A method, system, device and storage medium for multi-nozzle scheduling

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and discloses a multi-printhead scheduling method, system, device, and storage medium. The method includes collecting an initial state dataset; generating configuration parameters and printing parameters based on the initial state data and preset printing task requirements; activating an integrated channel based on the configuration parameters; parsing the printing parameters to obtain instruction data packets and nozzle data packets, and distributing the instruction data packets and nozzle data packets to each integrated channel; compressing and encoding the instruction data packets or nozzle data packets to form a drive data packet; controlling the printhead driver board to convert the drive data packet into a drive voltage waveform adapted to the printhead, and transmitting the drive voltage waveform to the printhead to complete the printing action. This invention achieves efficient multi-printhead scheduling by constructing a transmission link for OLED inkjet devices and utilizing integrated channels for directional distribution processing, meeting the needs of large-size OLED printing devices for stable scheduling and efficient printing of a large number of printheads.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, OLED inkjet printing technology has shown significant advantages over traditional vapor deposition processes in achieving high resolution, uniformity, scalability, and improved material utilization in thin film thickness and patterns. The use of inkjet printing technology in OLED production has garnered widespread attention and research within the industry. Currently, the increasing size requirements for inkjet-printed glass substrates necessitate inkjet printing equipment with a much larger overall size, resulting in dozens of printheads suspended in the printing module, along with a corresponding increase in printhead types. Under these conditions, the integrated printing control system must be able to flexibly schedule multiple printheads of different models. However, current technologies lack systematic control over the status of the entire printhead chain, including the mainboard, printhead driver board, and printhead components. This often leads to low efficiency in multi-printhead collaboration and data transmission incompatibility issues, failing to meet the demands for stable scheduling and efficient printing of a large number of printheads. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a multi-printer scheduling method, system, device, and storage medium. The multi-printer scheduling method of the present invention first collects the status of the entire link device to generate adaptation parameters, and then processes them through integrated channel-oriented distribution and converts them into printer driving waveforms to form a precise scheduling of the entire link, thereby meeting the needs of large-size OLED printing equipment for stable scheduling and efficient printing of a large number of printers.

[0004] The first aspect of this invention provides a multi-printhead scheduling method applied to a multi-printhead scheduling system, the multi-printhead scheduling system comprising: a control device and a printing main board, a printhead driver board, and printheads electrically connected to the control device; the multi-printhead scheduling method comprising the steps of:

[0005] Collect device status information from the printing motherboard, printhead driver board, and printhead to form an initial status dataset;

[0006] Configuration parameters and printing parameters are generated based on initial state data and preset print task requirements;

[0007] The configuration parameters are sent to the printing motherboard, enabling the printing motherboard to activate the integrated channel based on the configuration parameters.

[0008] The printing parameters are sent to the printing motherboard for data parsing to obtain instruction data packets and nozzle data packets, and the printing motherboard is controlled to distribute the instruction data packets and nozzle data packets to each integrated channel.

[0009] The integrated control channel compresses and encodes command data packets or nozzle data packets to form drive data packets, and then transmits the drive data packets to the nozzle drive board.

[0010] The printhead driver board controls the conversion of the drive data packets into drive voltage waveforms adapted to the printhead, and transmits the drive voltage waveforms to the printhead to complete the printing action.

[0011] Optionally, in a first implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of collecting device status information of the printing motherboard, printhead driver board, and printhead to form an initial status dataset includes: acquiring status data of the printing motherboard to obtain printing motherboard status information; scanning the printhead driver board through the printing motherboard to acquire printhead driver board status information; scanning the printhead through the printhead driver board to acquire printhead status information; and integrating the printing motherboard status information, printhead driver board status information, and printhead status information to generate an initial status dataset.

[0012] Optionally, in a second implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the generation of configuration parameters and printing parameters based on initial state data and preset printing task requirements includes: the initial state data includes printing state, printing waveform parameters, printhead driver board online quantity status, printhead driver board working state, printhead online quantity status, and printhead working state; the preset printing task requirements include substrate size requirements, data transmission requirements, and pattern requirements; determining the target printhead serial number to be enabled based on the printhead driver board online quantity status, printhead driver board working state, printhead online quantity status, printhead working state, and substrate size requirements; determining the working mode of the printing mainboard based on the printing state and data transmission requirements; integrating the target printhead serial number to be enabled and the working mode of the printing mainboard to generate configuration parameters; and generating printing parameters based on the printing waveform parameters and pattern requirements.

[0013] Optionally, in a third implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of sending configuration parameters to the printing motherboard and enabling the printing motherboard to activate the integrated channel based on the configuration parameters includes: sending configuration parameters to the printing motherboard; controlling the printing motherboard to parse the configuration parameters to extract the target printhead serial number to be enabled and the working mode of the printing motherboard; determining the number of integrated channels to be activated based on the target printhead serial number to be enabled, and configuring the basic parameters of the integrated channel based on the working mode of the printing motherboard to complete the activation of the integrated channel.

[0014] Optionally, in the fourth implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of sending the printing parameters to the printing motherboard for data parsing to obtain instruction data packets and nozzle data packets, and controlling the printing motherboard to distribute the instruction data packets and nozzle data packets to each integrated channel includes: sending the printing parameters to the printing motherboard for data verification; after verification, parsing the printing parameters to separate waveform parameters and nozzle data; combining the waveform parameters into instruction data packets and the nozzle data into nozzle data packets according to a preset internal protocol; and distributing the instruction data packets and nozzle data packets to each integrated channel through an internal bus addressing method according to the correspondence between the activated integrated channel and the target printhead.

[0015] Optionally, in a fifth implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the control integrated channel performs compression encoding processing on the command data packet or nozzle data packet to form a drive data packet, and transmits the drive data packet to the nozzle drive board, comprising: controlling each integrated channel to select a data packet adapted to the working mode from the command data packet or nozzle data packet according to a preset working mode; performing data compression processing on the selected data packet to obtain a compressed data packet; performing channel encoding on the compressed data packet to obtain a drive data packet; and transmitting the drive data packet to the nozzle drive board.

[0016] Optionally, in a sixth implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the control of the printhead driver board to convert the drive data packet into a drive voltage waveform adapted to the printhead and transmit the drive voltage waveform to the printhead to complete the printing action includes: the control of the printhead driver board to sequentially perform channel decoding and data decompression on the drive data packet to recover waveform parameters and nozzle data; converting the waveform parameters into a drive voltage waveform adapted to the printhead; transmitting the drive voltage waveform and nozzle data to the printhead, so that the printhead controls its nozzles to eject ink droplets according to the drive voltage waveform and nozzle data to complete the printing action.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a multi-nozzle scheduling system, the multi-nozzle scheduling system including a control device and electrically connected to the control device; the control device is used to execute the multi-nozzle scheduling method described in any of the preceding claims.

[0018] A third aspect of the present invention provides a multi-nozzle scheduling device, the multi-nozzle scheduling device comprising: a memory and at least one processor, the memory storing instructions; the at least one processor calling the instructions in the memory to cause the computer device to execute the various steps of the multi-nozzle scheduling method described in any of the preceding claims.

[0019] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the multi-nozzle scheduling method described in any of the preceding claims.

[0020] In the technical solution of this invention, firstly, by collecting the device status information of the printing motherboard, printhead driver board, and printhead, the real-time status of each device is grasped to form an initial status dataset, providing data support for subsequent scheduling and avoiding blind scheduling due to unclear device status. Subsequently, configuration parameters and printing parameters are generated based on the initial status data and preset printing task requirements, ensuring the compatibility of parameters with multiple printheads and multiple driver boards. Next, the configuration parameters are sent to the printing motherboard to activate the integrated channel, and the printing parameters are parsed into instruction data packets and nozzle data packets and distributed to each integrated channel. The integrated channel realizes the targeted allocation of parameters, adapting to the differentiated needs of a large number of different printhead models and improving the efficiency of multi-printhead collaborative scheduling. Finally, the integrated channel is controlled to compress and encode the data packets and transmit them to the printhead driver board, and then the driver board is controlled to convert them into driving voltage waveforms adapted to the printhead, forming a precise end-to-end control from parameters to printing action, meeting the needs of large-size OLED printing equipment for stable scheduling and efficient printing of a large number of printheads. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a first flowchart of a multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a third flowchart of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a fourth flowchart of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a fifth flowchart of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a sixth flowchart of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a seventh flowchart of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-nozzle scheduling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-nozzle scheduling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This invention provides a multi-printer scheduling method, system, device, and storage medium. It first collects the status of the entire link device to generate adaptation parameters, then processes them through integrated channel-oriented distribution and converts them into printer driving waveforms, forming a precise scheduling of the entire link, which meets the needs of large-size OLED printing equipment for stable scheduling and efficient printing of a large number of printers.

[0032] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" or "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0033] For ease of understanding, the specific process of the embodiments of the present invention is described below. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 One embodiment of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention includes:

[0034] The multi-nozzle scheduling system includes:

[0035] The control device uses an industrial-grade PC and integrates control interface software. As the system's central control unit, it is responsible for completing key human-machine interaction functions, including selecting the type and quantity of activated printheads, selecting / switching the printing motherboard mode, setting printing waveform parameters, configuring printing data, and collecting and displaying real-time system status information. The control device is connected to the printing motherboard via a network cable.

[0036] The printing motherboard uses an FPGA and is equipped with external memory chips (including but not limited to DDR SDRAM, flash, and eMMC, with a capacity of 16Gbps or higher); the printing motherboard also integrates 24 LVDS transmission interfaces (5Gbps / channel); the printing motherboard receives parameters from the control device, activates the integrated channels (24 independent integrated channel modules are deployed inside the FPGA, each integrated channel module corresponds to one printhead), and completes data verification, parsing, and distribution;

[0037] The printing motherboard is responsible for receiving parameters and instructions from the control device and is connected to eight printhead driver boards via network cable (with each printhead driver board corresponding to three interfaces). On the one hand, the printing motherboard sends instruction data packets and nozzle data packets to the eight printhead driver boards through the LVDS interface, and on the other hand, it scans and obtains its own and each printhead driver board's status information through the SPI interface.

[0038] The printhead driver board is equipped with a high-voltage drive circuit, integrating an LVDS receiving interface and a printhead communication interface. On the one hand, it receives and processes the nozzle data packets and instruction data packets transmitted from the printing motherboard. On the other hand, it provides drive voltage to the printhead, matches the processed data according to the printhead's specified format, and transmits it to the printhead. Each printhead driver board can connect to and control three printheads simultaneously.

[0039] The printhead uses a dedicated printhead for OLED inkjet printing, featuring a micro-aperture array distributed across the printing plane. It supports controlling the opening / closing of a specified number or all apertures in a single print run to meet diverse printing needs. The printhead receives data and drive signals from the printhead driver board, completing precise inkjet printing through the aperture array. Of the twenty-four printheads, three are grouped together, corresponding to one printhead driver board. The printhead is electrically connected to its corresponding printhead driver board via a network cable, receiving operating and drive voltage waveforms. Simultaneously, it transmits its real-time status (such as aperture patency and operating status) back to the printhead driver board via a built-in temperature sensor.

[0040] The specific workflow of the multi-nozzle scheduling system is as follows:

[0041] First, the control device sends a status acquisition command to the printing mainboard via a network cable. The printing mainboard first acquires its own status information, namely the printing status and printing waveform parameters. Then, it scans eight printhead driver boards through twenty-four LVDS bidirectional channels to collect printhead driver board status information—including the number of printhead driver boards online and the working status of the printhead driver boards (real-time temperature of online printhead driver boards and enable / disable status of printhead driver board drive circuits). Each printhead driver board simultaneously scans its three connected printheads to collect printhead status information—including the number of printheads online (number and serial number of connected / online printheads) and the working status of the printheads (online printhead serial number, real-time temperature of printheads, and printhead nozzle patency / blockage status), and sends this information back to the printing mainboard. The printing mainboard classifies and integrates the printing mainboard status information, printhead driver board status information, and printhead status information, and finally feeds it back to the control device to generate an initial status dataset.

[0042] Subsequently, the control device's interface software calls the algorithm module to generate parameters based on initial state data (including printing status, printing waveform parameters, printhead driver board online quantity status, printhead driver board working status, printhead online quantity status, and printhead working status) and preset printing task requirements (substrate size requirements, data transmission requirements, and pattern requirements): First, combining the printhead driver board online quantity status, printhead driver board working status, printhead online quantity status, printhead working status, and substrate size requirements, the serial numbers of 24 target printheads to be enabled are determined; second, based on the printing status and data transmission requirements (debugging / formal printing), the working mode of the printing mainboard is determined; third, the target printhead serial numbers and the printing mainboard working mode are integrated to generate configuration parameters for configuring the printing mainboard; fourth, based on the printing waveform parameters, printhead working status, and pattern requirements, printing parameters including drive waveform parameters and nozzle switch data are generated.

[0043] The control device sends the configuration parameters to the printing motherboard via the network cable, and the printing motherboard stores the parameters in its external storage unit. Then, the printing motherboard parses the configuration parameters, extracts the serial numbers of the twenty-four target printheads to be enabled and the printing motherboard's operating mode. Based on the target printhead serial numbers, it determines the twenty-four integrated channels to be activated (one integrated channel corresponds to one printhead), and configures the basic parameters of each integrated channel (such as LVDS transmission rate and data processing protocol) according to the printing motherboard's operating mode. At the same time, it establishes the correspondence between "integrated channel - printhead driver board - printhead" (every three integrated channels correspond to one driver board and three printheads), thus completing the activation of the twenty-four integrated channels.

[0044] The control device then sends the printing parameters to the main printing board. The main printing board uses CRC check, parity check, or character library check to verify data integrity. If the verification fails, it sends a retransmission request to the control device. If the verification passes, the main printing board parses the printing parameters and separates the waveform parameters and nozzle data. According to the internal protocol, the waveform parameters are combined into command data packets and the nozzle data is combined into nozzle data packets (the length of both types of data packets is the product of the number of nozzles and the compression depth of the corresponding printhead). Finally, according to the correspondence between the activated integrated channels and the target printhead, the twenty-four command data packets and nozzle data packets are distributed to the corresponding integrated channels through the internal bus addressing method.

[0045] Each integrated channel selects a single type of data packet from the received instruction data packet or nozzle data packet according to the pre-configured working mode of the printing motherboard. The selected data packet is stored in the register array array inside the FPGA, and then the buffered data is compressed using an n / m compression method (1 / 2, 2 / 3 encoding, etc. can be selected). After pruning, the amount of transmitted data is reduced. Then, channel encoding is performed using Huffman coding in 32-bit units, and the mapping symbols are selected from the preset character library to balance the DC level of the LVDS link. Finally, the encoded data packet is encapsulated into a driver data packet and transmitted to the corresponding printhead driver board through the LVDS interface.

[0046] After each printhead driver board receives the drive data packets transmitted through three integrated channels, it sequentially performs channel decoding (reverse Huffman coding) and data decompression to recover the original waveform parameters and nozzle data. Combining the printhead model matched in the initial state data, the data is converted into a format recognizable by that printhead model. Through the internal high-voltage drive circuit, a drive voltage waveform adapted to the printhead piezoelectric element is generated based on the waveform parameters. Finally, the drive voltage waveform and nozzle data are synchronously transmitted to the corresponding three printheads. The printheads control the designated nozzles according to the signal to eject ink droplets according to the timing and amplitude of the drive voltage waveform. The twenty-four printheads work together to complete the printing action.

[0047] The multi-nozzle scheduling method includes the following steps:

[0048] 101. Collect device status information of the printing motherboard, printhead driver board and printhead to form an initial status dataset;

[0049] In this embodiment, the control device initiates a status acquisition command to sequentially acquire core information such as the operating status and waveform reference parameters of the printing motherboard, the online status and working status of the printhead drive board, and the online status and nozzle conditions of the printhead. After classification and integration, an initial status dataset covering the working conditions of the entire equipment chain is formed.

[0050] 102. Generate configuration parameters and printing parameters based on initial state data and preset print task requirements;

[0051] In this embodiment, based on the actual capabilities of the equipment reflected by the initial state data and the preset task requirements such as substrate size, data transmission, and pattern accuracy, two types of parameters are generated: configuration parameters specify the target printhead serial number and printing motherboard working mode to be enabled; printing parameters include waveform parameters adapted to printhead drive and nozzle data controlling nozzle action, ensuring that the parameters both match the equipment operating conditions and meet the task requirements.

[0052] 103. Send the configuration parameters to the printing motherboard, so that the printing motherboard can activate the integrated channel based on the configuration parameters;

[0053] In this embodiment, the control device sends the configuration parameters to the printing mainboard according to the internal protocol and stores them in the external memory. After parsing the parameters, the printing mainboard activates the corresponding number of integrated channels, configures the basic parameters of the channels, and establishes the association between the channels and the printhead.

[0054] 104. Send the printing parameters to the inkjet mainboard for data parsing to obtain the instruction data packet and nozzle data packet, and control the inkjet mainboard to distribute the instruction data packet and nozzle data packet to each integrated channel;

[0055] In this embodiment, after the printing parameters are verified to be correct, the printing motherboard parses and splits them into instruction data packets corresponding to waveform parameters and nozzle data packets corresponding to nozzle data. Then, through the internal bus addressing method, the two types of data packets are distributed to the activated integrated channels.

[0056] 105. The integrated control channel compresses and encodes command data packets or nozzle data packets to form drive data packets, and then transmits the drive data packets to the nozzle drive board.

[0057] In this embodiment, each integrated channel preferentially selects the appropriate data packet according to its working mode. After reducing the data volume using n / m compression and enhancing anti-interference capabilities with Huffman coding, a driving data packet is formed. Then, it is transmitted directionally to the corresponding nozzle drive board via the LVDS high-speed transmission link.

[0058] 106. The printhead driver board controls the conversion of the drive data packet into a drive voltage waveform that is compatible with the printhead, and transmits the drive voltage waveform to the printhead to complete the printing action.

[0059] In this embodiment, the printhead driver board decodes and decompresses the drive data packet to restore the core data, generates a matching drive voltage waveform based on the printhead model, and synchronously transmits the waveform parameters and nozzle data to the printhead, controlling the designated nozzle to eject ink droplets according to a preset timing sequence, and each printhead works together to complete the printing of the target pattern.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, the device status information of the printing motherboard, printhead driver board, and printhead is first collected to grasp the real-time status of each device, forming an initial status dataset to provide data support for subsequent scheduling and avoid blind scheduling due to unclear device status. Then, configuration parameters and printing parameters are generated based on the initial status data and preset printing task requirements, ensuring parameter compatibility with multiple printheads and driver boards. Next, the configuration parameters are sent to the printing motherboard to activate the integrated channel, and the printing parameters are parsed into instruction data packets and nozzle data packets and distributed to each integrated channel. The integrated channel enables targeted parameter allocation, adapting to the differentiated needs of a large number of different printhead models and improving the efficiency of multi-printhead collaborative scheduling. Finally, the integrated channel is controlled to compress and encode the data packets and transmit them to the printhead driver board, which then converts them into a driving voltage waveform adapted to the printhead, forming a precise end-to-end control from parameters to printing action, meeting the needs of large-size OLED printing equipment for stable scheduling and efficient printing of a large number of printheads.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 Two embodiments of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention include:

[0062] 201. Collect status data from the printing mainboard to obtain its status information;

[0063] In this embodiment, the printing motherboard status information includes printing status and printing waveform parameters;

[0064] The status of the printing motherboard is acquired through bidirectional communication between the control device and the printing motherboard. The control device sends a status acquisition command to the printing motherboard. After responding to the command, the printing motherboard reads its own core working status data through the internal hardware interface to form the printing status and printing waveform parameters. The printing status reflects the current operating status of the printing motherboard (such as idle, working, fault), and the printing waveform parameters are the basic reference parameters of the printhead drive (such as voltage amplitude, pulse width, working frequency, etc.). The two types of information together constitute the printing motherboard status information and are transmitted back to the control device.

[0065] 202. Scan the printhead driver board through the printing motherboard to collect the printhead driver board status information;

[0066] In this embodiment, the nozzle drive board status information includes the online quantity status of nozzle drive boards and the working status of nozzle drive boards;

[0067] The printhead driver board status acquisition relies on the communication link between the main printing board and the printhead driver board, and is performed using a polling scanning mechanism. The main printing board sends scanning commands to each printhead driver board in a preset order. After receiving and matching the commands, the printhead driver board returns its own online status and working status data: the printhead driver board online status is used to count the number of printhead driver boards that are currently connected normally, forming the printhead driver board online quantity status; the printhead driver board working status includes the real-time operating status data of the driver board (such as the enable / disable status of the drive circuit, real-time temperature, etc.), which together constitute the printhead driver board status information, which is summarized and temporarily stored by the main printing board.

[0068] 203. Scan the nozzles using the nozzle drive board to collect nozzle status information;

[0069] In this embodiment, the nozzle status information includes the number of nozzles online and the working status of the nozzles;

[0070] The printhead status acquisition is initiated by the printhead driver board and executed based on the communication interface between the driver board and the connected printheads. After responding to the scanning command from the printing mainboard, the printhead driver board sends detection signals to each printhead connected to it. After receiving the signals, the printheads transmit their own status data: the printhead online status is used to count the number of printheads currently connected normally, forming the printhead online quantity status; the printhead working status includes core data such as printhead identification, real-time operating status, and nozzle patency, which together constitute the printhead status information and are transmitted back to the printing mainboard by the printhead driver board.

[0071] 204. Integrate the status information of the printing motherboard, the printhead driver board, and the printhead to generate an initial status dataset.

[0072] In this embodiment, the printing motherboard receives and summarizes the three types of status information collected, and removes invalid data (such as redundant feedback data from unconnected devices). Then, the valid data is structured and organized according to a preset unified format to clarify the device type, parameter attributes and feedback timing of the data. Finally, the structured complete data is transmitted to the control device, which stores and classifies the data according to the data category to form an initial status dataset.

[0073] Please see Figure 3 The three embodiments of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention include:

[0074] The initial state data includes printing status, printing waveform parameters, online number status of printhead driver boards, working status of printhead driver boards, online number status of printheads, and working status of printheads; the preset printing task requirements include substrate size requirements, data transmission requirements, and pattern requirements.

[0075] 301. Determine the target nozzle serial number to be enabled based on the online quantity status of the nozzle drive board, the working status of the nozzle drive board, the online quantity status of the nozzles, the working status of the nozzles, and the substrate size requirements.

[0076] In this embodiment, the logic of "first screening available equipment, then matching task requirements" avoids printing defects caused by equipment failure or insufficient coverage, ensuring that the determination of the target printhead number conforms to the actual working conditions of the equipment. First, based on the online quantity status and working status of the printhead driver boards, printhead driver boards that are currently in normal operation are screened out to clarify the printhead mounting range that can be supported. Then, combining the online quantity status and working status of the printheads, available printheads that are online and fault-free (such as unobstructed nozzles and normal temperature) are further screened from the mountable printheads. Finally, based on the preset substrate size requirements and the printing coverage of a single printhead, the minimum number of printheads and their specific positions required to complete the full-width printing of the substrate are calculated, and the target printhead number that needs to be enabled is determined from the available printheads, ensuring that the coverage of the target printheads completely matches the substrate size and that all printheads have stable working capabilities.

[0077] 302. Determine the working mode of the printing motherboard based on the printing status and data transmission requirements;

[0078] In this embodiment, the working mode is determined based on the actual operating status of the printing motherboard and the task transmission requirements. First, the current operating load and adaptability of the printing motherboard are judged by referring to the printing status (e.g., high-speed transmission mode can be supported in idle state, and stability and transmission rate need to be balanced in low-load state). Then, combined with the preset data transmission requirements (e.g., low-speed, high-reliability command transmission is required in the debugging stage, and high-speed, high-capacity nozzle data transmission is required in the formal printing stage), a matching type is selected from the preset working modes (e.g., command mode and print mode). Among them, the command mode is suitable for low-speed command transmission scenarios, and the print mode is suitable for high-speed printing data transmission scenarios, ensuring that the working mode of the printing motherboard can adapt to its own operating status and meet the data transmission requirements of different stages. This dual-mode selection can avoid the problem of data transmission mismatch between single mode and device capability, which can not only ensure the stability and efficiency of data transmission, but also reasonably allocate the operating resources of the printing motherboard and improve the overall adaptability of the system.

[0079] 303. Integrate the target printhead serial number that needs to be enabled and the working mode of the printing mainboard to generate configuration parameters;

[0080] In this embodiment, the determined target printhead serial numbers are first classified and arranged according to the hierarchical relationship of "drive board-printhead", and the target printhead list corresponding to each printhead drive board is clarified; then the determined printing main board working mode is converted into master control instructions; finally, the target printhead serial number list and master control instructions are integrated and encapsulated according to the preset internal protocol format to form configuration parameters that include printhead drive board control and printhead drive board working mode configuration.

[0081] 304. Generate printing parameters based on inkjet waveform parameters and pattern requirements;

[0082] In this embodiment, the basic waveform parameters of the printing mainboard are used as a benchmark, and targeted optimization is performed in combination with the pattern requirements to transform the pattern requirements into standardized nozzle control data. First, based on the printing waveform parameters in the initial state data, the waveform parameters (such as voltage amplitude and pulse width) are adjusted and optimized in combination with the requirements for droplet size and jet frequency in the pattern requirements to form driving waveform parameters that are suitable for pattern accuracy. Then, the pattern requirements are transformed into standardized nozzle control data (such as nozzle switching timing and area jetting logic) to clarify the nozzle working instructions for each target printhead. Finally, the optimized driving waveform parameters and standardized nozzle control data are integrated with the internal protocol to form printing parameters.

[0083] Please see Figure 4 The four embodiments of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention include:

[0084] 401. Send the configuration parameters to the printing motherboard;

[0085] In this embodiment, the integrated control interface software of the control device combines the configuration parameters into a "PC-motherboard" data packet according to the internal protocol between the "host computer and motherboard" to ensure that the parameter format meets the parsing requirements of the inkjet printing motherboard. Then, the packaged data packet is transmitted to the inkjet printing motherboard via a network cable to ensure the real-time performance and stability of data transmission. After receiving the data packet, the inkjet printing motherboard stores it in an external memory chip, which includes, but is not limited to, DDR SDRAM, flash, and eMMC, and has a capacity of 16Gbps or more (including 16Gbps), to achieve secure caching of parameters and provide data support for subsequent parsing steps.

[0086] 402. The control inkjet mainboard parses the configuration parameters to extract the target printhead serial number that needs to be enabled and the working mode of the inkjet mainboard.

[0087] In this embodiment, the printing motherboard reads configuration parameters from an external memory chip. First, it performs integrity verification on the data packet through a built-in verification module. After confirming that there are no transmission errors or storage abnormalities in the parameters, it unpacks and parses the configuration parameters according to the internal protocol format between the host computer and the motherboard. During the parsing process, based on the structured identifier of the parameters, it accurately extracts the target printhead serial number (the hierarchical correspondence between the printhead driver board and the printhead) and the working mode instructions of the printing motherboard (the identifier code and transmission parameters corresponding to the command mode and printing mode), and temporarily stores the extracted core information in the internal storage unit of the printing motherboard.

[0088] 403. Determine the number of integrated channels to be activated based on the target printhead serial number that needs to be enabled, and configure the basic parameters of the integrated channels based on the working mode of the printing motherboard to complete the activation of the integrated channels.

[0089] In this embodiment, firstly, based on the extracted target printhead serial number, the number of integrated channels to be activated is determined according to the correspondence of one printhead to one integrated channel. At the same time, redundant channels that do not match the target printhead are closed to ensure reasonable allocation of channel resources. Subsequently, based on the extracted printing motherboard working mode, corresponding basic parameters (such as data transmission rate, data processing protocol, input data type matching rules, etc.) are configured for each determined activated integrated channel to clarify the working logic of each channel. Finally, the printing motherboard sends activation commands to each configured integrated channel to complete the channel startup and initialization, enabling the integrated channel to have data reception and processing capabilities, and establishing a corresponding transmission link of "integrated channel - printhead driver board - target printhead".

[0090] Please see Figure 5 The five embodiments of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention include:

[0091] 501. Send the printing parameters to the main printing board for data verification;

[0092] In this embodiment, firstly, the integrated control interface software of the control device combines the printing parameters into a standardized data packet according to the internal protocol between the host computer and the motherboard, ensuring compatibility with the parsing format of the printing motherboard; then, it is transmitted to the printing motherboard via a network cable, and the printing motherboard receives it and stores it in an external memory chip; next, the printing motherboard calls the built-in verification module to perform integrity and accuracy verification on the data packet using CRC verification, parity verification or character library verification methods, to determine whether the printing parameters have been lost or erroneous during transmission.

[0093] 502. After verification is completed, the printing parameters are parsed to extract waveform parameters and nozzle data;

[0094] In this embodiment, after the printing parameters are verified to be correct, the printing motherboard reads the data packet from the external memory chip and unpacks it according to the internal protocol format between the host computer and the motherboard. During the parsing process, based on the preset identifier field of the parameters, two types of core data are accurately separated. One type is the waveform parameters used to drive the printhead (such as voltage amplitude, pulse width, etc.), and the other type is the nozzle data used to control the nozzle switching (such as the switching timing of the nozzle array, the area spraying logic, etc.). The two types of data are then temporarily stored in the internal high-speed cache unit of the printing motherboard for easy combination of subsequent data packets.

[0095] 503. Combine waveform parameters into instruction data packets and nozzle data into nozzle data packets according to the preset internal protocol;

[0096] In this embodiment, the printing motherboard reads the split waveform parameters and nozzle data from the internal high-speed cache unit, and performs structured encapsulation according to the preset internal protocols between the printing motherboard, the integrated channel, and the printhead driver board: Specifically, the parsed waveform parameters are ordered and encapsulated into instruction data packets according to the internal protocol; the instruction data packets are in bytes and their length is the product of the number of printhead nozzles and the compression depth; the parsed nozzle data is ordered and encapsulated into nozzle data packets according to the internal protocol; the nozzle data packets are in bytes and their length is the product of the number of printhead nozzles and the compression depth; both types of data packets have a dedicated identification field added to ensure that they can be accurately identified by the integrated channel during subsequent distribution.

[0097] 504. Based on the correspondence between the activated integrated channels and the target nozzles, the command data packets and nozzle data packets are distributed to each integrated channel through the internal bus addressing method.

[0098] In this embodiment, the printing motherboard first retrieves the established "integrated channel-printhead" correspondence (one integrated channel corresponds to one printhead), and then accurately locates each activated integrated channel according to the channel number through the internal bus addressing method, and distributes the corresponding instruction data packet and nozzle data packet to each channel.

[0099] Please see Figure 6 The six embodiments of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention include:

[0100] 601. Control each integrated channel to select a data packet that matches the operating mode from the command data packet or nozzle data packet according to the preset operating mode;

[0101] In this embodiment, each integrated channel is loaded with the preset working mode (such as command mode, print mode) of the printing motherboard during the activation phase, and stores data packet type matching rules corresponding to the mode; when it receives the instruction data packet and nozzle data packet distributed by the printing motherboard, the integrated channel triggers the matching rules according to its own working mode and automatically selects the appropriate data packet—if it is command mode (not actual printing, such as parameter debugging, equipment detection), the instruction data packet used to transmit control commands is selected, and the focus is on verifying the printhead drive response through waveform parameters; if it is print mode (actual printing scenario), the nozzle data packet used to control the printing action is selected, and the instruction data packet used to transmit control commands is selected in this scenario. The data packets (including waveform parameters) are transmitted to the printhead driver board and stored in advance via command mode before printing, or transmitted in addition to the data packets between nozzles. The integrated channel prioritizes the transmission of nozzle data with higher real-time requirements. After the integrated channel is activated (i.e., from the completion of the printing motherboard's working mode configuration to the next reconfiguration), the data packet type selected by the channel remains fixed to avoid data transmission chaos caused by frequent mode switching, ensuring the stability and consistency of data processing in the same working scenario. The design of the integrated channel prioritizes the transmission of core data according to different scenarios, avoiding irrelevant data from occupying channel resources, which improves transmission efficiency without missing the key data required for printing.

[0102] 602. Perform data compression on the selected data packets to obtain compressed data packets;

[0103] In this embodiment, data compression is performed using an n / m compression method. The integrated channel invokes the built-in compression module, and based on the structural characteristics of the selected data packet (command data packet or nozzle data packet), it performs compression processing using a preset n / m compression encoding (n and m are integers, and can be 1 / 2 encoding, 2 / 3 encoding, 2 / 4 encoding, 3 / 5 encoding, 2 / 6 encoding, 3 / 8 encoding, etc.). During the compression process, redundant bits in the data packet are removed and the data storage format is optimized to reduce the size of the data packet while ensuring data integrity. After compression, a compressed data packet with a compact size and compatible format is generated, reducing bandwidth consumption for subsequent high-speed transmission.

[0104] 603. Perform channel coding on the compressed data packet to obtain the driving data packet;

[0105] In this embodiment, channel coding employs Huffman coding logic; the integrated channel call's built-in coding module segments the compressed data packet in 32-bit units; for each data segment, corresponding mapping symbols are matched from a preset character set, and channel coding is performed using Huffman coding; by constructing an optimal prefix code table, the anti-interference capability and transmission efficiency of data transmission are optimized; during the coding process, the DC level of the transmission link is synchronously balanced to avoid data transmission errors caused by level offset; after coding is completed, the segmented coded data is integrated and encapsulated to form a driving data packet with high anti-interference capability and adapted to the LVDS transmission link.

[0106] 604. Transmit the driver data package to the nozzle driver board;

[0107] In this embodiment, the integrated channel and the corresponding nozzle driver board establish an LVDS bidirectional transmission channel via a network cable, with a unidirectional transmission rate of up to 1Gbps. The integrated channel adapts the drive data packets to the LVDS transmission protocol and then transmits them to the corresponding nozzle driver board through the channel. During transmission, if no new drive data packets are generated, the link will maintain a synchronous clock signal to ensure the stability of the transmission link. The nozzle driver board receives drive data packets in real time through its built-in LVDS receiving module.

[0108] Please see Figure 7 The seven embodiments of the multi-nozzle scheduling method in this invention include:

[0109] 701. The nozzle drive board sequentially performs channel decoding and data decompression on the drive data packets to recover waveform parameters and nozzle data;

[0110] In this embodiment, after the nozzle driver board receives the drive data packet through the LVDS receiving module, it first calls the built-in decoding module to perform channel decoding according to the reverse process of Huffman coding, parsing in 32-bit segments, restoring the mapping code elements according to the preset character library, eliminating the anti-interference coding layer in the transmission process, and obtaining the compressed data packet; then it calls the decompression module, using the inverse coding algorithm corresponding to the n / m compression method to restore the original format and redundant information of the data packet, and finally accurately restores the waveform parameters and nozzle data.

[0111] 702. Convert the waveform parameters into a driving voltage waveform that is compatible with the nozzle;

[0112] In this embodiment, the nozzle driver board reads the restored waveform parameters from the internal buffer, combines them with the nozzle model matched in the initial state data, and performs format conversion and amplitude calibration on the waveform parameters to adapt them to the input requirements of the current nozzle's drive circuit. Then, through the high-voltage drive circuit built into the driver board, the converted waveform parameters are converted into a drive voltage waveform.

[0113] 703. The drive voltage waveform and nozzle data are transmitted to the printhead, so that the printhead controls its nozzles to eject ink droplets according to the drive voltage waveform and nozzle data to complete the printing action.

[0114] In this embodiment, the printhead driver board transmits the generated driving voltage waveform and nozzle data synchronously to the corresponding printhead via a network cable. After receiving the signal, the printhead controls the opening and closing of the specified nozzles in the nozzle array according to the preset switching logic and timing in the nozzle data. At the same time, the piezoelectric element built into the printhead responds to the driving voltage waveform and vibrates according to the timing and amplitude of the waveform, accurately spraying ink from the opened nozzles into the pixel slots of the target carrier (such as a glass substrate). All target printheads work together to complete the full-width printing according to the preset pattern, realizing the printing action.

[0115] The multi-nozzle scheduling method in the embodiments of the present invention has been described above. The multi-nozzle scheduling system in the embodiments of the present invention is described below. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 One embodiment of the multi-nozzle scheduling system in this invention includes:

[0116] The multi-printer scheduling system includes: a control device 801 and a printing main board 802, a print head drive board 803, and a print head 804 electrically connected to the control device 801; the control device 801 is used to execute the multi-printer scheduling method described above.

[0117] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-nozzle scheduling device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-nozzle scheduling device 900 can vary significantly due to different configurations or performance characteristics. It may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) 910 (e.g., one or more processors) and a memory 920, and one or more storage media 930 (e.g., one or more mass storage devices) storing application programs 933 or data 932. The memory 920 and storage media 930 can be temporary or persistent storage. The program stored in the storage media 930 may include one or more modules (not shown in the diagram), each module including a series of instruction operations on the multi-nozzle scheduling device 900. Furthermore, the processor 910 may be configured to communicate with the storage media 930 and execute the series of instruction operations in the storage media 930 on the multi-nozzle scheduling device 900 to implement the steps of the multi-nozzle scheduling method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0118] The multi-nozzle dispatching device 900 may also include one or more power supplies 940, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces 950, one or more input / output interfaces 960, and / or one or more operating systems 931, such as Windows Server, Mac OS X, Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 9 The structure of the multi-nozzle scheduling device shown does not constitute a limitation on the multi-nozzle scheduling device. It may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0119] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which can be a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium or a volatile computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a multi-nozzle scheduling method.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system, device, or unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0122] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-jet scheduling method, characterized by, The application is applied to a multi-nozzle scheduling system, which comprises a control device, a printing mainboard, a nozzle driving board and nozzles electrically connected with the control device; the multi-nozzle scheduling method comprises the following steps: collecting equipment state information of the printing mainboard, the nozzle driving board and the nozzles to form an initial state data set; generating configuration parameters and printing parameters based on the initial state data and preset printing task requirements; the initial state data comprises printing state, printing waveform parameters, nozzle driving board online quantity state, nozzle driving board working state, nozzle online quantity state and nozzle working state; the preset printing task requirements comprise substrate size requirements, data transmission requirements and pattern requirements; target nozzle serial numbers to be enabled are determined based on the nozzle driving board online quantity state, the nozzle driving board working state, the nozzle online quantity state, the nozzle working state and the substrate size requirements; the working mode of the printing mainboard is determined based on the printing state and the data transmission requirements; the target nozzle serial numbers to be enabled and the working mode of the printing mainboard are integrated to generate the configuration parameters; the printing parameters are generated based on the printing waveform parameters and the pattern requirements; downloading the configuration parameters to the printing mainboard to activate integrated channels based on the configuration parameters; downloading the printing parameters to the printing mainboard for data analysis to obtain instruction data packets and nozzle data packets, and controlling the printing mainboard to distribute the instruction data packets and the nozzle data packets to each integrated channel; controlling the integrated channels to compress and encode the instruction data packets or the nozzle data packets to form driving data packets, and transmitting the driving data packets to the nozzle driving board; controlling the nozzle driving board to convert the driving data packets into driving voltage waveforms suitable for the nozzles, and transmitting the driving voltage waveforms to the nozzles to complete the printing action.

2. The multi-jet scheduling method of claim 1, wherein, The collecting of the equipment state information of the printing mainboard, the nozzle driving board and the nozzles to form the initial state data set comprises: collecting state data of the printing mainboard to obtain printing mainboard state information; scanning the nozzle driving board through the printing mainboard to collect nozzle driving board state information; scanning the nozzles through the nozzle driving board to collect nozzle state information; integrating the printing mainboard state information, the nozzle driving board state information and the nozzle state information to generate the initial state data set.

3. The multi-jet scheduling method of claim 1, wherein, The downloading of the configuration parameters to the printing mainboard to activate the integrated channels based on the configuration parameters comprises: downloading the configuration parameters to the printing mainboard; controlling the printing mainboard to analyze the configuration parameters to extract the target nozzle serial numbers to be enabled and the working mode of the printing mainboard; determining the number of integrated channels to be activated based on the target nozzle serial numbers to be enabled, and configuring the basic parameters of the integrated channels based on the working mode of the printing mainboard to complete the activation of the integrated channels.

4. The multi-jet scheduling method of claim 1, wherein, The downloading of the printing parameters to the printing mainboard for data analysis to obtain the instruction data packets and the nozzle data packets, and the controlling of the printing mainboard to distribute the instruction data packets and the nozzle data packets to each integrated channel comprises: downloading the printing parameters to the printing mainboard for data verification; After the verification is completed, the print parameters are parsed to split out the waveform parameters and the nozzle data; The waveform parameters are combined into an instruction data packet and the nozzle data are combined into a nozzle data packet according to a preset internal protocol; According to the correspondence between the activated integrated channels and the target nozzle, the instruction data packet and the nozzle data packet are distributed to each integrated channel through an internal bus addressing mode.

5. The multi-jet scheduling method of claim 1, wherein, The control integrated channel compresses and encodes the instruction data packet or the nozzle data packet to form a drive data packet, and transmits the drive data packet to the nozzle drive board, and the method comprises the steps of: The control integrated channel selects a data packet suitable for the working mode from the instruction data packet or the nozzle data packet according to a preset working mode; The selected data packet is compressed to obtain a compressed data packet; The compressed data packet is channel encoded to obtain a drive data packet; The drive data packet is transmitted to the nozzle drive board.

6. The multi-jet scheduling method of claim 1, wherein, The control nozzle drive board converts the drive data packet into a drive voltage waveform suitable for the nozzle, and transmits the drive voltage waveform to the nozzle to complete the printing action, and the method comprises the steps of: The control nozzle drive board sequentially performs channel decoding and data decompression on the drive data packet to recover the waveform parameters and the nozzle data; The waveform parameters are converted into a drive voltage waveform suitable for the nozzle; The drive voltage waveform and the nozzle data are transmitted to the nozzle, so that the nozzle controls its nozzles to eject ink droplets according to the drive voltage waveform and the nozzle data to complete the printing action.

7. A multi-jet scheduling system characterized by, The multi-nozzle scheduling system comprises a control device, a printing main board, a nozzle drive board and a nozzle electrically connected to the control device, and the control device is used to execute the multi-nozzle scheduling method of any one of claims 1-6.

8. A multi-jet scheduling apparatus characterized by comprising: The multi-nozzle scheduling device comprises a memory and at least one processor, and the memory stores instructions; At least one processor calls the instructions in the memory to make the multi-nozzle scheduling device execute the steps of the multi-nozzle scheduling method of any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions, the computer-readable storage medium comprising: The instructions are executed by the processor to implement the steps of the multi-nozzle scheduling method of any one of claims 1-6.

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