CN101366002A

CN101366002A - Color printer technology

Info

Publication number: CN101366002A
Application number: CNA2006800450223A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·芒特; S·J·格林菲尔德; M·卡维斯
Original assignee: Catalina Marketing Corp
Current assignee: Catalina Marketing Corp
Priority date: 2005-12-07
Filing date: 2006-07-07
Publication date: 2009-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-07
Also published as: CN101366002B; CN102591599A; CN105205951A; CN102591599B; CN105205951B

Abstract

The invention provides a method of printing at a POS of register receipts and marketing information in which the required network bandwidth and quantity of ink are both reduced. SVG files are used to specify communications, associated modified image objects are stored locally to the POS, and associated modified image objects are modified version of original objects in which color values are replaced with other color values that result in the same print image, but with printing of less ink.

Description

Color printer technology

The cross reference of related application

The application requires the 60/742nd of submission on Dec 7th, 2005, No. 909, attorney PIP185MOUNP-US, name be called the temporary patent application of " the POS network that comprises colour print and colored highlighted demonstration " and submitted on March 3rd, 2006 the 60/778th, No. 410, attorney PIP189MOUNP-US, name is called the right of priority of the temporary patent application of " the POS network that comprises colour print and colored highlighted demonstration ", and the full content of these applications is included in the application by reference at this.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the colour print of point of sales terminal (POS).

Background technology

At this, RS is the acronym of retail shop (retail store).

At this, ID is the acronym of identify label (identification).

At this, CS is the acronym of computer system (computer system).

At this, POS is the acronym of point of sales terminal (point of sale).

At this, SVG is the acronym of scalable vector graphics (scalable vector graphics).Scalable vector graphics (SVG) is the SGML of extend markup language (XML), is used to describe two-dimension vector graphics, this figure comprises static and be dynamic, or declarative or Textuality.It is the open standard of being created by World Wide Web Consortium.

At this, SVG represents to be used to describe arbitrary XML tag language of two-dimension vector graphics.

At this, CID is the acronym of client's identify label (customer identification).

Scalable vector graphics

Scalable vector pattern (SVG) is the SGML of extend markup language (XML), is used to describe two-dimension vector graphics, this figure comprises static and be dynamic, or declarative or Textuality.It is the open standard of being created by World Wide Web Consortium.SVG supports 3 kinds of Drawing Objects: vector graphic shapes (for example: the path of being made up of straight line and curve and be the zone on border with this path), raster graphics image/digital picture, and text.Drawing Object can be organized into groups, stylization, and conversion, and be combined into the object that had before presented.Therefore text can strengthen the search property and the accessibility of SVG figure at arbitrary XML NameSpace that is suitable for using.The characteristic setting comprises that the path of nested conversion, montage, α cover up, filter effect, template object and ductility.It can be dynamic and mutual that SVG draws.Be used for the DOM Document Object Model (DOM) of SVG, comprise full XML DOM, allow direct and effective polar plot cartoon making by ECMA script or SMIL.Abundant event handling operation moves (mouseover) as mouse and click (onclick) can be distributed to any SVG Drawing Object.Because the influence of its compatibility and other Web (network) standard, the feature of similar script can same Web (network) page or leaf inherent from different NameSpaces the SVG element and other XML element on finish simultaneously.The SVG image can the gzip compress mode be stored, and in this situation, they can be called as " SVGZ file ".

Color map

The RGB color model is to add color model (additive model), wherein by different way display predetermined colors in combination, green and blueness (being generally used for the additive light model) to produce other color again.The name of model and write a Chinese character in simplified form " RGB " from 3 primary colors: red, green and blue.

CMYK (also piece together sometimes and make YMCK or CYM) is the color model of losing lustre that is used for colored printing.This color model mixes to produce other color based on the pigment with following color: basic (key) (black) of C=cyan, M=magenta, Y=yellow and K=.The mixing of desirable CMY color is (cyan, magenta, yellow are printed on the white together black will occur) of losing lustre.CMYK carries out work by light absorption.Descried color is from the part of unabsorbed light.At CMYK, magenta adds the yellow redness that produces, and magenta adds cyan and produces blueness, and cyan plus yellow produces green.

Color model does not define by each color, unless defined the accurate spectral composition of color, the result of blend color is inaccurate.So, color model has become absolute color space, for example sRGB or Adobe RGB.Absolute color space is the clear and definite color space of color, and wherein color does not rely on any external factor.A kind of general mode that color space (for example RGB) is changed into absolute color is a definition ICC characteristic description file, and it comprises the feature of RGB.This is not the sole mode of expressing complete color, but this is a standard in many industries.The RGB color is by the characteristic description document definition of accepting extensively that comprises sRGB and Adobe RGB.The process that increases ICC characteristic description file to a figure or document is known as label sometimes; Therefore label the absolute sense of the color in figure or the document.1993, international color consortium (CCC) was set up by 8 industrial suppliers, to create the color management system of general transparent operation on all operations system and software package.

SRGB color space, or standard RGB (RGB) are the rgb color spaces of being created by Hewlett-Packard (Hewlett-Packard) and Microsoft (Microsoft Corporation) cooperation.And by W3C, Exif, Intel, Pantone, Corel and a plurality of other industrial manufacturer approval.It is also accepted preferably by open source software (for example GIMP), and is used to have proprietorial and open graphics file format (for example SVG).

SRGB is defined as such color with red, green and blue primaries: wherein in 3 passages is in maximal value, and other 2 is zero.In CIE xy chromaticity coordinate, red in [0.6400,0.3300], green in [0.3000,0.6000], blue is at the D65 of [0.3127,0.3290] white point in [0.1500,0.0600] and white point.SRGB is because the bad arrangement of these primary colors has been subjected to criticism.If the scope of your restriction index (index) in 0 to 1, you just can not address this problem outside the colour gamut in the human-viewable colour sequential (triangle that is produced by three looks) fully.

SRGB also defines the non-linear conversion between the actual numerical value of the brightness of these primary colors and storage.The gamma response that transformation curve and CRT show is similar.For the correct demonstration that obtains the sRGB image, it is more important to duplicate this curve ratio primary colors.This non-linear conversion means that the suitably effective of numerical value that sRGB is based in the integral image file uses to show human cognizable brightness.

The ICC standard is considered when color is mobile between application and operating system, from creating the color fidelity of point to final printing.ICC mainly emphasizes to define the form of ICC characteristic description file, and it has described the color characteristic of the specific device or the demand of observation by the mapping between definition source or target color space and the characteristic description file connection space (PCS).This PCS or L ^*a ^*b ^*Or CIE XYZ color space.But the mapping application table is finished, and uses interpolation method, or by a series of parameters that are used for conversion.

For how this works in the clear practice, suppose that we have specific RGB and cmyk color space, and wish to be transformed into this CMYK from this RGB.The first step is to obtain two relevant ICC characteristic description files.For carrying out conversion, at first each RGB tlv triple R, G, B are converted to PCS with RGB characteristic description file.If necessary, PCS is at L ^*a ^*b ^*And change between the CIE XYZ, this is a conversion that has defined.PCS is changed into required C, M, four values of Y, K then.Conversion formula from RGB to the CMYK color is known.Referring to the conversion formula of for example in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_model, describing.

Color printer and printer medium

The typical directive paper of the ink of color printer, and be advanced on the paper with projection way.Each projection measurer of same color ink has the same ink volume.Therefore, projection amount and ink volume are synonyms.It is the flat file (flat file) that is used to print that common color printer driver is described print file.

Therefore, printer driver software will be described single plane print file from a plurality of image files of SVG file and SVG file include.

Printer prints is typically paper to thin slice or strip material.These materials have following gageable character: basic weight, average thickness, single thickness, density, pulling strengrth, smoothness, brightness/whiteness, glossiness, opacity, tear strength, poriness, gas penetration potential, elasticity, ink bleed and abrasiveness.Except other content, this tittle also can characterize: water wettability is to hydrophobicity, fiber orientation, density and composition.

Most of color printers are based on the CMYK standard print, and in inside the view data of rgb format are converted to the CMYK form before printing.Even not all printer also is that most of color printer drivers do not comprise the SVG standard now,, they do not describe the SVG file yet.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to reduce to be used to print the quantity of ink of some image object.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce to print on POS the required network data transmission amount of marketing information.

A further object of the present invention provides the purchase-transaction information on the POS and the colour print of marketing information.

Realized above-mentioned and other purpose by network computer system of the present invention, this computer system comprises the central CS away from RS, the local CS of RS this locality and the POS color printer in the RS.The database of image object file is stored in local RS.The database of SVG file is stored in central CS.Has an image object of quoting in the image object database in the SVG file at least.Image object definition vector position and size (yardstick) that each such SVG file is quoted to it.The document definition that quote each such SVG file and it is for printing corresponding marketing information data necessary.

The CS of central authorities transmits at least one SVG file relevant with CID to local CS.When the purchase-transaction of confirming to relate to this CID subsequently as local CS was taking place, then local CS used corresponding marketing information and the register receipt that the SVG file relevant with this CID printed purchase-transaction.

Preferably, central CS is memory image object database or storehouse also, the latter comprise image object version, each SVG file version and will send to the latest version information of the version of each RS.Each RS can receive different images object, SVG file and their version.The image object document data bank that the CS of central authorities produces the image object version upgrades and also transmits it to each local CS, and corresponding RS will need to print and quote those new or SVG files new or that upgraded of updated images object.

The image object database for example can comprise background image field file, for example a plurality of different colours field files, and that just utilizes the SVG document definition may be more than the image field composition of a coupon.For example all coupons of all commodity of particular manufacturer can use a certain background image file.

The CS of central authorities executing rule is relevant to each CID with firm sale information.The CS of central authorities makes CID relevant with corresponding SVG file.The image object file that the SVG file is quoted is stored in the local CS of retail shop.In the transaction in local shop, the identification of CID causes the POS color printer based on the SVG file printout marketing information relevant with this CID.

By only printing the minimum number of required different colours (cyan, magenta, yellow and the optional black) ink dot of printed matter with desired color, minimize the ink that is used for colour print.Typically, project on the paper, use these 4 kinds different ink colors to produce print colors by ink dot with every kind of color.Typically, the minimum number of the ink dot of the ink dot of every kind of color projecting of the printer driver software order printer different colours more required than the printing that obtains particular color is many.

The minimum number (being referred to as the minimum number of ink dot hereinafter) of ink dot that obtains each color of specific print colors can be according to the classification of the attribute of print drive software, printer brand, printer paper characteristic, image object, wherein the latter comprises that whether it be background, prospect, text and in the quantification of (comprising the length on x and the y coordinate and the total area) stamp with the size epigraph object.

As an example, the numeral of supposing dark pinkish red background can indicate the every pixel of specific conventional color inkjet printer driver to use 20 ink dots.The minimum number of the ink dot that needs generation print colors is required is determined by the color of the content that inspection is printed, only need 5 pinkish red ink dots for text, the prospect material only needs 8 pinkish red ink dots in little cross zone, and large tracts of land painting canvas background only needs 12 pinkish red ink dots.

The invention provides alternative original image object and produce the image object of modification, print the image object of this modification then, the minimum number of consequently only using ink dot can obtain specific print colors in each point of printing.The image object of this modification comprises that the data of the color of revising with definition define the data of each primitive color in the original image object.The data of the color that definition is revised are to cause printer driver software to print the data of the minimum number of the ink dot that obtains the primitive color printing effect, or obtain the quantity of each color ink dot of minimum number of the ink dot of primitive color printing effect no better than.

Be back to this example, the invention provides the image object background of modification, the data that this background articles for use red color tone reduces replace original magenta color data, and magenta is adjusted and reduced the young pathbreaker and caused every pixel only to print 12 required pinkish red ink dots to reappear desired print colors.

In color map, the combination of the point of not every cyan, magenta, yellow and black all exists as color.It can be some group corresponding to the minimum number of the ink dot of color that is inaccurate.Under the sort of situation, the group that can select its ink dot is that the color of the group of the minimum number of ink dot no better than is corresponding with it.Above-mentioned no better than can be for example by selecting color to determine, this color has the least square value (leastsquares value) for the difference of the quantity of CYMK ink dot in the group of the group of the minimum number of ink dot and the ink dot relevant with each color in the CYMK color space.

Can determine the minimum number of CMYK ink dot for one group of measured color.Can be used to determine the minimum number of the ink dot of all colours in the color space then from the interpolation method of the minimum number of the ink dot of the group of measured color and/or extrapolation.At present preferred color is the rgb color space with the definition of 256000 digital colors, the corresponding different colours of its each definitions of color.The color of the minimum number of the ink dot no better than in the color space (numeral of color also promptly) can be selected by different way.For example: this color can be selected, and its mode is by being had the difference of minimum least square in which color in definite color space and the color space by the color of the minimum number appointment of ink dot, selecting this color then.Because mostly color printer is printed based on CMYK software, thus must be when transferring data to printer or before the RGB data are converted to cmyk data.Present printer is typically carried out the conversion of this RGB to CMYK in inside.Therefore, it is enough to define among the RGB color corresponding to the minimum number of the ink dot of the original image object of numeral definition in rgb color space.

By starting one group of original image object (preferably representing) as previously mentioned and producing the image object of revising (preferably representing), form foreground image object database or storehouse with RGB with RGB.Corresponding each original image object can have the image object or the version of a plurality of modifications, and wherein each all is relevant to metadata (meta data).The size of corresponding paper property of this metadata definable or paper type, type of printer, print driver, image object and z position.(therefore, each primary object can be relevant with one group of original image obj ect file, and each this document is all different on one or more correlation properties.) the central CS tracking SVG file relevant with each RS, determine that RS needs which subclass of image object database will print its SVG file, and the subclass of this image object transferred to the local CS of this RS, wherein tracked SVG file designated sale information flag data.

The inventor has been found that the minimum number of printing the required ink dot of large tracts of land can exceed the quantity of printing the required ink dot of small size same color, and the minimum number of printing the required ink dot of brighter color exceeds the minimum number of the ink dot of printing dark color.

Image object in the image object database is the ingredient that is included in the image in the marketing information of printing at the POS place.This marketing information can be a coupon.This marketing information can comprise following pictorial element: manufacturer's record, brand mark, product marking, product picture, background, highlighted viewing area, watermark and coupon or such as the information boundary of the outer peripheral areas of rectangle.

Required ink quantity partly depends on the distance that horizontal (in the plane of paper) diffusion-ink of ink spreads.Therefore, if the transverse dispersion on certain paper is sufficient, so that merge in paper with ink and in the required color of non-print pixel position reproduction, then an obvious change will be the printing of skipping some pixel, for example Jian Ge pixel from interval pixel.Relevant therewith, printing can comprise all edge pixels alternatively, to stop fuzzy border.At last, the black ink that is used to print bar code can be substituted by printing bar blue or blue and black.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram of network computer system 1;

Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram of an embodiment of the local computer system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the data structure synoptic diagram that is included in central CS database 10A;

Fig. 4 is the data structure synoptic diagram that is included in POS Computer Database 20A;

Fig. 5 is the data structure synoptic diagram that is included in award (incentive) Computer Database 30A;

Fig. 6 is the data structure synoptic diagram that is included in POS color printer database 40A; With

Fig. 7 is a process flow diagram of describing the application process general survey of network C S 1.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 illustrate schematicallys the computer network system 1 that comprises central CS 10, central CS database 10A, the local CS 80 that is used for the RS of retail shop 1 and wide area network (WAN) 70.And Fig. 1 has described the WAN70 that is connected to a plurality of CS that are used for the RS of retail shop 2 grades.

Dotted line among Fig. 1 is represented RS 1 (retail shop 1), it comprises local CS80, schematically indicated local CS 80 operations supporting the operation of retail shop 1, this operation comprises record transaction data, exec accounting function and provides register receipt at the POS place of RS1.There is other retail shop in RS2, RS3 or the like expression, and it has with the similar local CS of local CS 80 and all can communicate by letter with central CS 10 by WAN70.

Preferably, WAN 70 is packet switching networks of using TCP/IP.Preferably, WAN 70 is the Internets.WAN 70 can be a dedicated network.

Preferably, each CS comprises at least one digital CPU (central processing unit), storer and operating system software.A kind of data transmission manner that is used for of line indication between every CS, database and WAN70, for example network card, data cable and wireless transmission and receive hardware.In all embodiments, the database that illustrates has the line that is connected to CS, the read and write of expression CS control accessing database.

Local CS80 can communicate by letter by WAN70 with central CS10.

Fig. 2 has described the embodiment of the local CS80 that is used for RS1.Local CS80 comprises: POS computing machine 20, POS Computer Database 20A, award computing machine 30, award Computer Database 30A, POS color printer 40, POS color printer database 40A, POS terminal 50 and LAN60.In RS1, each POS terminal has a POS color printer that links to each other in its vicinity.RS1 can comprise the corresponding POS color printer of a plurality of POS terminals and contiguous each POS terminal.

POS computing machine 20 is by the transaction data of LAN60 reception from each POS terminal 50.POS computing machine 20 moves the funds with tracking product inventory stock, product item cost, result and RS1, and stores relevant information in POS Computer Database 20A.

Reward computing machine 30 operations and print marketing information, optionally can also determine print What in some cases to determine when POS color printer 40.Preferably, reward computing machine 30 also is stored in the POS place generation transaction among the RS1 in rewarding printer database 30A transaction data, and also store the marketing information relevant with CID.Preferably, reward Computer Database 30A storage and comprise that the SVG in SVG storehouse describes software, each image object and the text that identify are depicted as the single image object in the SVG file so that reward computing machine 30.Reward computing machine 30 and will transmit this single image obj ect file to POS color printer 40 with Graphics Device Interface (GDI) form of Windows (trade mark) subsequently.

POS color printer 40 is printed marketing information, and is preferred, also print register receipt.But above-mentioned each or colour print all.POS color printer database 40A comprises printer driver software, preferably comprises the switching software of RGB to CMYK.Optionally, POS color printer database 40A comprises that SVG describes software, and this software comprises the SVG storehouse, so that each image object that POS color printer 40 will identify in the SVG file and text are all depicted the single image object as, prints the SVG file then.

In currently preferred embodiment, POS color printer 40 drive softwares comprise Graphics Device Interface (GDI) formatted file that is used to explain Windows (trade mark), and the code that is used for the rgb image data of those files is converted to the CMYK view data.

POS terminal 40 preferably comprises the transaction data input mechanism, for example is used to scan the scanner of UPC sign indicating number and client's identify label card, and keyboard.It also can comprise client's biometric data (biometric) reader and microphone.POS terminal 40 operation is with the beginning and the end of sign purchase-transaction, to obtain the product mark of CID and the purchased product relevant with CID.POS terminal 40 also arrives POS computing machine 20 and the preferred computing machine 30 of rewarding by LAN60 transmission transaction data (product identifiers, CID, POS ID or the like).POS terminal 40 also can be moved with inquiry price and discount information, or by the information of LAN60 request from POS computing machine 20.

LAN60 preferably comprises one or more digital network switches, makes it can send the bag that comprises target address information and arrives the suitable network address.

In an optional embodiment, POS computing machine 20 can be carried out all in this function relevant with rewarding computing machine 30, and in this case, POS Computer Database 20A comprises the data structure relevant with database 30A disclosed herein.

All data that POS Computer Database 20A or award Computer Database 30A can store the POS of being used for color printer database 40A disclosed herein, in the case, POS computing machine 20 or award computing machine 30 are carried out the processing capacity that is used for printer 40 disclosed herein.

POS color printer 40 can be directly connected to POS computing machine 20, rather than passes through LAN60.

At other embodiment, POS color printer drive software and SVG file are described software and can be resided in arbitrary database among the local CS80, and can be called by the arbitrary computing machine among the local CS80.It is obvious that other of local network structure revised those skilled in the art, as long as keep the existence of the WAN connection between central CS and the one or more local CS relevant with RS.

Fig. 3 has described the relational database embodiment of central CS database 10A.But, provide other data structure of identical or similar data relationship also can realize identical result.

Fig. 3 has described a chart with the form design, the figure shows out form 310,320,330,340,350 and 360, and has concerned 315,325,335,345 and 355 between form.Concern that wherein 315 and 325 is relations of one-to-many, concern that 335,345 and 355 is man-to-man relations.

Image object form 310 has been stored image object and their attribute.Form 310 comprises the field that is used for image object, image object sign (IOID) and image object attribute (prop1, prop2 or the like).At this, all " ID " fields are some form of identification that are used for related data.The attribute of image object comprises designated layer position (prospect, background), picture size, single or multiple color.This image object that comprises in 310 is preferably to the image object after the original image object modification, and modification described herein is to reduce to be used to be created on the color and the quantity of ink of printing like the original image object class.

Concern that the image object id field IOID in 315 expressions 310 comprises data (image object identification data) type identical with IOID field in the form 320.

The image object that marketing information form 320 is quoted at relevant field store SVG and SVG.Form 320 has the ID that field is used for SVG, SVGID and associated picture object IOID1, IOID2, IOID3 or the like.

The interior data of field SVGID1, SVGID2, SVGID3 or the like are identical data types in the data that form concerns the SVGID field in the 325 expression forms 320 and the form 330.

The ID of form 330 those SVGs relevant of storage with each RS.Also promptly, form 330 is the ID that each RS only stores those SVGs relevant with CID, and described CID is relevant with those storages.The quantity of the SVG relevant with arbitrary specific RS can be the smaller subset of all SVG of being stored by central CS in database 10A.

Form 330 RS is identified (RSID) field and one group of SVG identification field SVGID1, SVGID2, SVGID3 or the like are associated.

Target form 340 comprise at the marketing information trigger data.The marketing information (SVG file) that form 340 storage is associated for corresponding client's CID, the also ID of retail shop that is associated with client's purchase accordingly of storage.The data of form 340 are transferred to local CS80.Local CS80 can trigger describing of SVG subsequently, triggers the printing by the marketing information of the SVG document definition of being described then.When the CID that will enter the POS terminal as local CS was complementary with the CID that is received by central CS10, local CS80 can finish aforesaid operations at trading time period.

Target determines that form 350 comprises that central CS10 is used for determining the data of what marketing information to each CID target.Form 350 comprises the field of RSID, objective criteria, marketing information and SVGID.Each marketing information is relevant with a SVG file.When objective criteria is satisfied with this CID, be that target is to be delivered to specific CID only with each marketing information.Objective criteria depends on the product purchase relevant with this CID in certain time durations more early usually, and this product purchase is the data that are stored in the product purchase history lists 360.Therefore, central CS10 the objective criteria in the form 350 can be applied to product purchase history table 360 in the relevant data of CID, to produce the data in the form 340.

Product purchase history table 360 comprises the field of storing following message: RSID, CID, date, total (monetary aggregates of purchase-transaction) and product identifiers, this product quantity and this product price of the connection that is relative to each other (are respectively UPC1, NUPC1, PUPC1, and be respectively UPC2, NUPC2, PUPC2 or the like), and coupon identifier and coupon discount quantity (are respectively C1, D1 is respectively C2, D2 or the like).

Generally speaking, form 310,320,330, the SVG and the image object file that central CS can be followed the tracks of before be transferred to each RS, and therefore determine and transmission SVG file and image object data to each RS, this SVG file before be not transferred to this shop with the image object data but is current relevant with this RS by form 340.For the client who has bought in this RS, form 340,350 and 360 makes central CS be associated with marketing information (with corresponding SVG file) at each CID.

To be (1) exist the UPC of 1 quart of milk and the coupon that (2) are used for specific dry cereal product in during preceding 30 days that count from the current time for (1) objective criteria of being correlated with and the example of (2) marketing information.

Fig. 4 shows the relational database embodiment of POS Computer Database 20A.POS Computer Database 20A comprises RS product purchase history table 360 ', stock stock form 420 and coupon discount form 430.

RS product purchase history table 360 ' has the data field identical with form 360.But 360 ' the preferred only storage of RS product purchase history table occurs in the product purchase history of the transaction of RS1.Stock stock form 420 is by the quantity of the product detailed catalogue among product identifiers (UPC sign indicating number) the storage stock.The coupon sign C that 430 storages of coupon discount form are relevant with discount comprises the purchase that relates to the coupon sign to count.Be in operation, local CS80 can use the coupon discount list and determine discount, to be applied to the purchase of customer transaction.Data referring to coupon shown in the form 360 ' and discount thereof.

Fig. 5 shows the relational database embodiment that rewards Computer Database 30A, comprises RS image object form 310 ', marketing information form 320 ', RS target form 340 ', RS product purchase history table 360 ' and SVG code library 510.This RS form 310 ', 320 ', 340 ' and 360 ' has the data structure identical with form 310,320,340 and 360.But, form 310 ', 320 ', 340 ' and 360 ' only storage from or about the data of RS1.SVG code library 510 is can describe the SVG file to produce the software code as the single image file of SVG file appointment, comprises arbitrary image object file that the SVG file is quoted.

Preferably, reward computing machine 30 and determine when CID that on POS terminal 50, reads and the CID coupling that is stored in the target form 340 ', and respond by the image file that produces Windows GDI form for relevant sales incentive, and transmission this document is to POS color printer 40.

Preferably, reward computing machine 30 be not transferred to as yet in the form 360 ' central CS10 RS1 new data periodically or be transferred to central CS10 aperiodically.

Fig. 6 shows the content of POS color printer database 40A.These data preferably comprise coupon image file data 610, register receipt data 620, printer driver 630, printer/printhead control 640 and printer queue storer 650.

Each file in the coupon image file data 610 comprises the view data that is used for one or more marketing informations, is typically coupon.Register receipt data 620 comprise the following data that are used to print: the description of the article of being bought, quantity and price, the discount that is applied to buy and total amount of money of concluding the business.

Optionally, coupon image file data 610 can be to comprise arbitrary and single image files all marketing information data.

Optionally, before being transferred to POS color printer 40, coupon image file data and register receipt data can be incorporated into a single file by local CS80, for example the file of Windows (trade mark) GDI form.In the case, register receipt data 620 and coupon image file data 610 are the data file that merges separately in POS color printer database 40A.

Printer driver 630 preferably is converted to the RGB color data CMYK or CMY color data and is used for printing, and arranges these data and become data stream and be used to transfer to the printer queue storer.Printer queue storer 650 is sequentially stored the order that will be issued to printhead (structure of emission ink to the paper) and be issued to paper position controller (for example paper roller).

Optionally, POS color printer database 40A also comprises printer separately/head control 640, is used to recoil printer paper with by the printing more than a printhead safety, wherein has the one side of a printhead in the face of paper roll at least.

Local CS80 will be used to conclude the business and print more than one file, for example register receipt file and one or more marketing information are sent among the embodiment of POS color printer, can implement business rules to guarantee reliability and to minimize exchange hour.For example, POS color printer 40 can be carried out overtime code, if so that its after receiving the register receipt file through after fixed time of 2 seconds for example, also do not receive the coupon image file data, then print this registration data file.And, it can comprise the code of the print length of the print length that is used for determining register receipt information and marketing information, be used for one side print register receipt or marketing information, and recoil paper, then other print What is printed to second of paper by the length of approximately for the first time printing at paper.

Fig. 7 has described the process flow diagram 700 that expression occurs in the step of network C S1.

In step 705, central CS10 receives the coupon data, and these data can comprise view data or image file.

In step 710, central CS10 produces the SVG file from the coupon data.

In step 715, central CS10 produces the view data that is modified at view data relevant with each SVG file or image file.

In step 720, central CS10 is associated some SVG file with the local CS 80 of some CID (RS1).This CID before received from local CS80.This SVG file is the file that meets the goal rule that is applied to this CID.

In step 725, central CS10 determines which SVG and associated picture obj ect file were not sent to RS1 in the past as yet.It can filter by the database than the SVG that before transferred to RS1 with the new related SVG of CID of RS1 and carry out above-mentioned steps.For each new SVG of RS1, the new image file of corresponding RS1 is arranged all.

In step 730, central CS10 transfers data to local CS80.These data can comprise the new CID of RS1 and relevant SVG and image file.

In step 735, local CS80 sign relates to the CID in the transaction of POS terminal 50 places.In a preferred embodiment, this function is carried out by rewarding computing machine 30.

In step 740, local CS80 identifies arbitrary SVG file relevant with above-mentioned CID among the local CS80 that is stored in.In a preferred embodiment, this function is carried out by rewarding computing machine 30.

In step 745, local CS80 depicts relevant SVG as image file.In a preferred embodiment, this function is carried out by rewarding computing machine 30.

In step 750, the SVG that 40 printings of POS color printer are described and the register receipt of transaction.

In step 755, local CS80 transmission transaction record is to central CS10.

In step 750, local CS80 describes the SVG image file relevant with them to the single image file to each SVG or SVG group.These image files can be stored as Windows (trade mark) GDI form.

Claims (according to the modification of the 19th of treaty) are a network computer system (CS) 1., comprising: the central CS that is away from first retail shop (RS); The a plurality of local computer system (CS) that comprise the first local CS; The described first local CS record occurs in the transaction of the point of sale (POS) of a described RS; Described central CS storage and the first group of relevant image object of sale scalable vector graphics (SVG) file that before transferred to the described first local CS from described central CS; Described central CS be designed so that one group sell the SVG file and be associated with one group of first local client's CS identify label (CID), form first client's identify label/scalable vector graphics (CID/SVG) target group for the described first local CS thus: described central CS is designed to determine the previous second group of image object that does not transfer to the described first local CS from the image object relevant with sale SVG file in a described CID/SVG target group and described first group of image object; Be fabricated to transmit described second group of image object with described central CS to the described first local CS.2. the described network C S of claim 1 further comprises the 3rd group of SVG file determining before not transfer to the described first local CS; Be transferred to the described first local CS with the 3rd group of SVG file that will before not transfer to the described first local CS from described central CS.3. the described network C S of claim 1 wherein transfers to described a group of the described first local CS from described central CS and sells SVG file include specific image object.4. the described network C S of claim 1, the wherein said first local CS comprises POS computing machine, POS terminal and POS color printer.5. the described network C S of claim 4, the wherein said first local CS further comprises the award computing machine.6. the described network C S of claim 5, wherein said award Computer Storage SVG code library.7. the described network C S of claim 6, the SVG file that wherein said award computing machine or storage are relevant with CID, or the storage image object relevant with the SVG file.8. the described network C S of claim 7, wherein said award computing machine is fabricated to receive client's identify label (CID) that described POS terminal reads, determine the SCG relevant with described CID, describe described SVG to the marketing information image file, and transmit described marketing information image file to described POS color printer.

9. a method of using network C S comprises: the central CS away from a RS is provided; The a plurality of local CS that comprises the first local CS is provided; Occur in the transaction of the POS of a described RS at the described first local CS record; At described central CS storage and the first group of relevant image object of sale SVG file that before transferred to the described first local CS from described central CS; At described central CS one group of sale SVG file is associated with one group of first local CS CID, forms a CID/SVG target group for the described first local CS thus; In a described CID/SVG target group and described first group of image object, determine the previous second group of image object that does not transfer to the described first local CS at described central CS from the image object relevant with selling the SVG file; With transmit described second group of image object from described central CS to the described first local CS.10. computer implemented method that reduces the used ink quantity of color printer printing color image, comprise: read first color value for first color of original color image object pixels from computer memory, described color printer is designed to print first quantity of the ink of described first color value; Determine to satisfy second quantity that described color printer is printed the ink of described first color, second quantity of described ink is less than first quantity of described ink; Determine second color value, for approximate second quantity of printing described ink of the described color printer of described second color value, described second color value is different from described first color value; With the coloured image object of revising from described original image object generation, wherein said second color value is relevant to described pixel.11. red, green and blue value that the described method of claim 10, wherein said first color value and described second color value are specified.12. the described method of claim 11, wherein said color printer conversion redness, green and blue valve are for cyan, magenta, yellow are worth at least.13. the described method of claim 10 further comprises the steps: to read first color value of all pixels of described original color image object; Determine that described color printer prints the required ink quantity of described first color value of all pixels of described original color image object; Determine to satisfy described color printer and print second quantity of ink of described first color of all pixels of described original color image object; Determine second color value, for the described color printer of described second color value

Second quantity of the described ink of all pixels of the described original color image object of approximate printing; With produce the image object of described modification from described original image object, wherein said second color value is relevant to all pixels.14. the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink are according to the one or more following characteristic of printer paper: basic weight; Average thickness; Single thickness; Density; Pulling strengrth; Smoothness; Brightness/whiteness; Glossiness; Opacity; Tear strength; Poriness; Gas penetration potential; Elasticity; Ink bleed; And abrasiveness.15. the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink is according to the printer driver of described printer.16. the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink is according at least one size of described original color image object.17. whether the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink have the attribute of indicating it to print as prospect according to described original color image object.18. whether the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink have the attribute of indicating it to print as a setting according to described original color image object.19. the described method of claim 10, whether second quantity of wherein said definite ink has defined text according to described original color image object.20. the described method of claim 10 further comprises by printing comprising that the coloured image object of described modification prints described coloured image.

Claims

1. network C S comprises:

Be away from the central CS of a RS;

The a plurality of local CS that comprises the first local CS;

The described first local CS record occurs in the transaction of the POS of a described RS;

Described central CS storage and the first group of relevant image object of sale SVG file that before transferred to the described first local CS from described central CS;

Described central CS is designed so that one group of sale SVG file is associated with one group of first local CS CID, forms a CID/SVG target group for the described first local CS thus;

Described central CS is designed to determine the previous second group of image object that does not transfer to the described first local CS from the image object relevant with selling the SVG file in a described CID/SVG target group and described first group of image object; With

Described central CS is built into the described second group of image object of transmission to the described first local CS.

2. the described network C S of claim 1 further comprises and determines that those had not before transferred to the sale SVG file of the described first local CS; With

Those sale SVG files that before do not transferred to the described first local CS are transferred to the described first local CS from described central CS.

3. the described network C S of claim 1, the wherein said sale SVG file group that transfers to the described first local CS from described central CS is quoted the specific image object.

4. the described network C S of claim 1, the wherein said first local CS comprises POS computing machine, POS terminal and POS color printer.

5. the described network C S of claim 4, the wherein said first local CS further comprises the award computing machine.

6. the described network C S of claim 5, wherein said award Computer Storage SVG code library.

7. the described network C S of claim 6, the SVG file that wherein said award Computer Storage is relevant with CID, and the storage image object relevant with the SVG file.

8. the described network C S of claim 7, wherein said award computing machine is fabricated to receive the CID that described POS terminal reads, determine the SVG relevant, describe described SVG, and transmit described marketing information image file to described POS color printer to the marketing information image file with described CID.

9. method of using network C S comprises:

Central CS away from a RS is provided;

The a plurality of local CS that comprises the first local CS is provided;

Occur in the transaction of the POS of a described RS at the described first local CS record;

At described central CS storage and the first group of relevant image object of sale SVG file that before transferred to the described first local CS from described central CS;

At described central CS one group of sale SVG file is associated with one group of first local CS CID, forms a CID/SVG target group for the described first local CS thus;

In a described CID/SVG target group and described first group of image object, determine the previous second group of image object that does not transfer to the described first local CS at described central CS from the image object relevant with selling the SVG file; With

Transmit described second group of image object to the described first local CS from described central CS.

10. computer implemented method that reduces the used ink quantity of color printer printing color image comprises:

Read first color value for first color of original color image object pixels from computer memory, described color printer is designed to print first quantity of the ink of described first color value;

Determine to satisfy second quantity that described color printer is printed the ink of described first color, second quantity of described ink is less than first quantity of described ink;

Determine second color value, for approximate second quantity of printing described ink of the described color printer of described second color value, described second color value is different from described first color value; With

Produce the coloured image object of revising from described original image object, wherein said second color value is relevant to described pixel.

11. red, green and blue value that the described method of claim 10, wherein said first color value and described second color value are specified.

12. the described method of claim 11, wherein said color printer conversion redness, green and blue valve are for cyan, magenta, yellow are worth at least.

13. the described method of claim 10 further comprises the steps: to read first color value of all pixels of described original color image object; Determine that described color printer prints the required ink quantity of described first color value of all pixels of described original color image object; Determine to satisfy described color printer and print second quantity of ink of described first color of all pixels of described original color image object; Determine second color value, be similar to second quantity of the described ink of all pixels of printing described original color image object for the described color printer of described second color value; With produce the image object of described modification from described original image object, wherein said second color value is relevant to all pixels.

14. the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink are according to the one or more following characteristic of printer paper: basic weight; Average thickness; Single thickness; Density; Pulling strengrth; Smoothness; Brightness/whiteness; Glossiness; Opacity; Tear strength; Poriness; Gas penetration potential; Elasticity; Ink bleed; And abrasiveness.

15. the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink is according to the printer driver of described printer.

16. the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink is according at least one size of described original color image object.

17. whether the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink have the attribute of indicating it to print as prospect according to described original color image object.

18. whether the described method of claim 10, second quantity of wherein said definite ink have the attribute of indicating it to print as a setting according to described original color image object.

19. the described method of claim 10, whether second quantity of wherein said definite ink has defined text according to described original color image object.

20. the described method of claim 10 further comprises by printing comprising that the coloured image object of described modification prints described coloured image.

21. a computer system that is used to reduce the employed ink quantity of color printer printing color image comprises:

Central processing unit;

Storer;

Color printer;

Wherein said memory stores is used to read the code of first color value of first color of first pixel of original color image object;

Wherein said color printer is designed to print first quantity of the ink of described first color value;

Wherein said memory stores is used to determine to satisfy the code of second quantity that described color printer is printed the ink of described first color, and second quantity of described ink is less than first quantity of described ink;

Wherein said memory stores is used for determining the code of second color value, and for approximate second quantity of printing described ink of the described color printer of described second color value, described second color value is different from described first color value; With

Wherein said memory stores is used for producing from described original image object the code of the coloured image object of revising, and wherein said second color value is relevant to described first pixel.