Liquid discharge method, recording medium, and liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a liquid ejection method, a recording medium, and a liquid ejection apparatus, and provides a liquid ejection method and the like capable of ejecting liquid according to various recording conditions. A liquid ejection method of ejecting liquid from a nozzle of a liquid ejection head by applying a drive pulse to a drive element of the liquid ejection head includes: an acquisition process of acquiring a state of a dot formed on a recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle; and a drive process of applying different drive pulses to the drive element according to the recording conditions acquired in the acquisition process. The drive pulse includes a first potential, a second potential different from the first potential and applied after the first potential, and a third potential different from the first potential and the second potential and applied after the second potential.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection method, a drive pulse determination procedure, and a liquid ejection device for ejecting liquid from a nozzle by applying a drive pulse to a drive element. Background Technology

[0002] A recording head is known to eject ink from a nozzle by applying a drive pulse to a drive element. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording method in which a rectangular wave-shaped drive signal comprising two pulse portions is applied to a heating element of the recording head.

[0003] For example, when the driving element is a piezoelectric element, a rectangular wave-shaped driving pulse, as shown in Patent Document 1, is not suitable for the driving element. In addition, in recent years, there has been a need for recording conditions that vary depending on various parameters such as the amount of droplets ejected from the nozzle, the ejection velocity of the droplets ejected from the nozzle, and the coverage of the dots, and a technique for applying appropriate driving pulses to the driving element according to the required recording conditions.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-31905 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The liquid ejection method of the present invention includes the following manner: it uses a liquid ejection head having a driving element and a nozzle, and ejects liquid from the nozzle by applying a driving pulse to the driving element; the liquid ejection method includes:

[0006] The acquisition process acquires the state of the dots formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle as the recording condition;

[0007] The driving process applies different driving pulses to the driving element according to the recording conditions obtained by the acquisition process.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive pulse determination program of the present invention is configured to determine the drive pulse applied to the drive element in a liquid ejection head having a drive element that causes the nozzle to eject liquid according to the drive pulse, and to enable a computer to perform the following functions:

[0009] The acquisition function obtains the state of the points formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle as the recording condition.

[0010] The decision function determines different drive pulses based on the recording conditions obtained by the acquisition function.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a liquid ejection head comprising a driving element and a nozzle, and ejects liquid from the nozzle by applying a driving pulse to the driving element. The liquid ejection device comprises:

[0012] The acquisition unit acquires the state of the dots formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle as recording conditions;

[0013] The driving unit applies different driving pulses to the driving element according to the recording conditions obtained by the acquisition unit. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a drive pulse generation system.

[0015] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example of the nozzle face of a liquid ejector head.

[0016] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of the potential change of a drive signal, including repeatedly generated drive pulses.

[0017] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of a liquid ejector head in operation.

[0018] Figure 5A , 5B A diagram illustrating an example of the potential change of a drive signal, including repeatedly generated drive pulses.

[0019] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an example of a target ejection characteristic table.

[0020] Figure 7 A diagram illustrating an example of detecting the ejection angle θ.

[0021] Figure 8A , 8B A diagram illustrating an example of detecting the shape of ejected liquid.

[0022] Figure 9A A diagram illustrating an example of point coverage CR detection. Figure 9B A diagram illustrating an example of FT (Fluorescence Detection). Figure 9C A diagram illustrating an example of the detection of bleeding (BD) amount.

[0023] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example of the drive pulse setting steps.

[0024] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0025] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0026] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0027] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0028] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0029] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0030] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating an example of the driving pulse determination step.

[0031] Figure 18 A diagram illustrating an example of determining different drive pulses for the third potential based on the coverage CR of a point.

[0032] Figure 19 A diagram illustrating an example of how different driving pulses determine the third potential based on the infiltration rate FT.

[0033] Figure 20 A diagram illustrating an example of how different driving pulses determine the third potential based on the amount of dye penetration (BD).

[0034] Figure 21 A diagram illustrating an example of determining different drive pulses for the first potential based on the coverage CR of a point.

[0035] Figure 22 A diagram illustrating an example of determining different drive pulses for the first potential based on the coverage CR of a point.

[0036] Figure 23 A diagram illustrating an example of determining different drive pulses for the first potential based on the coverage CR of a point.

[0037] Figure 24A The diagram illustrates an example of how different driving pulses are determined based on the amount of percolation (FT). Figure 24B A diagram illustrating an example of a driving pulse with a different first potential determined by the amount of dye penetration (BD).

[0038] Figure 25A diagram illustrating an example of different driving pulses that determine the rate of potential change ΔE(s4) based on the coverage CR of the point.

[0039] Figure 26 This diagram illustrates an example of how the timing of the second potential pulse is determined based on the coverage CR of the point.

[0040] Figure 27 This diagram illustrates an example of how the timing of the second potential pulse is determined based on the coverage CR of the point.

[0041] Figure 28 This diagram illustrates an example of how the timing of the second potential pulse is determined based on the coverage CR of the point.

[0042] Figure 29 A diagram illustrating an example of how the timing of the second potential pulse is determined based on the amount of infiltration (FT).

[0043] Figure 30 A diagram illustrating an example of how the timing of the second potential pulse is determined based on the amount of infiltration (FT).

[0044] Figure 31 A diagram illustrating an example of how the timing of the second potential pulse is determined based on the amount of infiltration (FT).

[0045] Figure 32 A diagram illustrating an example of how the driving pulse for different second potential times is determined based on the amount of dye penetration (BD).

[0046] Figure 33 A diagram illustrating an example of how the driving pulse for different second potential times is determined based on the amount of dye penetration (BD).

[0047] Figure 34 A diagram illustrating an example of how the driving pulse for different second potential times is determined based on the amount of dye penetration (BD).

[0048] Figure 35 A flowchart illustrating an example of the drive pulse determination process.

[0049] Figure 36 A diagram illustrating an example of multiple factors contained in a driving pulse.

[0050] Figure 37 A flowchart illustrating an example of temporary pulse setting processing.

[0051] Figure 38 A flowchart illustrating an example of the drive pulse determination process.

[0052] Figure 39A diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a drive pulse generation system, including a server. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Of course, the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention, and not all features shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0054] (1) Technical summary of the present invention:

[0055] First, a brief overview of the technical aspects contained in this invention will be provided. Furthermore, this application... Figures 1-39 The illustrations are for illustrative purposes only; the magnification in different directions may vary, and some illustrations may be incomplete. Of course, the elements of this technology are not limited to the specific examples represented by the symbols. In the "Technical Summary Contained in this Invention," the terms in parentheses provide supplementary explanations.

[0056] One aspect of this technology involves a liquid ejection method that uses a liquid ejection head 11 equipped with a drive element 31 and a nozzle 13 (see, for example, reference...). Figure 1 ) and by applying a drive pulse P0 to the drive element 31 (e.g., referencing Figure 3 The method of ejecting liquid LQ from the nozzle 13 includes: an acquisition step ST1 (e.g., obtaining the state of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 as a recording condition 400). Figure 10 Step S102); Drive step ST3 (e.g., applying different drive pulses P0 to the drive element 31 according to the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition step ST1). Figure 10 Step S106).

[0057] In the above-described manner, since different drive pulses P0 are applied to the drive element 31 according to the state of the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13, various ejection characteristics are imparted to the liquid ejection head 11 that ejects the liquid LQ. Therefore, the above-described manner can provide a liquid ejection method that can realize various ejection characteristics. Furthermore, when various ejection characteristics are imparted to the liquid ejection head 11, various characteristics are imparted to the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejection head 11.

[0058] Alternatively, the driving pulse can be configured to include a first potential, a second potential, and a third potential, wherein the second potential is a potential different from the first potential and applied after the first potential, and the third potential is a potential different from both the first and second potentials and applied after the second potential. This liquid ejection method can also include a determination step ST2 (e.g., based on the recording condition 400) to determine the driving pulse P0 to be applied in the driving step ST3. Figure 10 Step S104). Furthermore, this liquid ejection method can also include a storage step ST4 (e.g., ...). Figure 10 In step S110), in the storage process ST4, waveform information 60 representing the waveform of the drive pulse P0 determined in the determination process ST2 is stored in a storage unit in a state associated with the identification information ID of the liquid nozzle 11. Here, the storage unit may, for example, include... Figure 1 The memory 43 of the device 10, including the liquid nozzle 11 shown, can also be the storage device 204 of the computer 200, or it can be... Figure 39 The storage device 254 of the server 250 shown.

[0059] Furthermore, one aspect of this technology involves a drive pulse determination program PRO, which, in a liquid ejection head 11 equipped with a drive element 31 that causes the nozzle 13 to eject liquid LQ according to the drive pulse P0, is used to determine the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31, and enables a computer 200 to implement an acquisition function FU1 and a determination function FU2. The acquisition function FU1 acquires the state of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 as a recording condition 400. The determination function FU2 determines different drive pulses P0 based on the recording condition 400 acquired by the acquisition function FU1.

[0060] The above method provides a drive pulse determination program capable of achieving various ejection characteristics. This drive pulse determination program PR0 also enables the computer 200 to implement the application control function FU3 corresponding to the drive process ST3 and the storage function FU4 corresponding to the storage process ST4.

[0061] Additionally, one aspect of this technology involves a liquid ejection device comprising a liquid ejection head 11 equipped with a drive element 31 and a nozzle 13, which ejects liquid LQ from the nozzle 13 by applying a drive pulse P0 to the drive element 31, and includes an acquisition unit U1 and a drive unit U3. Here, the liquid ejection device can be, for example, a liquid ejection head 11 equipped with a drive element 31 and a nozzle 13, which ejects liquid LQ from the nozzle 13 by applying a drive pulse P0 to the drive element 31. Figure 1The device 10 shown may also be a combination of device 10 and computer 200. The acquisition unit U1 acquires the state of the point DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 as the recording condition 400. The driving unit U3 applies different driving pulses P0 to the driving element 31 according to the recording condition 400 acquired by the acquisition unit U1.

[0062] The above method can provide a liquid ejection device capable of achieving various ejection characteristics. This liquid ejection device may also include a determination unit U2 corresponding to the determination step ST2 and a storage processing unit U4 corresponding to the storage step ST4.

[0063] Here, recording conditions refer to the conditions when liquid is ejected from the liquid ejector head, and include the ejection characteristics of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejector head, as well as the state of the points formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejector head.

[0064] In this application, "first," "second," "third," ... are terms used to identify the individual structural elements contained in a plurality of structural elements that have similarities, and do not refer to the order.

[0065] In this application, the rate of change of potential is set to be positive regardless of whether the change of potential is in the positive or negative direction, in the presence of a change of potential.

[0066] Furthermore, this technology can be applied to drive pulse determination methods, systems including liquid ejection devices, control methods for systems including liquid ejection devices, control programs for systems including liquid ejection devices, and computer-readable media recording any of the aforementioned programs. The liquid ejection device can also be composed of multiple dispersed parts.

[0067] (2) Specific examples of driving pulse generation systems:

[0068] Figure 1 The structure of the drive pulse generation system SY is schematically shown as a system example for implementing the liquid ejection method of this technology. Figure 2 An example of the nozzle face 14 of the liquid ejector head 11 is shown schematically.

[0069] Figure 1 The drive pulse generation system SY shown includes a device 10, a computer 200, and a detection device 300 for detecting the driving result of the drive element 31. The device 10 includes a liquid ejector head 11.

[0070] Figure 1The liquid ejector head 11 shown includes, in the stacking direction D11, a nozzle plate 12, a flow channel substrate 20, a vibrating plate 30, and a plurality of driving elements 31 in sequence. Furthermore, the structure of the liquid ejector head used to implement this technology is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown can also be a structure in which the nozzle plate 12 and the flow channel substrate 20 are integrally formed, a structure in which the flow channel substrate 20 is divided into multiple parts, or a structure in which the flow channel substrate 20 and the vibrating plate 30 are integrally formed. The liquid ejection head 11 also includes an ejection control circuit 32 for controlling the ejection of liquid LQ.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle plate 12 has a plurality of nozzles 13 and is coupled to the flow channel substrate 20. Each nozzle 13 is a through hole extending through the nozzle plate 12 in the stacking direction D11, and ejects liquid LQ from the nozzle surface 14 on the side of the nozzle plate 12 opposite to the flow channel substrate 20 as a droplet DR. When the droplet DR lands on the surface of the recording medium MD, it becomes a dot DT. Although Figure 1 The nozzle surface 14 shown is a flat surface, but the nozzle surface is not limited to a flat surface. The nozzle plate 12 can be formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, or a material such as monocrystalline silicon.

[0072] exist Figure 2 On the nozzle surface 14 shown, there are arranged a blue-green nozzle array with multiple nozzles 13c that eject blue-green droplets, a magenta nozzle array with multiple nozzles 13m that eject magenta droplets, a yellow nozzle array with multiple nozzles 13y that eject yellow droplets, and a black nozzle array with multiple nozzles 13k that eject black droplets. The multiple nozzles 13c, 13m, 13y, and 13k are arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction D13. The nozzles 13c, 13m, 13y, and 13k are collectively referred to as nozzles 13. The nozzle arrangement direction D13 can be consistent with or different from the conveying direction D12. Furthermore, the multiple nozzles included in the nozzle array can also be arranged in a staggered pattern. Furthermore, the color of the droplets ejected from each nozzle in the nozzle array can also be, for example, a light blue-green with a lower concentration than blue-green, a light magenta with a lower concentration than magenta, a dark yellow with a higher concentration than yellow, a light black with a lower concentration than black, orange, green, or transparent. Of course, this technology can also be applied to liquid nozzles that do not eject droplets of some of the colors blue-green, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0073] The flow channel substrate 20, held between the nozzle plate 12 and the vibrating plate 30, has a common liquid chamber 21, multiple supply channels 22, multiple pressure chambers 23, and multiple connecting channels 24 in the order of liquid LQ flow, serving as a flow channel. The combination of the supply channels 22, pressure chambers 23, and connecting channels 24 forms a separate flow channel connected to each nozzle 13. Each connecting channel 24 connects the pressure chamber 23 to the nozzle 13. Figure 1 The pressure chamber 23 shown is connected to the vibrating plate 30 and separated from the nozzle plate 12. Liquid LQ is supplied from the liquid box 25 to the common liquid chamber 21. The liquid LQ in the common liquid chamber 21 is branched into individual flow channels and supplied to individual nozzles 13. Of course, the structure of the flow channels is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown can also be a structure in which the pressure chamber is connected to the nozzle plate, etc. The flow channel substrate 20 can be formed of materials such as silicon substrate, metal, ceramic, etc.

[0074] The vibrating plate 30 is elastic and engages with the flow channel substrate 20 in a manner that blocks the pressure chamber 23. Figure 1 The vibrating plate 30 shown forms part of the wall of the pressure chamber. The vibrating plate 30 can be formed from materials such as silicon oxide, metal oxide, ceramic, and synthetic resin.

[0075] Each drive element 31 engages with the vibrating plate 30 at a position corresponding to the pressure chamber 23. In this specific example, each drive element 31 is configured as a piezoelectric element that expands and contracts according to a drive signal COM containing repeatedly generated drive pulses. The piezoelectric element, for example, includes a piezoelectric body, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and expands and contracts according to a voltage applied between the first and second electrodes. Figure 1 The driving element 31 shown is a layered piezoelectric element comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric layer between the first and second electrodes. Multiple driving elements 31 can be formed by being divided into at least one of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric layer. Therefore, among the multiple driving elements 31, there can be a common electrode connected to the first electrode, a common electrode connected to the second electrode, or a piezoelectric layer. The first and second electrodes can be formed, for example, from conductive materials such as metals like platinum or conductive metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The piezoelectric element can be formed, for example, from materials with a perovskite structure such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or non-lead perovskite oxides.

[0076] In addition, the driving element 31 is not limited to a piezoelectric element, and may also be a heating element that generates bubbles in the pressure chamber by heating.

[0077] The ejection control circuit 32 controls the ejection of droplets DR from each nozzle 13 by applying a voltage generated according to the drive signal COM to each drive element 31 at the ejection timing indicated by the printing signal SI. If the ejection timing is not for the droplets DR, the ejection control circuit 32 does not supply the voltage generated according to the drive signal COM to the drive element 31. The ejection control circuit 32 can be formed, for example, by an integrated circuit such as a Chip On Film (COF).

[0078] Furthermore, liquid liquid querware (LQ) broadly includes synthetic resins such as inks and photocurable resins, liquid crystals, etching solutions, biological organic matter, lubricants, etc. Ink broadly includes solutions in which dyes are dissolved in solvents, and colloidal solutions in solid particulate media such as pigments or metal particles dispersed in dispersants.

[0079] A recording medium (MD) is a material that holds multiple points formed by multiple droplets. Paper, synthetic resin, metal, etc., can be used as recording media. The shape of a recording medium is not particularly limited, including rectangular, cylindrical, roughly circular, polygonal (other than rectangular), and three-dimensional shapes.

[0080] The apparatus 10, which includes a liquid ejector head 11, includes an apparatus body 40 and a transport section 50 for transporting a recording medium MD.

[0081] The main body of the device 40 includes an external I / F 41, a buffer 42, a memory 43, a control unit 44, a drive signal generation circuit 45, and an internal I / F 46. Here, I / F is short for interface. These elements 41 to 46 can be electrically connected together to input and output information to each other.

[0082] External I / F 41 sends and receives data between itself and computer 200. When external I / F 41 receives printing data from computer 200, it stores the printing data in buffer 42. Buffer 42 temporarily stores the received printing data or temporarily stores dot pattern data converted from the printing data. In buffer 42, for example, a semiconductor memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM) can be used. Memory 43 is a non-volatile memory that stores identification information ID of liquid nozzle 11, waveform information 60 representing the waveform of the drive pulse, etc. In memory 43, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory can be used. Control unit 44 focuses on performing data processing or control in device 10, such as processing to convert printing data into dot pattern data, generating printing signal SI based on dot pattern data, and processing of transport signal PF. Printing signal SI indicates whether the drive pulse repeatedly generated in drive signal COM is applied to each drive element 31. The transport signal PF indicates whether the transport unit 50 is driven. In the control unit 44, for example, a SoC (System on a Chip), including circuitry such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, can be used. Here, SoC stands for System on a Chip, CPU for Central Processing Unit, and ROM for Read Only Memory. The drive signal generation circuit 45 generates a drive signal COM that repeatedly produces drive pulses based on the waveform information 60, and outputs this drive signal COM to the internal I / F 46. The internal I / F 46 outputs the drive signal COM, the printing signal SI, etc., to the ejection control circuit 32 located in the liquid ejection head 11, and outputs the transport signal PF to the transport unit 50.

[0083] Alternatively, the ejection control circuit 32 can also be configured on the main body 40 of the device.

[0084] When the transport signal PF indicates that the transport unit 50 is driven, it moves the recording medium MD in the transport direction D12. The operation of moving the recording medium MD is also called paper feeding.

[0085] The computer 200 includes a CPU 201 as a processor, a ROM 202 as a semiconductor memory, a RAM 203 as a semiconductor memory, a storage device 204, an input device 205, an output device 206, and a communication I / F 207. These elements 201 to 207 can input and output information to each other by being electrically connected together.

[0086] Storage device 204 stores information such as the drive pulse determination program PR0 and the target ejection characteristic table TA1 (described later). CPU 201 performs the process of appropriately reading the information stored in storage device 204 into RAM 203 and determining the drive pulse. Storage device 204 can be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory. Input device 205 can be a pointing device, hard keys including a keyboard, or a touch panel attached to the surface of a display device. Output device 206 can be a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a voice output device, or a printing device. Communication I / F 207 connects to external I / F 41 and transmits and receives data between it and device 10. Furthermore, communication I / F 207 connects to detection device 300 and transmits and receives data between it and detection device 300.

[0087] The detection device 300 detects the driving result when a driving pulse is applied to the driving element 31. The detection device 300 can be equipped with a camera, video camera, weight, etc.

[0088] Figure 3 An example illustrating the change in potential of a drive signal containing repeatedly generated drive pulses is shown. Figure 3 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents electric potential E. Figure 3 The lower part schematically illustrates an example of the potential change of the drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive signal COM contains a drive pulse P0 that is repeatedly generated during the period T0. The drive pulse P0 refers to the unit of potential change that drives the drive element 31 to cause the droplet DR to be ejected from the nozzle 13. The frequency of the drive pulse P0, i.e., the drive frequency f0 of the drive element 31, is 1 / T0.

[0090] Figure 3The potential E of the driving pulse P0 shown at the bottom includes a state s1 of a first potential E1, a state s2 of a change from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2, a state s3 of the second potential E2, a state s4 of a change from the second potential E2 to the third potential E3, a state s5 of the third potential E3, and a state s6 of a return from the third potential E3 state s5 to the first potential E1. Therefore, the driving pulse P0 sequentially includes a first potential E1, a second potential E2 different from the first potential E1, and a third potential E3 different from both the first potential E1 and the second potential E2. That is, the second potential E2 is the potential applied to the driving element 31 after the first potential E1. Furthermore, the third potential E3 is the potential applied to the driving element 31 after both the first potential E1 and the second potential E2. The first potential E1 is the potential between the second potential E2 and the third potential E3. Figure 3 The second potential E2 shown is lower than the first potential E1. Figure 3 The third potential E3 shown is higher than the first potential E1 and higher than the second potential E2. The period T0 of one cycle includes timing t1 between states s1 and s2, timing t2 between states s2 and s3, timing t3 between states s3 and s4, timing t4 between states s4 and s5, timing t5 between states s5 and s6, and timing t6 at the end of state s6. Furthermore, the period T0 of one cycle includes time T1 from timing t1 to timing t2, time T2 from timing t2 to timing t3, time T3 from timing t3 to timing t4, time T4 from timing t4 to timing t5, and time T5 from timing t5 to timing t6. That is, times T1 to T5 are the times when potential E is in states s2 to s6, respectively. Moreover, when the time from timing t6 to timing t1 of the next drive pulse P0 is set to T6, the period T0 is the total value of times T1 to T6.

[0091] Here, the difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is denoted as d1, and the difference between the second potential E2 and the third potential E3 is denoted as d2. As shown in the following mathematical formula, the differences d1 and d2 are represented by positive values.

[0092] d1 = |E1 - E2|

[0093] d2 = |E3 - E2|

[0094] Furthermore, the rates of change of potential E under states s2, s4, and s6 are denoted as ΔE(s2), ΔE(s4), and ΔE(s6), respectively. As shown in the following mathematical formulas, the rates of change of potential ΔE(s2), ΔE(s4), and ΔE(s6) are set to 0 for the case where potential E does not change, and are represented by positive values.

[0095] ΔE(s2)=|E1-E2| / T1

[0096] ΔE(s4)=|E3-E2| / T3

[0097] ΔE(s6)=|E3-E1| / T5

[0098] That is, the larger the difference d1, the larger the potential change rate ΔE(s2); the larger the difference d2, the larger the potential change rate ΔE(s4); and the larger the difference between the third potential E3 and the first potential E1, the larger the potential change rate ΔE(s6).

[0099] The following explanation will use states s1 to s6, timing t1 to t6, time T1 to T6, differences d1 and d2, and potential change rates ΔE(s2), ΔE(s4), and ΔE(s6).

[0100] Figure 4 A working example of a liquid ejector head 11 that ejects droplets DR according to the drive signal COM is shown schematically.

[0101] Figure 4 The upper part illustrates the case of a liquid nozzle 11 at a certain instant when the drive pulse P0 is maintained at the first potential E1 state s1. When the potential E of the drive pulse P0 is constant, the operation of the drive element 31 stops. When the drive pulse P0 changes from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2, the drive element 31, to which the drive pulse P0 is applied, deforms in a manner that expands the pressure chamber 23. When the pressure chamber 23 expands, the meniscus MN of the liquid LQ is pulled inward from the nozzle face 14, thereby supplying the liquid LQ from the supply channel 22 to the pressure chamber 23. Figure 4 The middle part illustrates the case of the liquid ejector head 11 at a certain instant when the driving pulse P0 is maintained in the state s3 of the second potential E2.

[0102] When the driving pulse P0 changes from the second potential E2 to the third potential E3, the driving element 31 to which the driving pulse P0 is applied deforms in a way that narrows the pressure chamber 23. When the pressure chamber 23 narrows, droplets DR are ejected from the nozzle 13. Figure 4The lower part illustrates the case of a liquid ejector head 11 at a certain instant when the drive pulse P0 is maintained at the third potential E3 state s5. Although the ejection direction D1 of the droplet DR is the direction of separation from the nozzle surface 14, it is not limited to a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface 14. The droplet DR is sometimes divided into a main droplet DR1 and an accessory droplet DR2 smaller than the main droplet DR1, and sometimes includes a secondary accessory droplet DR3 smaller than the accessory droplet DR2. The secondary accessory droplet DR3 sometimes does not fall onto the recording medium MD, and sometimes adheres to the nozzle surface 14 near the nozzle 13. The secondary accessory droplet DR3 adhering to the nozzle surface 14 sometimes affects the ejection direction D1 of subsequent droplets DR.

[0103] When the drive pulse P0 returns from the third potential E3 to the first potential E1, the drive element 31, to which the drive pulse P0 is applied, deforms to expand the pressure chamber 23 back to its original size. When the pressure chamber 23 expands to its original size, liquid LQ is supplied from the supply channel 22 into the pressure chamber 23. Therefore, the liquid ejector head 11... Figure 4 The state shown at the bottom returns to Figure 4 The state shown at the top.

[0104] Since the driving pulse P0 only needs to be sufficient to eject the droplet DR from the nozzle 13, it is not limited to... Figure 3 The waveform shown. For example, the movement of the driving element 31 relative to the potential E of the driving pulse P0 is... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the opposite direction of the example shown, Figure 5A The driving pulse P0 shown can also be applied to the driving element 31. For example, in a structure where the vibrating plate 30 and the driving element 31 are stacked oppositely. Furthermore, Figure 5B The driving pulse P0 shown can also be applied to the driving element 31.

[0105] Figure 5A The first potential E1 of the driving pulse P0 shown is also the potential between the second potential E2 and the third potential E3. However, Figure 5A The second potential E2 shown is higher than the first potential E1. Figure 5A The third potential E3 shown is lower than the first potential E1 and lower than the second potential E2. Even if Figure 5A The driving pulse P0 shown also achieves Figure 4 The operation of the liquid ejector head 11 shown.

[0106] Figure 5B The second potential E2 of the driving pulse P0 shown is lower than the first potential E1. Figure 5B The third potential E3 shown is lower than the first potential E1 and higher than the second potential E2. Because even... Figure 5BThe driving pulse P0 shown will also cause the driving element 31 to deform in such a way that the pressure chamber 23 narrows as the driving pulse P0 changes from the second potential E2 to the third potential E3, so that the droplet DR is ejected from the nozzle 13.

[0107] Of course, the driving pulse P0 can... Figure 5B The waveforms shown can be set to various other waveforms, such as those with up-and-down reversals. Regardless of the waveform, it can be expressed by a set of parameters including states s1 to s6, timing t1 to t6, time T1 to T6, differences d1 and d2, and potential change rates ΔE(s2), ΔE(s4), and ΔE(s6).

[0108] When the states s1 to s6 of the drive pulse P0 change, the ejection characteristics of the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid nozzle 11 will change. Therefore, when drive pulses P0 with different waveforms are applied to the drive element 31 according to the ejection characteristics, various ejection characteristics corresponding to the ejection characteristics can be imparted to the liquid nozzle 11 ejecting the liquid LQ.

[0109] Furthermore, the state of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejector head 11 varies depending on the type of recording medium MD, the properties of the liquid LQ, etc. Here, the state of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejector head 11 is referred to as the paper surface characteristic. When a drive pulse P0 with a different waveform is applied to the drive element 31 according to the paper surface characteristic, various ejection characteristics corresponding to the paper surface characteristics can be imparted to the liquid ejector head 11 ejecting the liquid LQ.

[0110] In this specific example, the liquid ejection head 11, which ejects liquid LQ, is given various ejection characteristics corresponding to the recording conditions by applying drive pulses P0 with different waveforms to the drive element 31 according to the recording conditions, including ejection characteristics and paper characteristics. The ejection characteristics and paper characteristics will be explained below.

[0111] (3) Specific examples of ejection characteristics:

[0112] Figure 6 An example of a target ejection characteristic table TA1 is illustrated schematically. The target ejection characteristic table TA1 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1The computer 200 shown uses storage device 204 to determine the waveform of the drive pulse P0. For each of the various ejection characteristic items such as drive frequency f0, ejection volume VM, ejection velocity VC, ejection angle θ, aspect ratio AR, etc., target values ​​and permissible ranges are stored in the target ejection characteristic table TA1. For ease of explanation, each ejection characteristic item is associated with an identification number No. 1 to 1. Figure 6 As shown, the ejection characteristics include drive frequency f0, ejection volume VM, ejection velocity VC, ejection angle θ, aspect ratio AR, etc.

[0113] The driving frequency f0 is the frequency at which the driving element 31 is driven, such as... Figure 3 The value shown is the reciprocal of the period T0 of the drive pulse P0, expressed in units such as kHz. The ejection volume VM refers to the amount of liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31 at a predetermined period, expressed in units such as the volume of droplets DR ejected from the nozzle 13 in one period, and expressed in units pL. The ejection velocity VC refers to the velocity of the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31, expressed in units such as the ejection velocity of the main droplet DR1 when accessory point DR2 is generated, or the ejection velocity of the droplet DR when accessory point DR2 is not generated, and expressed in units m / s. The ejection angle θ refers to the angle of the ejection direction D1 of the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 relative to the reference direction when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31. Aspect ratio AR refers to an index value that represents the shape of the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 when a drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0114] The target value refers to the value set as the target for each ejection characteristic item in order to determine the waveform of the drive pulse P0. For example, if the target value of the drive frequency f0 of the drive element 31 is XX kHz, it means that the waveform of the drive pulse P0 is determined with the drive frequency f0 set to XX kHz as the target. The permissible range refers to the range that is allowed when determining the waveform of the drive pulse P0 based on the target value. For example, if the permissible range of the drive frequency f0 is -YY to +0 kHz, it means that if the drive frequency f0 is XX-YY kHz or higher and XX+0 kHz or lower, then the waveform of the drive pulse P0 is adopted. If the permissible range of the ejection volume VM is a difference of YY pL, it means that if the ejection volume VM is XX-YY pL or higher and XX+YY pL or lower, then the waveform of the drive pulse P0 is adopted.

[0115] The ejection volume VM of liquid LQ can be calculated, for example, by dividing the specific gravity of liquid LQ by a weight value, where the weight value is the weight of a predetermined number of droplets DR ejected from nozzle 13 divided by the number of droplets. In this case, it is possible to... Figure 1 The detection device 300 shown uses a weight gauge. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply a droplet DR to a recording medium 1 with known wettability to the liquid LQ, and calculate the ejection amount VM of the liquid LQ based on the diameter or penetration depth of the point formed on the recording medium and the wettability.

[0116] The ejection velocity VC of liquid LQ can be calculated, for example, by continuously capturing images of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13 using a camera and analyzing the captured image set. In this case, a camera or video camera can be used in the detection device 300. Furthermore, when liquid LQ is ejected while liquid ejection head 11 is scanning at an angle θ of 0 degrees (described later), the ratio of the distance in the scanning direction between the position of the point formed on the recording medium and the position of liquid ejection head 11 at the time of liquid ejection, and the distance in the height direction between liquid ejection head 11 and the recording medium, is approximately the same as the ratio of the scanning velocity of liquid ejection head 11 to the ejection velocity VC of liquid LQ. Based on this relationship, the ejection velocity VC of the liquid can also be calculated.

[0117] The driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is, for example, when the driving pulse P0 is... Figure 3 After being displayed on a visually recognizable system as shown, its shape can be determined. Furthermore, the time displacement of the potential of the drive signal COM can be measured, and the drive frequency f0 of the drive element 31 can be determined based on the measurement result. In this case, a voltmeter can be used in the detection device 300.

[0118] Figure 7 An example of detecting the angle θ of the ejection direction D1 of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13 is schematically shown. At this time, the liquid nozzle 11 ejects liquid LQ while stationary. Angle θ is defined as the angle between the ejection direction D1 of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13 and the reference direction D0, with the ideal direction of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13 as the reference direction D0. This angle is called the ejection angle θ. Figure 7 The reference direction D0 shown is orthogonal to the nozzle surface 14. The ejection angle θ can be determined, for example, by utilizing the interval L11 between the nozzle surface 14 and the recording medium MD, and the distance L12 on the recording medium MD from the position of the nozzle 13 in the reference direction D0 to the position where the point DT is formed, and by tan... -1(L12 / L11) is thus calculated. The distance L12 can be calculated, for example, by taking an image of a recording medium MD with a dot DT using a camera and detecting the length corresponding to the distance L12 in the captured image. In this case, a camera or video camera can be used in the detection device 300. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In addition, the angle θ can be directly detected by photographing the ejected liquid LQ from a depth perspective. Furthermore, the ejected liquid LQ can also be photographed from below.

[0119] Figure 8A , 8B An example of detecting the shape of the ejected liquid is schematically shown. In the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, not only are there... Figure 8A As shown, there are undivided droplet DRs, and also, as Figure 8B As shown, droplets DR are divided into a main droplet DR1 and secondary droplets DR2. Sometimes, secondary droplets DR3 are formed within droplets DR. Furthermore, even undivided droplets DR can sometimes take on an elongated, columnar shape.

[0120] Therefore, the aspect ratio AR of the distribution of the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13 is set as an index value of the ejected liquid shape. The aspect ratio AR can be calculated, for example, based on the spatial distribution of the subsequent droplets DR that separate from nozzle 13. Here, when the length in the longest direction in the spatial distribution of droplets DR is set as LA, and the length in the direction orthogonal to the aforementioned direction is set as LB, the aspect ratio can be set as AR = LA / LB. Since the longest direction in the spatial distribution of droplets DR is often the ejection direction D1, it is also possible to set the length in the ejection direction D1 as LA and the length in the direction orthogonal to the ejection direction D1 as LB in the spatial distribution of droplets DR. In addition, if as Figure 8A As shown, if the droplet DR is not segmented, then the LA / LB ratio of the droplet DR's shape becomes the aspect ratio AR. In this case, if the droplet DR becomes elongated and cylindrical, the aspect ratio AR will increase; if the droplet DR is nearly spherical, the aspect ratio AR will decrease. If... Figure 8B As shown, if the droplet DR is divided, then LA / LB, including the space where there is no liquid LQ, will become the aspect ratio AR. In this case, the aspect ratio AR will increase when a sub-attached point DR3 is generated in the droplet DR.

[0121] The aspect ratio AR can be determined, for example, by using a camera to photograph the droplets DR ejected from the nozzle 13 and detecting the lengths LA and LB in the captured image. In this case, a camera or video camera can be used in the detection device 300.

[0122] (4) Specific examples of properties on paper:

[0123] Figures 9A-9C An example of paper surface characteristics testing is illustrated. These characteristics include the coverage (CR) of the dot DT, the bleed (FT), and the dye penetration (BD).

[0124] Figure 9A An example of detecting the coverage ratio CR of dots DT formed when a drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31 is schematically shown. The coverage ratio CR is the ratio of the area occupied by dots DT formed on the recording medium MD when a predetermined number of droplets DR are ejected from the nozzle 13; it can also be described as the ratio of the area occupied by dots DT in the recording medium MD when a predetermined number of droplets DR are ejected per unit area of ​​the recording medium MD. Figure 9A As an illustrative example, this illustrates a case where nine dots DT are formed per unit area of ​​the recording medium MD as a predetermined number. Here, dots DT1, represented by solid lines, are smaller dots, and dots DT2, represented by double-dotted lines, are larger dots. The coverage ratio CR of the smaller dots DT1 is less than the coverage ratio CR of the larger dots. The coverage ratio CR of the dots DT can be determined, for example, by taking a picture of the recording medium MD with dots DT using a camera and detecting the ratio of the number of dots DT present in the recorded medium MD in the captured image. In this case, a camera or video camera can be used in the detection device 300.

[0125] Figure 9B An example of detecting the percolation amount FT of the point DT formed when a drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31 is schematically shown. The percolation amount FT is the amount of liquid LQ percolating onto the recording medium MD; it can also be described as an index value representing the amount of percolation portion Df from the main body portion Db corresponding to the portion of the droplet DR that has sprayed onto the recording medium MD. The phenomenon of liquid percolation in the recording medium is also called feathering. Since the color of the percolation portion Df is different from the color of the main body portion Db, when the percolation portion Df increases, it will be identified as color unevenness. Here, since the percolation portion Df is the portion of the droplet flow that should have been fixed onto the main body portion Db, the image density is lower compared to the main body portion Db. Therefore, for example, by pre-storing thresholds for the image concentration of the main body portion Db and the image concentration of the infiltrated portion Df, it is possible to identify regions in the image formed on the recording medium MD with lower image concentration than the aforementioned thresholds as infiltrated portions Df, and regions with higher image concentration than the aforementioned thresholds as the main body portion Db.

[0126] The seepage amount FT can be set as, for example, the ratio of the area of ​​the seepage portion Df to the area of ​​the main body portion Db. In this case, the larger the area ratio of the seepage portion Df to the main body portion Db, the larger the seepage amount FT. The seepage amount FT can be calculated, for example, by taking a picture of a recording medium MD with dots DT using a camera and detecting the ratio of the area of ​​the seepage portion Df to the area of ​​the main body portion Db in the captured image. In this case, a camera or video camera can be used in the detection device 300.

[0127] In addition, the seepage amount FT can also be the average length from the outer edge of the main body part Db to the outer edge of the seepage part Df, etc.

[0128] Furthermore, the amount of ink penetration (FT) can be calculated not only in point units (microscopic viewpoints) but also in image units (macroscopic viewpoints). For example, a 100% duty cycle area where droplets DR are ejected from nozzle 13 at 100% duty cycle and a blank area of ​​paper where droplets DR are not ejected from nozzle 13 can be formed adjacent to each other on the recording medium MD, and the amount of ink penetration (FT) between the 100% duty cycle area and the blank area of ​​paper can be calculated in the same way as described above. Here, 100% duty cycle means that droplets DR are sprayed onto all pixels on the recording medium MD.

[0129] Furthermore, since the more infiltration area Df, the greater the centroidal moment of the dot DT on the recording medium MD, the centroidal moment of the dot DT can also be set as the infiltration amount FT. Here, the centroidal moment of the dot DT can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the distance between the centroidal position (obtained based on the pixel position and density when differentiating the dot DTs on the recording medium MD by pixels) and the designed center position of the dot DT by the total density of each pixel. Pixel density refers to the density of that portion of the dot DT, and can be calculated, for example, based on the brightness of that pixel.

[0130] Furthermore, the more infiltrated areas Df there are, the greater the deviation in the center position of the point DT formed by the droplets DR that are ejected multiple times from the same nozzle 13. This deviation can be represented, for example, by the standard deviation of the deviation from the designed center position of the point DT to the actual center position of the formed point DT.

[0131] Figure 9CAn example of detecting the amount of bleeding (BD) of the dot DT formed when a drive pulse for obtaining recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31 is illustrated schematically. The amount of bleeding (BD) can be described as an index value representing the degree of bleeding between droplets DR sprayed from nozzle 13 onto the recording medium MD, and also representing the amount of mixing portion (Dm) generated on the recording medium MD due to the attraction between droplets DR due to differences in surface tension, etc. The phenomenon of droplets DR sprayed from nozzle 13 onto the recording medium MD bleeding between each other is called bleeding. Since the color of the mixing portion (Dm) differs from the color of the surrounding dots, when the mixing portion (Dm) increases, it is identified as color unevenness. Especially when the hues of the droplets DR sprayed onto the recording medium MD are different, color unevenness is easily made more noticeable by subtractive mixing when the droplets DR bleed between each other.

[0132] When the two points DT of the mixture Dm that have diffused in a liquid state have different hues, for example, the mixture Dm can be identified based on the image on the recording medium MD in the following manner. Here, the hue angle of the first point formed on the recording medium MD by only the first droplet is set as α1, the hue angle of the second point formed on the recording medium MD by only the second droplet is set as α2, which is different from α1, and the hue angle of the mixture Dm formed by the first and second droplets is set as α3. The hue angle α3 of the mixture Dm is different from either α1 or α2. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the portion within the area of ​​the two points DT having the mixture Dm whose hue angle is different from either α1 or α2 is the mixture Dm, and it is possible to determine that the portion with a hue angle of α1 or α2 is a region that is not the mixture Dm. In addition, since the hue of a point may sometimes change to some extent even outside of diffusion, the condition for the hue angle of the region that is determined to be a region that is not the mixture Dm can be slightly relaxed. For example, it is also possible to identify the region of the two points DT with the mixing part Dm as the mixing part Dm, that has a hue angle that is neither greater than α1×9 / 10 nor less than α1×11 / 10, nor greater than α2×9 / 10 nor less than α2×11 / 10.

[0133] In addition to the hue angle, the blending part Dm can also be distinguished by factors such as the density of local areas of point DT. The density of local areas can be calculated, for example, based on the brightness of the local area.

[0134] The amount of ink bleeding, BD, can be set as, for example, the ratio of the area of ​​the mixed portion, Dm, to the total area of ​​the dots, DT. In this case, the larger the area ratio of the mixed portion, Dm, the larger the amount of ink bleeding, BD. The amount of ink bleeding, BD, can be calculated, for example, by taking a picture of a recording medium, MD, having dots, DT using a camera and detecting the ratio of the area of ​​the mixed portion, Dm, to the total area of ​​the dots, DT in the captured image. In this case, a camera or video camera can be used in the detection device 300.

[0135] Furthermore, the amount of ink penetration (BD) can be calculated not only in point units, i.e., microscopic viewpoints, but also in image units, i.e., macroscopic viewpoints. For example, a first region from which a first droplet is ejected from nozzle 13 at 100% duty cycle and a second region from which a second droplet is ejected from nozzle 13 at 100% duty cycle are formed adjacently on a recording medium MD, and the amount of ink penetration (BD) between the first region and the second region is calculated in the same manner as described above.

[0136] (5) Specific example of the drive pulse setting steps:

[0137] Figure 10 An example of a drive pulse setting step is shown, in which different drive pulses P0 are set according to recording conditions, including ejection characteristics and paper surface characteristics. The drive pulse setting step is performed by a computer 200 that executes the drive pulse determination program PRO. Here, step S102 corresponds to the acquisition process ST1, acquisition function FU1, and acquisition unit U1. Step S104 corresponds to the determination process ST2, determination function FU2, and determination unit U2. Step S106 corresponds to the drive process ST3, application control function FU3, and drive unit U3. Step S110 corresponds to the storage process ST4, storage function FU4, and storage processing unit U4. Hereinafter, the description of "steps" is omitted. When the drive pulse setting step is executed, the liquid ejection method of this technology is implemented. The computer 200 and the device 10 correspond to the liquid ejection device of this technology.

[0138] The computer 200 executes a drive pulse setting process in conjunction with the drive pulse setting step. When the drive pulse setting process begins, the computer 200 performs a recording condition acquisition process (S102) to acquire the recording condition 400. The computer 200 automatically acquires the recording condition 400 based on the driving result when a pre-defined default drive pulse P0 is applied to the drive element 31. That is, in the following description, the recording condition 400 refers to the value corresponding to the default drive pulse P0. Details of acquiring the recording condition 400 will be described later.

[0139] After recording condition 400 is obtained, computer 200 performs drive pulse determination processing (S104) based on recording condition 400 to determine the drive pulse P0 to be applied in subsequent S106 in order to bring the actual ejection characteristics and paper characteristics into the allowable range of target values. Alternatively, computer 200 may automatically determine one drive pulse P0 to be applied in S106 from multiple drive pulses based on recording condition 400 in order to bring the actual ejection characteristics and paper characteristics into the allowable range of target values. Details of determining the drive pulse P0 to be applied in S106 will be described later.

[0140] Subsequently, the computer 200 implements an application control process (S106) to apply the drive pulse P0 determined in S104 to the drive element 31. For example, the computer 200 may also send waveform information 60 representing the drive pulse P0 determined in S104 to the device 10 along with the ejection request. In this case, the device 10, including the liquid ejection head 11, only needs to implement the process of receiving the waveform information 60 along with the ejection request, the process of storing the waveform information 60 in the memory 43, and the process of applying the drive pulse P0 formed according to the waveform information 60 to the drive element 31. As a result, liquid LQ is ejected from the nozzle 13 in a manner that is within the allowable range of the target value, and when the ejected droplet DR lands on the recording medium MD, a dot DT is formed on the recording medium MD in a manner that is within the allowable range of the target value. Therefore, the computer 200 works in conjunction with the device 10 to implement the drive process ST3, and the computer 200 and the device 10 become the drive unit U3, with the computer 200 performing the control function FU3.

[0141] After the drive pulse P0 is applied, the computer 200 branches the processing (S108) according to whether the drive pulse P0 applied in S106 is used. For example, when the computer 200 receives an operation from a user using the applied drive pulse P0 via the input device 205, the processing proceeds to S110; when the computer 200 receives an operation from a user not using the applied drive pulse P0 via the input device 205, the processing returns to S104. Alternatively, the computer 200 may automatically determine whether to use the drive pulse P0 based on the driving result of S106.

[0142] When the conditions are met, the computer 200 performs a storage process (S110) that is, it stores the waveform information 60 representing the waveform of the drive pulse P0 determined in S104 in a state associated with the identification information ID of the liquid nozzle 11 in the storage unit. For example, in the storage unit... Figure 1In the case of the memory 43 of the device 10 shown, the computer 200 can also send the waveform information 60 representing the drive pulse P0 determined in S104 along with the storage request to the device 10. In this case, the device 10, which includes the liquid ejector head 11, only needs to perform the process of receiving the waveform information 60 along with the storage request and the process of storing the waveform information 60 in the memory 43. In this way, in the storage process ST4, the following operation is performed: the waveform information 60 is sent by the computer 200 located outside the storage unit, so that the waveform information 60 is stored in the storage unit in a state associated with the identification information ID. When the device 10 applies the drive pulse P0 that conforms to the waveform information 60 stored in the memory 43 to the drive element 31, the liquid LQ is ejected from the nozzle 13 in a manner that corresponds to the ejection characteristics of the recording condition 400, and the dot DT is formed on the recording medium MD in a manner that corresponds to the paper characteristics of the recording condition 400.

[0143] Furthermore, the storage device 204 of the computer 200 can also be a storage unit. In this case, the computer 200 stores the waveform information 60 in the storage device 204 in a state associated with the identification information ID. Although details will be described later, the storage device of the server computer connected to the computer 200 can also be a storage unit.

[0144] When the drive pulse P0 is stored Figure 10 The drive pulse setting steps shown are now complete.

[0145] (6) Explanation of the driving pulse determination step:

[0146] Figures 11-17 It shows in Figure 10 An example of the drive pulse determination step implemented in S104. The drive pulse determination step is implemented by computer 200. Figures 11-17 The process is illustrated with graphs where the horizontal axis is set to time t and the vertical axis to potential E. In these graphs, [the following is a list of graphs / charts]. Figure 3 The waveform of the driving pulse P0 shown is set to the default, and the waveform after the change from the default waveform is represented by a thick line.

[0147] In this specific example, the focus is on changing Figure 3 , 5A The waveform of the drive pulse P0 shown in Figure 5B allows for control of the characteristics of the liquid ejector head 11 on the paper surface, and the drive pulse P0 with different waveforms is determined according to the recording conditions 400, including the characteristics on the paper surface. Therefore, in Figure 10In the recording condition acquisition step S102, the recording condition 400 includes the characteristics on the paper as a premise. In S102, the computer 200 performs a recording condition acquisition process that acquires the state of DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13 as the recording condition 400. Figure 11 An example is shown where the drive pulse P0 determines the third potential E3 differently based on the recording conditions 400, including the characteristics on the paper. Figure 12 An example is shown where the drive pulse P0 determines the first potential E1 differently based on the recording conditions 400, including the characteristics on the paper. Figure 13 An example is shown where the driving pulse P0 determines the different rates of potential change ΔE(s2) based on recording conditions 400, including characteristics on the paper. Figure 14 An example is shown where the driving pulse P0 determines the different potential change rate ΔE(s4) based on the recording conditions 400, including the characteristics on the paper. Figure 15 An example is shown where the driving pulse P0 determines the different rates of change of potential ΔE(s6) based on recording conditions 400, including characteristics on the paper. Figure 16 An example is shown where the time T2 of the second potential E2 is determined based on the recording conditions 400, including the characteristics on the paper. Figure 17 An example is shown where the time T4 of the third potential E3 is determined based on the recording conditions 400, including the characteristics on the paper. Furthermore, the time T2 of the second potential E2 is also referred to as the second potential time T2, and the time T4 of the third potential E3 is also referred to as the third potential time T4.

[0148] Computer 200 executes drive pulse determination processing in conjunction with the drive pulse determination step. Figure 11 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, the computer 200 makes a decision based on... Figure 10 The third potential E3 obtained from the recording condition 400 in S102 is determined by the third potential determination process (S212). The computer 200 automatically determines the third potential E3 based on the recording condition 400. The process of obtaining the third potential E3 is included in the process of determining the third potential E3. The details of determining the third potential E3 will be described later.

[0149] After determining the third potential E3, the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S214) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the third potential E3. This is because when the third potential E3 is changed according to the default drive pulse, some of the other parameters also need to be changed. When referring to Figure 3In the explanation, other parameters of the driving pulse P0 include the potential change rates ΔE(s2), ΔE(s4), and ΔE(s6) under states s2, s4, and s6, the time T2 of the second potential E2, the time T4 of the third potential E3, and the period T0. The computer 200 can also automatically determine other parameters based on the third potential E3. When multiple different driving pulses are prepared based on the third potential E3, the computer 200 can select the driving pulse with the same or closest third potential E3 from the prepared multiple driving pulses. This case is also included in the case where the parameters of the driving pulse P0 are determined in conjunction with the third potential E3. Furthermore, by storing the waveform information representing the multiple prepared driving pulses in the storage device 204, the computer 200 can use the waveform information read from the storage device 204 in the driving pulse selection process. The process of obtaining other parameters is included in the process of determining the parameters of the driving pulse P0.

[0150] exist Figure 11 The diagram illustrates examples of how the rate of potential change ΔE(s4) changes during the period from the second potential E2 to the third potential E3 (state s4) in accordance with the change of the third potential E3, and how the rate of potential change ΔE(s6) changes during the period from the third potential E3 back to the first potential E1 (state s6). This is based on the assumption that the period T0 and the individual times T1 to T6 remain unchanged. Figure 11 As shown in S214, when the third potential E3 increases from the default waveform, the potential change rates ΔE(s4) and ΔE(s6) will increase. Although not illustrated, when the third potential E3 decreases from the default waveform, the potential change rates ΔE(s4) and ΔE(s6) will decrease.

[0151] The method for determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the third potential E3 is not limited to the example described above. Although not illustrated, examples can also be considered where the second potential time T2 and the time T6 at the first potential E1 are changed in conjunction with the change of the third potential E3. This assumes that the period T0, timings t1, t2, t4, and t5, and the rate of potential change under the states s2, s4, and s6 where the potential changes are not altered. When the third potential E3 increases from the default waveform, the second potential time T2 shortens, and the time T6 at the first potential E1 also shortens. Furthermore, examples can also be considered where the third potential time T4 is changed in conjunction with the change of the third potential E3, and examples where both the second potential time T2 and the rate of potential change ΔE(s6) are changed.

[0152] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, the computer 200 makes a decision based on... Figure 10The first potential determination process (S222) of the first potential E1 obtained by recording condition 400 in S102. Figure 13 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, computer 20 makes a decision based on... Figure 10 The potential change rate determination process (S232) is obtained by recording condition 400 as described in S102, which determines the potential change rate ΔE(s2). Figure 14 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, the computer 200 makes a decision based on... Figure 10 The potential change rate determination process (S242) is performed on the potential change rate ΔE(s4) obtained under recording conditions 400 as described in S102. Figure 15 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, the computer 200 makes a decision based on... Figure 10 The potential change rate determination process (S252) is based on the recording condition 400 obtained in S102, which yields the potential change rate ΔE(s6). Figure 16 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, the computer 200 makes a decision based on... Figure 10 The second potential time determination process (S262) is obtained by recording condition 400 in S102 and then processing the second potential time T2. Figure 17 In the example shown, when the drive pulse decision process begins, the computer 200 makes a decision based on... Figure 10 The third potential time determination process (S272) is performed based on the recording conditions 400 obtained in S102 to determine the third potential time T4. In any case, the computer 200 can automatically determine the initial parameters of the first potential E1, etc., based on the recording conditions 400.

[0153] The process of obtaining the first potential E1 is included in the process of determining the first potential E1. The process of obtaining the potential change rate ΔE(s2) is included in the process of determining the potential change rate ΔE(s2). The process of obtaining the potential change rate ΔE(s4) is included in the process of determining the potential change rate ΔE(s4). The process of obtaining the potential change rate ΔE(s6) is included in the process of determining the potential change rate ΔE(s6). The process of obtaining the second potential time T2 is included in the process of determining the second potential time T2. The process of obtaining the third potential time T4 is included in the process of determining the third potential time T4. The details of determining the initial parameters of the first potential E1, etc., will be described later.

[0154] exist Figure 12In the example shown, after the first potential E1 is determined, the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S224) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the first potential E1. Figure 13 In the example shown, after determining the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2), the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S234) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2). Figure 14 In the example shown, after determining the potential change rate ΔE(s4), the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S244) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the potential change rate ΔE(s4). Figure 15 In the example shown, after determining the potential change rate ΔE(s6), the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S254) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the potential change rate ΔE(s6). Figure 16 In the example shown, after the determination of the second potential time T2, the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S264) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the second potential time T2. Figure 17 In the example shown, after the third potential time T4 is determined, the computer 200 performs parameter determination processing (S274) to determine the various parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the third potential time T4. This is because when a parameter is changed from the default drive pulse, some of the other parameters also need to be changed.

[0155] Computer 200 can also automatically determine other parameters based on initial parameters. When multiple different drive pulses are prepared according to the initial parameters, computer 200 can also select the drive pulse with the same or closest initial parameters from the prepared drive pulses. This is also included in the case where the parameters of drive pulse P0 are determined in conjunction with the initial parameters. Furthermore, by storing waveform information representing the multiple prepared drive pulses in storage device 204, computer 200 can use the waveform information read from storage device in the drive pulse selection process. The process of obtaining other parameters is included in the process of determining the parameters of drive pulse P0.

[0156] exist Figure 12 The diagram illustrates examples of the rate of potential change ΔE(s2) during the period from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2 (state s2) and the rate of potential change ΔE(s6) during the period from the third potential E3 back to the first potential E1 (state s6). This is based on the assumption that the period T0 and the individual times T1 to T6 remain unchanged. Figure 12As shown in S224, when the first potential E1 increases from the default waveform, the potential change rate ΔE(s2) increases and the potential change rate ΔE(s6) decreases. Although not illustrated, when the first potential E1 decreases from the default waveform, the potential change rate ΔE(s2) decreases and the potential change rate ΔE(s6) increases.

[0157] The method of determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the first potential E1 is not limited to the example described above. Although not illustrated, it is also possible to consider changing the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 and the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 in conjunction with changes in the first potential E1. As a prerequisite, the period T0, the timing t1, t3, and t5 at which the potential change begins, and the rate of potential change in states s2, s4, and s6 are not changed. When the first potential E1 increases from the default waveform, the time T2 of state s3 becomes shorter, and the time T4 of state s5 becomes longer. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider changing the period T0 of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with changes in the first potential E1. As a prerequisite, the rate of potential change in states s2, s4, and s6 are not changed, the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 is not changed, the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 is not changed, and the time T6 of state s1 is not changed. When the first potential E1 increases from the default waveform, the time T1 of state s2 will increase, the time T5 of state s6 will decrease, and the period T0 will change according to the changes in time T1 and T5. Furthermore, examples can be considered of changing the potential change rate ΔE(s2) and the second potential time T2 in conjunction with the change of the first potential E1, and examples of changing the potential change rate ΔE(s6) and the third potential time T4 in conjunction with the change of the first potential E1.

[0158] exist Figure 13 The example shown illustrates how changing the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 in conjunction with altering the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2) is used. This is predicated on the period T0, timings t1, t5, and t6 remaining unchanged, the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 remaining unchanged, and the rate of change of potential ΔE(s4) in state s4 remaining unchanged. Figure 13 As shown in S234, when the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2) decreases from the default waveform, the time T1 of state s2 becomes longer, timings t2, t3, and t4 will be delayed, and the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 becomes shorter. Although not illustrated, when the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2) increases from the default waveform, the time T1 of state s2 becomes shorter, timings t2, t3, and t4 will be advanced, and the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 becomes longer.

[0159] The method of determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the potential change rate ΔE(s2) is not limited to the example described above. Although not illustrated, it is also possible to consider an example where the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 is changed by altering the potential change rate ΔE(s2). As a prerequisite, the period T0 and the timings t1, t3 to t6 are not changed. When the potential change rate ΔE(s2) decreases from the default waveform, the time T1 of state s2 becomes longer, and the time T2 of state s3 becomes shorter. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider an example where the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2 is changed by altering the potential change rate ΔE(s2). As a prerequisite, the period T0, the timings t1, t4, and t6, the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 are not changed, and the potential change rates ΔE(s4) and ΔE(s6) in states s4 and s6 are not changed. When the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2) decreases from the default waveform, the time T1 of state s2 becomes longer, the timings t2, t3, and t5 will be delayed, and the third potential E3 will decrease. That is, the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2 becomes smaller. Furthermore, examples can be considered such as changing the period T0 of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the change of the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2), changing the time T2 of the second potential and the time T4 of the third potential in conjunction with the change of the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2), and changing the time T2 of the second potential and the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) in conjunction with the change of the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2).

[0160] exist Figure 14 The example shown illustrates how changing the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 in conjunction with altering the rate of change of potential ΔE(s4) is used. This is predicated on the period T0 remaining unchanged, and the timing t1–t3, t5, and t6 remaining constant. (As in...) Figure 14 As shown in S244, when the rate of change of potential ΔE(s4) decreases from the default waveform, the time T3 of state s4 becomes longer, the timing t4 is delayed, and the time T4 of state s5, which is at the third potential E3, becomes shorter. Although not illustrated, when the rate of change of potential ΔE(s4) increases from the default waveform, the time T3 of state s4 becomes shorter, the timing t4 is advanced, and the time T4 of state s5, which is at the third potential E3, becomes longer.

[0161] The method of determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the potential change rate ΔE(s4) is not limited to the examples described above. Although not illustrated, it is also possible to consider an example where the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 is changed by altering the potential change rate ΔE(s4). As a prerequisite, the period T0 and timings t1, t2, t4 to t6 are not changed. When the potential change rate ΔE(s4) decreases from the default waveform, the time T3 of state s4 becomes longer, and the time T2 of state s3 becomes shorter. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider an example where the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2 is changed by altering the potential change rate ΔE(s4). As a prerequisite, the period T0, timings t1 to t4, t6, and the potential change rate ΔE(s6) in state s6 are not changed. When the potential change rate ΔE(s4) decreases from the default waveform, timing t5 is delayed, and the third potential E3 decreases. That is, the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2 becomes smaller. Moreover, examples can also be considered such as changing the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 by changing the potential change rate ΔE(s4), changing the second potential time T2 and the third potential time T4 by changing the potential change rate ΔE(s4), and changing the second potential time T2 and the potential change rate ΔE(s6) by changing the potential change rate ΔE(s4).

[0162] exist Figure 15 The example shown illustrates how changing the time T6 in the state of the first potential E1 in conjunction with changing the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) is used. This is on the premise that the period T0 and the timing t1 to t5 are not changed. For example, in... Figure 15 As shown in S254, when the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) decreases from the default waveform, the time T5 of state s6 becomes longer, the timing t6 is delayed, and the time T6 at the first potential E1 becomes shorter. Although not illustrated, when the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) increases from the default waveform, the time T5 of state s6 becomes shorter, the timing t6 is advanced, and the time T6 at the first potential E1 becomes longer.

[0163] The method of determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the potential change rate ΔE(s6) is not limited to the examples described above. Although not illustrated, it is also possible to consider an example where the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 is changed in conjunction with the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s6). As a prerequisite, the period T0 and the timing t1 to t4 and t6 are not changed. When the potential change rate ΔE(s6) decreases from the default waveform, the time T5 of state s6 becomes longer, and the time T4 of the third potential becomes shorter. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider an example where the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2 is changed in conjunction with the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s6). As a prerequisite, the period T0, the timing t1 to t3 and t6 are not changed, and the potential change rates ΔE(s2) and ΔE(s4) in states s2 and s4 are not changed. When the potential change rate ΔE(s6) decreases from the default waveform, the timing t4 is advanced, and the third potential E3 decreases. That is, the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2 becomes smaller. Moreover, examples can also be considered such as changing the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 by changing the potential change rate ΔE(s6), changing the time T6 at the first potential E1 and the time T4 at the third potential E3 by changing the potential change rate ΔE(s6), and changing the time T6 at the first potential E1 and the potential change rate ΔE(s4) by changing the potential change rate ΔE(s6).

[0164] exist Figure 16 The example shown illustrates how changing the time T4 of state s5 at the third potential E3 in conjunction with changing the time T2 of the second potential alters the time of the state s5. This is predicated on the period T0, timings t1, t2, t5, and t6 remaining unchanged, and the rate of potential change under states s2, s4, and s6 where the potential changes remaining unchanged. For example, in... Figure 16 As shown in S264, when the second potential time T2 becomes longer than the default waveform, timings t3 and t4 are delayed, and the time T4 of the third potential E3 becomes shorter. Although not illustrated, when the second potential time T2 becomes shorter than the default waveform, timings t3 and t4 are advanced, and the time T4 of the third potential E3 becomes longer.

[0165] The method for determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the second potential time T2 is not limited to the example described above. Although not illustrated, it is also possible to consider an example where the rate of potential change ΔE(s6) in state s6, which changes from the third potential E3 to the first potential E1, is changed in conjunction with the change of the second potential time T2. As a prerequisite, the period T0, the third potential time T4, the timings t1, t2, and t6 are not changed, and the rates of potential change ΔE(s2) and ΔE(s4) in states s2 and s4 are not changed. When the second potential time T2 becomes longer from the default waveform, the timings t3 to t5 are delayed, and the rate of potential change ΔE(s6) increases. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider an example where the period T0 of the drive pulse P0 is changed in conjunction with the change of the second potential time T2. As a prerequisite, the rate of potential change in states s2, s4, and s6, where the potential changes, is not changed, the time T4 in state s5 at the third potential E3 is not changed, and the time T6 in state s1 at the first potential E1 is not changed. When the second potential time T2 increases from the default waveform, the period T0 increases. Furthermore, examples can be considered that change the time T4 at the third potential E3 and the time T6 at the first potential E1 in conjunction with the change of the second potential time T2, and examples can also be considered that change the time T4 at the third potential E3 and the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) in conjunction with the change of the second potential time T2.

[0166] exist Figure 17 The example shown illustrates how changing the time T2 of state s3 at the second potential E2 in conjunction with changing the time T4 of the third potential alters the time T2. This is predicated on not changing the period T0, the timings t1, t2, t5, and t6, nor the rate of potential change under the states s2, s4, and s6 where the potential changes. Figure 17 As shown in S274, when the third potential time T4 becomes longer than the default waveform, timings t3 and t4 are advanced, and the time T2 of the second potential E2 becomes shorter. Although not illustrated, when the third potential time T4 becomes shorter than the default waveform, timings t3 and t4 are delayed, and the time T2 of the second potential E2 becomes longer.

[0167] The method for determining the parameters of the drive pulse P0 in conjunction with the third potential time T4 is not limited to the example described above. Although not illustrated, it is also possible to consider an example where the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) in state s6, which changes from the third potential E3 to the first potential E1, is changed in conjunction with the change of the third potential time T4. As a prerequisite, the period T0, the timings t1 to t4 and t6, and the rates of change of potential ΔE(s2) and ΔE(s4) in states s2 and s4 are not changed. When the third potential time T4 becomes longer from the default waveform, the timing t5 is delayed, and the rate of change of potential ΔE(s6) increases. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider an example where the period T0 of the drive pulse P0 is changed in conjunction with the change of the third potential time T4. As a prerequisite, the rate of change of potential in states s2, s4, and s6, the time T2 in state s3 at the second potential E2, and the time T6 in state s1 at the first potential E1 are not changed. When the third potential time T4 becomes longer from the default waveform, the period T0 becomes longer. Furthermore, examples can be considered such as changing the second potential time T2 and the time T6 at the first potential E1 in conjunction with the change of the third potential time T4, or changing the second potential time T2 and the potential change rate ΔE(s6) in conjunction with the change of the third potential time T4.

[0168] When the parameters of the driving pulse P0 are determined, Figures 11-17 The drive pulse determination step shown ends, and then proceeds. Figure 10 The steps after S106.

[0169] In the following description, we will explain a situation where, by obtaining the recording condition 400 of one of a plurality of liquid nozzles whose recording conditions deviate due to manufacturing errors, etc., and determining the drive pulse P0 applied to that liquid nozzle, the recording achieved by that liquid nozzle approaches ideal conditions. In the following description, this particular liquid nozzle will be referred to as the "objective liquid nozzle." Furthermore, if there is no significant change in the ejection characteristics or paper characteristics of the liquid nozzle, a separate recording condition 400 obtained based on the drive result when the default drive pulse P0 is applied to the drive element 31 is associated with one liquid nozzle. Therefore, in this case, the "objective liquid nozzle" corresponding to the first recording condition and the "objective liquid nozzle" corresponding to the second recording condition different from the first recording condition are separate liquid nozzles. Furthermore, when using a liquid ejector head, situations may arise where the ejection characteristics or paper-based characteristics change over time from the start of use, or due to changes in the usage environment. In such cases, for a single liquid ejector head, a default drive pulse P0 is applied to the drive element 31 for each usage timing or environment, and based on these drive results, and according to the usage timing or environment, a separate recording condition 400 corresponds to a single liquid ejector head. Therefore, in this case, the "object liquid ejector head" corresponding to the first recording condition and the "object liquid ejector head" corresponding to a second recording condition different from the first recording condition are the same liquid ejector head.

[0170] (7) Explanation of specific examples of determining the drive pulse based on recording conditions:

[0171] The following is for reference Figure 18 The following figures illustrate examples of drive pulses P0 whose parameters differ depending on the paper characteristics, which are the recording condition 400. Paper characteristics refer to the state of the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejector head 11. For example... Figures 9A-9C As shown, the paper surface characteristics include the coverage CR of dot DT, the bleeding amount FT, and the ink bleeding amount BD. In the following description, the driving pulse P0 is set to have the function of... Figure 3 The waveform shown is the drive pulse of the waveform with modified parameters, used as the default. Furthermore, the recording condition acquisition step refers to... Figure 10 The step S102 shown refers to the driving pulse determination step. Figure 10 The steps of S104 shown.

[0172] Therefore, this liquid ejection method includes the following operations: in the acquisition step ST1, the coverage rate CR of the dot DT is acquired as a recording condition 400, and in the driving step ST3, different driving pulses P0 are applied to the driving element 31 according to the coverage rate CR acquired by the acquisition step ST1. This method can achieve different ejection characteristics according to the coverage rate CR of the dot DT, and can impart a variety of characteristics to the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejection head 11.

[0173] Furthermore, this liquid ejection method includes the following operations: in the acquisition step ST1, the percolation amount FT is acquired as a recording condition 400, and in the driving step ST3, different driving pulses P0 are applied to the driving element 31 according to the percolation amount FT acquired by the acquisition step ST1. This method can achieve different ejection characteristics according to the percolation amount FT, and can impart a variety of characteristics to the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejection head 11.

[0174] Furthermore, this liquid ejection method includes the following operations: in the acquisition step ST1, the amount of ink BD is acquired as a recording condition 400; and in the driving step ST3, different driving pulses P0 are applied to the driving element 31 according to the amount of ink BD acquired in the acquisition step ST1. This method can achieve different ejection characteristics according to the amount of ink BD, and can impart a variety of characteristics to the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejection head 11.

[0175] First, refer to Figures 18-20 An example will be given of applying a different drive pulse P0 to the drive element 31 based on the paper characteristics of the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1.

[0176] Figure 18 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step where, after performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the coverage CR of point DT as recording condition 400, a different drive pulse P0 for the third potential E3 is determined based on the coverage CR. (See reference...) Figure 9A As explained, the coverage CR is the ratio of the area occupied by point DT to the unit area of ​​the recording medium MD that forms point DT when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31. Figure 18 The driving pulse P0 shown has the following characteristics: Figure 11 The waveform of the third potential E3 was changed as shown. Additionally, Figure 19 , 20 The driving pulse P0 shown also has the following characteristics: Figure 11 The waveform of the third potential E3 was changed as shown.

[0177] First, the relationship between coverage CR and the third potential E3 will be explained.

[0178] The coverage ratio CR of dot DT is affected by the ejection volume VM and ejection velocity VC of the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, showing a trend that the lower the ejection volume VM, the smaller the coverage ratio CR, and a trend that the slower the ejection velocity VC, the smaller the coverage ratio CR. Experimental results clearly show that the higher the third potential E3, i.e., the larger the difference d2 = |E3 - E2|, the larger the coverage ratio CR of dot DT. Based on this trend, when the actual coverage ratio of dot DT formed on the recording medium MD is to be reduced due to a large coverage ratio C of dot DT, simply lowering the third potential E3 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual coverage ratio is to be increased, simply raising the third potential E3 is sufficient.

[0179] exist Figure 18 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is the second coverage CR2 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0, which has a lower third potential E3 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. In other words, the second drive pulse P2 is larger than the first drive pulse P1 in terms of the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2. Regarding the relationship between the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2 concerning the magnitude of the difference d2, in... Figure 19 , 20 The same applies to the example shown. Furthermore, when three or more drive pulses P0 with different waveforms are applied to the drive element 31, a drive pulse that can be arbitrarily selected from the three or more drive pulses P0 can be applied within a range satisfying the magnitude relationship of the difference d2, between the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2. This application... Figure 19 , 20 The same applies to the example shown.

[0180] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained coverage CR is the second coverage CR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0181] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1 that is greater than the second coverage CR2, and it is desired to reduce the actual coverage to enter the acceptable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a lower third potential E3 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual coverage is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, it is possible to make the actual coverage in the liquid nozzle of the target close to the target value.

[0182] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold of the coverage CR of point DT can be set to TCR, and the threshold TCR can be set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR of point DT is above the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the coverage CR of point DT is less than the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0183] for Figure 18 Regarding the driving pulse P0 shown, Figure 3 The potential change rates ΔE(s4) and ΔE(s6) shown change according to the change of the third potential E3. For the potential change rate ΔE(s4) during the period s4 from the second potential E2 to the third potential E3, the second driving pulse P2 is larger than the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 can be suppressed even when the third potential E3 is changed, this example can provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change of the third potential E3. Furthermore, for the potential change rate ΔE(s6) during the period s6 from the third potential E3 to the first potential E1, the second driving pulse P2 is larger than the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 caused by the change of the third potential E3 can be suppressed, this example can also provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change of the third potential E3.

[0184] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1 The drive signal COM is generated in the memory 43 shown and is used by the drive signal generation circuit 45. The drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM is applied to the drive element 31.

[0185] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2, which is less than the first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the coverage CR, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0186] Moreover, such as Figure 18 As shown, it is also possible to refer to the driving pulse P0, which has a higher potential E3 compared to the second driving pulse P2, as the third driving pulse P3. In other words, the difference d2 between the third driving pulse P3 and the second driving pulse P2 is larger. Figure 18 The diagram illustrates a case where, in a recording condition 400, the coverage CR obtained is a third coverage CR3 that is less than the second coverage CR2. The third drive pulse P3, determined by the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31, has a higher potential E3 compared to the second drive pulse P2. Of course, the determined drive pulses can be four or more. Even in the various examples below, multiple drive pulses P0 may include the third drive pulse P3, and the number of determined drive pulses can be four or more. Figure 19 , 20 In the example shown, the multiple drive pulses P0 may also include a third drive pulse P3, and the number of drive pulses determined may be more than four.

[0187] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the two thresholds for coverage CR can be set as TCR1 and TCR2, respectively, with threshold TCR1 set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2, and threshold TCR2 set between the second coverage CR2 and the third coverage CR3. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR is above threshold TCR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1; if the coverage CR is below threshold TCR1 but above threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2; and if the coverage CR is below threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the third drive pulse P3. Even when there are four or more drive pulses being determined, the thresholds can be used to determine the drive pulses in the same way.

[0188] Furthermore, even including Figure 5A ,5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the coverage of the points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD according to the coverage CR.

[0189] Figure 19 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the third potential E3 based on the percolation amount FT when performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the percolation amount FT of liquid LQ relative to the recording medium MD as a recording condition 400. (See reference...) Figure 9B As explained, the percolation amount FT is an index value representing the amount of percolation portion Df that percolates from the main body portion Db of point DT formed on the recording medium MD when a drive pulse for obtaining recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0190] First, the relationship between the infiltration rate FT and the third potential E3 will be explained.

[0191] The seepage amount FT is affected by the ejection volume VM of the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, and there is a trend that the smaller the ejection volume VM, the smaller the seepage amount FT. Experimental results clearly show that the higher the third potential E3, i.e., the larger the difference d2 = |E3 - E2|, the larger the seepage amount FT. Based on this trend, when the seepage amount FT is large and the goal is to reduce the actual seepage amount of point DT formed on the recording medium MD, simply lowering the third potential E3 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual seepage amount is large, simply raising the third potential E3 is sufficient.

[0192] exist Figure 19 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid nozzle of the object when the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is the second seepage amount FT2 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0, which has a lower third potential E3 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. In other words, the second drive pulse P2 is larger than the first drive pulse P1 in terms of the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2.

[0193] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained seepage amount FT is the second seepage amount FT2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0194] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first seepage amount FT1 that is greater than the second seepage amount FT2, and the actual seepage amount is to be reduced to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a lower third potential E3 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual seepage amount is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual seepage amount in the liquid nozzle of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0195] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the percolation amount FT can be set to TFT, and the threshold TFT can be set between the first percolation amount FT1 and the second percolation amount FT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the percolation amount FT is greater than or equal to the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the percolation amount FT is less than the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0196] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0197] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first percolation amount FT1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a second percolation amount FT2 which is less than the first percolation amount FT1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the percolation amount of the dot DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the percolation amount FT, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0198] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation in the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the amount of infiltration FT.

[0199] Figure 20 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines a different drive pulse P0 for a third potential E3 based on the amount of ink penetration BD, representing the degree of ink penetration between droplets DR sprayed from nozzle 13 onto the recording medium MD, when performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the amount of ink penetration BD as a recording condition 400. (See also...) Figure 9B As explained, the amount of ink penetration BD is an index value representing the amount of ink penetration Df that emanates from the main body portion Db of point DT formed on the recording medium MD when a drive pulse for obtaining recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0200] First, the relationship between the amount of dye penetration (BD) and the third potential (E3) will be explained.

[0201] The amount of ink bleeding (BD) is affected by the amount of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13 (VM), and there is a trend that the smaller the amount of ink bleeding (BD) is, the smaller the amount of ink bleeding (VM). Experimental results clearly show that the higher the third potential (E3), i.e., the larger the difference d2 = |E3 - E2|, the larger the amount of ink bleeding (BD). Based on this trend, when the amount of ink bleeding (BD) is large and it is desired to reduce the amount of ink bleeding determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, it is sufficient to lower the third potential (E3); conversely, when it is desired to increase the actual amount of ink bleeding, it is sufficient to raise the third potential (E3).

[0202] exist Figure 20 In the example shown, the driving pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the amount of ink penetration BD obtained as recording condition 400 is the second amount of ink penetration BD2 is referred to as the second driving pulse P2. Furthermore, the driving pulse P0, which has a lower third potential E3 compared to the second driving pulse P2, is referred to as the first driving pulse P1. In other words, the second driving pulse P2 is larger than the first driving pulse P1 in terms of the difference d2 between the third potential E3 and the second potential E2.

[0203] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained dye penetration amount BD is the second dye penetration amount BD2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual dye penetration amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0204] Furthermore, for other liquid ejector heads, the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first ink amount BD1 that is greater than the second ink amount BD2, and it is desired to reduce the actual ink amount to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a lower third potential E3 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. As a result, since the liquid ejector head is adjusted in a way that reduces the actual ink amount, the actual ink amount in the liquid ejector head can be made close to the target value.

[0205] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the dye penetration amount BD can be set to TBD, and the threshold value TBD can be set between the first dye penetration amount BD1 and the second dye penetration amount BD2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the dye penetration amount BD is above the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the dye penetration amount BD is less than the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0206] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0207] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first amount of ink BD1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a second amount of ink BD2, which is less than the first amount of ink BD1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the amount of ink determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the amount of ink BD, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0208] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation in the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, depending on the amount of ink penetration BD.

[0209] Next, refer to Figure 21 , 22 Examples of applying different drive pulses P0 to the drive element 31 based on the paper characteristics of the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1 are described, such as 23, 24A, 24B, etc.

[0210] Figure 21 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the first potential E1 based on the coverage CR when performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the coverage CR of point DT as a recording condition 400. (See reference...) Figure 9A As explained, the coverage CR is the ratio of the area occupied by point DT to the unit area of ​​the recording medium MD that forms point DT when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31. Figure 21 The driving pulse P0 shown has the following characteristics: Figure 12The waveform of the first potential E1 was changed as shown. Additionally, Figure 22 , 23 The driving pulse P0 shown in 24A and 24B also has the following characteristics: Figure 12 The waveform of the first potential E1 was changed as shown.

[0211] First, the relationship between coverage CR and the first potential E1 will be explained.

[0212] The coverage ratio CR of dot DT is affected by the ejection volume VM of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, and tends to be smaller CR as the ejection volume VM decreases. Experimental results clearly show that when the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is low, a higher first potential E1 (i.e., a larger difference d1 = |E1 - E2|) results in a smaller coverage ratio CR of dot DT. Based on this trend, when the coverage ratio CR of dot DT is large and the actual coverage ratio of dot DT formed on the recording medium MD needs to be reduced, simply increasing the first potential E1 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual coverage ratio needs to be increased, simply decreasing the first potential E1 is sufficient.

[0213] exist Figure 21 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 that has a higher first potential E1 than the first drive pulse P1 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. In other words, the second drive pulse P2 is larger than the first drive pulse P1 in terms of the difference d1 between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2. Regarding the relationship between the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2 concerning the magnitude of the difference d1, in... Figure 22 , 23 The same applies to the examples shown in 24A and 24B. Furthermore, when three or more drive pulses P0 with different waveforms are applied to the drive element 31, a drive pulse that can be arbitrarily selected from the three or more drive pulses P0 can be applied within a range satisfying the magnitude relationship of the difference d1, between the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2. This application... Figure 22 , 23 The same applies to the examples shown in 24A and 24B.

[0214] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained coverage CR is the first coverage CR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1 so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0215] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2 that is greater than the first coverage CR1, and it is desired to reduce the actual coverage to enter the acceptable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, a second drive pulse P2, which has a higher first potential E1 than the first drive pulse P1, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual coverage is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual coverage can be made closer to the target value in the liquid nozzle of the target.

[0216] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold of the coverage CR of point DT can be set to TCR, and the threshold TCR can be set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR of point DT is less than the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the coverage CR of point DT is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0217] for Figure 12 Regarding the driving pulse P0 shown, Figure 3 The potential change rates ΔE(s2) and ΔE(s6) shown change according to the change of the first potential E1. For the potential change rate ΔE(s2) during the period s2 when changing from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2, the second driving pulse P2 is larger than the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 can be suppressed even when the first potential E1 is changed, this example can provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change of the first potential E1. Furthermore, for the potential change rate ΔE(s6) during the period s6 when changing from the third potential E3 to the first potential E1, the second driving pulse P2 is smaller than the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 caused by the change of the first potential E1 can be suppressed, this example can also provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change of the first potential E1.

[0218] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1 The drive pulse P0 contained in the memory 43 shown is used in the generation of the drive signal COM via the drive signal generation circuit 45. The drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM is applied to the drive element 31.

[0219] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2 greater than the first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, when the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is low, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the coverage CR, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0220] Of course, such as Figure 21 As shown, multiple driving pulses P0 can also include a third driving pulse P3, and the determined driving pulses can be four or more. Figure 21 The diagram illustrates a case where, when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a third coverage CR3 greater than the second coverage CR2, the third drive pulse P3, which is higher than the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. In the drive pulse determination step, two thresholds for the coverage CR can be set as CR1 and TCR2, respectively, with threshold TCR1 set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2, and threshold TCR2 set between the second coverage CR2 and the third coverage CR3. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR is less than the threshold TCR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1; if the coverage CR is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR1 but less than the threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the second drive pulse P2; and if the coverage CR is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the third drive pulse P3.

[0221] Figure 22 The illustration shows an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the first potential E1 based on the coverage CR when the recording condition acquisition step of obtaining the coverage CR of point DT as the recording condition 400 is performed when the drive frequency f0 of the drive element 31 is high.

[0222] As mentioned above, there is a trend that the lower the ejection volume VM, the smaller the coverage CR. Experimental results clearly show that when the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is high, the higher the first potential E1 (i.e., the larger the difference d1 = |E1 - E2|), the larger the coverage CR of the dot DT. Based on this trend, it can be concluded that when the actual coverage CR of the dot DT is large and the goal is to reduce the actual coverage CR formed on the recording medium MD, simply lowering the first potential E1 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual coverage CR is large, simply raising the first potential E1 is sufficient.

[0223] exist Figure 22 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted when the coverage CR obtained under recording condition 400 for the liquid nozzle of the object is the second coverage CR2 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0, which has a lower first potential E1 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. In other words, the second drive pulse P2 is larger than the first drive pulse P1 in terms of the difference d1 between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0224] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained coverage CR is the second coverage CR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0225] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1 that is greater than the second coverage CR2, and it is desired to reduce the actual coverage to enter the acceptable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a lower first potential E1 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual coverage is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual coverage can be made closer to the target value in the liquid nozzle of the target.

[0226] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold of the coverage CR of point DT can be set to TCR, and the threshold TCR can be set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR of point DT is above the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the coverage CR of point DT is less than the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0227] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0228] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2, which is less than the first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, when the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is high, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the coverage CR, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0229] Of course, such as Figure 22 As shown, multiple driving pulses P0 can also include a third driving pulse P3, and the determined driving pulses can be four or more. Figure 22 The diagram illustrates a case where, when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a third coverage CR3 that is less than the second coverage CR2, the third drive pulse P3, which is higher than the first drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. In the drive pulse determination step, two thresholds for the coverage CR can be set as TCR1 and TCR2, respectively, with threshold TCR1 set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2, and threshold TCR2 set between the second coverage CR2 and the third coverage CR3. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR is above threshold TCR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1; if the coverage CR is less than threshold TCR1 and above threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2; and if the coverage CR is less than threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the third drive pulse P3.

[0230] Figure 23 This schematically illustrates an example where, in addition to the coverage CR of point DT, the first potential E1 is determined by different drive pulses P0 depending on whether the drive frequency f0 of the drive element 31 is low or high. Figure 23 The specific example of the liquid ejection method shown in the diagram obtains the recording condition 400 by using the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 as the recording condition, in addition to the coverage CR of point DT. Figure 23In the example shown, the lower drive frequency f0 is referred to as the first drive frequency f1, and the higher drive frequency f0 is referred to as the second drive frequency f2.

[0231] In the drive pulse determination step, if the drive frequency f0 obtained as recording condition 400 for a certain liquid ejector head is the first drive frequency f1, then... Figure 21 The drive pulse P0 is determined as shown. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR of point DT in the liquid nozzle of the object is a first coverage CR1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual coverage is within the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR in the liquid nozzle of the object is a second coverage CR2 greater than the first coverage CR1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2, which has a higher first potential E1 than the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual coverage is within the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the object, the actual coverage can be made close to the target value.

[0232] Furthermore, in the drive pulse determination step, if the drive frequency f0 obtained as a recording condition 400 for other liquid nozzles is a second drive frequency f2 that is higher than the first drive frequency f1, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a way that reverses the relationship between the high and low levels of the first potential E1 and the first drive frequency f1. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR in the target liquid nozzle is the first coverage CR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2, so that the actual coverage falls within the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR in the target liquid nozzle is a second coverage CR2 that is greater than the first coverage CR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the first drive pulse P1, which has a lower first potential E1 compared to the second drive pulse P2, so that the actual coverage falls within the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the target liquid nozzle, the actual coverage can be made close to the target value.

[0233] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the drive frequency f0 can be set to Tf0, and the threshold value Tf0 can be set between the first drive frequency f1 and the second drive frequency f2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the drive frequency f0 is less than the threshold value Tf0, such as... Figure 21The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown, and when the driving frequency f0 is above the threshold Tf0, the driving pulse P0 is determined in a way that the relationship between the high and low levels of the first potential E1 is opposite to that of the first driving frequency f1.

[0234] Of course, in the drive pulse determination step, a threshold TCR can also be set between the first coverage rate CR1 and the second coverage rate CR2. In this case, the drive pulse P0 can be determined, for example, in the following manner.

[0235] a. When the driving frequency f0 is less than the threshold Tf0 and the coverage CR is less than the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0236] b. When the driving frequency f0 is less than the threshold Tf0 and the coverage CR is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the second driving pulse P2.

[0237] c. When the driving frequency f0 is above the threshold Tf0 and the coverage CR is less than the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the second driving pulse P2.

[0238] d. When the driving frequency f0 is above the threshold Tf0 and the coverage CR is above the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0239] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0240] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method in this specific example includes the following operations in the drive process ST3.

[0241] A. When the drive frequency f0 obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first drive frequency f1 and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first coverage CR1, the operation of applying the first drive pulse P1 to the drive element 31.

[0242] B. When the driving frequency f0 obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first driving frequency f1, and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second coverage CR2 which is greater than the first coverage CR1, the operation of applying the second driving pulse P2 to the driving element 31.

[0243] C. When the driving frequency f0 obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is a second driving frequency f2 that is higher than the first driving frequency f1, and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first coverage CR1, the operation of applying the second driving pulse P2 to the driving element 31.

[0244] D. The operation of applying the first drive pulse P1 to the drive element 31 when the drive frequency f0 obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second drive frequency f2 and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second coverage CR2.

[0245] When the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is a relatively low first driving frequency f1, there is a tendency that the higher the first potential E1, the smaller the coverage CR. Here, if the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head is a relatively small first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 with a lower first potential E1 is applied to the driving element 31. If the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head is a relatively large second coverage CR2, a second driving pulse P2 with a higher first potential E1 is applied to the driving element 31 to reduce the actual coverage. Therefore, when the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is the first driving frequency f1, the actual coverage in the liquid ejector head can be made close to the target value.

[0246] When the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is a relatively high second driving frequency f2, there is a tendency for the coverage CR to be smaller as the first potential E1 decreases. Here, if the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the target liquid nozzle is a relatively small first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 with a higher first potential E1 is applied to the driving element 31. If the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the target liquid nozzle is a relatively large second coverage CR2, a first driving pulse P1 with a lower first potential E1 is applied to the driving element 31, thereby reducing the actual coverage. Therefore, when the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is the second driving frequency f2, the actual coverage in the target liquid nozzle can be made close to the target value.

[0247] As explained above, this specific example can reduce the deviation in the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the drive frequency f0, which is an ejection characteristic, and the coverage CR.

[0248] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5BThe waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the coverage of the points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD according to the coverage CR.

[0249] Figure 24A This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines a different drive pulse P0 for the first potential E1 based on the percolation amount FT of the liquid LQ relative to the recording medium MD, in the case of performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the percolation amount FT of the liquid LQ relative to the recording medium MD as a recording condition 400. (See reference...) Figure 9B As explained, the percolation amount FT is an index value representing the amount of percolation Df that percolates from the main body Db of point DT formed on the recording medium MD when a drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0250] First, the relationship between the infiltration rate FT and the first potential E1 will be explained.

[0251] The amount of seepage FT is affected by the amount of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, VM, and tends to be smaller when the amount of liquid ejected, VM is smaller. Furthermore, the amount of seepage FT is also affected by the ejection velocity VC of the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, VC, and tends to be smaller when the ejection velocity VC is faster. When the drive frequency f0 of the drive element 31 is high, when the first potential E1 increases, although the ejection velocity VC increases, the amount of liquid ejected, VM, increases, resulting in a smaller amount of seepage FT. Experimental results clearly show that the higher the first potential E1, i.e., the larger the difference d1 = |E1 - E2|, the smaller the amount of seepage FT. Based on this trend, when the amount of seepage FT is large and the goal is to reduce the actual amount of seepage at point DT formed on the recording medium MD, simply increasing the first potential E1 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual amount of seepage is large, simply decreasing the first potential E1 is sufficient.

[0252] exist Figure 24A In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid nozzle of the object when the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first seepage amount FT1 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 that has a higher first potential E1 than the first drive pulse P1 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. In other words, the second drive pulse P2 is larger than the first drive pulse P1 in terms of the difference d1 between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0253] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained seepage amount FT is the first seepage amount FT1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1 so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0254] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a second seepage amount FT2 that is greater than the first seepage amount FT1, and the actual seepage amount is to be reduced to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the second drive pulse P2, which has a higher first potential E1 than the first drive pulse P1, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual seepage amount is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual seepage amount in the liquid nozzle of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0255] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the percolation amount FT can be set to TFT, and the threshold TFT can be set between the first percolation amount FT1 and the second percolation amount FT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the percolation amount FT is less than the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the percolation amount FT is greater than or equal to the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0256] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0257] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first percolation amount FT1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a second percolation amount FT2 greater than the first percolation amount FT1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the percolation amount of the dot DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the percolation amount FT, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0258] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation in the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, depending on the amount of infiltration FT.

[0259] Figure 24BThis schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines a different drive pulse P0 for a first potential E1 based on the amount of ink penetration BD, representing the degree of ink penetration between droplets DR sprayed from nozzle 13 onto the recording medium MD, when performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the amount of ink penetration BD as a recording condition 400. (See also...) Figure 9C As explained, the amount of ink penetration BD is an index value representing the amount of the mixture Dm of multiple points DT formed on the recording medium MD when a drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0260] First, the relationship between the amount of dye penetration (BD) and the first potential (E1) will be explained.

[0261] The amount of ink bleeding BD is affected by the amount of liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, VM, and tends to be smaller when the amount of liquid ejected, VM is smaller. Furthermore, the amount of ink bleeding BD is also affected by the ejection velocity VC of the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, VC, and tends to be smaller when the ejection velocity VC is faster. When the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31 is high, when the first potential E1 increases, although the ejection velocity VC increases, the amount of liquid ejected, VM, increases, resulting in a smaller amount of ink bleeding BD. Experimental results clearly show that the higher the first potential E1, i.e., the larger the difference d1 = |E1 - E2|, the smaller the amount of ink bleeding BD. Based on this trend, when the amount of ink bleeding BD is large and it is desired to reduce the amount of ink bleeding determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, simply increasing the first potential E1 is sufficient; conversely, when it is desired to increase the actual amount of ink bleeding, simply decreasing the first potential E1 is sufficient.

[0262] exist Figure 24B In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the amount of ink penetration BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first amount of ink penetration BD1 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 that has a higher first potential E1 compared to the first drive pulse P1 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. In other words, the second drive pulse P2 is larger than the first drive pulse P1 in terms of the difference d1 between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0263] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained dye penetration amount BD is the first dye penetration amount BD1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1 so that the actual dye penetration amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0264] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the ink penetration amount BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a second ink penetration amount BD2 that is greater than the first ink penetration amount BD1, and it is desired to reduce the actual ink penetration amount to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the second drive pulse P2, which has a higher first potential E1 than the first drive pulse P1, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the liquid nozzle is adjusted in a way that reduces the actual ink penetration amount for the target liquid nozzle, the actual ink penetration amount in the target liquid nozzle can be made close to the target value.

[0265] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the dye penetration amount BD can be set to TBD, and the threshold value TBD can be set between the first dye penetration amount BD1 and the second dye penetration amount BD2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the dye penetration amount BD is less than the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the dye penetration amount BD is greater than or equal to the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0266] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0267] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first amount of ink BD1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a second amount of ink BD2 greater than the first amount of ink BD1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the amount of ink determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the amount of ink BD, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0268] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of the various drive pulses P0 shown in the examples are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the amount of ink penetration determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, according to the amount of ink penetration BD.

[0269] Next, an example will be described in which a different driving pulse P0 with a different potential change rate ΔE(s2) is applied to the driving element 31 based on the paper characteristics of the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1.

[0270] Here, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejection head of the object when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the first paper characteristics is referred to as the first drive pulse. Furthermore, for other liquid ejection heads, the drive pulse P0 in which the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the second paper characteristics, and the potential change rate ΔE(s2) is adjusted to be less than the value of the first drive pulse to enter the allowable range of the target value, is referred to as the second drive pulse. The liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the drive step ST3: when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the first paper characteristics, the first drive pulse is applied to the drive element 31; and when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the second paper characteristics, the second drive pulse is applied to the drive element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the state of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ actually ejected from the nozzle 13 according to the paper characteristics.

[0271] for Figure 13 For the driving pulse P0 shown, the time T4 in the state s5 at the third potential E3 changes according to the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s2). Here, in Figure 13 In S234, the waveform represented by the dashed line is designated as the first drive pulse, and the waveform represented by the thick line is designated as the second drive pulse. In this case, the second drive pulse is at the third potential E3 for a shorter time T4 compared to the first drive pulse. Since the change in the period T0 of the drive pulse P0 can be suppressed even if the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2) is changed, this example can provide an appropriate drive pulse P0 according to the change in the rate of change of potential ΔE(s2).

[0272] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0 shown in the examples are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, reducing the deviation of the state of the point DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ actually ejected from the nozzle 13, depending on the characteristics of the paper.

[0273] Next, refer to Figure 25 An example will be given of applying drive pulses P0 with different potential change rates ΔE(s4) to drive element 31 based on the paper characteristics obtained by the acquisition process ST1 as recording conditions 400.

[0274] Figure 25This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step where the drive pulse P0 is determined based on the coverage CR to determine the rate of potential change ΔE(s4) when performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the coverage CR of point DT as a recording condition 400. (See reference...) Figure 9A As explained, the coverage CR is the ratio of the area occupied by point DT to the unit area of ​​the recording medium MD that forms point DT when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31. Figure 25 The driving pulse P0 shown has the following characteristics: Figure 14 The waveform of the potential change rate ΔE(s4) was changed as shown.

[0275] First, the relationship between coverage CR and potential change rate ΔE(s4) is explained.

[0276] The coverage ratio CR of the dot DT is affected by the ejection velocity VC and ejection volume VM of the liquid LQ ejected from nozzle 13, showing a trend that the slower the ejection velocity VC, the smaller the coverage ratio CR, and a trend that the smaller the ejection volume VM, the smaller the coverage ratio CR. Experimental results clearly show that the larger the potential change rate ΔE(s4) during the transition from the second potential E2 to the third potential E3, the larger the coverage ratio CR of the dot DT. Based on this trend, since the coverage ratio CR of the dot DT is relatively large, to reduce the actual coverage ratio of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD, it is only necessary to decrease the potential change rate ΔE(s4), and to increase the actual coverage ratio, it is only necessary to increase the potential change rate ΔE(s4).

[0277] exist Figure 25 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 that is adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 with a smaller potential change rate ΔE(s4) compared to the first drive pulse P1 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. When three or more drive pulses P0 with different waveforms are applied to the drive element 31, a drive pulse that can be arbitrarily selected from the three or more drive pulses P0 within a range that satisfies the magnitude relationship of the potential change rate ΔE(s4) can be used among the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2.

[0278] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained coverage CR is the first coverage CR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1 so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0279] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2 that is greater than the first coverage CR1, and it is desired to reduce the actual coverage to enter the acceptable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the second drive pulse P2, which has a smaller potential change rate ΔE(s4) compared to the first drive pulse P1, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual coverage is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual coverage can be made closer to the target value in the liquid nozzle of the target.

[0280] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold of the coverage CR of point DT can be set to TCR, and the threshold TCR can be set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR of point DT is less than the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the coverage CR of point DT is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0281] for Figure 14 For the driving pulse P0 shown, the time T4 in the state s5 at the third potential E3 changes according to the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s4). The second driving pulse P2 has a shorter time T4 in the third potential E3 compared to the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 can be suppressed even if the potential change rate ΔE(s4) is changed, this example can provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s4).

[0282] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1 The drive signal COM is generated in the memory 43 shown and is used by the drive signal generation circuit 45. The drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM is applied to the drive element 31.

[0283] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2 greater than the first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the coverage CR, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0284] Of course, such as Figure 25 As shown, multiple driving pulses P0 can also include a third driving pulse P3, and the determined driving pulses can be four or more. Figure 25 The diagram shows a case where the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a third coverage CR3 that is greater than the second coverage CR2, and the third drive pulse P3, which is determined by the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31, has a smaller potential change rate ΔE(s4) compared to the second drive pulse P2.

[0285] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the coverage of the points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD according to the coverage CR.

[0286] Next, an example will be described in which a driving pulse P0 with a different potential change rate ΔE(s6) is applied to the driving element 31 based on the paper characteristics of the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1.

[0287] Here, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejection head of the object when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the first paper characteristics is referred to as the first drive pulse. Furthermore, for other liquid ejection heads, the drive pulse P0 where the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the second paper characteristics, and the potential change rate ΔE(s6) is adjusted to be less than the value of the first drive pulse to enter the allowable range of the target value, is referred to as the second drive pulse. The liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the drive step ST3: when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the first paper characteristics, the first drive pulse is applied to the drive element 31; and when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the second paper characteristics, the second drive pulse is applied to the drive element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the state of the point DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ actually ejected from the nozzle 13 according to the paper characteristics.

[0288] for Figure 15 Regarding the driving pulse P0 shown, Figure 3 The time T6 at the first potential E1 shown varies according to the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s6). The second driving pulse P2 has a shorter time T6 at the first potential E1 compared to the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 can be suppressed even when the potential change rate ΔE(s6) is changed, this example can provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change in the potential change rate ΔE(s6).

[0289] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the state of the point DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ actually ejected from the nozzle 13, depending on the characteristics of the paper.

[0290] Next, refer to Figures 26-34 An example will be given of applying a drive pulse P0 with a different second potential time T2 to the drive element 31 based on the paper characteristics of the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1.

[0291] Figures 26-28 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the second potential time T2 based on the coverage CR, in the case of performing a recording condition acquisition step that uses the coverage CR of point DT as a recording condition 400. (See reference...) Figure 9AAs explained, the coverage CR is the ratio of the area occupied by point DT to the unit area of ​​the recording medium MD that forms point DT when the drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31. Figures 26-28 The driving pulse P0 shown has the following characteristics: Figure 16 The waveform of the second potential time T2 was changed as shown. Additionally, Figures 29-34 The driving pulse P0 shown also has the following characteristics: Figure 16 The waveform of the second potential time T2 was changed as shown.

[0292] First, the relationship between coverage CR and the second potential time T2 is explained when the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is short.

[0293] The experimental results clearly show that when the second potential time T2 is short, the longer the second potential time T2, the smaller the coverage rate CR of the dot DT. Based on this trend, it can be concluded that when the actual coverage rate of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD is to be reduced due to the large coverage rate CR of the dot DT, simply extending the second potential time T2 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual coverage rate is to be increased, simply shortening the second potential time T2 is sufficient.

[0294] exist Figure 26 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 with a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. Regarding the relationship between the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2 concerning the magnitude of the second potential time T2, in... Figures 27-34 The same applies to the example shown. Furthermore, when three or more drive pulses P0 with different waveforms are applied to the drive element 31, a drive pulse that can be arbitrarily selected from the three or more drive pulses P0 can be applied within a range that satisfies the magnitude relationship of the second potential time T2, between the first drive pulse P1 and the second drive pulse P2. This application... Figures 27-34 The same applies to the example shown.

[0295] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained coverage CR is the first coverage CR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1 so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0296] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2 that is greater than the first coverage CR1, and it is desired to reduce the actual coverage to enter the acceptable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, a second drive pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1 is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual coverage is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual coverage can be made closer to the target value in the liquid nozzle of the target.

[0297] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold of the coverage CR of point DT can be set to TCR, and the threshold TCR can be set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR of point DT is less than the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the coverage CR of point DT is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0298] for Figure 16 Regarding the driving pulse P0 shown, Figure 3 The duration T4 of the third potential E3 shown changes according to the change in the duration T2 of the second potential. The second driving pulse P2 is at the third potential E3 for a shorter duration T4 compared to the first driving pulse P1. Since the change in the period T0 of the driving pulse P0 can be suppressed even when the duration T2 of the second potential is changed, this example can provide an appropriate driving pulse P0 according to the change in the duration T2 of the second potential.

[0299] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1 The drive signal COM is generated in the memory 43 shown and is used by the drive signal generation circuit 45. The drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM is applied to the drive element 31.

[0300] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2 greater than the first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is short, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the coverage CR, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0301] Moreover, such as Figure 26 As shown, a driving pulse P0 with a longer second potential time T2 compared to the second driving pulse P2 can also be referred to as the third driving pulse P3. In other words, the third driving pulse P3 has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the second driving pulse P2. Figure 26 The diagram illustrates a case where, under recording condition 400, the coverage CR is a third coverage CR3 greater than the second coverage CR2, and the third drive pulse P3, which is longer than the second drive pulse P2, is determined by the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Of course, the determined drive pulse can be four or more types. Even... Figures 27-34 In the example shown, the multiple drive pulses P0 may also include a third drive pulse P3, and the number of drive pulses determined may be more than four.

[0302] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, two thresholds for coverage CR can be set as TCR1 and TCR2, respectively, with threshold TCR1 set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2, and threshold TCR2 set between the second coverage CR2 and the third coverage CR3. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR is less than the threshold TCR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1; if the coverage CR is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR1 but less than the threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2; and if the coverage CR is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the third drive pulse P3. When there are four or more drive pulses to be determined, the thresholds can also be used to determine the drive pulses.

[0303] Figure 27This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step where the second potential time T2 of the drive pulse P0 is determined based on the coverage CR when performing the recording condition acquisition step of obtaining the coverage CR of point DT as the recording condition 400, in the case where the second potential time T2 of the drive pulse P0 is relatively long.

[0304] The experimental results clearly show that, with a longer second potential time T2, the greater the coverage rate CR of the dot DT. Based on this trend, it can be concluded that when the actual coverage rate of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD is to be reduced due to a larger coverage rate CR, simply shortening the second potential time T2 is sufficient; conversely, when the actual coverage rate is to be increased, simply extending the second potential time T2 is sufficient.

[0305] exist Figure 27 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 that is adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is the second coverage CR2 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 that has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1.

[0306] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained coverage CR is the second coverage CR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0307] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1 that is greater than the second coverage CR2, and it is desired to reduce the actual coverage to enter the acceptable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. Thus, since the actual coverage is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual coverage can be made closer to the target value in the liquid nozzle of the target.

[0308] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold of the coverage CR of point DT can be set to TCR, and the threshold TCR can be set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR of point DT is above the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the coverage CR of point DT is less than the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0309] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0310] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a second coverage CR2, which is less than the first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is relatively long, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the coverage CR, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0311] Of course, such as Figure 27 As shown, multiple driving pulses P0 can also include a third driving pulse P3, and the determined driving pulses can be four or more. Figure 27 The diagram illustrates a case where, when the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 is a third coverage CR3 that is less than the second coverage CR2, the third drive pulse P3, which has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. In the drive pulse determination step, two thresholds for the coverage CR can be set as TCR1 and TCR2, respectively, with threshold TCR1 set between the first coverage CR1 and the second coverage CR2, and threshold TCR2 set between the second coverage CR2 and the third coverage CR3. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the coverage CR is above threshold TCR1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1; if the coverage CR is less than threshold TCR1 and above threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2; and if the coverage CR is less than threshold TCR2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the third drive pulse P3.

[0312] Figure 28 This schematically illustrates an example where, in addition to the coverage CR of point DT, the second potential time T2 is determined by whether the second potential time T2 is shorter or longer, leading to different driving pulses P0. Figure 28 In the example shown, the shorter second potential time T2 is referred to as the first time TT1, and the longer second potential time T2 is referred to as the second time TT2.

[0313] In the drive pulse determination step, when the second potential time T2 of multiple drive pulses P0 for which any one drive pulse is to be applied is short, such as Figure 26 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown. Multiple driving pulses P0 include a first driving pulse P1 and a second driving pulse P2. Since the second driving pulse P2 has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first driving pulse P1, when the second potential time T2 of the second driving pulse P2 is shorter than the first time TT1, as shown... Figure 26 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown. Figure 28 The T2(P2) shown represents the second potential time T2 of the second drive pulse P2. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR of point DT in the liquid nozzle of the target is a first coverage CR1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual coverage is within the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR in the liquid nozzle of the target is a second coverage CR2 greater than the first coverage CR1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be a second drive pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual coverage is within the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual coverage can be made close to the target value.

[0314] Furthermore, in the drive pulse determination step, when the second potential time T2 of multiple drive pulses P0 for which any one drive pulse is to be applied in other liquid nozzles is relatively long, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a manner that reverses the relationship between the lengths of the second potential time T2 as described above. Since the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1 is shorter than that of the second drive pulse P2, when the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1 is a relatively long second time TT2, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a manner that reverses the relationship between the lengths of the second potential time T2 as described above. Figure 28The T2(P1) shown represents the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the coverage CR in the liquid nozzle of the object is the first coverage CR1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the second drive pulse P2, so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the coverage C in the liquid nozzle of the object is the second coverage CR2, which is greater than the first coverage CR1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1, which has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2, so that the actual coverage enters the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the object, the actual coverage can be made close to the target value.

[0315] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the second potential time T2 can be set to THT2, and the threshold value THT2 can be set between the first time TT1 and the second time TT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the second potential time T2(P2) of the second drive pulse P2 is less than the threshold value THT2, such as... Figure 26 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown, and when the second potential time T2 (P1) of the first driving pulse P1 is above the threshold THT2, the driving pulse P0 is determined in a manner that is the opposite of the aforementioned relationship between the length of the second potential time T2 and the duration of the second potential time T2.

[0316] Of course, in the drive pulse determination step, a threshold TCR can also be set between the first coverage rate CR1 and the second coverage rate CR2. In this case, the drive pulse P0 can be determined, for example, in the following manner.

[0317] a. When the second potential time T2 (P2) is less than the threshold THT2 and the coverage CR is less than the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0318] b. If the second potential time T2 (P2) is less than the threshold THT2 and the coverage CR is greater than or equal to the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined to be the second driving pulse P2.

[0319] c. When the second potential time T2(P1) is above the threshold THT2 and the coverage CR is less than the threshold TCR, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the second driving pulse P2.

[0320] d. When the second potential time T2(P1) is above the threshold THT2 and the coverage CR is above the threshold TCR, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1.

[0321] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0322] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method in this specific example includes the following operations in the drive process ST3.

[0323] A. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the second drive pulse P2, is the first time TT1, and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first coverage CR1, the operation of applying the first drive pulse P1 to the drive element 31 is performed.

[0324] B. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the second drive pulse P2, is the first time TT1, and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second coverage CR2 which is greater than the first coverage CR1, the operation of applying the second drive pulse P2 to the drive element 31 is performed.

[0325] C. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the first drive pulse P1, is a second time TT2 longer than the first time TT1, and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first coverage CR1, the operation of applying the second drive pulse P2 to the drive element 31.

[0326] D. The operation of applying the first drive pulse P1 to the drive element 31 when the time T2 included in the first drive pulse P1 as the second potential E2 is the second time TT2 and the coverage CR obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second coverage CR2.

[0327] When the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is short, there is a tendency that the longer the second potential time T2, the smaller the coverage CR. Here, if the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a smaller first coverage CR1, a first driving pulse P1 with a shorter second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31. If the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a larger second coverage CR2, a second driving pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31 to reduce the actual coverage. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is short, the actual coverage in the liquid ejector head of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0328] When the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is relatively long, there is a tendency for the coverage CR to be smaller as the second potential time T2 becomes shorter. Here, if the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a smaller first coverage CR1, a second driving pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31. If the coverage CR obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a larger second coverage CR2, a first driving pulse P1 with a shorter second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31, resulting in a smaller actual coverage. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is relatively long, the actual coverage in the liquid ejector head of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0329] As explained above, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the coverage of the dots DT actually formed on the recording medium MD by using the second potential time T2 of the drive pulse P0 and the coverage CR as an ejection characteristic.

[0330] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of the various drive pulses P0 shown in the examples are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, reducing the deviation of the coverage of the points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD according to the coverage CR.

[0331] Figures 29-31 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the second potential time T2 based on the percolation amount FT of the liquid LQ relative to the recording medium MD as the recording condition 400 during the execution of the recording condition acquisition step. (See also...) Figure 9B As explained, the percolation amount FT is an index value representing the amount of percolation portion Df that percolates from the main body portion Db of point DT formed on the recording medium MD when a drive pulse for obtaining recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0332] First, the relationship between the infiltration rate FT and the second potential time T2 is explained when the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is short.

[0333] The experimental results clearly show that when the second potential time T2 is short, the longer the second potential time T2, the smaller the infiltration amount FT. Based on this trend, since the infiltration amount FT is relatively large, to reduce the infiltration amount of the actual point DT formed on the recording medium MD, simply extend the second potential time T2; conversely, to increase the actual infiltration amount, simply shorten the second potential time T2.

[0334] exist Figure 29 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 that is adjusted for the liquid nozzle of the object when the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is the first seepage amount FT1 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 that has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2.

[0335] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained seepage amount FT is the first seepage amount FT1, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1 so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0336] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a second seepage amount FT2 that is greater than the first seepage amount FT1, and the actual seepage amount is to be reduced to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the second drive pulse P2, which has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. As a result, since the actual seepage amount is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual seepage amount in the liquid nozzle of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0337] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the percolation amount FT can be set to TFT, and the threshold TFT can be set between the first percolation amount FT1 and the second percolation amount FT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the percolation amount FT is less than the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the percolation amount FT is greater than or equal to the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0338] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1 The drive signal COM is generated in the memory 43 shown and is used by the drive signal generation circuit 45. The drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM is applied to the drive element 31.

[0339] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first percolation amount FT1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a second percolation amount FT2 greater than the first percolation amount FT1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the percolation amount of the dot DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the percolation amount FT, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0340] Figure 30 The illustration schematically shows an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the second potential time T2 of a different drive pulse P0 based on the infiltration amount FT when performing the recording condition acquisition step of obtaining the recording condition 400 by using the infiltration amount FT as the recording condition.

[0341] The experimental results clearly show that, with a longer second potential time T2, the greater the infiltration amount FT. Based on this trend, it can be concluded that to reduce the infiltration amount of point DT actually formed on the recording medium MD due to a large infiltration amount FT, simply shorten the second potential time T2; conversely, to increase the actual infiltration amount, simply extend the second potential time T2.

[0342] exist Figure 30 In the example shown, the drive pulse P0 that is adjusted for the liquid nozzle of the object when the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is the second seepage amount FT2 is referred to as the second drive pulse P2. Furthermore, the drive pulse P0 that has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2 is referred to as the first drive pulse P1.

[0343] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained seepage amount FT is the second seepage amount FT2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0344] Furthermore, for other liquid nozzles, the seepage amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first seepage amount FT1 that is greater than the second seepage amount FT2, and the actual seepage amount is to be reduced to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. As a result, since the actual seepage amount is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual seepage amount in the liquid nozzle of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0345] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the percolation amount FT can be set to TFT, and the threshold TFT can be set between the first percolation amount FT1 and the second percolation amount FT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the percolation amount FT is greater than or equal to the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the percolation amount FT is less than the threshold TFT, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0346] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0347] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a first percolation amount FT1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the percolation amount FT obtained as recording condition 400 is a second percolation amount FT2 which is less than the first percolation amount FT1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is relatively long, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the percolation amount of the dot DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the percolation amount FT, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0348] Figure 31 This schematically illustrates an example where, in addition to the infiltration rate FT, the driving pulse P0 is used to determine whether the second potential time T2 is shorter or longer. Figure 31 In the example shown, the shorter second potential time T2 is referred to as the first time TT1, and the longer second potential time T2 is referred to as the second time TT2.

[0349] In the drive pulse determination step, when the second potential time T2 of multiple drive pulses P0 for which any one drive pulse is to be applied is short, such as Figure 29The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown. Multiple driving pulses P0 include a first driving pulse P1 and a second driving pulse P2. Since the second driving pulse P2 has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first driving pulse P1, when the second potential time T2 of the second driving pulse P2 is shorter than the first time TT1, as shown... Figure 29 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown. Figure 31 The T2(P2) shown represents the second potential time T2 of the second drive pulse P2. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the seepage amount FT of point DT in the liquid nozzle of the target is a first seepage amount FT1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the seepage amount FT in the liquid nozzle of the target is a second seepage amount FT2 that is greater than the first seepage amount FT1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2, which has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual seepage amount can be made close to the target value.

[0350] Furthermore, in the drive pulse determination step, if the second potential time T2 of any of the multiple drive pulses P0 to be applied to other liquid nozzles is relatively long, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a way that reverses the relationship between the lengths of the second potential time T2 as described above. Since the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1 is shorter than that of the second drive pulse P2, if the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1 is a relatively long second time TT2, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a way that reverses the relationship between the lengths of the second potential time T2 as described above. Figure 22 The T2(P1) shown represents the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the seepage amount FT in the liquid nozzle of the target is the first seepage amount FT1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the second drive pulse P2, so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the seepage amount FT in the liquid nozzle of the target is the second seepage amount FT2, which is greater than the first seepage amount FT1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1, which has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2, so that the actual seepage amount enters the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual seepage amount can be made close to the target value.

[0351] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the second potential time T2 can be set to THT2, and the threshold value THT2 can be set between the first time TT1 and the second time TT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the second potential time T2(P2) of the second drive pulse P2 is less than the threshold value THT2, such as... Figure 29 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown, and when the second potential time T2 (P1) of the first driving pulse P1 is above the threshold THT2, the driving pulse P0 is driven in a manner that is the opposite of that described above.

[0352] Of course, in the drive pulse determination step, a threshold TFT can also be set between the first infiltration amount FT1 and the second infiltration amount FT2. In this case, the drive pulse P0 can be determined, for example, in the drive pulse determination step as follows.

[0353] a. When the second potential time T2 (P2) is less than the threshold THT2 and the infiltration amount FT is less than the threshold TFT, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0354] b. When the second potential time T2 (P2) is less than the threshold THT2 and the infiltration amount FT is greater than or equal to the threshold TFT, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined to be the second driving pulse P2.

[0355] c. When the second potential time T2(P1) is above the threshold THT2 and the infiltration amount FT is less than the threshold TFT, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the second driving pulse P2.

[0356] d. When the second potential time T2(P1) is above the threshold THT2 and the infiltration amount FT is above the threshold TFT, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0357] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0358] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method in this specific example includes the following operations in the drive process ST3.

[0359] A. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the second drive pulse P2, is the first time TT1, and the amount of seepage FT obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first amount of seepage FT1, the operation of applying the first drive pulse P1 to the drive element 31 is performed.

[0360] B. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the second drive pulse P2, is the first time TT1, and the amount of seepage FT obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second amount of seepage FT2 which is greater than the first amount of seepage FT1, the operation of applying the second drive pulse P2 to the drive element 31 is performed.

[0361] C. The operation of applying the second driving pulse P2 to the driving element 31 when the time T2 included in the first driving pulse P1 as the second potential E2 is longer than the first time TT1 and the amount of seepage FT obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the first amount of seepage FT1.

[0362] D. The operation of applying the first driving pulse P1 to the driving element 31 when the time T2 included in the first driving pulse P1 as the second potential E2 is the second time TT2 and the amount of seepage FT obtained by the acquisition process ST1 is the second amount of seepage FT2.

[0363] When the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is short, there is a tendency that the longer the second potential time T2, the smaller the seepage amount FT. Here, if the seepage amount FT obtained in the liquid nozzle of the target is a small first seepage amount FT1 as recorded under the recording condition 400, the first driving pulse P1 with a short second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31. If the seepage amount FT obtained in the liquid nozzle of the target is a large second seepage amount FT2 as recorded under the recording condition 400, the second driving pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31 to reduce the actual seepage amount. Thus, when the second potential time T2 is short, the actual seepage amount in the liquid nozzle of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0364] When the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is relatively long, there is a tendency for the seepage volume FT to decrease as the second potential time T2 becomes shorter. Here, if the seepage volume FT obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid nozzle of the target is a smaller first seepage volume FT1, a second driving pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31. If the seepage volume FT obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid nozzle of the target is a larger second seepage volume FT2, a first driving pulse P1 with a shorter second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31 to reduce the actual seepage volume. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is relatively long, the actual seepage volume in the liquid nozzle of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0365] As explained above, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the amount of seepage actually formed on the recording medium MD by using the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 and the amount of seepage FT as an ejection characteristic.

[0366] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveform of various driving pulses P0, including the example, is the default waveform and will also produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the amount of infiltration of the point DT actually formed on the recording medium MD according to the amount of infiltration FT.

[0367] Figures 32-34 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step that determines the second potential time T2 based on the amount of ink penetration BD, representing the degree of ink penetration between droplets DR sprayed from nozzle 13 onto the recording medium MD, in the case of a recording condition acquisition step that uses the amount of ink penetration BD as a recording condition 400. (See also...) Figure 9C As explained, the amount of ink penetration BD is an index value representing the amount of the mixture Dm of multiple points DT formed on the recording medium MD when a drive pulse for recording conditions is applied to the drive element 31.

[0368] First, the relationship between the amount of dye penetration (BD) and the second potential time (T2) is explained when the second potential time (T2) of the driving pulse (P0) is short.

[0369] The experimental results clearly show that when the second potential time T2 is short, the longer the second potential time T2, the smaller the amount of ink penetration BD. Based on this trend, it can be concluded that when the amount of ink penetration BD is large and the goal is to reduce the amount of ink penetration determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, simply extending the second potential time T2 is sufficient; conversely, when the goal is to increase the actual amount of ink penetration, simply shortening the second potential time T2 is sufficient.

[0370] exist Figure 32 In the example shown, the driving pulse P0 that is adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is the first amount of ink BD1 is referred to as the first driving pulse P1. Furthermore, the driving pulse P0 that has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first driving pulse P1 is referred to as the second driving pulse P2.

[0371] If the amount of ink BD obtained in the driving pulse determination step is the first amount of ink BD1, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1 so that the actual amount of ink enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0372] Furthermore, for other liquid ejector heads, the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a second ink amount BD2 that is greater than the first ink amount BD1, and it is desired to reduce the actual ink amount to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, a second drive pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1 is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. As a result, since the actual ink amount is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid ejector head of the object, the actual ink amount in the liquid ejector head of the object can be made closer to the target value.

[0373] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the dye penetration amount BD can be set to TBD, and the threshold value TBD can be set between the first dye penetration amount BD1 and the second dye penetration amount BD2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the dye penetration amount BD is less than the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the dye penetration amount BD is greater than or equal to the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0374] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 is, for example, stored in... Figure 1 The drive signal COM is generated in the memory 43 shown and is used by the drive signal generation circuit 45. The drive pulse P0 contained in the drive signal COM is applied to the drive element 31.

[0375] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first amount of ink BD1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a second amount of ink BD2 greater than the first amount of ink BD1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the amount of ink determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the amount of ink BD, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0376] Figure 33 This schematically illustrates an example of a drive pulse determination step where the second potential time T2 of the drive pulse P0 is determined based on the amount of ink BD when performing the recording condition acquisition step of obtaining the recording condition 400 by using the amount of ink BD as the recording condition.

[0377] The experimental results clearly show that a longer second potential time T2 results in a greater amount of ink penetration (BD). Based on this trend, since the amount of ink penetration (BD) is larger, to reduce the amount of ink penetration determined by the multiple points (DT) actually formed on the recording medium (MD), simply shorten the second potential time T2; conversely, to increase the actual amount of ink penetration, simply extend the second potential time T2.

[0378] exist Figure 33 In the example shown, the driving pulse P0 that is adjusted for the liquid ejector head of the object when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is the second amount of ink BD2 is referred to as the second driving pulse P2. Furthermore, the driving pulse P0 that has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second driving pulse P2 is referred to as the first driving pulse P1.

[0379] In the drive pulse determination step, if the obtained dye penetration amount BD is the second dye penetration amount BD2, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined to be the second drive pulse P2 so that the actual dye penetration amount enters the allowable range of the target value.

[0380] Furthermore, for other liquid ejector heads, the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first ink amount BD1 that is greater than the second ink amount BD2, and it is desired to reduce the actual ink amount to enter the allowable range of the target value. In this case, during the drive pulse determination step, the first drive pulse P1, which has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second drive pulse P2, is determined as the drive pulse applied to the drive element 31. As a result, since the actual ink amount is adjusted to be smaller for the liquid ejector head of the object, the actual ink amount in the liquid ejector head of the object can be made closer to the target value.

[0381] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the dye penetration amount BD can be set to TBD, and the threshold value TBD can be set between the first dye penetration amount BD1 and the second dye penetration amount BD2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the dye penetration amount BD is above the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the first drive pulse P1, and if the dye penetration amount BD is less than the threshold value TBD, the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 can be determined as the second drive pulse P2.

[0382] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0383] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the driving step ST3: when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a first amount of ink BD1, a first driving pulse P1 is applied to the driving element 31; and when the amount of ink BD obtained as recording condition 400 is a second amount of ink BD2, which is less than the first amount of ink BD1, a second driving pulse P2 is applied to the driving element 31. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is relatively long, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the amount of ink determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD based on the amount of ink BD, which is a characteristic of the paper surface.

[0384] Figure 34 This schematically illustrates an example where, in addition to the amount of dye penetration (BD), the second potential time (T2) is determined by whether the second potential time (T2) is short or long, and it is also determined by the driving pulse P0. Figure 34 In the example shown, the shorter second potential time T2 is referred to as the first time TT1, and the longer second potential time T2 is referred to as the second time TT2.

[0385] In the drive pulse determination step, when the second potential time T2 of multiple drive pulses P0 for which any one drive pulse is to be applied is short, such as Figure 32 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown. Multiple driving pulses P0 include a first driving pulse P1 and a second driving pulse P2. Since the second driving pulse P2 has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first driving pulse P1, when the second potential time T2 of the second driving pulse P2 is shorter than the first time TT1, as shown... Figure 32 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown. Figure 34 The T2(P2) shown represents the second potential time T2 of the second drive pulse P2. For example, in the drive pulse determination step, if the amount of ink BD determined by multiple points DT in the liquid nozzle of the target is a first ink amount BD1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual ink amount enters the allowable range of the target value. In the same drive pulse determination step, if the amount of ink BD in the liquid nozzle of the target is a second ink amount BD2 that is greater than the first ink amount BD1, then the drive pulse P0 applied to the drive element 31 is determined as the second drive pulse P2, which has a longer second potential time T2 compared to the first drive pulse P1, so that the actual ink amount enters the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the target, the actual ink amount can be made closer to the target value.

[0386] Furthermore, in the drive pulse determination step, when the second potential time T2 of multiple drive pulses P0 for which any one drive pulse is to be applied in other liquid nozzles is relatively long, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a manner that reverses the relationship between the lengths of the second potential time T2 as described above. Since the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1 is shorter than that of the second drive pulse P2, when the second potential time T2 of the first drive pulse P1 is a relatively long second time TT2, the drive pulse P0 is determined in a manner that reverses the relationship between the lengths of the second potential time T2 as described above. Figure 22 The T2(P1) shown represents the second potential time T2 of the first driving pulse P1. For example, in the driving pulse determination step, if the amount of dye BD in the liquid nozzle of the target object is the first dye BD1, then the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the second driving pulse P2, so that the actual dye amount enters the allowable range of the target value. In the same driving pulse determination step, if the amount of dye BD in the liquid nozzle of the target object is the second dye BD2, which is greater than the first dye BD1, then the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1, which has a shorter second potential time T2 compared to the second driving pulse P2, so that the actual dye amount enters the allowable range of the target value. Thus, in the liquid nozzle of the target object, the actual dye amount can be made close to the target value.

[0387] Alternatively, in the drive pulse determination step, the threshold value of the second potential time T2 can be set to THT2, and the threshold value THT2 can be set between the first time TT1 and the second time TT2. In this case, in the drive pulse determination step, for example, if the second potential time T2(P2) of the second drive pulse P2 is less than the threshold value THT2, such as... Figure 32 The driving pulse P0 is determined as shown, and when the second potential time T2 (P1) of the first driving pulse P1 is above the threshold THT2, the driving pulse P0 is determined in a manner that is the opposite of the aforementioned relationship between the length of the second potential time T2 and the duration of the second potential time T2.

[0388] Of course, in the driving pulse determination step, a threshold TBD can also be set between the first dye penetration amount BD1 and the second dye penetration amount BD2. In this case, the driving pulse P0 can be determined, for example, in the following manner.

[0389] a. When the second potential time T2 (P2) is less than the threshold THT2 and the amount of dye penetration BD is less than the threshold TBD, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0390] b. When the second potential time T2 (P2) is less than the threshold THT2 and the amount of dye penetration BD is greater than or equal to the threshold TBD, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined to be the second driving pulse P2.

[0391] c. When the second potential time T2(P1) is above the threshold THT2 and the amount of dye penetration BD is less than the threshold TBD, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the second driving pulse P2.

[0392] d. When the second potential time T2(P1) is above the threshold THT2 and the diffusion amount BD is above the threshold TBD, the driving pulse P0 applied to the driving element 31 is determined as the first driving pulse P1.

[0393] The determined drive pulse P0 will be applied to the drive element 31.

[0394] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method in this specific example includes the following operations in the drive process ST3.

[0395] A. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the second driving pulse P2, is the first time TT1, and the amount of dye penetration BD obtained by the obtaining process ST1 is the first amount of dye penetration BD1, the operation of applying the first driving pulse P1 to the driving element 31 is performed.

[0396] B. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the second driving pulse P2, is the first time TT1, and the amount of dyeing BD obtained by the obtaining process ST1 is the second amount of dyeing BD2 which is greater than the first amount of dyeing BD1, the operation of applying the second driving pulse P2 to the driving element 31 is performed.

[0397] C. When the time T2, which is the second potential E2 contained in the first driving pulse P1, is longer than the first time TT1, and the amount of dye penetration BD obtained by the obtaining process ST1 is the first amount of dye penetration BD1, the operation of applying the second driving pulse P2 to the driving element 31 is performed.

[0398] D. The operation of applying the first driving pulse P1 to the driving element 31 when the time T2 included in the first driving pulse P1 as the second potential E2 is the second time TT2 and the amount of dyeing BD obtained by the obtaining process ST1 is the second amount of dyeing BD2.

[0399] When the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is short, there is a tendency for the amount of ink penetration BD to be smaller as the second potential time T2 is longer. Here, if the amount of ink penetration BD obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a smaller first ink penetration BD1, a first driving pulse P1 with a shorter second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31. If the amount of ink penetration BD obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a larger second ink penetration BD2, a second driving pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31 to reduce the actual amount of ink penetration. Therefore, when the second potential time T2 is short, the actual amount of ink penetration in the liquid ejector head of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0400] When the second potential time T2 of the driving pulse P0 is relatively long, there is a tendency for a shorter second potential time T2 to result in a smaller amount of ink penetration BD. Here, if the amount of ink penetration BD obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a smaller first ink penetration BD1, a second driving pulse P2 with a longer second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31. If the amount of ink penetration BD obtained as recording condition 400 in the liquid ejector head of the target is a larger second ink penetration BD2, a first driving pulse P1 with a shorter second potential time T2 is applied to the driving element 31 to reduce the actual amount of ink penetration. Therefore, even with a longer second potential time T2, the actual amount of ink penetration in the liquid ejector head of the target can be made closer to the target value.

[0401] As explained above, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the amount of ink penetration determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, based on the second potential time T2 of the drive pulse P0 and the amount of ink penetration BD as an ejection characteristic.

[0402] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of the various drive pulses P0 shown in the examples are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the amount of ink penetration determined by the multiple points DT actually formed on the recording medium MD, according to the amount of ink penetration BD.

[0403] Next, an example will be described in which a drive pulse P0 with a different third potential time T4 is applied to the drive element 31 based on the paper characteristics of the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1.

[0404] Here, the drive pulse P0 adjusted for the liquid ejection head of the object when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the first paper characteristics is referred to as the first drive pulse. Furthermore, for other liquid ejection heads, where the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the second paper characteristics, the drive pulse P0 adjusted to a value with a third potential time T4 longer than the first drive pulse to enter the allowable range of the target value is referred to as the second drive pulse. The liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the drive step ST3: when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the first paper characteristics, the first drive pulse is applied to the drive element 31, and when the paper characteristics obtained as recording condition 400 are the second paper characteristics, the second drive pulse is applied to the drive element 31. Therefore, this specific example can reduce the deviation of the state of the dot DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ actually ejected from the nozzle 1 according to the paper characteristics.

[0405] for Figure 17 Regarding the driving pulse P0 shown, Figure 3 The second potential time T2 shown changes according to the change of the third potential time T4. The second drive pulse P2 is at the second potential E2 for a shorter time than the first drive pulse P1. Since the change of the period T0 of the drive pulse P0 can be suppressed even if the third potential time T4 is changed, this example can provide an appropriate drive pulse P0 according to the change of the third potential time T4.

[0406] Furthermore, even if it includes Figure 5A , 5B The waveforms of various drive pulses P0, including the example shown, are the default waveforms and will produce a similar effect, thereby reducing the deviation of the state of the point DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ actually ejected from the nozzle 13, depending on the characteristics of the paper.

[0407] In addition, Figure 10 In the drive pulse determination step of S104, the drive pulse P0 can also be determined based on a combination of ejection characteristics and paper surface characteristics, or based on multiple conditions included in recording condition 400. For example, after executing... Figure 11 In the case of the third potential determination step of S212, the third potential E3 can also be determined based on multiple conditions included in the recording condition 400. Furthermore, in Figures 12-17 In S222, S232, S242, S252, S262, and S272, the initial parameters such as the first potential E1 can also be determined based on the multiple conditions included in the recording condition 400.

[0408] (8) The function and effect of specific examples:

[0409] In the specific example described above, since different drive pulses P0 are applied to the drive element 31 based on various paper surface characteristics, namely the state of the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the nozzle 13, various ejection characteristics are imparted to the liquid ejection head 11 that ejects the liquid LQ. Therefore, the specific example described above can provide liquid ejection methods, drive pulse generation programs, liquid ejection devices, and other technologies that can realize various ejection characteristics. Furthermore, when various ejection characteristics are imparted to the liquid ejection head 11, various characteristics will be imparted to the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejection head 11.

[0410] (9) Specific examples of automatic algorithms:

[0411] Since the recording conditions 400 include a variety of conditions, the computer 200 automatically determines the preferred method for applying the drive pulse P0 to the drive element 31. Therefore, referring to... Figure 35 The following figures illustrate an example of an automatic algorithm for determining one drive pulse to be applied in drive step ST3 from multiple drive pulses P0 based on recording condition 400.

[0412] Figure 35 It shows in Figure 10 An example of the drive pulse determination process implemented in S104. The computer 200, which implements the example of the drive pulse determination process, determines one drive pulse P0 to be applied in the drive process ST3 from a plurality of drive pulses P0 based on the recording conditions 400 obtained by the acquisition process ST1 and by the application of an automatic algorithm.

[0413] When the drive pulse determination process begins, the computer 200 experimentally sets the drive pulse P0, i.e., the temporary pulse, which is applied to the drive element 31 (S302).

[0414] like Figure 36 As shown in the example, the drive pulse P0 includes multiple variable factors F0. These multiple factors F0 correspond to... Figure 3 , 5A The differences d1 and d2 between time T2 and T4 and potential E, as well as the rates of change of potential E ΔE(s2), ΔE(s4), and ΔE(s6) are shown in 5B. Figure 36 The multiple factors F0 shown include the seven factors F1 to F7 shown below.

[0415] Factor F1. The difference d2 is |E3-E2|.

[0416] Factor F2. The difference d1 is |E1-E2|.

[0417] Factor F3. The rate of change of potential E, ΔE(s2), is |E1-E2| / T1.

[0418] Factor F4. The rate of change of potential E, ΔE(s4), is |E3-E2| / T3.

[0419] Factor F5. The rate of change of potential E, ΔE(s6), is |E3-E1| / T5.

[0420] Factor F6. The time T2 from time t2 to time t3.

[0421] Factor F7. The time T4 from time t4 to time t5.

[0422] In addition, multiple factors F0 may also include time T6 from timing t6 to timing t1 of the next drive pulse P0, etc.

[0423] The values ​​for each of the multiple stages are associated with factors F1 through F7, respectively. For example, Figure 36 The factor F1 shown is associated with the potential differences 30V, 35V, 40V, 45V, and 50V as the difference d2. Of course, the number of stages for the values ​​associated with each factor F0 is not limited to 5 stages; it can be 4 stages or less, or 6 stages or more. Furthermore, the values ​​associated with each factor F0 are not limited to... Figure 36 The values ​​shown can be of various kinds.

[0424] In the temporary pulse setting process of S302, the factor F0 of the object to be changed is set sequentially, and the value of the set factor F0 is changed sequentially. Figure 37 The image shows an example of a temporary pulse setting process to implement this process. For ease of explanation, therefore... Figure 36 Factors F1 to F7 are represented by variables a to g. Furthermore, variables a to g can be arbitrarily assigned one-to-one with factors F1 to F7, provided that no identical factor corresponds to multiple variables. For example, when one factor from F1 to F7 corresponds to variable a, the following correspondence is repeatedly applied: one factor from the remaining six factors corresponds to variable b, and one factor from the remaining five factors corresponds to variable b. When providing a specific example, this refers to the repeated application of the following correspondence: factor F2 corresponds to variable a, factor F6 corresponds to variable b, and factor F3 corresponds to variable c. The values ​​of variables a to g are used to... Figure 37The temporary pulse setting process shown refers to the integer values ​​processed during the temporary pulse setting process, and these integer values ​​correspond to the various stages of factor F0. For example, for the variables corresponding to factor F1, integer value 1 corresponds to 30V, integer value 2 corresponds to 35V, integer value 3 corresponds to 40V, integer value 4 corresponds to 45V, and integer value 5 corresponds to 50V. In the following description, the factors corresponding to variables a to g will be simply referred to as factors a to g.

[0425] As an easy-to-understand example, Figure 37 This example illustrates setting the default values ​​of variables a through c to 1 while configuring the values ​​of the three factors a through c. Figure 37 When the temporary pulse setting process begins, the computer 200 branches the processing based on whether this temporary pulse setting process is the first time (S402). If this temporary pulse setting process is the first time, the computer 200 sets variables a to c to the default value 1 (S404) and ends the temporary pulse setting process. Thus, factors a to c are set to their default values ​​corresponding to the default value 1 of variables a to c.

[0426] If this temporary pulse setting process is the second or subsequent process, the computer 200 sets variable a to the value set in the previous temporary pulse setting process (S406). After setting variable a, the computer 200 branches the processing based on whether variable b can be incremented by 1 (S408). If variable b can be incremented by 1, the computer 200 increments variable b by 1 (S410), sets variables a and c to the values ​​set in the previous temporary pulse setting process (S412), and ends the temporary pulse setting process. Thus, factors a and c are set to their previous values, thereby updating the value set by factor b.

[0427] If variable b cannot be incremented by 1 in step S408, computer 200 branches its processing based on whether variable c can be incremented by 1 (S414). If variable c can be incremented by 1, computer 200 increments variable c by 1 (S416), sets variable b to its default value of 1 (S418), sets variable a to its set value set during the previous temporary pulse setting process (S420), and ends the temporary pulse setting process. Thus, factor a is set to its previous set value, factor b is set to its default value, and the set value of factor c is updated.

[0428] If variable c cannot be incremented by 1 in S414, computer 200 increments variable a by 1 (S422), sets variables b and c to their default values ​​of 1 (S424), and ends the temporary pulse setting process. Thus, factor a is set to its previous setting value, factor b is set to its default value, and the setting value of factor c is updated.

[0429] By means of the above description, all combinations of factors a to c of the multiple stages contained in the driving pulse P0 are set, and the temporary pulse is set.

[0430] Although not illustrated, it can be understood through comparison with... Figure 37 The temporary pulse setting process shown is the same as that, so that all combinations of four or more factors can be set in a way that sets all combinations of all factors a to c.

[0431] exist Figure 35 After the temporary pulse setting process in S302, the computer 200 implements a temporary pulse application control process (S304) to apply the set temporary pulse to the drive element 31. For example, the computer 200 may also send waveform information 60, representing the temporary pulse determined in S302, to the device 10 along with the ejection request. In this case, the device 10, including the liquid ejection head 11, only needs to perform the process of receiving the waveform information 60 along with the ejection request, the process of storing the waveform information 60 in the memory 43, and the process of applying the drive pulse P0 formed according to the waveform information 60 to the drive element 31. As a result, liquid LQ is ejected from the nozzle 13 with ejection characteristics corresponding to the temporary pulse, and when the ejected droplet DR lands on the recording medium MD, dot DT is formed on the recording medium MD with paper characteristics corresponding to the temporary pulse.

[0432] Next, the computer 200 acquires the driving results when the driving pulse P0 is applied to the driving element 31 (S306). The driving results correspond to the recording conditions 400 described above and include the driving frequency f0 of the driving element 31, the ejection volume VM of the liquid LQ, the ejection velocity VC of the liquid LQ, the ejection angle θ of the liquid LQ, the aspect ratio AR of the liquid LQ, the coverage CR of the point DT, the seepage amount FT, and the color seepage amount BD, etc. The computer 200 can also obtain the results from... Figure 1 , 7 The driving results are obtained from the detection device 300 shown in 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, and 9C.

[0433] After obtaining the driving result, the computer 200 sets a temporary pulse to branch the processing (S308) based on whether all combinations of factors are applied. If there is an unset temporary pulse, the computer 200 repeatedly performs the processes S302 to S308. Thus, for all combinations of factors, the driving result when the set temporary pulses are applied to the driving element 31 is obtained. When all temporary pulses are set, the computer 200 determines the driving pulse P0 (S310) based on the driving result when each temporary pulse is applied to the driving element 31, in a way that ensures the actual ejection characteristics and paper surface characteristics fall within the allowable range of the target values, and then ends the driving pulse determination process. The determined driving pulse P0... Figure 10 In step S106, the pulse is applied to the driving element 31. Waveform information 60, representing the waveform of the determined driving pulse P0, is displayed in... Figure 10 In step S110, the state associated with the identification information ID of the liquid nozzle 11 is stored in a storage unit such as memory 43.

[0434] exist Figures 35-37 In this example, computer 200 fixes factor a and gradually differentiates factor b to obtain a driving result when a temporary pulse is applied to driving element 31. Based on the driving result, it determines the applied driving pulse from among multiple temporary pulses in a manner that brings the actual ejection characteristics and paper surface characteristics within the allowable range of the target value. In this case, factor a is an example of a first factor, and factor b is an example of a second factor. Furthermore, among the first and second factors, factors arbitrarily selected from factors F1 to F7 can be applied under conditions where the first and second factors differ. This application will be carried out in the same manner below.

[0435] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method of this specific example includes the following operation in the determination step ST2: fixing a first factor and gradually differentiating a second factor to obtain a driving result when a driving pulse P0 is applied to the driving element 31, and determining, based on the driving result, one driving pulse P0 to be applied in the driving step ST3 from multiple driving pulses P0. Because this specific example determines the driving pulse P0 through an automatic algorithm, it can provide liquid ejection methods, driving pulse generation programs, liquid ejection devices, and other technologies that can easily achieve various ejection characteristics.

[0436] Furthermore, by determining the driving pulse P0 based on the driving results obtained by gradually differentiating factors F1 to F7, different driving pulses P0 are applied to the driving element 31 according to the recording conditions 400, including the paper characteristics obtained by the acquisition process ST1. Therefore, various ejection characteristics are imparted to the liquid ejection head 11, and various ejection characteristics are realized, thereby imparting various characteristics to the dots DT formed on the recording medium MD by the liquid LQ ejected from the liquid ejection head 11.

[0437] In execution Figure 10 The drive pulse determination process implemented in S104 can also be as follows: Figure 38 It is implemented as shown. When Figure 38 When the drive pulse determination process begins, computer 200 first fixes factor a to a certain set value (S502). The process of S502 is executed multiple times, and during the processes of S504 to S510 implemented between each execution, the set value of factor a is fixed. The set value that is sequentially fixed in the multiple executions of S502 is set as a first predetermined condition, a second predetermined condition, and so on. For example, when factor a is... Figure 36 In the case of factor F1, the following process is repeatedly performed: in the first process of S502, V is set to 30V; in the second process of S502, V is set to 35V; and in the third process of S502, V is set to 40V. In this case, factor F1 is an example of the first factor, the set value of 30V is an example of the first predetermined condition, and the set value of 35V is an example of the second predetermined condition.

[0438] When the set value of factor a is fixed, computer 200 gradually differentiates the factors other than factor a among multiple factors, thereby setting the temporary pulse (S504). For example, if factor b is included among the remaining factors, factor a is an example of the first factor, and factor b is an example of the second factor. The temporary pulse setting process in S504 can be set to be consistent with... Figure 37 The process is similar to the temporary pulse setting process shown. After the temporary pulse setting process, the computer 200 performs a temporary pulse application control process (S506) to apply the set temporary pulse to the drive element 31. Next, the computer 200 obtains the driving result when the drive pulse P0 is applied to the drive element 31 (S508). Here, the driving result when factor a is fixed to a first predetermined condition is set as the first driving result, the driving result when factor a is fixed to a second predetermined condition is set as the second driving result, and so on. The first driving result is the driving result obtained by gradually differentiating the remaining factors when factor a is fixed to the first predetermined condition, and the second driving result is the driving result obtained by gradually differentiating the remaining factors when factor a is fixed to the second predetermined condition.

[0439] The computer 200 branches its processing (S510) based on whether temporary pulses are set for all combinations of factors excluding factor a. If there are unset temporary pulses, the computer 200 repeatedly executes the processes S504 to S510. Thus, for all combinations of factors excluding factor a, the computer obtains the driving result when the set temporary pulses are applied to the driving element 31. If all temporary pulses are set, the computer 200 determines candidate pulses (S512) based on the driving results when each temporary pulse is applied to the driving element 31, in a manner that makes the actual ejection characteristics and paper surface characteristics closest to the target values. Here, the candidate pulse determined based on the first driving result is designated as the first candidate pulse, the candidate pulse determined based on the second driving result is designated as the second candidate pulse, and so on. The first candidate pulse is, among a plurality of driving pulses where the first factor is fixed to a first predetermined condition, the one that... Figure 10 The driving pulse applied in S106 is set as a candidate, and the second candidate pulse is one of a plurality of driving pulses in which the first factor is fixed as a second predetermined condition. Figure 10 The driving pulse that is set as a candidate is applied in S106.

[0440] The computer 200 branches its processing (S514) based on whether the set value of factor a can be changed. If the set value of factor a can be changed, the computer 200 repeatedly executes processes S502 to S514. Thus, candidate pulses are determined for all set values ​​of factor a. If the set value of factor a cannot be changed, the computer 200 determines the appropriate pulse from multiple candidate pulses in a manner that ensures the actual ejection characteristics and paper characteristics fall within the acceptable range of the target value. Figure 10 A drive pulse is applied in S106 (S516), and the drive pulse determination process ends. The determined drive pulse P0 is... Figure 10 In step S106, the pulse is applied to the driving element 31. Waveform information 60, representing the waveform of the determined driving pulse P0, is displayed in... Figure 10 In step S110, the state associated with the identification information ID of the liquid nozzle 11 is stored in a storage unit such as memory 43.

[0441] Based on the above, the liquid ejection method in this specific example includes the following steps 1 to 3 in the determination process ST2.

[0442] Step 1. Fix the first factor to the first predetermined condition and make the second factor gradually different, thereby obtaining the first driving result when the driving pulse P0 is applied to the driving element 31, and based on the first driving result, determine the candidate driving pulse, i.e. the first candidate pulse, to be applied in the driving process ST3 from the multiple driving pulses P0 where the first factor is fixed to the first predetermined condition.

[0443] Step 2. Fix the first factor to a second predetermined condition that is different from the first predetermined condition and make the second factor gradually different, thereby obtaining a second driving result when the driving pulse P0 is applied to the driving element 31, and based on the second driving result, determine the candidate driving pulse, i.e. the second candidate pulse, to be applied in the driving process ST3 from among the multiple driving pulses P0 where the first factor is fixed to the second predetermined condition.

[0444] Step 3. From a plurality of candidate pulses, including at least the first candidate pulse and the second candidate pulse, determine one driving pulse to be applied in the driving process ST3.

[0445] This specific example provides preferred liquid ejection methods, drive pulse generation programs, liquid ejection devices, and other technologies that can easily achieve a wide variety of ejection characteristics.

[0446] (10) Specific examples of drive pulse generation systems, including server computers:

[0447] The waveform information 60 representing the determined drive pulse P0 can also be stored in a server computer located outside the computer 200. In this case, the user of the device 10, including the liquid nozzle 11, can apply the drive pulse P0 represented by the waveform information 60 to the drive element 31 of the liquid nozzle 11 by downloading the waveform information 60 from the server computer.

[0448] Figure 39 The diagram schematically illustrates a structural example of the drive pulse generation system SY, including server 250. Here, "server" is short for "server computer." Figure 39 The lower part schematically shows an example of an information group stored in storage device 254.

[0449] Figure 39 The server 250 shown includes a CPU 251 as a processor, a ROM 252 as semiconductor memory, a RAM 253 as semiconductor memory, a storage device 254, a communication I / F 257, etc. These elements 251 to 254, 257, etc., are electrically connected together so that they can input and output information to each other.

[0450] The communication I / F 257 of server 250 and the communication I / F 207 of computer 200 are connected to network NW and send and receive data to each other via network NW. Network NW includes the Internet, LAN, etc. Here, LAN is short for Local Area Network.

[0451] The storage device 254 stores the identification information ID of the liquid nozzle 11 and the waveform information 60 associated with the identification information ID. Figure 39 The storage device 254 shown stores waveform information 601 associated with identification information ID1, waveform information 602 associated with identification information ID2, waveform information 603 associated with identification information ID3, and so on. In this specific example, the storage device 254 is an example of a storage unit.

[0452] The computer 200 in this specific example is Figure 10 In the storage processing of S110, waveform information 60 representing the drive pulse P0 determined in S104, and identification information ID of the liquid nozzle 11 applying the determined drive pulse P0, are sent to server 250 along with a storage request. In this case, server 250 receives waveform information 60 and identification information ID from computer 200 at the same time as receiving the storage request, and stores waveform information 60 in storage device 254 in a state associated with identification information ID. For example, when computer 200 sends waveform information 602 and identification information ID2 along with a storage request to server 250, server 250 stores waveform information 602 in a state associated with identification information ID2 in storage device 254.

[0453] Based on the above, when a computer connected to device 10 requests the server 250 to send waveform information 60 associated with the identification information ID, the server 250 sends the waveform information 60 associated with the identification information ID to the computer. Thus, the computer can receive the waveform information 60 associated with the identification information ID from the server 250 and store it in the memory 43 of device 10. Here, the computer can be either the aforementioned computer 200 or a computer other than computer 200.

[0454] Based on the above, in the storage step ST4 of the liquid ejection method of this specific example, waveform information 60 associated with identification information ID is sent via computer 200 located outside the storage unit, thereby storing the waveform information 60 in a state associated with identification information ID in the storage unit. Furthermore, in the storage step ST4 of the liquid ejection method of this specific example, the waveform information 60 associated with identification information ID is sent to server 250 via computer 200 located outside server 250, thereby storing the waveform information 60 in a state associated with identification information ID in storage device 254. Thus, this specific example can receive the waveform information 60 associated with identification information ID from server 250 and apply the drive pulse P0 represented by the waveform information 60 to the drive element 31. Therefore, this specific example can provide a convenient liquid ejection method, drive pulse generation program, liquid ejection device, and other technologies that easily implement various ejection characteristics.

[0455] Furthermore, although the case where the first potential E1 is between the second potential E2 and the third potential E3 is described in various embodiments, it is also possible for the third potential E3 to be between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0456] (11) Conclusion:

[0457] As explained above, according to the present invention, liquid ejection methods, drive pulse generation programs, liquid ejection devices, and other technologies that can eject liquid according to various recording conditions can be provided in various ways. Of course, even technologies consisting only of structural elements involved in independent technical solutions can achieve the aforementioned basic functions and effects.

[0458] Furthermore, the invention can also be implemented in structures that substitute or modify the combinations of the structures disclosed in the above examples, and structures that substitute or modify the combinations of the structures disclosed in the prior art and the above examples. The invention also includes these structures.

[0459] Symbol Explanation

[0460] 10…device; 11…liquid nozzle; 13…nozzle; 14…nozzle face; 23…pressure chamber; 31…drive element; 40…device body; 44…control unit; 45…drive signal generation circuit; 60…waveform information; 200…computer; 204…storage device; 250…server; 254…storage device; 300…detection device; 400…recording conditions; AR…aspect ratio; BD…bleeding amount; BD1…first bleeding amount; BD2…second bleeding amount; COM…drive signal; CR…coverage; CR1…first coverage; CR2…second coverage; D0…reference direction; D1…ejection direction; DR…droplet; DR1…main droplet; DR2…secondary droplet; DR3…secondary droplet; DT, DT1, DT2…points; Db…body; Df…bleeding section; Dm…mixing section; d1, d2…difference; E1…first…secondary droplet; E1…potential; E2…second potential; E3…third potential; F0~F7…factor; f0…driving frequency; f1…first driving frequency; f2…second driving frequency; FT…percolation; FT1…first percolation; FT2…second percolation; ID…identification information; LQ…liquid; MD…recording medium; MN…meniscus; P0…driving pulse; P1…first driving pulse; P2…second driving pulse; P3…third driving pulse; PR0…driving pulse determination procedure; s1~s6…state; ST1…acquisition process; ST2…determination process; ST3…driving process; ST4…storage process; SY…driving pulse generation system; T0…cycle; T1~T6…time, t1~t6…timing, TA1…target ejection characteristic table, TT1…first time, TT2…second time, VC…ejection speed; VM…ejection volume; θ…angle.

Claims

1. A method for ejecting liquid, characterized in that, A liquid ejector head equipped with a drive element and a nozzle is used, and liquid is ejected from the nozzle by applying a drive pulse to the drive element. The liquid ejection method includes: The acquisition process acquires the state of the dots formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle as the recording condition; The driving process applies different driving pulses to the driving element according to the recording conditions obtained by the acquiring process. In the acquisition process, the coverage of the dots formed on the recording medium when a predetermined number of droplets are ejected from the nozzle is used as the recording condition. In the driving process, If the coverage rate obtained by the acquisition process is a first coverage rate, a first drive pulse is applied to the drive element, and If the coverage obtained by the acquisition process is a second coverage rate that is less than the first coverage rate, a second drive pulse that is different from the first drive pulse is applied to the drive element.

2. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving pulse includes a first potential, a second potential, and a third potential, wherein the second potential is different from the first potential and is applied after the first potential, and the third potential is different from both the first potential and the second potential and is applied after the second potential.

3. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first potential is the potential between the second potential and the third potential.

4. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second potential is lower than the first potential. The third potential is higher than the first potential.

5. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second potential is higher than the first potential. The third potential is lower than the first potential.

6. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the acquisition process, the amount of liquid seeping into the recording medium is used as the recording condition. In the driving process, If the amount of seepage obtained by the aforementioned obtaining process is a first amount of seepage, a first driving pulse is applied to the driving element, and If the amount of seepage obtained by the obtaining process is a second amount of seepage that is less than the first amount of seepage, a second driving pulse that is different from the first driving pulse is applied to the driving element.

7. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the acquisition process, the amount of ink penetration, which represents the degree of ink penetration between droplets sprayed from the nozzle onto the recording medium, is obtained as the recording condition. In the driving process, If the amount of ink absorbed by the aforementioned obtaining process is a first amount of ink absorbed, the first driving pulse is applied to the driving element, and If the amount of ink absorbed by the obtaining process is a second amount of ink absorbed that is less than the first amount of ink absorbed, a second driving pulse, different from the first driving pulse, is applied to the driving element.

8. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse, the difference between the value of the third potential and the value of the second potential is different.

9. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse, the value of the first potential is different from each other.

10. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse, the rate of potential change during the period from the first potential to the second potential is different.

11. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse, the rate of potential change during the period from the second potential to the third potential is different.

12. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse, the rate of potential change during the period from the third potential to the first potential is different.

13. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The time spent at the second potential is different in the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse.

14. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The time spent at the third potential is different in the first driving pulse and the second driving pulse.

15. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a determination step of determining one of the driving pulses applied in the driving process from among the plurality of driving pulses.

16. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, In the decision process, based on the recording conditions obtained by the acquisition process, the one drive pulse applied in the drive process is determined from the plurality of drive pulses by the application of an automatic algorithm.

17. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The driving pulse includes multiple variable factors. The plurality of factors includes at least a first factor and a second factor that is different from the first factor. In the decision-making process, the first factor is fixed and the second factor is gradually made different, thereby obtaining a driving result when the driving pulse is applied to the driving element, and based on the driving result, the one driving pulse applied in the driving process is determined from the plurality of driving pulses.

18. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, In the decision-making process, The first factor is fixed to a first predetermined condition, and the second factor is gradually made different, thereby obtaining a first driving result when the driving pulse is applied to the driving element. Based on the first driving result, a candidate driving pulse, i.e., a first candidate pulse, is determined from the plurality of driving pulses in which the first factor is fixed to the first predetermined condition. The first factor is fixed to a second predetermined condition different from the first predetermined condition, and the second factor is made gradually different, thereby obtaining a second driving result when the driving pulse is applied to the driving element. Based on the second driving result, a candidate driving pulse, i.e., a second candidate pulse, is determined from the plurality of driving pulses in which the first factor is fixed to the second predetermined condition. The driving pulse to be applied in the driving process is determined from a plurality of candidate pulses, including at least the first candidate pulse and the second candidate pulse.

19. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a storage process in which waveform information representing the waveform of the drive pulse determined in the decision process is stored in a storage unit in a state associated with the identification information of the liquid nozzle.

20. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, In the storage process, the waveform information associated with the identification information is sent by a computer located outside the storage unit, thereby storing the waveform information in the storage unit in a state associated with the identification information.

21. The liquid ejection method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The third potential is the potential between the first potential and the second potential.

22. A recording medium for recording a program, characterized in that, The procedure is a drive pulse determination procedure for determining the drive pulse applied to the drive element in a liquid ejection head equipped with a drive element that causes the nozzle to eject liquid according to a drive pulse. The drive pulse determination program enables the computer to perform the following functions: The acquisition function obtains the state of the points formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle as the recording condition. The decision function determines different drive pulses based on the recording conditions obtained by the acquisition function. In the acquisition function, the coverage of the points formed on the recording medium when a predetermined number of droplets are ejected from the nozzle is used as the recording condition. In the decision function, If the coverage rate obtained by the acquisition function is a first coverage rate, a first drive pulse applied to the drive element is determined, and If the coverage obtained by the acquisition function is a second coverage rate that is less than the first coverage rate, a second drive pulse that is applied to the drive element, different from the first drive pulse, is determined.

23. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, The liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection head having a drive element and a nozzle, and ejects liquid from the nozzle by applying a drive pulse to the drive element. The acquisition unit acquires the state of the dots formed on the recording medium by the liquid ejected from the nozzle as recording conditions; The driving unit applies different driving pulses to the driving element according to the recording conditions obtained by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit acquires the coverage of the points formed on the recording medium when a predetermined number of droplets are ejected from the nozzle as the recording condition. When the coverage rate obtained by the acquisition unit is a first coverage rate, the driving unit applies a first driving pulse to the driving element, and If the coverage rate obtained by the acquisition unit is a second coverage rate that is less than the first coverage rate, a second drive pulse that is different from the first drive pulse is applied to the drive element.

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