting the current storage space of the printing device; the printing tasks in the task queue are sorted according to the task creation time, and the printing tasks in the task queue are created by one or more host computers; the data transmission identifier indicates the transmission status of the sliced processing file corresponding to the printing task.

[0172] In one embodiment of the present application, the device further includes:

[0173] An identification setting module, configured to set the transmission identification corresponding to the print task to transmission completed when receiving a file transmission completion instruction corresponding to any print task in the task queue; the file transmission completion instruction is sent by the host computer corresponding to the print task after sending the last shard processing file.

[0174] In one embodiment of the present application, the device further includes:

[0175] A data pre - transmission module, configured to obtain the next print task from the task queue to receive the shard processing file corresponding to the next print task during the execution of the current print task.

[0176] In one embodiment of the present application, the printing module 1320 is specifically configured to:

[0177] If the current available storage space does not meet the storage requirement of the processing file indicated by the processing file description information corresponding to the current print task, obtain the next print task from the task queue as the current print task, and return to the step of detecting the current storage space of the printing device.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present application, the printing device includes a printing module, and the printing module is configured to perform a printing operation; the printing module 1320 is specifically configured to:

[0179] Detect the shard processing file identification sent to the printing module and the received shard processing file identification; if the shard processing file identification sent to the printing module is inconsistent with the received shard processing file, send the received shard processing file to the printing module so that the printing module performs a printing operation according to the shard processing file.

[0180] Figure 14 Schematically shows a structural block diagram of a printing device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device is configured in a printing device, such as Figure 14 As shown, the printing device provided by the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0181] A file acquisition module 1410, configured to acquire a file to be printed;

[0182] A data conversion module 1420, configured to perform data conversion processing and data sharding processing on the file to be printed to sequentially generate a plurality of shard processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device;

[0183] A printing module 1430, configured to perform printing synchronously according to the sliced processing files during the process of generating the multiple sliced processing files.

[0184] The specific details of the printing device configured in the printing equipment provided in the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail in the corresponding method embodiments applied to the printing equipment, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0185] Figure 15 Schematically shows a block diagram of a computer system of an electronic device for implementing the embodiments of the present application.

[0186] It should be noted that Figure 15 The computer system 1500 of the shown electronic device is only an example, and should not impose any limitation on the functions and usage scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0187] As Figure 15 shown, the computer system 1500 includes a central processing unit 1501 (CPU), which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to the program stored in the read-only memory 1502 (ROM) or the program loaded from the storage section 1508 into the random access memory 1503 (RAM). In the random access memory 1503, various programs and data required for system operation are also stored. The central processing unit 1501, the read-only memory 1502, and the random access memory 1503 are connected to each other via a bus 1504. An input / output interface 1505 (Input / Output interface, i.e., I / O interface) is also connected to the bus 1504.

[0188] The following components are connected to the input / output interface 1505: an input section 1506 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 1507 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc. and a speaker, etc.; a storage section 1508 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1509 including a network interface card such as a local area network card, a modem, etc. The communication section 1509 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 1510 is also connected to the input / output interface 1505 as needed. A removable medium 1511, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 1510 as needed, so that the computer program read from it can be installed into the storage section 1508 as needed.

[0189] In particular, according to the embodiments of the present application, the processes described in each method flowchart can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, the embodiments of the present application include a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program contains program codes for executing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from the network through the communication part 1509, and / or installed from the removable medium 1511. When the computer program is executed by the central processing unit 1501, various functions defined in the system of the present application are executed.

[0190] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of the present application can be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the above. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium can include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the present application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program, and the program can be used by or in combination with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the present application, the computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries computer-readable program codes. Such a propagated data signal can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than the computer-readable storage medium, and the computer-readable medium can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in combination with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program codes contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted by any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0191] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions, and operations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, a segment of a program, or a part of code, and the above-mentioned module, segment of a program, or part of code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks shown may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram or flowchart, as well as the combination of blocks in the block diagram or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system for performing the specified function or operation, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0192] It should be noted that although several modules or units of devices for action execution are mentioned in the above detailed description, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of the present application, the features and functions of the two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0193] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can easily understand that the example embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by a combination of software and necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (which can be a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, a portable hard disk, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to enable a computing device (which can be a personal computer, a server, a touch terminal, or a network device, etc.) to execute the method according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0194] After considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present application. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application, which follow the general principles of the present application and include the common general knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present application.

[0195] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present application is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A printing method, characterized in that: Applied to the host computer, including: Performing data conversion processing and data segmentation processing on the file to be printed, so as to sequentially generate a plurality of segmentation processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device; The plurality of tile processing files are sequentially sent to a printing device, so that the printing device performs printing based on the received tile processing files.

2. The printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The file to be printed is subjected to data conversion and data segmentation processing to generate multiple segmentation processing files in sequence, including: Performing the data conversion process on the to-be-printed file, and when the converted data reaches a predetermined data volume, performing the data segmentation process on the converted data to sequentially generate a plurality of segmentation-processed files; or Performing the data segmentation process on the file to be printed, and when the segmented data reaches a predetermined data amount, performing the data conversion process on the segmented data at the same time, so as to sequentially generate a plurality of segmented processing files; or Performing the data conversion process on the file to be printed to obtain converted data; performing the data segmentation process on the converted data to sequentially generate a plurality of segmentation processing files; or The data segmentation process is performed on the file to be printed to obtain segmented data; and the data conversion process is performed on the segmented data to sequentially generate a plurality of segmented processing files.

3. The printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Sending the plurality of slice processing files to the printing device in sequence includes: In the process of generating the plurality of slice processing files, synchronously sending the generated slice processing files to the printing device so that the printing device can print synchronously; or After the plurality of the tile processing files are generated, the plurality of the tile processing files are sent to the printing device in sequence according to the generation order of the tile processing files.

4. The printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Before performing data conversion processing and data segmentation processing on the to-be-printed file, the method further includes: Performing data conversion preprocessing on the file to be printed to generate processing file description information corresponding to the file to be printed; The processing file description information is sent to the printing device so that the printing device creates a printing task.

5. The printing method according to claim 4, characterized in that: After sending the processing file description information to the printing device, the method further includes: If a handshake request sent by the printing device is received, a data transmission connection is established with the printing device, and the steps of data conversion and data segmentation processing for the file to be printed are executed; the handshake request is generated by the printing device when it determines that the current storage space meets the processing file storage requirements indicated by the processing file description information; the data transmission connection is used to send the segmented processing file to the printing device.

6. The printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the process of sending the plurality of slice processing files to the printing device in sequence, the method comprises: Record the sent segmented processing files into the transferred file list; When the file transmission is abnormal, the sending of the segmented processed files is stopped, and after the transmission returns to normal, the unsent segmented processed files are continued to be sent according to the transmitted file list.

7. A printing method, characterized in that: Applicable to printing equipment, including: receiving the slice processing file sent by the host computer during the process of generating the slice processing file; the slice processing file is one of a plurality of slice processing files obtained by the host computer in sequence by performing data conversion processing and data slice processing on the file to be printed, wherein the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device; Printing is performed according to the slice processing file.

8. The printing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The printing operation according to the slice processing file includes: Printing is performed according to the received slice processing files, and the remaining slice processing files are received synchronously.

9. The printing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Before receiving the slice processing file sent by the host computer, the method further includes: Receiving processing file description information sent by the host computer, wherein the processing file description information is generated by the host computer performing data conversion preprocessing on the file to be printed; A printing task is created according to the processing file description information.

10. The printing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: After creating a printing task according to the processing file description information, the method further includes: Detecting the current storage space of the printing device; If the current storage space meets the processing file storage requirements indicated by the processing file description information corresponding to the current printing task, a handshake request is sent to the corresponding host computer to establish a data transmission connection with the host computer, and the data transmission connection is used to receive the segmented processing files sent by the host computer.

11. The printing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The current printing task is obtained from the task queue according to the data transmission identifier of the printing task, and the step of detecting the current storage space of the printing device is executed; the printing tasks in the task queue are sorted according to the task creation time, and the printing tasks in the task queue are created by one or more host computers; the data transmission identifier indicates the transmission status of the segmented processing file corresponding to the printing task.

12. The printing method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When a file transfer completion instruction corresponding to any print task in the task queue is received, the data transfer identifier corresponding to the print task is set to transfer completion; the file transfer completion instruction is sent by the host computer corresponding to the print task after sending the last slice processing file.

13. The printing method according to claim 12, characterized in that: After receiving a file transfer completion instruction corresponding to any print task in the task queue, the method further includes: The next printing task is obtained from the task queue, so as to receive the slice processing file corresponding to the next printing task during the execution of the current printing task.

14. The printing method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: If the currently available storage space does not meet the processing file storage requirements indicated by the processing file description information corresponding to the current printing task, the next printing task is obtained from the task queue as the current printing task, and the step of detecting the current storage space of the printing device is returned.

15. The printing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The printing device comprises a printing module, and the printing module is used to perform a printing operation; the method further comprises: Detecting the slice processing file identifier sent to the printing module and the received slice processing file identifier; If the tile processing file identifier sent to the printing module is inconsistent with the received tile processing file, the received tile processing file is sent to the printing module so that the printing module performs a printing operation according to the tile processing file.

16. A printing method, characterized in that: Applicable to printing equipment, including: Get the file to be printed; Performing data conversion processing and data segmentation processing on the file to be printed, so as to sequentially generate a plurality of segmentation processing files; the data conversion processing is used to convert the file to be printed into recognizable data of the printing device; In the process of generating the plurality of slice processing files, printing is performed synchronously according to the slice processing files.

17. A printing system, characterized in that: include: A host computer, used to execute the printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A printing device, communicatively connected to the host computer, and used for performing a printing operation according to the printing method according to any one of claims 7 to 15.

18. A computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the printing method described in any one of claims 1-6 or 7-15 or 16 is implemented.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: processor; as well as A memory, configured to store executable instructions of the processor; The processor executes the executable instructions so that the electronic device executes the printing method described in any one of claims 1-6, or 7-15, or 16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium; The processor of the computer device reads and executes the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, so that the computer device executes the printing method described in any one of claims 1-6, or 7-15, or 16.

Images