Method and apparatus for controlling multi-nozzle printing device without stopping ink cartridge replacement

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a multi-nozzle printing equipment capable of replacing ink cartridges without stopping, which comprises the following steps: processing the printing configuration parameters of all effective nozzle combinations to ensure that the printing configuration parameters of all effective nozzle combinations are consistent; then, calculating the printing quantity of each effective nozzle combination according to the pre-set printing configuration parameters, allocating corresponding cache spaces to the effective nozzle combinations, and adding the effective nozzle combinations to a circulating queue; and finally, automatically switching the effective nozzle combinations to perform printing according to the printing quantity of each effective nozzle combination and the sequence of the circulating queue in the printing process, so that the ink cartridges can be replaced without stopping, the printing efficiency is greatly improved, and the service life of the ink cartridges is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a control method for a multi-printer printing device that allows for cartridge replacement without shutting down the machine, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, TIJ multi-head inkjet printers typically use a fixed set of printheads for printing. When the ink in that set of printheads runs out, the line needs to be stopped to replace the ink cartridges, which interrupts the printing process and reduces printing efficiency. In addition, personnel on the production line need to monitor ink consumption and manually replace ink cartridges or switch printing combinations, which increases labor costs and operational complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the aforementioned technologies. Therefore, one objective of this invention is to propose a control method for a multi-head printing device that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement. This method achieves efficient and continuous printing tasks through the cooperation of a cyclic queue and a buffer space, while simultaneously supporting non-stop ink cartridge replacement, greatly improving printing efficiency and device reliability.

[0004] A second objective of this invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] The third objective of this invention is to provide a computer device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a multi-head printing device that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement, comprising the following steps: obtaining printing configuration parameters and obtaining all printhead combinations based on the printing configuration parameters; judging the legality of all printhead combinations to filter out all valid printhead combinations, and determining a baseline valid combination among all valid printhead combinations to adjust the printing configuration parameters of all valid printhead combinations to be consistent with the baseline valid combination; calculating the printing quantity corresponding to each valid printhead combination among all valid printhead combinations based on the printing configuration parameters, and allocating corresponding buffer space; adding all valid printhead combinations and their corresponding combination information to a circular queue based on the printing quantity; obtaining printing data and allocating the printing data to the buffer space of the corresponding valid printhead combination according to the printing quantity corresponding to each valid printhead combination and the order of the circular queue; sequentially transmitting the printing data from the buffer space to the corresponding valid printhead combination according to the order of the circular queue, so that the multi-head printing device controls the corresponding valid printhead combination to print the printing data according to the printing configuration parameters.

[0007] The control method for a multi-printer printer that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement according to embodiments of the present invention achieves efficient and continuous printing operations by intelligently switching effective printer combinations and dynamically allocating printing tasks. Specifically, firstly, the printing configuration parameters of all effective printer combinations are processed to ensure that the printing configuration parameters of all effective printer combinations are consistent. Then, based on the preset printing configuration parameters, the printing quantity of each effective printer combination is calculated, and corresponding buffer space is allocated to it, and it is added to the cyclic queue. Finally, during the printing process, the effective printer combinations are automatically switched for printing according to the printing quantity of each effective printer combination and the order of the cyclic queue. This not only achieves non-stop ink cartridge replacement, greatly improving printing efficiency, but also extends the service life of the ink cartridges.

[0008] In addition, the control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] Optionally, the printing configuration parameters include printing mode, ink parameters, and combined configuration parameters.

[0010] Optionally, the printing mode includes intelligent switching and manual switching, the ink parameters include ink cartridge capacity, ink droplet size, ink balance and ink consumption rate, and the combined configuration parameters include the number of printheads, combination method, horizontal dpi and combined mirror.

[0011] Optionally, the validity of all printhead combinations is judged to filter out all valid printhead combinations, including: determining whether a printhead combination is configured with a printhead; if the printhead combination is configured with a printhead, then further determining whether the configured printhead has an ink cartridge inserted; if the printhead combination is not configured with a printhead, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid; if the configured printhead has an ink cartridge inserted, then further determining whether the corresponding ink cartridge has an alarm; if the configured printhead does not have an ink cartridge inserted, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid; if the corresponding ink cartridge does not have an alarm, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be valid; otherwise, the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid; filtering out all valid printhead combinations to obtain all valid printhead combinations.

[0012] Optionally, the printing configuration parameters include printing mode, printing direction, nozzle spacing, combination offset, and number of overlap points between printheads.

[0013] Optionally, the control method for multi-head inkjet printers that allow cartridge replacement without stopping the printer also includes real-time monitoring of abnormal situations during the printing process, dynamic ink consumption calculation to detect the remaining ink volume of each cartridge, and dynamic adjustment of the corresponding printing quantity.

[0014] Optionally, the abnormal conditions include running out of ink, an ink alarm, and the printhead being pulled out.

[0015] Optionally, when an abnormal situation is detected, such as ink depletion or ink alarm, all printheads related to the corresponding valid printhead combination channel are removed from the circulating queue; when an abnormal situation is detected, such as printhead being pulled out, all printheads related to the corresponding valid printhead combination channel are removed from the circulating queue, and the number of buffers for the combination channel is recalculated.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for a multi-head inkjet printer that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement. When executed by a processor, the control program implements the control method for the multi-head inkjet printer described above.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores a control program for a multi-head printing equipment that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement. When a processor executes the control program for the multi-head printing equipment that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement, it implements the control method for the multi-head printing equipment that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement as described above. This not only enables continuous ink cartridge replacement, greatly improving printing efficiency, but also extends the service life of the ink cartridges.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of the present invention provides a computer device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method for a multi-head inkjet printer that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described above.

[0019] According to the computer device of the present invention, a computer program that can run on a processor is stored in a memory so that when the processor executes the computer program, it can implement the control method of the multi-head inkjet printing equipment that can replace ink cartridges without stopping, as described above. Thus, not only can ink cartridge replacement be achieved without stopping, greatly improving printing efficiency, but also extending the service life of ink cartridges. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a display model of a combined nozzle in a circular queue according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of print data in the cache space according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0024] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0025] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control method for the multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0027] S101, obtain the printing configuration parameters, and obtain all printhead combinations based on the printing configuration parameters.

[0028] It should be noted that the printing configuration parameters are obtained through pre-setting.

[0029] As an example, the printing configuration parameters include printing mode, ink parameters, and combined configuration parameters.

[0030] As a specific example, the printing mode includes intelligent switching and manual switching, the ink parameters include ink cartridge capacity, ink droplet size, ink balance and ink consumption rate, and the combination configuration parameters include the number of printheads, combination method, horizontal dpi and combination mirror.

[0031] It should be noted that the number of nozzles and their combination method are nozzle combination methods, such as P1P2P3P4 combination, P1P3P4 combination, P1P3 or P2P4 combination, where P1 represents the first nozzle, P2 represents the second nozzle, P3 represents the third nozzle, and P4 represents the fourth nozzle.

[0032] The nozzle combination method can be arbitrarily combined according to actual needs, and the number of physical nozzles is unlimited.

[0033] S102, determine the validity of all printhead combinations to filter out all valid printhead combinations, and determine the baseline valid combination among all valid printhead combinations to adjust the printing configuration parameters of all valid printhead combinations to be consistent with the baseline valid combination.

[0034] As an example, the printing configuration parameters include printing mode, printing direction, nozzle spacing, combination offset, and number of overlap points between printheads.

[0035] It should be noted that the printing modes include left-print (printing from the left row of nozzles of the printhead), right-print (printing from the right row of nozzles of the printhead), alternating print (printing from the left and right nozzles of the printhead in turn), dual print (printing from the left and right nozzles of the printhead simultaneously), or overprint (printing from the left and right nozzles of the printhead simultaneously, but only data is extracted to reduce addressing and achieve the purpose of fast printing).

[0036] In addition, by using a defined baseline effective combination as a benchmark, ensure that the printing configuration parameters of all other effective printhead combinations are consistent with it. This can guarantee the stability and consistency of the printing process and avoid printing errors or inefficiencies caused by inconsistent configurations.

[0037] As an example, the validity of all printhead combinations is determined to filter out all valid printhead combinations. This includes: determining whether a printhead combination is configured with a printhead; if the printhead combination is configured with a printhead, then determining whether the configured printhead has an ink cartridge inserted; if the printhead combination is not configured with a printhead, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid; if the configured printhead has an ink cartridge inserted, then determining whether the corresponding ink cartridge has an alarm; if the configured printhead does not have an ink cartridge inserted, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid; if the corresponding ink cartridge does not have an alarm, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be valid; otherwise, the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid; all valid printhead combinations are filtered out to obtain all valid printhead combinations.

[0038] In other words, when determining whether a printhead assembly is legitimate, one can judge by checking whether the printhead assembly is equipped with printheads, whether the associated printheads are plugged into ink cartridges, whether the ink cartridges have alarms (such as insufficient ink or ink cartridge malfunction), and whether the printheads are working properly and whether they are blocked or damaged.

[0039] Furthermore, there are multiple ways to determine the baseline effective combination among all effective nozzle combinations.

[0040] As one embodiment, among multiple valid printhead combinations, a baseline valid combination can be determined according to certain priority rules. These priority rules may include: 1. Ink level priority: selecting the printhead combination with the most remaining ink as the baseline valid combination; 2. Printhead combination integrity priority: prioritizing the combination with the most printheads or the most complete combination method. For example, if one combination contains all available printheads while another contains only some, the complete combination is preferred; 3. Printing mode priority: selecting the combination that meets the current printing needs based on a pre-set printing mode (such as intelligent switching or manual switching). For example, in intelligent switching mode, combinations with sufficient ink level and good printhead condition may be preferred; 4. Historical usage priority: selecting combinations that have been used frequently or have been verified in the past as the baseline valid combination to ensure printing stability and reliability. The baseline valid combination is selected by sorting these four priority rules.

[0041] S103 calculates the number of prints corresponding to each valid printhead combination in all valid printhead combinations based on the printing configuration parameters, and allocates the corresponding buffer space.

[0042] As an example, the ink cartridge capacity determines its maximum printing capacity. The amount of ink consumed per unit time can be calculated based on the ink droplet size and printing mode. Real-time monitoring of the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge can determine the remaining printable quantity.

[0043] Specifically, assuming the effective printhead combination A (P1P2) has a cartridge capacity of 100ml and a current ink level of 80ml; the effective printhead combination B (P3P4) has a cartridge capacity of 100ml and a current ink level of 60ml; each print job consumes 0.1ml of ink; and the printing mode is intelligent switching; then the maximum number of prints for effective printhead combination A = 80ml / 0.1ml = 800 times; and the maximum number of prints for effective printhead combination B = 60ml / 0.1ml = 600 times.

[0044] It should be noted that the corresponding buffer space should be allocated reasonably according to the number of prints corresponding to each effective printhead combination. Since the storage space is limited, the system needs to allocate the buffer space reasonably to ensure that the total buffer space of all printhead combinations does not exceed the available resources, and at the same time, it must ensure that the buffer space allocated to each effective printhead combination is large enough to store its allocated print data.

[0045] S104: Add all valid printhead combinations and their corresponding combination information to the circular queue according to the number of prints.

[0046] In other words, the circular queue is used to manage and schedule available printhead combinations. It stores information about all available printhead combinations, such as their numbers (e.g., P1P2, P3P4), ink levels for each combination, their status (whether they are working properly), and the number of print jobs allocated to each combination. The circular queue schedules available printhead combinations for printing tasks in a specific order (usually priority or task allocation order), and automatically switches to the next available combination when a combination malfunctions (e.g., ink depletion or printhead failure). The display model of the circular queue is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0047] S105: Obtain print data and allocate the print data to the buffer space of the corresponding valid print head combination according to the print quantity and the order of the circular queue for each valid print head combination.

[0048] In other words, the buffer space is used to store print data, which is pre-prepared based on the workload allocated to each valid printhead combination for actual printing operations. The buffer space ensures that print data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently to the valid printhead combinations, avoiding print interruptions caused by data read delays. A schematic diagram of the buffer space is shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0049] S106, according to the order of the cyclic queue, the print data of the buffer space is transmitted to the corresponding valid printhead combination in sequence, so that the multi-printhead printing device can control the corresponding valid printhead combination to print the print data according to the printing configuration parameters.

[0050] As an example, suppose there is a print job that needs to print 1000 units of data. The system has three valid printhead combinations: Combination A: assigned 400 units of data, which is filled into buffer space 1; Combination B: assigned 300 units of data, which is filled into buffer space 2; Combination C: assigned 300 units of data, which is filled into buffer space 3. The printing process is as follows: The system selects combination A to start printing; combination A retrieves the print data from buffer space 1 and begins printing; when combination A completes its task, the system switches to combination B through a circular queue. Combination B retrieves the print data from buffer space 2 and continues printing; when combination B completes its task, the system switches to combination C through a circular queue. Combination C retrieves the print data from buffer space 3 and continues printing. The print job ends after all printhead combinations have completed their respective tasks.

[0051] In addition, the control method for multi-head inkjet printers that allow for non-stop ink cartridge replacement also includes real-time monitoring of abnormal situations during printing, dynamic ink consumption calculation to detect the remaining ink level in each cartridge, and dynamic adjustment of the corresponding printing quantity.

[0052] As an example, abnormal situations include running out of ink, ink alarms, and printheads being pulled out.

[0053] As an example, when an abnormal situation is detected, such as ink depletion or ink alarm, all printheads related to the corresponding valid printhead combination channel are removed from the loop queue; when an abnormal situation is detected, such as printhead being pulled out, all printheads related to the corresponding valid printhead combination channel are removed from the loop queue, and the number of buffers for the combination channel is recalculated.

[0054] It should be noted that by setting the ink depletion threshold and alarm threshold, when the remaining ink is lower than the ink depletion threshold, it means that the ink is depleted; when the remaining ink is lower than the alarm threshold, the system will trigger an alarm, prompting that the ink cartridge needs to be replaced.

[0055] When the ink level is below the alarm threshold, the system will switch to the next available printhead combination in advance to avoid printing interruption. If a valid printhead combination malfunctions, the system will switch to the next available printhead combination even if the ink is not exhausted. The system will dynamically adjust the switching timing based on the ink level and print job volume of each available printhead combination to ensure the continuity and efficiency of the print job.

[0056] Specifically, first, the validity of the combination is determined (based on whether the combination is configured with printheads, whether the associated printheads have ink cartridges inserted, and whether the ink cartridges have alarms), and a baseline valid combination is identified. The remaining valid combinations are then processed based on the print configuration parameters of the baseline valid combination (printing mode, printing direction, nozzle spacing, combination offset, and number of overlap points between printheads) to ensure that the print configuration parameters of all valid combinations are consistent with the baseline valid combination. Then, based on the print mode (intelligent switching and manual switching), ink parameters (ink cartridge capacity, droplet size, ink balance, and ink consumption rate), and combination configuration parameters (number of printheads, combination method, horizontal dpi, and combination mirroring), the printhead configuration parameters for each printhead are calculated. The system calculates the number of printhead combinations to be printed, adds these combinations to a circular queue, and allocates corresponding buffer spaces based on the calculation results. Finally, it fills the corresponding buffer space with the print data based on the number of printhead combinations to be printed for each combination. During the printing process, the system automatically switches printhead combinations based on the information in the circular queue and monitors for abnormal situations in real time. The system performs dynamic ink consumption calculations, detects the remaining ink level in each ink cartridge, and dynamically adjusts the print quantity. Thus, by intelligently switching printhead combinations, ink cartridges can be replaced without stopping the machine, further improving the efficiency and practicality of the TIJ multi-head printer and reducing downtime caused by ink cartridge replacement. This is particularly suitable for industrial scenarios that require continuous printing.

[0057] In addition, this embodiment of the invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for a multi-head inkjet printer that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement. When the control program for the multi-head inkjet printer that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement is executed by a processor, it implements the control method for the multi-head inkjet printer that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described above.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores a control program for a multi-head printing equipment that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement. When a processor executes the control program for the multi-head printing equipment that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement, it implements the control method for the multi-head printing equipment that allows for continuous ink cartridge replacement as described above. This not only enables continuous ink cartridge replacement, greatly improving printing efficiency, but also extends the service life of the ink cartridges.

[0059] In addition, a third aspect of the present invention provides a computer device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method of the multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described above.

[0060] According to the computer device of the present invention, a computer program that can run on a processor is stored in a memory so that when the processor executes the computer program, it can implement the control method of the multi-head inkjet printing equipment that can replace ink cartridges without stopping, as described above. Thus, not only can ink cartridge replacement be achieved without stopping, greatly improving printing efficiency, but also extending the service life of ink cartridges.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0062] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0063] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0064] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0065] It should be noted that any reference signs placed between parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of components or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding a component does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such components. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different components and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a unit claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0066] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0067] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0068] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0069] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0070] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0071] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a multi-head inkjet printing device that allows for ink cartridge replacement without shutting down the machine, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Obtain the printing configuration parameters, and obtain all printhead combinations based on the printing configuration parameters; The validity of all printhead combinations is judged to filter out all valid printhead combinations, and a benchmark valid combination is determined among all valid printhead combinations so that the printing configuration parameters of all valid printhead combinations are adjusted to be consistent with the benchmark valid combination. Calculate the number of prints corresponding to each effective printhead combination in all effective printhead combinations based on the printing configuration parameters, and allocate the corresponding buffer space accordingly; Add all valid printhead combinations and their corresponding combination information to a circular queue based on the number of prints; Acquire print data and allocate the print data to the buffer space of the corresponding effective print head combination according to the print quantity and the order of the circular queue for each effective print head combination; According to the order of the cyclic queue, the print data in the buffer space is sequentially transmitted to the corresponding valid printhead combination, so that the multi-printhead printing device controls the corresponding valid printhead combination to print the print data according to the printing configuration parameters; The validity of all nozzle combinations is assessed to filter out all valid nozzle combinations, including: Determine whether a given nozzle combination is equipped with a nozzle; If the printhead assembly is configured with a printhead, then it continues to check whether the configured printhead is plugged into an ink cartridge; if the printhead assembly is not configured with a printhead, then the corresponding printhead assembly is determined to be invalid. If the configured printhead has an ink cartridge inserted, then continue to check if the corresponding ink cartridge alarms; if the configured printhead does not have an ink cartridge inserted, then the corresponding printhead combination is determined to be invalid. If the corresponding ink cartridge does not trigger an alarm, the corresponding printhead combination is considered valid; otherwise, the corresponding printhead combination is considered invalid. Filter all valid nozzle combinations to obtain all effective nozzle combinations.

2. The control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The printing configuration parameters include printing mode, ink parameters, and combined configuration parameters.

3. The control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The printing modes include intelligent switching and manual switching; the ink parameters include ink cartridge capacity, droplet size, ink balance, and ink consumption rate; and the combined configuration parameters include the number of printheads, combination method, horizontal dpi, and combined mirroring.

4. The control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The printing configuration parameters include printing mode, printing direction, nozzle spacing, combination offset, and number of overlap points between printheads.

5. The control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: During the printing process, abnormal situations are monitored in real time, and dynamic ink consumption calculations are performed to detect the remaining ink level in each ink cartridge and dynamically adjust the corresponding printing quantity.

6. The control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in claim 5, characterized in that... The abnormal conditions include running out of ink, ink alarm, and printhead being pulled out.

7. The control method for a multi-head inkjet printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in claim 6, characterized in that... When an abnormal situation is detected, such as ink depletion or ink alarm, all printheads related to the corresponding valid printhead combination channel will be removed from the loop queue. When an abnormal situation is detected, such as a nozzle being pulled out, all nozzles related to the corresponding valid nozzle combination channel are removed from the circular queue, and the number of buffers for the combination channel is recalculated.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a control program for a multi-head printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement. When the processor executes the control program for the multi-head printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement, it implements the control method for the multi-head printing equipment that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A computer device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the control method for a multi-head inkjet printing device that allows for non-stop ink cartridge replacement as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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