Ink-jet printing control device and ink-jet printing system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of ink-jet printing, and provides an ink-jet printing control device and an ink-jet printing system, which overcome the defects of high cost, large occupied volume and poor data processing capability in the prior art. The ink-jet printing control device comprises a first chip module and a second chip module, wherein the first chip module and the second chip module communicate through a high-speed bus and are used for running an operating system and receiving a control instruction, the second chip module is used for providing an editable logic unit, and a high-speed data processing channel is formed between the first chip module and the second chip module; one of the first chip module and the second chip module is connected with the shared peripheral module, and the other one of the first chip module and the second chip module accesses the shared peripheral module through a high-speed bus; the first external interface module is connected with the first chip module and comprises a USB interface and a network interface; and the second external interface module is connected with the second chip module and comprises a video interface and an optical fiber interface. The utility model has the advantages of low cost, small occupied volume and strong data processing capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to an inkjet printing control device and an inkjet printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printing technology refers to the technology of ejecting ink droplets from a printhead onto a printing medium to obtain images or text. Currently, in the field of inkjet printing, especially in industrial applications, a complete inkjet printing system requires a PC or industrial computer as the inkjet printing control device, as well as hardware devices such as a circuit control board and printheads. The PC or industrial computer is used for networking, processing and distributing print data, and providing UI interaction and keyboard and mouse input; the circuit control board is used to receive and execute instructions from the PC or industrial computer, buffer print data, and drive the printhead to eject ink.

[0003] For inkjet printing systems, it is necessary to obtain strong printing data processing capabilities while pursuing cost reduction. However, for existing inkjet printing systems, when configured with a PC, there are disadvantages such as high cost due to the need for a multi-core, multi-threaded CPU, and large size due to the presence of a chassis. When configured with an industrial control computer, there is a disadvantage of insufficient data processing capabilities.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an inkjet printing control device and inkjet printing system that is low in cost, small in size, and has strong data processing capabilities. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as high cost, large installation size, and insufficient data processing capabilities. To achieve one objective of this invention, it provides an inkjet printing control device, comprising: a first chip module for running an operating system and receiving control commands; a second chip module for providing a programmable logic unit, wherein the first and second chip modules communicate via a high-speed bus to form a high-speed data processing channel; a shared peripheral module, wherein one of the first and second chip modules is connected to the shared peripheral module and the other accesses the shared peripheral module via the high-speed bus; a first external interface module connected to the first chip module and including a USB interface and a network interface; and a second external interface module connected to the second chip module and including a video interface and an optical fiber interface.

[0006] Furthermore, the first chip module is an ARM chip running a custom embedded operating system, while the second chip module is an FPGA chip providing programmable logic units.

[0007] Furthermore, the shared peripheral modules include DDR memory, FALSH storage, M.2 devices, and / or PCIe devices.

[0008] Furthermore, the USB interface is used to connect a keyboard and / or mouse, the network interface is used to access a local area network and enable distributed deployment; the video interface is used to connect an external monitor and / or touch screen, and the fiber optic interface is used to electrically connect to the printing device and transmit high-speed data. The printing device includes a printing carriage, a printhead mounted on the printing carriage, and a carriage control board, with the carriage control board electrically connected to the fiber optic interface.

[0009] Furthermore, the inkjet printing control device controls the execution of the local printing mode. In the local printing mode, the printing data in the M.2 device is read and cached in the DDR memory. The printing data includes the printing color and resolution of the text and images. The FPGA chip processes the printing data as needed and generates printing instructions. The print head transmits the printing instructions to the printing carriage, print head and / or carriage control board through the fiber optic interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the inkjet printing control device controls the execution of network printing mode. In network printing mode, the network interface receives printing data and caches it in DDR memory. The FPGA chip processes the printing data as needed and generates printing instructions, which are then transmitted to the printhead and / or carriage control board via the fiber optic interface.

[0011] Furthermore, the inkjet printing control device obtains control commands through local input mode or remote input mode. In local input mode, the control commands are input via USB interface and responded to via ARM chip interface. In remote input mode, the control commands are input via network interface and responded to via ARM chip interface.

[0012] Furthermore, ARM chips execute control instructions sequentially, while FPGA chips execute control instructions in parallel.

[0013] Furthermore, the first chip module, the second chip module, the first external interface module, and the second external interface module are all integrated on the SoC of the control board.

[0014] To achieve another objective of this utility model, an inkjet printing system is provided, including any of the above-mentioned inkjet printing control devices and inkjet printing equipment, wherein the inkjet printing equipment is controlled by the inkjet printing control device to perform inkjet printing operations.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the inkjet printing control device does not rely on an expensive PC, and can support a display screen through a video interface and keyboard and mouse operation through a USB interface. Furthermore, the two chip modules connected through a high-speed bus can work together to achieve strong data processing capabilities, thus achieving the beneficial effects of low cost, small size, and strong data processing capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments of this utility model 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 this utility model.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the structure and data flow of the inkjet printing control device of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the structure and data flow of the inkjet printing control device of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the inkjet printing control device of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. 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 limitation, an element limited by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. Unless otherwise specified, embodiments of the present invention and the various features thereof can be combined with each other, all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] refer to Figures 1 to 3 As an objective of this utility model, an inkjet printing control device is provided, which is particularly suitable for industrial inkjet printing. The inkjet printing control device includes a first chip module, a second chip module, a shared peripheral module, a first external interface module, and a second external interface module. The first chip module runs an operating system and receives control commands. The second chip module provides programmable logic units. The first and second chip modules communicate via a high-speed bus, forming a high-speed data processing channel between them. One of the first and second chip modules is connected to the shared peripheral module, and the other accesses the shared peripheral module via the high-speed bus for data transmission. Figure 1 The diagram shows a first chip module connected to a shared peripheral module, and a second chip module accessing the shared peripheral module via a high-speed bus. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a first chip module accessing a shared peripheral module via a high-speed bus, and a second chip module connected to the shared peripheral module. Both chip modules can transmit data to the shared peripheral module, including input and / or output. A first external interface module is connected to the first chip module and includes a USB interface and a network interface. A second external interface module is connected to the second chip module and includes a video interface and a fiber optic interface. Because the inkjet printing control device does not rely on an expensive PC, and supports display screen via the video interface and keyboard and mouse operation via the USB interface, and because the two chip modules connected via the high-speed bus can jointly achieve strong data processing capabilities, it achieves the advantages of low cost, small size, and strong data processing capabilities.

[0022] Specifically, the first chip module is set as an ARM chip, that is, an ARM chip using the ARM architecture, which runs a custom embedded operating system such as Linux, thereby being able to handle printing business processes. The second chip module is set as an FPGA chip, which provides programmable logic units. This FPGA chip also needs to be programmed to work in the designed timing sequence.

[0023] Specifically, the shared peripheral modules include DDR memory, Flash memory, M.2 devices and / or PCIe devices. DDR memory provides high-speed read / write memory space, Flash memory stores data that is not lost even when power is off, M.2 devices can be large-capacity hard drives for data storage, and PCIe devices can be various PCIe devices, thus providing flexible expandability. PCIe devices can be, for example, 10 Gigabit Ethernet cards, wireless network cards, 4G modules, etc. Therefore, multiple different peripherals can transmit data with the two chip modules individually or simultaneously, thereby improving the compatibility, ease of operation, and flexibility of the inkjet printing control device.

[0024] Specifically, the USB interface is used to connect a keyboard and / or mouse, the network interface is used to access a local area network, thus enabling the deployment of a distributed system; the video interface is used to connect an external monitor and / or touchscreen, and the fiber optic interface is used to electrically connect to the printing device and transmit high-speed data. The printing device includes a printing carriage, a printhead mounted on the printing carriage, and a carriage control board. The carriage control board is electrically connected to the fiber optic interface. Therefore, the inkjet printing control device can independently control the operation of the printing carriage and the printhead in a distributed manner, or the movement of the carriage and the operation of the printhead on the carriage can be controlled through the carriage control board.

[0025] Preferably, the inkjet printing control device controls the execution of a local printing mode. In this mode, printing data, such as that from a high-capacity M.2 hard drive, is read and cached in DDR memory. This printing data includes the printing colors and resolution of the text and images. The FPGA chip processes the printing data as needed and generates printing commands, which are then transmitted via a fiber optic interface to the printing carriage, printhead, and / or carriage control board. These printing commands include the carriage movement speed, the number of printheads operating, and their duration. Therefore, the inkjet printing control device can adapt to the printing control requirements of on-site operations.

[0026] Preferably, the inkjet printing control device controls the execution of network printing mode. In network printing mode, the network interface receives printing data and caches it in DDR memory. The FPGA chip processes the printing data as needed and generates printing commands, which are then transmitted to the printhead and / or carriage control board via the fiber optic interface. Therefore, the inkjet printing control device can adapt to remote operation for printing control.

[0027] Preferably, the inkjet printing control device obtains control commands through either a local input mode or a remote input mode. In local input mode, the control commands are input via a USB interface and responded to via an ARM chip interface. In remote input mode, the control commands are input via a network interface and responded to via an ARM chip interface. Therefore, the inkjet printing control device can generate control commands for printing in two ways, thus providing convenience for the user and demonstrating a high level of intelligence.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Preferably, the ARM chip executes control instructions sequentially, while the FPGA chip executes control instructions in parallel. Therefore, the inkjet printing control device combines the advantages of sequential execution by the ARM chip and parallel execution by the FPGA chip, thereby significantly improving data processing capabilities.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 3Specifically, the first chip module, the second chip module, the first external interface module, and the second external interface module are all integrated on the SoC of the control board. Thus, as described above, this inkjet printing control device, by employing a SoC that supports a first chip module (e.g., an ARM chip) and a second chip module (e.g., an FPGA chip) and combining wired and wireless communication methods such as LAN, 4G, and 5G, provides a SoC-embedded internet printing control solution, enabling distributed printing, interconnection of printing devices, printing data processing, and system control and maintenance.

[0030] As another objective of this utility model, it also provides an inkjet printing system, which includes any of the above-mentioned inkjet printing control devices and inkjet printing equipment. The inkjet printing equipment can be one or more devices, all connected to the inkjet printing control device in series or parallel via communication. The inkjet printing equipment receives control from the inkjet printing control device to perform inkjet printing operations. The inkjet printing system can obtain the beneficial effects brought by any of the inkjet printing control devices, which will not be elaborated further here. Therefore, the inkjet printing system has the advantages of reduced cost, smaller size, and strong data processing capabilities.

[0031] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An inkjet printing control device, characterized in that, include: The first chip module is used to run the operating system and receive control commands; The second chip module is used to provide programmable logic units. The first chip module and the second chip module communicate through a high-speed bus to form a high-speed data processing channel between the first chip module and the second chip module. A shared peripheral module, wherein one of the first chip module and the second chip module is connected to the shared peripheral module and the other of the chip module accesses the shared peripheral module via a high-speed bus for data transmission; The first external interface module is connected to the first chip module and includes a USB interface and a network interface. The second external interface module is connected to the second chip module and includes a video interface and an optical fiber interface.

2. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chip module is an ARM chip and runs a custom embedded operating system, while the second chip module is an FPGA chip and provides editable logic units.

3. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shared peripheral module includes DDR memory, FLASH memory, M.2 devices and / or PCIe devices.

4. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The USB interface is used to connect a keyboard and / or mouse; the network interface is used to access a local area network and achieve distributed deployment; the video interface is used to connect an external monitor and / or touch screen; the fiber optic interface is used to electrically connect to the printing device and transmit high-speed data; the printing device includes a printing carriage, a printhead mounted on the printing carriage, and a carriage control board, and the carriage control board is electrically connected to the fiber optic interface.

5. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inkjet printing control device controls the execution of the local printing mode. In the local printing mode, the printing data in the M.2 device is read and cached in the DDR memory. The printing data includes the printing color and resolution of the text and images. The FPGA chip processes the printing data as needed and generates printing instructions. The print head transmits the printing instructions to the printing carriage, the print head and / or the carriage control board through the optical fiber interface.

6. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inkjet printing control device controls the execution of network printing mode. In the network printing mode, the network interface receives printing data and caches it in DDR memory. The FPGA chip processes the printing data as needed and generates printing instructions, which are then transmitted to the printhead and / or the carriage control board through the fiber optic interface.

7. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inkjet printing control device obtains control commands through a local input mode or a remote input mode. In the local input mode, the control commands are input via a USB interface and responded to via the ARM chip interface. In the remote input mode, the control commands are input via a network interface and responded to via the ARM chip interface.

8. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ARM chip executes control instructions sequentially, while the FPGA chip executes control instructions in parallel.

9. The inkjet printing control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chip module, the second chip module, the first external interface module, and the second external interface module are all integrated on the SoC of the control board.

10. An inkjet printing system, characterized in that, The invention includes an inkjet printing control device and an inkjet printing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inkjet printing apparatus is controlled by the inkjet printing control device to perform an inkjet printing operation.

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