Cylindrical object multi-pass spiral printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a cylindrical object multi-PASS spiral printing method, device, equipment and storage medium, relates to the inkjet printing technical field. The method obtains the original PASS printing height and the original step height when spiral printing of a cylindrical object is performed; the actual step height is obtained according to the original step height and the unit area scanning times N; the actual PASS printing height is obtained according to the original PASS printing height; when the first PASS to the (N-1) PASS, the nozzle is controlled to step along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print ink according to the original PASS printing height; when the Nth scanning, the nozzle is controlled to step along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print ink according to the actual PASS printing height, so that the dot insertion printing of the multi-PASS printing is realized in the spiral printing of the cylindrical object, and the image precision and the printing quality are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Cylindrical object printing refers to printing patterns onto the surface (including the outer and inner surfaces) of a cylindrical object using a printer. Products printed include, but are not limited to: wine bottles, thermos cups, metal tubes, glass cups, paper cups, flexible materials, etc. To improve printing efficiency, such as... Figure 1 As shown, when printing cylindrical objects, the printhead is often fixed, while the cylindrical object rotates uniformly around its axis in the rotation direction X and moves uniformly in the stepping direction Y. Alternatively, the cylindrical object rotates in a fixed position while the printhead moves relative to it in the stepping direction Y. The printhead ejects ink and prints onto the cylindrical surface of the object. This printing method is also known as spiral printing of cylindrical objects. Similar to planar inkjet printing, spiral printing of cylindrical objects can also improve image printing accuracy through multi-pass printing. Since the printhead accuracy is fixed at the factory, multi-pass printing is necessary when the image accuracy is higher than the printhead accuracy. Figure 2 As shown, in planar inkjet printing, one scan of the printhead along the X direction is called 1PASS printing. Between each PASS, the printhead moves a step distance relative to the printing cutoff point and then scans in the reverse X direction to print the next PASS. In multi-PASS printing, a pre-set step distance h between each PASS is used to stagger the ink droplet positions (interpolation printing) to improve image printing accuracy. However, in spiral printing, the printhead moves simultaneously and uniformly in both the X and Y directions relative to the printing medium (the cylindrical object surface). Unlike planar printing, it cannot stop scanning in the X direction while stepping in the Y direction between each PASS, making interpolation printing difficult and resulting in decreased image printing accuracy and quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, device and storage medium for multi-pass spiral printing of cylindrical objects, in order to solve the problem in the prior art that the image accuracy deteriorates due to the difficulty in interpolation printing during multi-pass spiral printing of cylindrical objects.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for multi-pass spiral printing of cylindrical objects, the method comprising:

[0005] Obtain the original PASS print height and original step height;

[0006] The actual step height is obtained based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0007] The actual PASS printing height is obtained based on the original PASS printing height.

[0008] During the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction, the nozzle is controlled to move step by step along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and ink is dispensed and printed onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height.

[0009] At the Nth pass, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction, the printhead is controlled to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and ink is dispensed and printed onto the cylindrical object according to the actual pass printing height.

[0010] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0011] Obtain the number of insertion points in the X direction and the spacing between pixels when printing each insertion point;

[0012] The interpolation delay time is obtained based on the spacing and the rotational speed of the cylindrical object along the X direction;

[0013] The printhead is controlled to ignite and drive the nozzle to output ink for the next printing operation after a delay of the previous printing operation.

[0014] Preferably, obtaining the original PASS printing height and the original step height includes:

[0015] Obtain the printhead printing height and the number of scans N per unit area;

[0016] The original PASS printing height and the original step height are obtained by dividing the printhead printing height by the number of scans per unit area N.

[0017] Preferably, obtaining the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N includes:

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

[0019] H2 = H1 + 1 / N;

[0020] Wherein, H1 is the original step height, and H2 is the actual step height.

[0021] Preferably, obtaining the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height includes:

[0022] The actual PASS printing height is obtained using the following formula:

[0023] P2 = P1 + 1;

[0024] Wherein, P1 is the original PASS printing height, and P2 is the actual PASS printing height.

[0025] Preferably, during the process from the first pass to the (N-1)th pass, controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and printing the image onto the cylindrical object according to the original pass printing height, includes:

[0026] The stepping speed of the nozzle is obtained based on the actual stepping height;

[0027] During the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, in each PASS, the cylindrical object is controlled to rotate one revolution along the X direction while the nozzle is controlled to move along the Y direction at the stepping speed.

[0028] Obtain the corresponding first print data based on the original PASS print height;

[0029] The printhead is controlled to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object based on the first printing data.

[0030] Preferably, the step of controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height and printing an image onto the cylindrical object according to the actual PASS printing height at the Nth PASS step height includes:

[0031] The stepping speed of the nozzle is obtained based on the actual stepping height;

[0032] In the Nth pass, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution in the X direction, the nozzle is controlled to move in the Y direction at the stepping speed;

[0033] Obtain the corresponding second printing data based on the actual PASS printing height;

[0034] The printhead is controlled to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the second printing data.

[0035] Preferably, obtaining the stepping speed of the nozzle based on the actual stepping height includes:

[0036] Obtain the rotational speed of the cylindrical object;

[0037] The time it takes for the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution is obtained based on the rotation speed and recorded as the period time.

[0038] The speed of the nozzle relative to the cylindrical object in the Y direction is obtained based on the actual step height and the cycle time, which is the step speed.

[0039] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-pass spiral printing apparatus for cylindrical objects, the apparatus comprising:

[0040] The original height acquisition module is used to acquire the original PASS printing height and the original step height;

[0041] The actual step height acquisition module is used to acquire the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0042] The actual print height acquisition module is used to acquire the actual PASS print height based on the original PASS print height.

[0043] The first printing module is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while controlling the nozzle to move step by step along the Y direction according to the actual step height during the first PASS to (N-1) PASS, and to print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height.

[0044] The second printing module is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the actual PASS printing height during the Nth pass.

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

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

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

[0048] The present invention provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for multi-pass spiral printing of cylindrical objects. During spiral printing of cylindrical objects, the method acquires the original PASS printing height and the original step height; obtains the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N; obtains the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height; during the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, the printhead is controlled to move along the Y direction at the actual step height while simultaneously printing ink at the original PASS printing height; during the Nth scan, the printhead is controlled to move along the Y direction at the actual step height while simultaneously printing ink at the actual PASS printing height. This ensures interpolated multi-pass printing in the spiral printing of cylindrical objects, improving image accuracy and print quality. Attached Figure Description

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

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of spiral printing of cylindrical objects in the background technology.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of multi-pass printing in the background technology.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a spiral printing system for cylindrical objects according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of 4PASS printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of data compensation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and are not configured to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the present invention by illustrating examples of the invention.

[0059] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] This invention provides a multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects, applicable to spiral printing systems for cylindrical objects, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the cylindrical object printing device includes at least a printhead 5 and a clamping device 6. The printhead 5 includes at least one row of printheads. The cylindrical object printing device also includes a rotating mechanism and a stepping mechanism (not shown). The rotating mechanism drives the cylindrical object to rotate around its central axis, and the stepping mechanism drives the printhead to step along the X-direction (axial direction). During printing, the cylindrical object 7 is fixed in place using the clamping device. The cylindrical object 7 rotates uniformly around the rotation axis in the rotation direction (X-direction), while the printhead 5 moves uniformly along the stepping direction (Y-direction), ejecting ink and printing onto the cylindrical surface of the object. In another embodiment, the printhead can be fixed stationary, and the cylindrical object can rotate uniformly around the rotation axis while simultaneously moving uniformly along the Y-direction.

[0062] Please see Figure 4 The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0063] S1: Obtain the original PASS print height and original step height;

[0064] S2: Obtain the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0065] S3: Obtain the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height;

[0066] S4: During the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction, the nozzle is controlled to move step by step along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and ink is dispensed and printed onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height.

[0067] S5: At the Nth pass, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction, the printhead is controlled to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and ink is dispensed and printed onto the cylindrical object according to the actual pass printing height.

[0068] Specifically, the printhead height here is characterized by the number of nozzles in a row arranged along the printhead height direction (since the nozzles are arranged along the printhead height direction, the spacing between adjacent nozzles in the same row along the printhead height direction is equal; therefore, the printhead height is equal to the product of the number of nozzles and the spacing between adjacent nozzles, so the number of nozzles in the printhead can be used to represent the height). For example, if a row of nozzles includes 400 nozzles, the printhead printing height L = 400. The number of scans per unit area N is the pass count. Figure 5 As shown, the image to be printed has a resolution of 720×600 DPI, and the printhead resolution is 360×300 DPI. The image requires 4-pass printing (4 scans per unit area, including 2 horizontal scans and 2 vertical scans). The image to be printed consists of many pixels corresponding to pixel positions ①②③④. A group of pixel positions ①②③④ is considered as a unit area. In the first pass, the printhead moves along the main scanning direction and prints pixel position ①. Then, the printhead moves a certain distance relative to the printing medium and moves in the opposite direction along the main scanning direction, printing pixel position ②. Next, the printhead moves a certain distance relative to the printing medium and moves again along the main scanning direction, printing pixel position ③. After moving a certain distance relative to the printing medium, the printhead moves in the opposite direction again, printing pixel position ④. This process is repeated until printing is complete.

[0069] The number of scans per unit area, N, can be obtained based on the image accuracy and printhead accuracy. After obtaining the printhead printing height and the number of scans per unit area, the original PASS printing height and the original step height can be obtained further based on the printhead printing height and the number of scans per unit area, N.

[0070] The original PASS printing height here refers to the image printing height per pass, which is also characterized by the number of nozzles. For example, if the printhead printing height L = 400 and N = 4, then the original PASS printing height is 400 / 4 = 100. In this embodiment, the original step height, like the single scan height, is also characterized by the number of printheads and is calculated in the same way as the single scan height. For example, if the printhead printing height L = 400 and N = 4, then the original step height H1 is 400 / 4 = 100.

[0071] During spiral printing, if printing is performed according to the original PASS printing height and the original step height, the printing height of each PASS (i.e., the original PASS printing height is 100) will cause the printing position of the first nozzle in the first PASS to completely overlap with the printing position of the 101st nozzle in the second PASS. This results in ink droplets not being staggered, thus degrading printing accuracy. To avoid ink droplet overlap, the step height between each PASS needs to be adjusted accordingly. The adjusted step height is recorded as the actual step height.

[0072] Preferably, when obtaining the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, the actual step height is obtained according to the following formula:

[0073] H2 = H1 + 1 / N;

[0074] Wherein, H1 is the original step height, and H2 is the actual step height.

[0075] For example, when the initial step height is 100 and the number of scans per unit area N is 4, the actual step height is 100 + 1 / 4. When the actual step height is H1 + 1 / N, the nozzles between each pass will be staggered by 1 / N of the aperture distance (or nozzle spacing), avoiding complete overlap of ink dots.

[0076] If the printhead advances at the actual step height in each pass and prints at the original pass printing height, because the printhead advances an additional 1 / N aperture spacing in each pass, it will move an extra aperture spacing after each N passes. However, the printhead still ejects ink at the original pass printing height. Therefore, between each N passes, there will be one nozzle position where the ink dot is not printed. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the printhead printing height is 8, and the original PASS printing height is 2. After printing 4 PASS according to the actual printing step height, a data gap appears at the 8th row position. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6As shown, the data compensation method is used, that is, outputting the data D of one more nozzle in the last PASS to compensate. The data height of the last PASS is recorded as the actual PASS printing height. The actual PASS printing height is the original PASS printing height plus the height of one nozzle.

[0077] Preferably, obtaining the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height includes:

[0078] The actual PASS printing height is obtained using the following formula:

[0079] P2 = P1 + 1;

[0080] Wherein, P1 is the original PASS printing height, and P2 is the actual PASS printing height.

[0081] For example, if the original PASS print height is 100, then the actual step height is 100+1.

[0082] After obtaining the actual step height and actual PASS printing height, the printhead's movement speed in the Y direction is controlled based on the actual step height during printing. This ensures that each time the cylindrical object completes one revolution and prints one PASS, the printhead moves relative to the cylindrical object in the Y direction by the actual step height. Before printing, the printhead's stepping speed needs to be determined based on the actual step height.

[0083] Preferably, obtaining the stepping speed of the nozzle based on the actual stepping height includes:

[0084] Obtain the rotational speed of the cylindrical object;

[0085] The time it takes for the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution is obtained based on the rotation speed and recorded as the period time.

[0086] The speed of the nozzle relative to the cylindrical object in the Y direction is obtained based on the actual step height and the cycle time, which is the step speed.

[0087] The speed of the nozzle along the Y direction, i.e., the step speed, is determined by the distance it travels in one pass and the time required. In spiral printing of cylindrical objects, the cylindrical object needs to rotate one revolution to complete one pass. Therefore, the time required for the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution can be obtained based on the rotational speed and the circumference of the cylindrical object, and is denoted as the cycle time. The rotational speed (preferably linear speed) can be determined by the user according to the actual situation and set through the printing control software. The distance the cylindrical object travels in one pass is the actual step height, and its step speed can be obtained by dividing the actual step height by the cycle time.

[0088] After obtaining the printhead's stepping speed, the printhead is controlled to step along the Y direction according to this speed while simultaneously ejecting ink based on the corresponding print data. Each unit area requires N scans, or N passes, to complete the print. Each pass is based on the actual stepping height, but to avoid leaving blank data, the print data height is ejected according to the actual pass printing height during the last pass.

[0089] Preferably, during the transition from the first pass to the (N-1)th pass, controlling the cylindrical object to rotate uniformly along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and printing the image onto the cylindrical object according to the original pass printing height, includes:

[0090] The stepping speed of the nozzle is obtained based on the actual stepping height;

[0091] During the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, in each PASS, the cylindrical object is controlled to rotate one revolution along the X direction while the nozzle is controlled to move along the Y direction at the stepping speed.

[0092] Obtain the corresponding first print data based on the original PASS print height;

[0093] The printhead is controlled to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object based on the first printing data.

[0094] Specifically, after obtaining the stepping speed of the printhead in the Y direction, the printhead is controlled to move at a constant speed in the Y direction at this stepping speed, while the cylindrical object is controlled to rotate in the X direction. In the first pass, the cylindrical object is controlled to rotate at a constant speed, and the printhead steps in the Y direction while printing according to the printing data corresponding to the original pass printing height (denoted as the first printing data). When the cylinder rotates one revolution and the printhead completes one pass, the first pass printing is completed. Similarly, in the second pass, the printhead continues to move at a constant speed in the Y direction at this stepping speed while the cylindrical object rotates at a constant speed in the X direction, and the printhead obtains the printing data corresponding to the original pass printing height and prints... until the (N-1)th pass, the printhead continues to move at a constant speed in the Y direction at this stepping speed while the cylindrical object rotates at a constant speed in the X direction, and the printhead obtains the printing data corresponding to the original pass printing height and prints.

[0095] Preferably, the step of controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height and printing an image onto the cylindrical object according to the actual PASS printing height at the Nth PASS step height includes:

[0096] The stepping speed of the nozzle is obtained based on the actual stepping height;

[0097] In the Nth pass, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution in the X direction, the nozzle is controlled to move in the Y direction at the stepping speed;

[0098] Obtain the corresponding second printing data based on the actual PASS printing height;

[0099] The printhead is controlled to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the second printing data.

[0100] Specifically, at the Nth pass, i.e., the last pass, the printhead continues to move at a constant speed along the Y direction while the cylindrical object rotates at a constant speed along the X direction. The printhead acquires the printing data corresponding to the actual pass printing height (denoted as the second printing data) and performs ink output printing. Since data compensation is performed in the last scan print (the last pass), there should be no data gaps between each N passes. This ensures that interpolation printing in multi-pass printing is achieved during the spiral printing of the entire cylindrical object, improving image accuracy and print quality.

[0101] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0102] Obtain the number of interpolations in the X direction and the interpolation spacing between pixels when printing each interpolation;

[0103] The interpolation delay time is obtained based on the interpolation point spacing and the rotational speed of the cylindrical object along the X direction;

[0104] The printhead is controlled to ignite and drive the nozzle to output ink for the next printing operation after a delay of the previous printing operation.

[0105] Specifically, when the image resolution on the cylindrical printing paper is greater than the printing resolution in the X direction, multiple interpolation printing points in the X direction are also required. After completing one interpolation printing point in the X direction of the cylindrical object, because the cylindrical object rotates spirally during printing, a slight delay before controlling the printhead to ignite and dispense ink at the next interpolation point ensures the printing effect of the interpolation point in the X direction. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the printhead ignition delay time between each interpolation printing point. The number of interpolation printing points can be obtained by dividing the image resolution in the X direction of the image to be printed by the printhead's printing resolution in the X direction. Based on the image resolution in the X direction, the distance between the pixels printed at each interpolation point can be calculated. For example, if the image to be printed has a resolution of 720×600 DPI and the printhead resolution is 360×300 DPI, it can be seen that two interpolation printings are also required in the X direction. The distance between the pixels of the first interpolation printing and the pixels of the second interpolation printing (in the same row) (denoted as the interpolation spacing) is obtained based on the image resolution of the image to be printed in the X direction. After obtaining the interpolation spacing, the interpolation delay time can be obtained by taking the interpolation spacing as the rotation speed of the cylindrical object in the X direction. The printhead ignition time of the first interpolation printing is added to the interpolation delay time to obtain the printhead ignition time for the second interpolation printing. The nozzle in the printhead is driven to spray ink for the second interpolation printing based on this ignition time.

[0106] It is also worth noting that the number of scans N here is the product of the number of scans in the Y direction and the number of scans in the X direction. When printing interpolation points in the vertical direction (Y direction), the number of scans in the Y direction must be greater than or equal to 2 and N must be greater than or equal to 2. Similarly, when printing interpolation points in the horizontal direction (X direction), the number of scans in the X direction must be greater than or equal to 2 and N must be greater than or equal to 2.

[0107] In summary, the multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects provided by this invention, during spiral printing of cylindrical objects, obtains the original PASS printing height and the original step height; obtains the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N; obtains the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height; during the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, controls the printhead to move in the Y direction according to the actual step height while printing ink according to the original PASS printing height; during the Nth scan, controls the printhead to move in the Y direction according to the actual step height while printing ink according to the actual PASS printing height, thereby ensuring interpolated multi-pass printing in the spiral printing of cylindrical objects, improving image accuracy and printing quality.

[0108] Example 2

[0109] Please see Figure 7This invention provides a multi-pass spiral printing device 200 for cylindrical objects, the device 200 comprising:

[0110] The original height acquisition module 201 is used to acquire the original PASS printing height and the original step height;

[0111] The actual step height acquisition module 202 is used to acquire the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2;

[0112] The actual print height acquisition module 203 is used to acquire the actual PASS print height based on the original PASS print height.

[0113] The first printing module 204 is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while controlling the nozzle to move step by step along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height during the first PASS to (N-1) PASS.

[0114] The second printing module 205 is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the actual PASS printing height during the Nth PASS.

[0115] Preferably, the original height acquisition module 201 includes:

[0116] The scan count acquisition unit is used to acquire the printhead printing height and the number of scans N per unit area;

[0117] The height acquisition unit is used to divide the printhead printing height by the number of scans per unit area N to obtain the original PASS printing height and the original step height.

[0118] Preferably, the actual step height acquisition module 202 includes:

[0119] The first acquisition unit is used to obtain the actual step height according to the following formula:

[0120] H2 = H1 + 1 / N;

[0121] Wherein, H1 is the original step height, and H2 is the actual step height.

[0122] Preferably, the actual printing height acquisition module 203 includes:

[0123] The second acquisition unit is used to obtain the actual PASS printing height according to the following formula:

[0124] P2 = P1 + 1;

[0125] Wherein, P1 is the original PASS printing height, and P2 is the actual PASS printing height.

[0126] Preferably, the first printing module 204 includes:

[0127] The first step speed acquisition unit is used to acquire the step speed of the nozzle based on the actual step height;

[0128] The first stepping unit is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution along the X direction while controlling the nozzle to move along the Y direction at the stepping speed during each PASS from the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS.

[0129] The first data acquisition unit is used to acquire the corresponding first print data based on the original PASS print height.

[0130] The first printing unit is used to control the printhead to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the first printing data.

[0131] Preferably, the second printing module 205 includes:

[0132] The second step speed acquisition unit is used to acquire the step speed of the nozzle based on the actual step height;

[0133] The second stepping unit is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the nozzle to move along the Y direction at the stepping speed in the Nth PASS.

[0134] The second data acquisition unit is used to acquire corresponding second printing data based on the actual PASS printing height.

[0135] The second printing unit is used to control the printhead to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the second printing data.

[0136] Preferably, the device further includes:

[0137] The interpolation spacing acquisition module is used to obtain the number of interpolations in the X direction and the interpolation spacing between pixels when each interpolation is printed;

[0138] The delay acquisition module is used to acquire the interpolation delay time based on the interpolation point spacing and the rotation speed of the cylindrical object along the X direction;

[0139] The ignition module is used to control the printhead to ignite and drive the nozzle to output ink for printing only after a delay of the interpolation delay time relative to the previous interpolation printing.

[0140] In summary, the multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects provided in this embodiment of the invention, when performing spiral printing of cylindrical objects, obtains the original PASS printing height and the original step height; obtains the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N; obtains the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height; during the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, controls the nozzle to move in the Y direction according to the actual step height and dispenses ink according to the original PASS printing height; during the Nth scan, controls the nozzle to move in the Y direction according to the actual step height and dispenses ink according to the actual PASS printing height, thereby ensuring that interpolated printing of multi-pass printing is achieved in the spiral printing of cylindrical objects, improving image accuracy and printing quality.

[0141] Example 3

[0142] Furthermore, the cylindrical object multi-pass spiral printing method of this invention can be implemented by a cylindrical object multi-pass spiral printing device. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0143] The multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects may include a processor 301 and a memory 302 storing computer program instructions.

[0144] Specifically, the processor 301 may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits that can be configured to implement the embodiments of the present invention.

[0145] Memory 302 may include mass storage for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, memory 302 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, memory 302 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, memory 302 may be internal or external to a data processing device. In a particular embodiment, memory 302 is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, memory 302 includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0146] The processor 301 reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory 302 to implement any of the cylindrical object multi-pass spiral printing methods in the above embodiments.

[0147] In one example, the multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects may also include a communication interface 303 and a bus 310. Wherein, as Figure 8 As shown, the processor 301, memory 302, and communication interface 303 are connected through bus 310 and complete communication with each other.

[0148] The communication interface 303 is mainly used to realize communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0149] Bus 310 includes hardware, software, or both, that couples components of a cylindrical object multi-pass spiral printing device together. For example, and not limitingly, bus 310 may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses, or combinations of two or more of these. Where appropriate, bus 310 may include one or more buses. While specific buses are described and illustrated in embodiments of the invention, the invention contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[0150] Example 4

[0151] Furthermore, in conjunction with the multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects described in the above embodiments, this invention can be implemented using a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions; when these computer program instructions are executed by the processor 301, they implement any of the multi-pass spiral printing methods for cylindrical objects described in the above embodiments.

[0152] In summary, the multi-pass spiral printing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for cylindrical objects provided in this embodiment of the invention, when performing spiral printing of cylindrical objects, obtains the original PASS printing height and the original step height; obtains the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N; obtains the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height; during the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, controls the printhead to move in the Y direction according to the actual step height while dispensing ink at the original PASS printing height; during the Nth scan, controls the printhead to move in the Y direction according to the actual step height while dispensing ink at the actual PASS printing height, thereby ensuring interpolated multi-pass printing in the spiral printing of cylindrical objects, improving image accuracy and print quality.

[0153] It should be clarified that the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of the present invention is not limited to the specific steps described and shown. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of the present invention.

[0154] The functional blocks shown in the above-described structural diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this invention are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. The programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried in a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0155] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments mentioned in this invention describe methods or systems based on a series of steps or apparatus. However, this invention is not limited to the order of the steps described above; that is, the steps can be performed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0156] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for multi-pass spiral printing of cylindrical objects, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the original PASS print height and original step height; The actual step height is obtained based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; The actual PASS printing height is obtained based on the original PASS printing height. During the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction, the printhead is controlled to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and ink is dispensed and printed onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height. At the Nth pass, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction, the printhead is controlled to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and ink is dispensed and printed onto the cylindrical object according to the actual pass printing height.

2. The multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the number of interpolations in the X direction and the interpolation spacing between pixels when printing each interpolation; The interpolation delay time is obtained based on the interpolation point spacing and the rotational speed of the cylindrical object along the X direction; The printhead is controlled to ignite and drive the nozzle to output ink for the next printing operation after a delay of the previous printing operation.

3. The multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the original PASS print height and the original step height includes: Obtain the printhead printing height and the number of scans N per unit area; The original PASS printing height and the original step height are obtained by dividing the printhead printing height by the number of scans per unit area N.

4. The multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actual step height is obtained based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, including: The actual step height is obtained using the following formula: H2 = H1 + 1 / N; Wherein, H1 is the original step height, and H2 is the actual step height.

5. The multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the actual PASS printing height based on the original PASS printing height includes: The actual PASS printing height is obtained using the following formula: P2 = P1 + 1; Wherein, P1 is the original PASS printing height, and P2 is the actual PASS printing height.

6. The multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process from the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, controlling the cylindrical object to rotate uniformly along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and printing the image onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height includes: The stepping speed of the nozzle is obtained based on the actual stepping height; During the first PASS to the (N-1)th PASS, in each PASS, the cylindrical object is controlled to rotate one revolution along the X direction while the nozzle is controlled to move along the Y direction at the stepping speed. Obtain the corresponding first print data based on the original PASS print height; The printhead is controlled to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object based on the first printing data.

7. The method for multi-pass spiral printing of cylindrical objects according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, When the Nth pass is achieved, controlling the cylindrical object to rotate uniformly along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height, and printing the image onto the cylindrical object according to the actual pass printing height, includes: The stepping speed of the nozzle is obtained based on the actual stepping height; In the Nth pass, while controlling the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution in the X direction, the nozzle is controlled to move in the Y direction at the stepping speed; Obtain the corresponding second printing data based on the actual PASS printing height; The printhead is controlled to dispense ink and print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the second printing data.

8. The multi-pass spiral printing method for cylindrical objects according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stepping speed of the nozzle based on the actual stepping height includes: Obtain the rotational speed of the cylindrical object; The time it takes for the cylindrical object to rotate one revolution is obtained based on the rotation speed and recorded as the period time. The speed of the nozzle relative to the cylindrical object in the Y direction is obtained based on the actual step height and the cycle time, which is the step speed.

9. A multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects, characterized in that, The device includes: The original height acquisition module is used to acquire the original PASS printing height and the original step height; The actual step height acquisition module is used to acquire the actual step height based on the original step height and the number of scans per unit area N, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; The actual print height acquisition module is used to acquire the actual PASS print height based on the original PASS print height. The first printing module is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while controlling the nozzle to move step by step along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the original PASS printing height during the first PASS to (N-1) PASS. The second printing module is used to control the cylindrical object to rotate at a constant speed along the X direction while simultaneously controlling the printhead to move in steps along the Y direction according to the actual step height and to print an image onto the cylindrical object according to the actual PASS printing height during the Nth pass.

10. A multi-pass spiral printing device for cylindrical objects, characterized in that, include: At least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, which, when executed by the processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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