CN105205951B - Color printer technology - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a kind of method that register receipt and sales information are printed on POS, and network bandwidth and ink quantity needed for this method all reduce.SVG file is used for specify information, the image object of related modification is stored in POS by local, and the image object of related modification is the revision of primary object, wherein color value is replaced with other color values and causes identical print image, but reduces the ink of printing.

Description

Color printer technology

The application is Chinese Application No. 200680045022.3, and the applying date is on July 7th, 2006, entitled " colour print The divisional application of the application for a patent for invention of machine technology ".

The cross reference of related application

This application claims the 60/742nd, No. 909 submitted on December 7th, 2005, attorney PIP185MOUNP- US, the temporary patent application of entitled " including colour print and colored POS network being highlighted " and is carried on March 3rd, 2006 The 60/778th, No. 410 handed over, attorney PIP189MOUNP-US, entitled " including colour print and colored highlighted aobvious This Shen is incorporated by reference in the priority of the temporary patent application of the POS network shown ", contents of these applications herein Please.

Technical field

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

Background technology

Here, RS is retail shop (retail store) acronym.

Here, ID is identity (identification) acronym.

Here, CS is computer system (computer system) acronym.

Here, POS is point of sales terminal (point of sale) acronym.

Here, SVG is scalable vector graphicses (scalable vector graphics) acronym.It is scalable Vector graphics (SVG) is extensible markup language (XML) markup language, and for describing two-dimension vector graphics, the figure includes It is static and dynamic, it is declaratively or Textuality.It is the open standard created by World Wide Web Consortium.

Here, SVG represents any XML markup language for describing two-dimension vector graphics.

Here, CID is the acronym of customer identification mark (customer identification).

Scalable vector graphicses

Scalable Vector pattern (SVG) is extensible markup language (XML) markup language, for describing two-dimensional vector figure Shape, the figure are declaratively or Textuality including static and dynamic.It is created by World Wide Web Consortium Open standard.SVG supports 3 kinds of Drawing Objects：Vector graphic shapes (such as：The path being made up of straight line and curve, and with this Path is the region on border), raster graphics image/digital picture, and text.Drawing Object can be grouped into, and stylization, be become Change, and combine into previously presented object.Text can be suitable for the XML NameSpaces of application any, therefore strengthen The property of can search for and accessibility of SVG figures.Featured configuration includes nested conversion, the path of editing, α are covered up, filter effect, Template object and ductility.It can be dynamic and interactive that SVG, which draws,.For SVG DOM Document Object Model (DOM), bag Full XML DOM are included, allow direct and effective polar plot cartoon making by ECMA scripts or SMIL.Abundant event handling behaviour Make such as mouse movement (mouseover) and mouse to click on (onclick) and any SVG Drawing Objects can be distributed to.Due to it The influence of compatibility and other Web (network) standards, the feature of similar script can be in same Web (network) page from not With being completed on the SVG elements of NameSpace and other XML elements simultaneously.SVG image can be stored with gzip compress modes, in this feelings Shape, they are referred to alternatively as " SVGZ files ".

Color maps

RGB color model is additive color model (additive model), wherein combination is red, green and blue by different way Color (being generally used for additive color light model) is to regenerate other colors.The name of model and write a Chinese character in simplified form " RGB " and come from 3 primary colors：Red, Green and blueness.

CMYK (also spell sometimes and make YMCK or CYM) is the subtractive color model for colored printing.This color model is based on The pigment of following colors is mixed to produce other colors：C=cyans, M=are pinkish red, Y=yellow and K=basic (key) are (black Color).The mixing of preferable CMY colors is (cyan, magenta, yellow are printed upon in white together will appear from black) lost lustre. CMYK is operated by light absorbs.The color being seen is from the part of unabsorbed light.In CMYK, magenta plus yellow production Raw red, magenta plus cyan makes blue, cyan plus yellow produce green.

Color model is defined not by each color, unless defining the accurate spectral composition of color, is otherwise mixed The result for closing color is inaccurate.So, color model becomes absolute color space, such as sRGB or Adobe RGB.Definitely Color space is the clear and definite color space of color, and wherein color is independent of any external factor.It is a kind of universal color sky Between (such as RGB) to be changed into the mode of absolute color be to define ICC characteristics to describe file, it includes RGB feature.This is not table Up to the sole mode of complete color, but this is standard in many industries.RGB color by accept extensively include sRGB and Adobe RGB characteristic describes document definition.The process that increase ICC characteristics describe file to a figure or document is sometimes referred to Make label；Therefore label marked the absolute sense of the color in figure or document.1993, international color consortium (CCC) was by 8 Individual industrial supplier is set up, to create the color management system of general operation transparent in all operating systems and software kit.

SRGB color spaces, or standard RGB (RGB), it is by Hewlett-Packard (Hewlett-Packard) and Microsoft The rgb color space that (Microsoft Corporation) cooperation creates.And by W3C, Exif, Intel, Pantone, Corel and the accreditation of a number of other commercial manufacturers.It is also preferably received by open source software (such as GIMP), and is used for institute Graphics file format (such as SVG) have the right and open.

Red, green and blue primaries are defined as such color by sRGB：One in wherein 3 passages is in maximum Value, 2 are zero in addition.It is red in [0.6400,0.3300] in CIE xy chromaticity coordinates, green [0.3000, 0.6000], blueness is the D65 white points in [0.3127,0.3290] in [0.1500,0.0600] and white point.SRGB due to The bad arrangement of these primary colors receives criticism.If your restriction index (index), in 0 to 1 scope, you cannot be complete Solves this problem outside colour gamut (triangle as caused by three colors) in human-viewable colour sequential.

SRGB also defines the non-linear conversion between the actual numerical value of brightness and the storage of these primary colors.Transformation curve with The gamma response that CRT is shown is similar.For obtaining the correct display of sRGB images, it is more important to replicate the curve ratio primary colors.This Non-linear conversion means that sRGB is the appropriate effectively application based on the numerical value in integral image file to show that the mankind can recognize Brightness.

ICC specifications are considered when color moves between application and operating system, are protected from point is created to the color finally printed True degree.ICC mainly emphasizes that definition ICC characteristics describe the form of file, and it is retouched by definition source or target color space and characteristic The mapping between file connection space (PCS) is stated to describe specific device or observe the color characteristic of demand.This PCS either L* A*b* either CIE XYZ color spaces.Mapping can application table complete, be used to become using interpolation method, or by a series of The parameter changed.

In order to understand how this in practice works, it is assumed that we have specific RGB and cmyk color space, and wish Hope from the RGB and be transformed into the CMYK.The first step is to obtain two related ICC characteristics to describe file.To perform conversion, use first RGB characteristics describe file and each RGB triples R, G, B are converted into PCS.If necessary, PCS L*a*b* and CIE XYZ it Between change, this is a defined conversion.Then PCS is converted into tetra- values of required C, M, Y, K.From RGB to CMYK The conversion formula of color is known.Referring to for example in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_ Conversion formula described in model.

Color printer and printer medium

The typical directive paper of ink of color printer, and be advanced in a manner of projection on paper.Same color Each projection measurer of ink has same ink volume.Therefore, projection amount and ink volume are synonymous.Usual color printer Driver describes mimeograph documents as the flat file (flat file) for printing.

Therefore, printer driver software will describe single plane from the multiple images file of SVG file and SVG file reference Mimeograph documents.

Printer prints to thin slice or strip material, typically paper.These materials have following measurable properties： Base weight, average thickness, single thickness, density, tensile strength, smoothness, brightness/whiteness, glossiness, opacity, tear are strong Degree, porous, gas permeability, elasticity, bleeding and abrasion.In addition to other contents, this tittle can also characterize：Hydrophily pair Hydrophobicity, fiber-wall-element model, density and composition.

Most of color printers are based on CMYK standard prints, and before printing internally by the view data of rgb format Be converted to CMYK-format.Even if not all printer, and most of color printer drivers do not include SVG and marked now Standard, that is, they do not describe SVG file.

The content of the invention

It is an object of the invention to reduce the quantity of ink for printing some image objects.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the network data transmission amount printed on POS needed for sales information.

It is also another object of the present invention to provide the colour print of the purchase-transaction information on POS and sales information.

Above and other purpose is realized by the network computer system of the present invention, the computer system is included away from RS The local local CS and RS of central CS, RS in POS color printers.The database of image object file is stored in local RS.The database of SVG file is stored in central CS.At least one in SVG file quotes the figure in image object data storehouse As object.Each such SVG file defines vector position and size (yardstick) to the image object that it is quoted.It is each such SVG file and the document definition of its reference are for printing the corresponding necessary data of sales information.

Central CS transmits at least one SVG file related to CID to local CS.When local CS then confirms to be related to this When CID purchase-transaction occurs, then local CS prints the corresponding of purchase-transaction using the SVG file related to the CID Sales information and register receipt.

Preferably, also storage image object database or storehouse, the latter include version, each SVG of image object to central CS The version of file and will be sent to each RS version latest version information.Each RS can receive different images object, SVG texts Part and their version.The image object document data bank that central CS produces image object version updates and transmitted it to each Local CS, corresponding RS, which will need to print, quotes the new or updated SVG texts of those new or updated image objects Part.

Image object data storehouse can for example include background image field file, such as multiple different colours field files, The image field composition possibly more than a coupon namely defined using SVG file.Such as particular manufacturer is all A certain background image file can be used in all coupons of commodity.

Central CS executing rules are relevant to each CID with firm sale information.Central CS makes CID and corresponding SVG file It is related.Image object file cited in SVG file is stored in the local CS of retail shop.In the transaction in local shop, CID identification causes POS color printers to print sales information based on the SVG file related to the CID.

By only printing with different colours (cyan, magenta, the yellow and optional black needed for the printed matter of desired color Color) ink dot minimum number, minimize the ink for colour print.Typically, by the way that the ink dot of each color is projected On paper, print colors are produced using this 4 kinds different ink colors.Typically, printer driver software order printer projects Each color ink dot than obtain particular color printing needed for different colours ink dot minimum number it is more.

Obtain minimum number (the hereinafter referred to as minimum number of ink dot of the ink dot of each color of specific print colors Amount) can according to printing drive software, printer brand, printing paper characteristic, image object attribute classification, latter of which includes Whether it is background, prospect, text and in (including length and the gross area in x and y coordinates) stamp with the size epigraph pair The quantization of elephant,.

As example, it is assumed that the numeral of dark pinkish red background represents to may indicate that specific Conventional color inkjet printer driver 20 ink dots are used per pixel.The minimum number for needing to produce the ink dot needed for print colors is by checking the content printed Color is determined, 5 pinkish red ink dots are only needed for text, and 8 pinkish red ink dots are only needed in small cross region prospect material, and big face Product painting canvas background only needs 12 pinkish red ink dots.

The present invention, which provides, to be substituted original image object and produces the image object of modification, then prints the image pair of the modification As so that only specific print colors can be obtained in each point of printing using the minimum number of ink dot.The image of the modification Object includes defining the data of each primitive color in original image object to define the data of the color of modification.Definition is repaiied The data of the color changed are the minimum numbers for the ink dot for causing printer driver software printing acquisition primitive color printing effect Data, or no better than obtain primitive color printing effect ink dot minimum number each color ink dot quantity.

The example is back to, the present invention provides the image object background of modification, the data that the background articles for use red color tone reduces Instead of original magenta color data, magenta, which is adjusted and reduced, small will cause every pixel only to print 12 required pinkish red ink dots to reappear Desired print colors.

In color mapping, the combination of point of not every cyan, magenta, yellow and black all exists as color. It can be some groups of the minimum number for the ink dot corresponding to color being inaccurate.It that case, it can be selected The group of ink dot be no better than ink dot minimum number group color corresponding thereto.Above-mentioned being no better than can for example lead to Selection color is crossed it was determined that the color is in the group of the minimum number of ink dot and related to each color in CYMK color spaces Ink dot group in, have for CYMK ink dots quantity difference least square value (least squares value).

The minimum number of CMYK ink dots is can determine that for one group of measured color.Then the group from measured color Ink dot minimum number interpolation method and/or extrapolation can be used for determine color space in all colours ink dot most Smallest number.Currently preferred color is the rgb color space defined with 256000 digital colors, and the definition of each of which color is corresponding One different colours.The color of the minimum number no better than ink dot in color space (that is, numeral expression of color) can Selected by different way.Such as：The color can be chosen, its mode be by determine which of color space color with The difference of minimum least square in color space by the color that the minimum number of ink dot is specified be present, then select the face Color.Because most color printer is printed based on CMYK softwares, thus must when transferring data to printer or before by RGB Data are converted to cmyk data.Current printer typically internally performs this RGB to CMYK conversion.Therefore, it is enough Define the color for corresponding to the minimum number of the ink dot of the original image object of definition in rgb color space in RGB.

By starting one group of original image object (preferably being represented with RGB) as previously described and producing the image object of modification (preferably being represented with RGB), form foreground image object database or storehouse.Corresponding each original image object, can there is multiple repair The image object or version changed, it is each of therein to be relevant to metadata (meta data).The corresponding paper of metadata definable Open characteristic or paper type, type of printer, print driver, the size of image object and z location.It is (therefore, each original right As can be related to one group of original image obj ect file, each this document be different in one or more correlation properties.) central CS The tracking SVG file related to each RS, determines that RS needs which subset in image object data storehouse to print its SVG file, And transmit the subset of the image object to the local CS of the RS, wherein tracked SVG file designated sale information flag number According to.

Inventor has found that the minimum number of the ink dot needed for printing large area can exceed printing small area same color The quantity of required ink dot, and the minimum number for printing the ink dot needed for brighter color exceeds the ink dot of the dark color of printing most Smallest number.

Image object in image object data storehouse is included in the composition of the image in the sales information printed at POS Part.The sales information can be coupon.The sales information may include following pictorial element：Manufacturer's record, brand mark Will, product marking, product picture, background, highlight, the information side of watermark and the outer peripheral areas of coupon or such as rectangle Boundary.

Required ink quantity relies partially on transverse direction (in the plane of paper) diffusion-ink sprawling of ink Distance.Therefore, if the horizontal proliferation in certain paper is sufficient, so that with the ink of the pixel from interval in paper Middle merging and the color needed for being reproduced in non-print location of pixels, then an obvious change will be to skip beating for some pixels Print, such as the pixel at interval.Related to this, printing can alternatively include all edge pixels, to prevent fuzzy border. Finally, can be substituted for printing the black ink of bar code by printing blueness or blueness and the bar of black.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of one embodiment of Fig. 1 local computer system；

Fig. 3 is included in central CS databases 10A data structure schematic diagram；

Fig. 4 is included in POS computer database 20A data structure schematic diagram；

Fig. 5 is included in reward (incentive) Computer Database 30A data structure schematic diagram；

Fig. 6 is included in POS color printer databases 40A data structure schematic diagram；With

Fig. 7 is the flow chart for the application process general survey for describing network C S 1.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 is illustrate schematicallyd including central CS 10, central CS databases 10A, the local for retail shop RS 1 CS 80 and wide area network (WAN) 70 computer network system 1.It is connected to moreover, Fig. 1 is described for retail shop RS 2 etc. Multiple CS WAN 70.

Dotted line in Fig. 1 represents RS 1 (retail shop 1), and it includes local CS 80, schematically indicates local CS To support the operation of retail shop 1, the operation includes record transaction data, exec accounting function and the POS in RS l for 80 operations Place provides register receipt.RS2, RS3 etc. represent other retail shop be present, and it has the local similar to local CS 80 CS and it can be communicated by WAN70 with central CS 10.

Preferably, WAN 70 is the packet switching network using TCP/IP.Preferably, WAN 70 is internet.WAN 70 It can be dedicated network.

Preferably, each CS includes at least one digital central processing unit, memory and operating system software.Every Line between CS, database and WAN70 indicates a kind of mode for data transfer, such as network card, data cable and wireless biography Defeated and reception hardware.In all embodiments, the database shown has the line for being connected to CS, represents that CS controls access database Reading and write.

Local CS80 and central CS10 can be communicated by WAN70.

Fig. 2 describes one embodiment of the local CS80 for RS1.Local CS80 includes：POS computer 20, POS meters Calculation machine database 20A, reward computer 30, reward Computer Database 30A, POS color printer 40, POS color printers Database 40A, POS terminal 50 and LAN60.In RS1, each POS terminal has a connected POS colour print in its vicinity Machine.RS1 may include the corresponding POS color printers of multiple POS terminals and neighbouring each POS terminal.

POS computer 20 receives the transaction data from each POS terminal 50 by LAN60.POS computer 20 run with Product inventory stock, product item cost, result and RS1 funds are tracked, and are deposited in POS computer database 20A Store up relevant information.

Reward computer 30 is run to determine when that POS color printers 40 print sales information, optionally in some feelings It can also determine to print content under condition.Preferably, reward computer 30 is also stored in RS1 in printer database 30A is rewarded In POS at the transaction data merchandised, and also store the sales information related to CID.Preferably, computer data is rewarded The SVG that 30A storages in storehouse include SVG storehouses describes software, so that reward computer 30 is each image pair identified in SVG file As with text renderer into single image object.Rewarding computer 30 then will be with the GDI of Windows (trade mark) (GDI) the format transmission single image obj ect file is to POS color printers 40.

POS color printers 40 print sales information, it is preferred that also print register receipt.It is above-mentioned each or all Can colour print.POS color printer databases 40A includes printer driver software, the preferable conversion for including RGB to CMYK Software.Optionally, POS color printers database 40A includes SVG description softwares, and the software includes SVG storehouses, so that POS is colored Printer 40 depicts each image object and text that are identified in SVG file as single image object, then prints SVG File.

In currently preferred embodiment, the drive software of POS color printers 40 includes being used to explain Windows's (trade mark) GDI (GDI) formatted file, and for the rgb image data of those files to be converted to CMYK view data Code.

POS terminal 40 preferably includes transaction data input mechanism, such as scanning UPC code and customer identification tag card Scanner, and keyboard.It may also comprise customer's biometric data (biometric) reader and microphone.POS terminal 40 operations are to identify the beginning and end of purchase-transaction, to obtain CID and the purchased product related to CID product mark Know.POS terminal 40 transmits transaction data (product identifiers, CID, POS ID etc.) also by LAN60 and arrives the He of POS computer 20 Preferable reward computer 30.POS terminal 40 can also be run to inquire about price and discount information, or be come from by LAN60 requests The information of POS computer 20.

LAN60 preferably includes one or more digital network interchangers, and enabling it to send includes target address information Bag arrive appropriate network address.

In one alternate embodiment, POS computer 20 can perform it is all herein to the related function of reward computer 30, In this case, POS computer database 20A includes the data structure related to database 30A disclosed herein.

The POS colours that are used for that POS computer database 20A or reward Computer Database 30A is storable in the displosure are beaten Print machine database 40A all data, in the case, POS computer 20 or reward computer 30 perform use disclosed herein In the processing function of printer 40.

POS color printers 40 are directly connectable to POS computer 20, rather than pass through LAN60.

In other embodiments, POS color printers drive software and SVG file are described software and can reside within local CS80 Any database in, and can by local CS80 any computer call.Other modifications of local network structure are to ability Field technique personnel are obvious, as long as keeping the WAN connections between central CS and the one or more local CS related to RS In the presence of.

Fig. 3 describes central CS databases 10A relational database embodiment.But it is to provide same or like data to close Other data structures of system can also realize identical result.

Fig. 3 describes a chart with Table Design, and the graph show the and of form 310,320,330,340,350 Relation 315,325,335,345 and 355 between 360, and form.Wherein relation 315 and 325 is one-to-many relation, relation 335, 345 and 355 be man-to-man relation.

Image object form 310 stores image object and their attribute.Form 310 is included for image object, figure As the field of object identity (IOID) and image object attribute (prop1, prop2 etc.).Here, all " ID " fields are Form of identification for related data.The attribute of image object includes designated layer position (prospect, background), picture size, single Or multiple colors.The image object included in 310 is preferably to the image object after original image object modification, this place The modification of description is to reduce to be used to produce the quantity of ink in color with printing as original image object class.

Relation 315 represents that the image object id field IOID in 310 is included and IOID fields identical data in form 320 (image object mark data) type.

The image object that sales information form 320 is quoted in the field storage SVG and SVG of correlation.Form 320 has field ID for SVG, SVGID and associated picture object IOID1, IOID2, IOID3 etc..

Tabular relationship 325 represent field SVGID1 in data and the form 330 of the SVGID fields in form 320, Data in SVGID2, SVGID3 etc. are identical data types.

Form 330 stores those SVGs related to each RS ID.That is, form 330 is only stored for each RS and CID The ID of those related SVG, the CID are related to those storages.The SVG related to any specific RS quantity can be in number According in the 10A of storehouse by the central CS all SVG stored small subset.

RS is identified (RSID) field and one group of SVG identification fields SVGID1, SVGID2, SVGID3 etc. phase by form 330 Association.

Target table 340 includes targeted sales information trigger data.Form 340 is stored for corresponding customer's Sales information (SVG file) associated CID, also the storage retail shop ID associated with the purchase of corresponding customer.Form 340 data are transferred to local CS80.Local CS80 is then able to trigger SVG description, then triggers the SVG by being described The printing of the sales information of document definition.When local CS is by the CID for entering POS terminal and the CID phases that are received by central CS10 Timing, local CS80 can complete aforesaid operations during transaction.

Target determines that form 350 includes central CS10 is used to determine what sales information to the data of each CID targets.Table Lattice 350 include RSID, objective criteria, sales information and SVGID field.Each sales information is related to a SVG file.Only It is target for delivery to specific CID using each sales information when objective criteria is satisfied with the CID.Objective criteria generally according to Rely the product purchase related to the CID in during some time earlier, product purchase, which is stored in product, to be bought and go through Data in history table 360.Therefore, the objective criteria in form 350 can be applied to and product purchasing history form by central CS10 The data of CID correlations in 360, to produce the data in form 340.

Product purchasing history form 360 includes the field of storage following message：RSID, CID for being associated with each other, the date, Total (monetary aggregates of purchase-transaction) and product identifiers, the product quantity and the product price (respectively UPCl, NUPCl, PUPCl, and respectively UPC2, NUPC2, PUPC2 etc.), and coupon identifications symbol and coupon discount quantity (respectively C1, D1, respectively C2, D2 etc.).

Generally speaking, form 310,320,330, central CS is enable to track the SVG and image for being previously transferred to each RS Obj ect file, and it is thus determined that and SVG file and image object data are transmitted to each RS, the SVG file and image object number According to not being transferred to the shop but currently related to the RS by form 340 previously.For the customer that have purchased in the RS, Form 340,350 and 360 make it that central CS is associated with the sales information (and corresponding SVG file) for each CID.

Related (1) objective criteria and the example of (2) sales information are (1) for the preceding 30 day phase counted from current time The interior UPC that 1 quart of milk be present, and (2) are used for the coupon of specific dry cereal product.

Fig. 4 shows POS computer database 20A relational database embodiment.POS computer database 20A includes RS product purchasing histories form 360 ', stock inventory form 420, and coupon rebate form 430.

RS product purchasing histories form 360 ' has and the identical data field of form 360.But RS product purchasing histories Product purchasing history in RS1 transaction occurs for the preferable only storage of form 360 '.Stock inventory form 420 passes through product identification Accord with the quantity of the product detailed catalogue in (UPC code) storage stock.Coupon rebate form 430 stores the preferential label related to discount C is known, to be included in the purchase including being related to coupon identifications.In operation, local CS80 can apply coupon discount list to determine Discount, to be applied to customer's purchase-transaction.Referring to the coupon and its data of discount shown in form 360 '.

Fig. 5 shows reward Computer Database 30A relational database embodiment, including RS image object forms 310 ', sales information form 320 ', RS target tables 340 ', RS product purchasing histories form 360 ' and SVG code libraries 510.Should RS forms 310 ', 320 ', 340 ' and 360 ' have and form 310,320,340 and 360 identical data structures.But form 310 ', 320 ', 340 ' and 360 ' only store the data from or on RS1.SVG code libraries 510 be can describe SVG file with Produce the software code for the single image file specified such as SVG file, including any image object text cited in SVG file Part.

Preferably, the CID and be stored in target table 340 ' that reward computer 30 determines when to read in POS terminal 50 In CID matching, and for correlation sales incentive rung by producing the image file of Windows GDI forms Should, and this document is transmitted to POS color printers 40.

Preferably, reward computer 30 will not yet be transferred to the central CS10 RS1 new data cycle in form 360 ' Property is aperiodically transferred to central CS10.

Fig. 6 shows POS color printer databases 40A content.This data preferably includes coupon image file Data 610, register receipt data 620, printer driver 630, printer/printhead control 640 and printer queue storage Device 650.

Each file in coupon image file data 610 includes the picture number for one or more sales informations According to typically coupon.Register receipt data 620 include being used for the data printed below：The article bought is described, counted Amount and price, applied to the discount of purchase, and the total amount of money of transaction.

Optionally, coupon image file data 610 can include the single figure of any and all sales information data As file.

Optionally, before POS color printers 40 are transferred to, coupon image file data and register receipt data A single file, such as the file of Windows (trade mark) GDI forms can be incorporated into by local CS80.In the case, registration is received It is the data text individually merged in POS color printer databases 40A according to data 620 and coupon image file data 610 Part.

RGB color data are preferably converted to CMYK or CMY color datas and are used to print by printer driver 630, and The data are arranged to be used to transmit to printer queue memory as data flow.Printer queue memory 650 sequentially stores Send to printhead (structure on transmitting ink to paper) and send to the order of paper position controller (such as paper roller).

Optionally, POS color printers database 40A also includes separated printer/head control 640, is beaten for recoiling Printing paper is with by the printing of more than one printhead safety, one side of the wherein at least one printhead in face of paper roll.

In the more than one file that local CS80 will print for transaction, such as register receipt file and one or more Individual sales information is sent into the embodiment of POS color printers, can implement business rules to ensure reliability and minimize friendship The easy time.For example, POS color printers 40 can perform overtime code, if so that its after register receipt file is received by Such as after specified time of 2 seconds, do not receive coupon image file data also, then print the registration data file.Moreover, It may include the code for determining the print length of register receipt information and the print length of sales information, for the one of paper Face prints register receipt or sales information, and by about the length of printing recoils paper for the first time, then by others printing Hold the second face for printing to paper.

Fig. 7, which is described, represents that the flow chart 700 the network C S1 the step of occurs.

In step 705, central CS10 receives coupon data, and the data may include view data or image file.

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

In step 715, central CS10 is produced for the view data related to each SVG file or image file and changed View data.

It is in step 720, central CS10 that some SVG files are associated with some CID locals CS 80 (RS1).The CID is Previously received from local CS80.The SVG file is the file for meeting the goal rule applied to the CID.

In step 725, central CS10 determines not yet to be sent to RS1 before which SVG and associated picture obj ect file.It The SVG newly associated with RS1 CID can be filtered to perform above-mentioned step compared with the database of the SVG in precedent transmission to RS1 Suddenly.For RS1 each new SVG, there is corresponding RS1 new image file.

In step 730, central CS10 transfers data to local CS80.This data may include RS1 new CID and correlation SVG and image file.

In step 735, local CS80 marks are related to the CID to be merchandised at POS terminal 50.In a preferred embodiment, this work( It can be performed by reward computer 30.

In step 740, local CS80 marks are any to be stored in SVG file related to above-mentioned CID in local CS80.Excellent Select in embodiment, this function is performed by reward computer 30.

In step 745, local CS80 depicts the SVG of correlation as image files.In a preferred embodiment, this function is by encouraging Computer 30 is encouraged to perform.

In step 750, POS color printers 40 print the register receipt of the SVG being depicted and transaction.

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

In step 750, local CS80 describes the SVG image files related to them to each SVG or SVG groups to single figure As file.These image files can be stored as Windows (trade mark) GDI forms.

Claims (11)

1. a kind of computer implemented method for reducing the ink quantity used in color printer print coloured image, methods described bag Include：

The first color value of the pixel of original colored image object is obtained from computer storage by computer, the colour is beaten Print machine is configured as the first quantity based on the first color value marking ink, to print the first color；

Determine to be enough the second quantity for making the ink of the first color described in the color printer print by the computer, its Described in ink the second quantity be less than the ink the first quantity；

When the ink the second quantity be not exactly correspond to color mapping in color value when, by the computer via Select the color value in the color mapping to determine the second color value, beaten for color printer described in selected color value Second quantity of the about described ink of print；And

Based on second color value, the colored image object changed is generated from original image object by the computer.

2. according to the method for claim 1, wherein the color value in the color mapping is selected, for the color value institute Stating the second quantity of the about described ink of color printer print includes：

From the color mapping selection color value, the color value has being configurable in the color printer for minimum Print the least square value of difference between the quantity of the ink of the color value and the second quantity of the ink.

3. the method according to claim 11, in addition to：

At least one image object category of the original colored image object is obtained from computer storage by the computer Property, at least one image object attribute is wherein at least based partially on to determine to be enough to make described in the color printer print Second quantity of the ink of the first color.

4. according to the method for claim 3, wherein at least one image object attribute is by scalable vector graphicses (SVG) cited in file.

5. according to the method for claim 3, wherein at least one image object attribute includes the original color figure As the size of object.

6. according to the method for claim 3, wherein at least one image object attribute includes showing the original coloured silk Color image object is the attribute of prospect.

7. according to the method for claim 3, wherein at least one image object attribute includes showing the original coloured silk Color image object is the attribute of background.

8. according to the method for claim 3, wherein at least one image object attribute includes showing the original coloured silk The attribute of color image object definition text.

9. the method according to claim 11, in addition to：

The first color value of multiple pixels of the original colored image object is obtained by the computer；

The multiple pixel of original colored image object described in the color printer print is determined by the computer The quantity of ink needed for first color value；

Determine to be enough to make the multiple of original colored image object described in the color printer print by the computer Second quantity of the ink of first color of pixel；

Based on second quantity, the second color value is determined by the computer；And

Based on second color value, the image object changed is generated from the original image object by the computer.

10. according to the method for claim 1, wherein the second quantity for determining ink is to be at least partially based on the printer Printer driver.

11. the method according to claim 11, in addition to：

Printing includes the coloured image of the colored image object of the modification.