CN102591599B - Color printer technology - Google Patents

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 application is Chinese application number is 200680045022.3, and the applying date is on July 7th, 2006, the divisional application of the application for a patent for invention of " color printer technology " by name.

the cross reference of related application

This application claims the submit on Dec 7th, 2005 the 60/742nd, No. 909, attorney PIP185MOUNP-US, name is called the temporary patent application of " the POS network comprising colour print and the highlighted display of colour " and the 60/778th of submission on March 3rd, 2006, No. 410, attorney PIP189MOUNP-US, name is called the right of priority of the temporary patent application of " the PO S network comprising colour print and the highlighted display of colour ", 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 markup language of extend markup language (XML), for describing two-dimension vector graphics, this figure comprises Static and dynamic, or declaratively or Textuality.It is the open standard created by World Wide Web Consortium.

At this, SVG represents the arbitrary XML tag language for describing two-dimension vector graphics.

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

Scalable vector graphics

Scalable Vector pattern (SVG) is the markup language of extend markup language (XML), for describing two-dimension vector graphics, this figure comprises Static and dynamic, or declaratively or Textuality.It is the open standard created by World Wide Web Consortium.SVG supports 3 kinds of Drawing Objects: vector graphic shapes (such as: the path be made up of straight line and curve, and with the region that this path is border), raster graphics image/digital picture, and text.Drawing Object can be organized into groups, stylization, conversion, and is combined into the object previously presented.Therefore text at arbitrary XML NameSpace being suitable for applying, can strengthen search property and the accessibility of SVG figure.Featured configuration comprises nested conversion, the path of editing, α cover up, filter effect, template object and ductility.It can be dynamic and mutual that SVG draws.For the DOM Document Object Model (DOM) of SVG, comprise full XML DOM, allow directly and effective polar plot cartoon making by ECMA script or SMIL.Abundant event handling operation moves (mouseover) as mouse and mouse click (onclick) can distribute to any SVG Drawing Object.Due to its compatibility and the impact of other Web (network) standard, the feature of similar script can complete on the inherent SVG element from different NameSpace of same Web (network) page and other XML element simultaneously.SVG image can gzip compress mode store, and in this situation, they can be called as " SVGZ file ".

Color map

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

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

Color model defines not by each color, unless defined the accurate spectral composition of color, otherwise the result of blend color is inaccurate.So, color model becomes absolute color space, such as sRGB or Adobe RGB.Absolute color space is the color space that color is clear and definite, and wherein color does not rely on any external factor.Mode color space (such as RGB) being changed into absolute color generally defines an ICC characteristic description document, and it comprises the feature of RGB.This is not the sole mode of expressing complete color, but this is standard in many industries.RGB color is defined by the characteristic description document comprising sRGB and Adobe RGB accepted extensively.Increase ICC characteristic description document is referred to as label sometimes to the process of a figure or document; The absolute sense of the color therefore in label figure or document.1993, international color consortium (CCC) was set up by 8 industrial suppliers, to create the color management system of general transparent operation in all operations system and software package.

SRGB color space, or standard RGB (RGB) are the rgb color spaces created by Hewlett-Packard (Hewlett-Packard) and Microsoft (Microsoft Corporation) cooperation.And approved by W3C, Exif, Intel, Pantone, Corel and other commercial manufacturer multiple.It is also accepted preferably by open source software (such as GIMP), and is used to have proprietorial and open graphics file format (such as SVG).

Red, green and blue primaries are defined as such color by sRGB: one 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 in [0.1500,0.0600] and white point is D65 white point in [0.3127,0.3290].SRGB is because the bad arrangement of these primary colors receives criticism.If your restriction index (index) is in the scope of 0 to 1, you just can not address this problem outside complete colour gamut (triangles produced by three looks) in human-viewable colour sequential.

SRGB also defines the non-linear conversion between the brightness of these primary colors and the actual numerical value of storage.The gamma response that transformation curve and CRT show is similar.For the correct display obtaining sRGB image, copy this curve more important than primary colors.This non-linear conversion means that sRGB is suitably effectively applying to show the cognizable brightness of the mankind based on the numerical value in integral image file.

ICC specification is considered when color is when applying and move between operating system, from creating point to the final color fidelity printed.ICC mainly emphasizes the form defining ICC characteristic description document, and it describes the color characteristic of specific device or the demand of observation by definition source or the mapping between target color space and characteristic description document connection space (PCS).This PCS or L ^*a ^*b ^*or CIE XYZ color space.Mapping can application table come, application interpolation method, or by a series of parameter for converting.

In order in clear practice, how this works, 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 the ICC characteristic description document that acquisition two is relevant.For performing conversion, first by RGB characteristic description document, each RGB tlv triple R, G, B are converted to PCS.If necessary, PCS is at L ^*a ^*b ^*and change between CIE XYZ, this is defined conversion.Then PCS is converted into required C, M, Y, K tetra-values.From RGB to CMYK, the conversion formula of color is known.Referring to the conversion formula such as described in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_model.

Color printer and printer medium

The typical directive paper of ink of color printer, and be advanced on paper in the mode of projection.Each projection measurer of same color ink has same ink volume.Therefore, projection amount and ink volume are synonyms.Usual color printer driver description print file are the flat file (flat file) for printing.

Therefore, the multiple image files quoted from SVG file and SVG file are described single plane print file by printer driver software.

Printer prints to thin slice or strip material, typically paper.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, bleeding and abrasiveness.Except other content, this tittle also can characterize: water wettability is to hydrophobicity, fiber-wall-element model, density and composition.

The view data of rgb format based on CMYK standard print, and is converted to CMYK form in inside by most of color printer before printing.Even if not all printer, be that most of color printer driver does not comprise SVG standard now, they do not describe SVG file yet yet.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to reduce the quantity of ink for printing some image object.

Another object of the present invention is the network data transmission amount reducing to print on POS needed for marketing information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the colour print of purchase-transaction information on POS and marketing information.

Achieve above-mentioned and other object by network computer system of the present invention, this computer system comprises away from the POS color printer in local CS and RS of central CS, RS this locality of RS.The database of image object file is stored in local RS.The database of SVG file is stored in central CS.An image object quoted in image object data storehouse is had at least in SVG file.The image object that each such SVG file is quoted to it defines vector position and size (yardstick).Each such SVG file and its document definition of quoting are for the data printing corresponding marketing information necessity.

Central authorities CS transmits at least one SVG file relevant to CID to local CS.When the purchase-transaction that local CS confirms to relate to this CID subsequently occurs, then local CS applies corresponding marketing information and the register receipt that the SVG file relevant to this CID prints purchase-transaction.

Preferably, also storage figure is as object database or storehouse for central CS, and the latter comprises the version of image object, the version of each SVG file and will be sent 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 central authorities CS produces image object version upgrades and transmits it to each local CS, the SVG file that corresponding RS will need printing to quote the new of those image objects that are new or that upgraded or upgraded.

Image object data storehouse such as can comprise background image field file, and such as multiple different colours field file, namely utilizes the image field composition of the possible more than one coupon of SVG document definition.All coupons of all commodity of such as particular manufacturer can use a certain background image file.

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

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

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

As an example, suppose that the numeral of 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 produced needed for print colors is needed to be determined by the color of the content printed by checking, 5 pinkish red ink dots are only needed for text, in little cross region, prospect material only needs 8 pinkish red ink dots, and large area painting canvas background only needs 12 pinkish red ink dots.

The invention provides alternative original image object and produce the image object of amendment, then printing the image object of this amendment, so that the minimum number only applying ink dot can obtain specific print colors in each point printed.The image object of this amendment comprises the data of the color defining amendment to define the data of each primitive color in original image object.The data of color of definition amendment are the data causing printer driver software to print the minimum number of the ink dot obtaining primitive color printing effect, or no better than obtaining the quantity of each color ink dot of minimum number of ink dot of primitive color printing effect.

Be back to this example, the invention provides the image object background of amendment, the data that this background articles for use red color tone reduces replace original magenta color data, and magenta is adjusted and reduced 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 be inaccurate.In that case, can select the group of its ink dot be the color of the group of minimum number no better than ink dot corresponding thereto.Above-mentioned selects color to determine no better than can such as pass through, this color, in the group of the minimum number of ink dot and the group of the ink dot relevant to each color in CYMK color space, has the least square value (least squares value) of the difference of the quantity for CYMK ink dot.

The minimum number of CMYK ink dot can be determined for one group of measured color.Then the minimum number of the ink dot of all colours determined in color space can be used to from the interpolation method of the minimum number of the ink dot of the group of measured color and/or extrapolation.Preferred color is the rgb color space with 256000 digital color definition at present, the corresponding different colours of its each definitions of color.The color of the minimum number no better than ink dot in color space (also namely, the numeral of color) can be selected by different way.Such as: this color can be selected, its mode is the difference by determining to be existed by the color that the minimum number of ink dot is specified in which color in color space and color space minimum least square, then selects this color.Due to most color printer based on CMYK software print, so must when transferring data to printer or before RGB data is converted to cmyk data.Current printer typically performs the conversion of this RGB to CMYK in inside.Therefore, it is enough to define the color 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 representing with RGB) as previously mentioned and producing the image object (preferably representing with RGB) revised, form foreground image object database or storehouse.Corresponding each original image object, can have image object or the version of multiple amendment, and wherein each is relevant to metadata (meta data).The size of the 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 to one group of original image obj ect file, and this file each is different in one or more correlation properties.) central CS follows the tracks of the SVG file relevant to each RS, determine that RS needs which subset in image object data storehouse will print its SVG file, and the subset of this image object is transferred to the local CS of this RS, wherein tracked SVG file designated sale information flag data.

Inventor has been found that the minimum number of the ink dot printed needed for large area can exceed the quantity of the ink dot printed needed for small size same color, and the minimum number printing the ink dot needed for brighter color exceeds the minimum number of the ink dot of the darker color of printing.

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

The distance that transverse direction (in the plane of the paper) diffusion-ink that required ink quantity partly depends on ink spreads.Therefore, if the transverse dispersion in certain paper is sufficient, so that and the color needed for merging in paper from the ink of the pixel at interval and reproducing at non-print location of pixels, then an obvious change will be to skip the printing of some pixel, the pixel at such as interval.Related to this, printing can comprise all edge pixels alternatively, to stop fuzzy border.Finally, for print bar code black ink can by print blue or blue and black bar substitute.

Accompanying drawing explanation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 7 is the process flow diagram of the application process general survey describing network C S1.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 illustrate schematicallys and comprises central CS 10, central CS database 10A, for the local CS 80 of retail shop RS1 and the computer network system 1 of wide area network (WAN) 70.And Fig. 1 describes the WAN 70 of the multiple CS be connected to for retail shop RS2 etc.

Dotted line in Fig. 1 represents RS1 (retail shop 1), it comprises local CS 80, schematically indicate the operation that local CS 80 runs to support retail shop 1, this operation comprises record transaction data, exec accounting function and the POS place at RS1 provides register receipt.RS2, RS3 etc. represent to there is other retail shop, and it has the local CS similar with local CS 80 and all communicates with central CS 10 by WAN70.

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

Preferably, each CS comprises at least one digital central processing unit, storer and operating system software.Every bar CS, between database and WAN70 line instruction a kind of for data transmission mode, such as network card, data cable and wireless transmission and receive hardware.In all embodiments, the database illustrated has the line being connected to CS, represents the read and write of CS access control database.

Local CS80 can be communicated by WAN70 with central CS10.

Fig. 2 describes an embodiment of the local CS80 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 be connected in its vicinity.RS1 can comprise the corresponding POS color printer of multiple POS terminal and contiguous each POS terminal.

POS computing machine 20 receives the transaction data from each POS terminal 50 by LAN60.POS computing machine 20 runs the funds following the tracks of product inventory stock, product item cost, result and RS1, and stores relevant information in POS Computer Database 20A.

Reward computing machine 30 to run to determine when that POS color printer 40 prints marketing information, optionally can also determine print What in some cases.Preferably, reward computing machine 30 and also rewarding in printer database 30A the transaction data of the POS place generation transaction be stored in RS1, and also store the marketing information relevant to CID.Preferably, reward the SVG description software that Computer Database 30A storage comprises SVG storehouse, to make award computing machine 30, each image object identified in SVG file is become single image object with text renderer.Rewarding computing machine 30 subsequently will with this single image obj ect file of the Graphics Device Interface of Windows (trade mark) (GDI) format transmission to POS color printer 40.

POS color printer 40 prints marketing information, preferably, and also print register receipt.Above-mentioned each or all can colour print.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 SVG and describes software, and this software comprises SVG storehouse, to make POS color printer 40 all depict each image object identified in SVG file and text as single image object, then prints SVG file.

In currently preferred embodiment, POS color printer 40 drive software comprises Graphics Device Interface (GDI) formatted file for explaining Windows (trade mark), and for the rgb image data of those files being converted to the code of CMYK view data.

POS terminal 40 preferably comprises transaction data input mechanism, such as, for scanning the scanner of UPC code and customer identification tag card, and keyboard.It also can comprise client's biometric data (biometric) reader and microphone.POS terminal 40 runs the beginning and the end that identify purchase-transaction, to obtain the product identification of CID and the purchased product relevant to CID.POS terminal 40 also transmits transaction data (product identifiers, CID, POS ID etc.) to POS computing machine 20 and preferred award computing machine 30 by LAN60.POS terminal 40 also can be run to inquire about price and discount information, or by the information of LAN60 request from POS computing machine 20.

LAN60 preferably comprises one or more digital network switch, enables it send and comprises the bag of target address information to the suitable network address.

In one alternate embodiment, POS computing machine 20 can perform all in this function relevant to rewarding computing machine 30, and in this case, POS Computer Database 20A comprises the data structure relevant to database 30A disclosed herein.

POS Computer Database 20A or award Computer Database 30A can store all data for POS color printer database 40A disclosed herein, in the case, POS computing machine 20 or award computing machine 30 perform the processing capacity for printer 40 disclosed herein.

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

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

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

Image object form 310 stores image object and their attribute.Form 310 comprises the field for image object, image object mark (IOID) and image object attribute (prop1, prop2 etc.).At this, all " ID " fields are some form of identification for related data.The attribute of image object comprises designated layer position (prospect, background), picture size, single or multiple color.This image object comprised in 310 preferably to the image object after original image object modification, amendment described herein be reduce for generation of in color with the quantity of ink printed like original image object class.

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

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

Tabular relationship 325 represents that the data of the SVGID field in form 320 are identical data types with the data in field SVGID1, SVGID2, SVGID3 etc. in form 330.

Form 330 stores the ID of those SVGs relevant to each RS.Also namely, form 330 is the ID that each RS only stores those SVGs relevant to CID, and described CID stores relevant to those.The quantity of the SVG relevant to arbitrary specific RS can be the little subset of all SVG stored by central CS in database 10A.

RS is identified (RSID) field to form 330 and one group of SVG identification field SVGID1, SVGID2, SVGID3 etc. are associated.

Target form 340 comprise for marketing information trigger data.Form 340 stores the marketing information (SVG file) that the CID for corresponding client is associated, and also stores the retail shop ID be associated with the purchase of corresponding client.The data of form 340 are transferred to local CS80.Local CS80 can trigger the description of SVG subsequently, then triggers by the printing of the marketing information of described SVG document definition.When the CID entering POS terminal matches with the CID received by central CS10 by local CS, local CS80 can complete aforesaid operations at trading time period.

Target determination form 350 comprises central CS10 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 to a SVG file.Only when objective criteria is satisfied with this CID, with each marketing information for target is to be delivered to specific CID.Objective criteria depends on the product purchase relevant to this CID in certain time durations more early usually, and this product purchase is stored in the data in product purchase history lists 360.Therefore, the objective criteria in form 350 can be applied to the data relevant to the CID in product purchase history table 360 by central CS10, to produce the data in form 340.

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

Generally speaking, form 310,320,330, the SVG central CS being followed the tracks of be previously transferred to each RS and image object file, and therefore determine and transmit SVG file and image object data to each RS, this SVG file be not previously transferred to this shop with image object data but current relevant to this RS by form 340.For the client that have purchased in this RS, form 340,350 and 360 makes central CS be associated with the marketing information (with corresponding SVG file) for each CID.

The example of (1) objective criteria of being correlated with and (2) marketing information is (1) for the UPC that there is 1 quart of milk in during first 30 days that count from current time, and (2) are for the coupon of specific dry cereal product.

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

RS product purchase history table 360 ' has the data field identical with form 360.But RS product purchase history table 360 ' is preferred only stores the product purchase history occurring in the transaction of RS1.Stock inventory form 420 stores the quantity of the product detailed catalogue in stock by product identifiers (UPC code).Coupon discount form 430 stores the coupon identifications C relevant to discount, to count the purchase comprising and relate to coupon identifications.Be in operation, local CS80 can apply coupon discount list to determine discount, to be applied to client's purchase-transaction.Referring to the data of the coupon shown in form 360 ' and discount thereof.

Fig. 5 shows the relational database embodiment of rewarding 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 ' have with form 310,320,340 data structures identical with 360.But, form 310 ', 320 ', 340 ' and 360 ' only store from or about the data of RS1.SVG code library 510 is the software codes can describing the single image file that SVG file is specified as SVG file with generation, comprises arbitrary image object file that SVG file is quoted.

Preferably, reward computing machine 30 and determine when that the CID read in POS terminal 50 mates with the CID be stored in target form 340 ', and relevant sales incentive is responded by the image file producing Windows GDI form, and transmit this file to POS color printer 40.

Preferably, reward computing machine 30 will not yet be transferred to the new data periodicity of the RS1 of central CS10 in form 360 ' 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 coupon image file data 610 comprises the view data for one or more marketing information, typically coupon.Register receipt data 620 comprise the following data for printing: the description of the article bought, quantity and price, be applied to the discount of purchase, and the total amount of money of transaction.

Optionally, coupon image file data 610 can be the single image file comprising arbitrary and 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 document by local CS80, such as the file of Windows (trade mark) GDI form.In the case, register receipt data 620 and coupon image file data 610 are the data files merged separately in POS color printer database 40A.

Preferred CMYK or the CMY color data that is converted to by RGB color data of printer driver 630 is used for printing, and arranges these data and become data stream for transferring to printer queue storer.Printer queue storer 650 sequentially stores the order that will be issued to printhead (launching ink to the structure on paper) and be issued to paper position controller (such as paper roller).

Optionally, POS color printer database 40A also comprises printer separately/head and controls 640, for recoiling printer paper with by the printing of more than one printhead safety, wherein has a printhead at least in the face of the one side of paper roll.

Conclude the business being used at local CS80 and the more than one file printed, such as register receipt file and one or more marketing information are sent in the embodiment of POS color printer, can implement business rules to guarantee reliability and to minimize exchange hour.Such as, POS color printer 40 can perform overtime code, if to make it after reception register receipt file after the fixed time of such as 2 seconds, also do not receive coupon image file data, then print this registration data file.And, it can comprise the code of the print length for the print length and marketing information determining register receipt information, for in the one side print register receipt of paper or marketing information, and recoil paper by the length that about first time prints, then other print What is printed to second of paper.

Fig. 7 describes the process flow diagram 700 representing and occur in the step of network C S1.

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

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

In step 715, central CS10 produces for the view data relevant to each SVG file or image file the view data be modified.

In step 720, some SVG file is associated with the local CS 80 (RS1) of some CID by central CS10.This CID had previously received from local CS80.This SVG file is the file meeting the goal rule being applied to this CID.

In step 725, central CS10 determines which SVG and associated picture obj ect file were not yet sent to RS1 in the past.It is by filtering the SVG that newly associates with the CID of RS1 to perform above-mentioned steps compared to precedent transmission to the database of the SVG of RS1.For each new SVG of RS1, there is the new image file of corresponding RS1.

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 mark relates to the CID in the transaction of POS terminal 50 place.In a preferred embodiment, this function performs by rewarding computing machine 30.

In step 740, local CS80 mark is arbitrary is stored in SVG file relevant to above-mentioned CID in local CS80.In a preferred embodiment, this function performs by rewarding computing machine 30.

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

In step 750, POS color printer 40 prints the register receipt by the SVG that describes and transaction.

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

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

Claims (12)

1. reduce a computer implemented method for color printer print coloured image ink quantity used, comprising:

Read the first color value for the first color of the pixel of original colored image object from computer memory, described color printer is configured to the first quantity of the ink printing described first color value;

Based on described first color value and based on described original colored image object whether have instruction it as a setting or prospect print attribute, determine the second quantity of the ink meeting the first color described in described color printer print, the second quantity of described ink is less than the first quantity of described ink;

Determine the second color value, color printer described in described second color value is similar to the second quantity printing described ink, described second color value is different from described first color value; With

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

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said first color value and described second color value specify red, green and blue value.

3. method according to claim 2, red, the green and blue valve of wherein said color printer conversion be at least cyan, magenta, yellow value.

4. method according to claim 1, comprises further: the first color value reading all pixels of described original colored image object; Determine the required ink quantity of described first color value of all pixels of original colored image object described in described color printer print; Determine to meet the second quantity of the ink of described first color of all pixels of original colored image object described in described color printer print; Determine the second color value, color printer described in described second color value is similar to the second quantity of the described ink of all pixels printing described original colored image object; With the image object producing described amendment from described original image object, wherein said second color value is relevant to all pixels.

5. method according to claim 1, the wherein said one or more following characteristic of the second quantity based on printer paper determining ink: basic weight; Average thickness; Single thickness; Density; Pulling strengrth; Smoothness; Brightness/whiteness; Glossiness; Opacity; Tear strength; Poriness; Gas penetration potential; Elasticity; Bleeding; And abrasiveness.

6. method according to claim 1, the wherein said printer driver of the second quantity based on described printer determining ink.

7. method according to claim 1, wherein said the second quantity at least one size based on described original colored image object determining ink.

8. method according to claim 1, wherein said determine the second quantity of ink based on described original colored image object whether have instruction it as prospect print attribute.

9. method according to claim 1, wherein saidly determines whether the second quantity of ink has its attribute of printing as a setting of instruction based on described original colored image object.

10. method according to claim 1, wherein saidly determines whether the second quantity of ink defines text based on described original colored image object.

11. methods according to claim 1, the colored image object comprised further by printing described amendment prints described coloured image.

12. methods according to claim 1, wherein said determine the second quantity of ink based on described original colored image object whether have instruction it as prospect print attribute.