Conversion processing system

Abstract

A conversion processing system converts driving waveform information for determining a driving pulse into setting data to be transmitted to an inkjet head. The conversion processing system includes: an input device configured to input driving waveform information of an ink jet head of a liquid droplet ejection device; a storage device that stores drive waveform information of the inkjet head, a program that converts the drive waveform information into setting data, and the setting data converted from the drive waveform information, the setting data satisfying unique restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the drive waveform; the processor executes the program and converts the driving waveform information into set data; and an output device that outputs the setting data to the liquid droplet ejection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a conversion processing system that converts driving waveform information for determining a driving pulse into setting data to be transmitted to an inkjet head. Background Art

[0002] In a liquid ejection device having an inkjet head, generally speaking, a driving pulse is applied to a driving element such as a piezoelectric element of the inkjet head, so that a liquid such as ink is ejected from a nozzle. As an example, the driving pulse is generated by a driving circuit. The driving circuit receives setting data and print data (grayscale values ​​corresponding to each nozzle) and drives. The setting data is stored in a setting register that specifies the operation of the driving circuit according to the grayscale value. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] Usually, the conversion from the driving waveform information for determining the driving pulse to the setting data is performed manually by the user. However, when there is an electrical limitation in the setting of the inkjet head, the user may set the setting data to an erroneous value.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a conversion processing system for converting driving waveform information for determining a driving pulse of an inkjet head into setting data that satisfies the electrical limitation of the inkjet head.

[0006] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0007] The conversion processing system involved in the implementation method comprises: an input device for inputting driving waveform information of an inkjet head of a droplet ejecting device; a storage device for storing the driving waveform information of the inkjet head, a program for converting the driving waveform information into setting data, and setting data converted from the driving waveform information, wherein the setting data satisfies inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the driving waveform; a processor for executing the program to convert the driving waveform information into the setting data; and an output device for outputting the setting data to the droplet ejecting device.

[0008] The conversion processing system involved in the implementation method comprises: a network server, which receives the driving waveform information of the inkjet head of the droplet ejection device from an external terminal; a database, which stores the driving waveform information of the inkjet head, a program for converting the driving waveform information into setting data, and the setting data converted from the driving waveform information, wherein the setting data satisfies the inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the driving waveform; a database server, which manages the database; and an API server, which executes the program to convert the driving waveform information into the setting data, and the network server sends the setting data to the external terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a liquid droplet ejection device that is a control target of the conversion processing system according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer constituting the conversion processing system according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a drive condition providing server constituting the conversion processing system according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a setting screen of parameters of driving waveform information of a DRP waveform.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a figure which shows the setting screen of the waveform mode of a DRP waveform.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of conversion from parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform to register values ​​of setting data.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from parameters of driving waveform information of a DRP waveform.

[0016] Figure 8 It is shown based on Figure 6 and Figure 7 The conversion result shown is a diagram of the DRP waveform of the register value of the setting data.

[0017] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a setting screen for parameters of driving waveform information of a DHP waveform.

[0018] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of conversion from parameters of driving waveform information of a DHP waveform to register values ​​of setting data.

[0019] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from parameters of driving waveform information of a DHP waveform.

[0020] Fig.12 It is shown based on Fig.10 and Fig.11 The conversion result shown is a diagram of the DHP waveform of the register value of the setting data.

[0021] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a conversion processing program executed by the conversion processing system according to the embodiment.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals

[0023] 10…droplet ejection device, 11…control unit, 12…processor, 13…memory, 14…display, 15…operation unit, 16…communication interface, 21…conveying motor, 22…motor drive circuit, 23…pump, 24…pump drive circuit, 25…inkjet head, 26…head controller, 30…conversion processing system, 40…computer, 41…processor, 42…calculation device, 43…control device, 44…storage device, 45…input device, 46…output device, 50…drive condition providing server, 51…network server, 52…authentication server, 53…firewall, 54…AP server, 55…network API server, 56…database server, 57…database, 61…control server, 62…PC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, the conversion processing system involved in the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The conversion processing system is a system that converts the parameters of the driving waveform information for determining the driving waveform of the inkjet head of the droplet ejection device into the register value of the setting data that satisfies the electrical limitation of the inkjet head, and sends the converted register value to the droplet ejection device. Hereinafter, before describing the conversion processing system, first, the droplet ejection device, which is the object to which the register value of the setting data is sent, will be described.

[0025] (Droplet ejection device)

[0026] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the liquid droplet ejection device 10. The liquid droplet ejection device 10 forms an image on a printing medium as a recording medium while conveying the printing medium.

[0027] The droplet ejection device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display 14, an operation unit 15, a communication interface 16, a conveying motor 21, a motor drive circuit 22, a pump 23, a pump drive circuit 24, a plurality of inkjet heads 25, and a head controller 26. Furthermore, the droplet ejection device 10 includes a conveying mechanism, a paper feed box, and a paper discharge tray, which are not shown. It should be noted that in the drawings, the interface is abbreviated as "IF".

[0028] The control unit 11 includes a processor 12 and a memory 13, and performs various controls on the droplet ejection device 10. The processor 12 is a computing element that performs arithmetic processing. For example, the processor 12 performs various processing based on a program stored in the memory 13 and data for the program. The memory 13 stores the program and data for the program in a rewritable manner.

[0029] For example, the display 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays an image based on a video signal input from the processor 12 or a graphic controller (not shown) for performing image processing.

[0030] The operation unit 15 generates an operation signal based on the user's operation. For example, the operation unit 15 is a touch sensor, a numeric keypad, a power key, a paper feed key, various function keys, a keyboard, etc. For example, the touch sensor is a resistive film touch sensor, an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor, etc. The touch sensor obtains information showing a specified position in a certain area. In addition, the touch sensor can also be used as a touch panel configured on the upper surface of the display 14 and formed as an integral body. In this case, the touch sensor generates a signal showing the touched position on the screen displayed on the display 14.

[0031] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication interface 16 is used to communicate with the conversion processing system 30, and the conversion processing system 30 sends the print data and the register value of the setting data to the droplet ejection device 10. The communication interface 16 communicates with the conversion processing system 30 via a network configured in a wired or wireless manner, such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0032] The conveying motor 21 rotates to become a driving source for a conveying mechanism (not shown) for conveying print media. The conveying mechanism is composed of a conveyor belt for conveying print media, a plurality of rollers (driving rollers and driven rollers) on which the conveyor belt is wound, and a guide. The conveying motor 21 rotates the driving roller to move the conveyor belt. The print medium moves in a conveying path defined by a guide arranged near the conveyor belt.

[0033] The motor drive circuit 22 drives the conveying motor 21 according to the conveying control signal input from the control unit 11. The motor drive circuit 22, the conveying motor 21, and the conveying mechanism convey the printing medium taken out from the paper feed box (not shown) to the paper discharge tray (not shown) via the plurality of inkjet heads 25. It should be noted that the paper feed box is a box for storing a plurality of printing media. The paper discharge tray is a tray for storing the printing medium discharged from the droplet ejection device 10.

[0034] The pump 23 supplies ink from the ink tank through the ink supply path to the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25. The pump 23 is arranged on the ink supply path formed by a tube (not shown) that connects the ink tank and the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25.

[0035] The pump driving circuit 24 drives the pump 23 according to the ink supply control signal input from the processor 12 .

[0036] The inkjet head 25 ejects ink onto the printing medium to form an image. Although not shown, the inkjet head 25 includes a plurality of driving elements such as piezoelectric elements for ejecting ink, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the ink, and a control circuit for controlling the driving element. The image is formed by ejecting ink onto the printing medium transported by the transport mechanism based on the driving power supply and control signal supplied from the head controller 26. A plurality of inkjet heads 25 corresponding to each color of ink, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc., are provided.

[0037] The droplet ejection device 10 receives the registered values ​​of the print data and setting data from the conversion processing system 30 via the communication interface 16 and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads the registered values ​​of the print data and setting data from the memory 13 and sends them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the plurality of inkjet heads 25 based on the registered values ​​of the print data and setting data. The head controller 26 operates the driving elements in the inkjet head 25 to eject ink from the nozzles of the inkjet head 25, thereby forming an image on the printing medium.

[0038] (First Configuration Example of Conversion Processing System 30)

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 2 , a first configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 will be described. The first configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 is an example in which the conversion processing system 30 is constituted by a computer 40. Figure 2 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer 40 constituting a conversion processing system 30 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 In the figure, the solid arrows indicate the flow of data, and the dotted arrows indicate the flow of control.

[0040] The computer 40 constituting the conversion processing system 30 includes a processor 41, a storage device 44, an input device 45, and an output device 46. In addition to these, the computer 40 may further include other peripheral devices.

[0041] The processor 41 , the storage device 44 , the input device 45 , and the output device 46 are electrically connected to each other via a bus, and can transmit and receive data and commands via the bus.

[0042] The storage device 44 stores programs and data necessary for the processes executed by the processor 41. The processor 41 reads necessary programs and data from the storage device 44 and executes them, thereby performing various processes.

[0043] The storage device 44 may include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device and the auxiliary storage device can transmit and receive programs and data to and from each other.

[0044] The main storage device stores programs and data temporarily required for processing by the processor 41. For example, the main storage device is composed of a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0045] The auxiliary storage device stores programs and data supplied via external devices or networks, and provides the main storage device with programs and data temporarily required for processing by the processor 41. For example, the auxiliary storage device is composed of non-volatile memories such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0046] The processor 41 is hardware that processes data and commands. For example, the processor 41 can include a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 41 includes a calculation device 42 and a control device 43 .

[0047] The computing device 42 reads the program and data from the storage device 44 and executes the program to perform arithmetic and logical operations on the data, and provides the data of the operation results to the storage device 44 .

[0048] The control device 43 controls the calculation device 42 , the storage device 44 , the input device 45 , and the output device 46 .

[0049] The processor 41 reads programs and data from the storage device 44 and executes the programs, thereby controlling the calculation device 42 , the storage device 44 , the input device 45 , and the output device 46 .

[0050] The input device 45 is a device for inputting data. For example, the input device 45 can include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a receiving device, etc. The input device 45 is not limited thereto, and can include any other input device.

[0051] The output device 46 is a device for outputting data. For example, the output device 46 can include a display, a disk drive, a transmission device, etc. The output device 46 is not limited thereto, and can include any other output device.

[0052] It should be noted that the display also functions as a device that assists input by a keyboard or a mouse, and the touch panel functions as an input-output device that has both an input function and an output function.

[0053] In such a configuration, the input device 45 receives input of parameters of drive waveform information and print data of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10. The input device 45 outputs the parameters of drive waveform information and print data of the inkjet head 25 to the storage device 44.

[0054] The storage device 44 stores the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 and the print data input from the input device 45. In addition, the storage device 44 stores a conversion processing program that converts the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 into the registered values ​​of the setting data, and the registered values ​​of the setting data satisfy the inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the drive waveform.

[0055] The processor 41 reads the conversion processing program, the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and the print data from the storage device 44, and executes the conversion processing program on the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25. Thus, the processor 41 generates a registered value of the setting data that satisfies the inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the drive waveform. The processor 41 outputs the registered value of the setting data to the storage device 44. The storage device 44 stores the registered value of the setting data input from the processor 41.

[0056] The output device 46 reads the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data from the storage device 44 and sends them to the droplet ejection device 10. The droplet ejection device 10 receives the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data via the communication interface 16 and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data from the memory 13 and sends them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the inkjet head 25 based on the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data.

[0057] (Second Configuration Example of Conversion Processing System 30)

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 3 Next, a second configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 will be described. The second configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 is an example in which the conversion processing system 30 is configured by the drive condition providing server 50. Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the drive condition providing server 50 constituting the conversion processing system 30 according to the embodiment.

[0059] The drive condition providing server 50 includes a network server 51, an authentication server 52, a firewall 53, an AP server 54, a network API server 55, a database server 56, and a database 57. It should be noted that in the drawings, the database is abbreviated as "DB".

[0060] The network server 51 receives a request from a client and returns a response to the client's request. In one example, the client is a control server 61 that controls the droplet ejection device 10. In this case, the control server 61 follows an API procedure disclosed on the network, sends a request to the network server 51, and receives a response from the network server 51. In another example, the client is a user of a PC 62 that controls the droplet ejection device 10. In this case, the user of the PC 62 sends a request to the network server 51 through a screen displayed on a web browser of the PC 62, for example, through HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) communication, and receives a response from the network server 51. For example, the screen of the web browser is created using THMLS, CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), etc.

[0061] The database 57 stores various data. The database server 56 manages the database 57. The database server 56 reads appropriate data from the database 57 according to the request from the authentication server 52, the AP server 54, and the network API server 55, and provides them to the authentication server 52, the AP server 54, and the network API server 55.

[0062] The authentication server 52 receives the authentication information of the client from the network server 51, and compares the authentication information with the authentication information stored in the database 57 via the database server 56 to determine whether to allow access.

[0063] The firewall 53 protects the AP server 54 and the network API server 55 from illegal access, etc. The firewall 53 allows access permitted by the authentication server 52.

[0064] The AP server 54 provides an execution environment for the network application program. The network API server 55 provides an API.

[0065] In such a configuration, the database 57 stores a conversion processing program for converting parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 into registered values ​​of setting data that satisfy inherent constraints determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the drive waveform.

[0066] The client sends the drive condition providing server 50 a request for the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 and print data, and a conversion process for converting the parameters of the drive waveform information into registered values ​​of setting data.

[0067] If the customer's access is correct, the drive condition providing server 50 converts the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 into the registered values ​​of the setting data that satisfies the inherent restrictions determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the drive waveform in the AP server 54 or the network API server 55, and returns the registered values ​​of the setting data of the conversion result to the customer.

[0068] For example, when the client is the control server 61 that controls the droplet ejection device 10, the network API server 55 receives the parameters of the drive waveform information and the print data of the inkjet head 25 and outputs them to the database server 56. The database server 56 stores the input drive waveform information parameters and the print data in the database 57.

[0069] The network API server 55 reads the conversion processing program, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and the print data from the database 57, and executes the conversion processing program on the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25. Thus, the network API server 55 generates a registered value of the setting data that satisfies the inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the driving waveform. The network API server 55 stores the registered value of the setting data in the database 57 via the database server 56. In addition, the network API server 55 sends the registered value of the setting data and the print data to the control server 61 via the firewall 53 and the network server 51.

[0070] The control server 61 sends the received registered values ​​of the setting data and the print data to the droplet ejection device 10. The droplet ejection device 10 receives the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data via the communication interface 16 and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data from the memory 13 and sends them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the inkjet head 25 based on the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data.

[0071] When the client is a user of the PC 62 controlling the droplet ejection device 10 , the AP server 54 performs the same operation as the network API server 55 . Specifically, the AP server 54 receives the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 and the print data, and stores them in the database 57 via the database server 56 .

[0072] The AP server 54 reads the conversion processing program, the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and the print data from the database 57, and executes the conversion processing program on the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and generates the registered value of the setting data that satisfies the inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the drive waveform. The AP server 54 stores the registered value of the setting data in the database 57 via the database server 56. In addition, the AP server 54 sends the registered value of the setting data and the print data to the PC 62 via the firewall 53 and the network server 51.

[0073] The PC 62 automatically or under the instruction of the user of the PC 62 sends the received registered values ​​of the setting data and the print data to the droplet ejection device 10. The droplet ejection device 10 receives the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data via the communication interface 16 and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data from the memory 13 and sends them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the inkjet head 25 based on the registered values ​​of the print data and the setting data.

[0074] (Example of conversion of DRP waveform)

[0075] Reference Figures 4 to 8 The following describes a conversion example of a DRP waveform, which is one type of driving waveform for the inkjet head 25. The DRP waveform is a waveform having a Draw (expansion) pulse, a Release (release) pulse, and a Push (contraction) pulse.

[0076] Figure 4 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen of parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform. The setting screen is displayed on the computer 40 or PC 62. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the parameter setting screen of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform has various setting items.

[0077] The setting screen has a selection item for the drive waveform. In addition, the setting screen has a waveform setting (Waveform setup). For example, as a waveform setting (Waveform setup), four timers (Time 1, Time 2, Time 3, Time 4) are prepared according to the number of dots of ink in the multi-dot method. For example, the timer of Time 1 is used for 1 to 3 dots, and the timer of Time 2 is used for 4 to 7 dots.

[0078] The setting screen has setting items for the time (μm) of each pulse width of the BST (pre-contraction) interval, D (expansion) interval, R (release) interval, P (contraction) interval, DMP (pre-expansion), and PRE (precursor) interval as drive waveforms for each timer, as well as setting items for the time (Drop cycle) and number of frames (Frame Set) for 1 point.

[0079] In addition, for example, the setting screen has the maximum number of points (Max frame), waveform mode (Waveform Mode), the number of points at which BST, DMP, etc. are added (establish PPBD), whether to add the waveform to the front or back side of the line (Line) (SelectWaveFill), setting items for the precursor (precursor), setting items for fine waveform control (Fine adjustmentcontrol), etc., as setting items for 3-part drive (Order of divided), and setting items for control of waveform frame (Control of waveform frame).

[0080] An example of the above-mentioned parameter setting includes a function of setting a display waveform mode and the like. Figure 5 It is a figure which shows the setting screen of the waveform mode of a DRP waveform. Figure 5 The waveform mode setting screen shown shows what kind of pulse setting is driven at each point and what kind of pulse width time setting is set. Figure 5 In the setting screen, the types of pulse settings include standby drive (BST), drive (ACT), non-drive (NEG), etc.

[0081] It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the settings screen, the maximum number of points is set to 8, so Figure 5 The actual setting range is 01 to 08 for the frame (Frame) and 0h to 7h for the point (Drop) in the waveform mode setting screen.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of conversion from parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform to register values ​​of setting data. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from parameters of driving waveform information of a DRP waveform. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A conversion example regarding a timer (Time1) is representatively shown. Figure 8 It is shown based on Figure 6 and Figure 7 The conversion result shown is a diagram of the DRP waveform of the register value of the setting data.

[0083] There are setting boxes corresponding to the parameters of the drive waveform. Each setting box has a potential setting based on time setting and pulse setting.

[0084] The conversion processing program converts each time setting and potential setting into register values ​​of setting data. As mentioned above, the main body of the conversion processing program is the processor 41, the AP server 54, and the network API server 55, but for the sake of convenience, it is described as the conversion processing program execution process.

[0085] In the execution of the conversion process, the conversion processing program first divides each parameter into a plurality of frames. For example, the conversion processing program appropriately divides the time required for ejecting one dot of ink (i.e., one cycle), more specifically, the interval included in one cycle, into a plurality of frames. Next, the conversion processing program allocates each of the divided frames into a frame of the pulse of the main purpose (normal frame) and a frame for ensuring electrical restrictions (restriction frame). In the frame for ensuring electrical restrictions, the time and potential that meet the restriction conditions are set. The time of the frame of the pulse of the main purpose is calculated so that the sum of the time of the frame of the pulse of the main purpose and the time that meets the restriction conditions becomes the setting time of the parameter.

[0086] In this conversion process, there is a need to satisfy electrical restrictions. In particular, when the inkjet head 25 is a shared mode head, there is an electrical restriction as follows as an example.

[0087] The driving of the electrode connected to the pressure chamber that ejects ink and the driving of the adjacent electrode connected to the adjacent pressure chamber cannot be performed simultaneously.

[0088] A certain time interval must be inserted between driving of the electrode and driving of the adjacent electrode.

[0089] The electrode and the adjacent electrodes must not be in a state where the voltage exceeds the latch voltage due to the driving pulse of other electrodes.

[0090] That is, the conversion processing program divides the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 into a plurality of frames, and allocates the plurality of frames obtained by the division into a restriction frame for ensuring the restriction condition and a normal frame for ejecting ink. The parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 include a time setting value and a potential setting value of the drive pulse. The conversion processing program sets the time value and the potential value that satisfy the restriction condition for the restriction frame.

[0091] exist Figure 6In the conversion example, the D interval, R interval, P interval, and the next interval are all 2μs, and the conversion processing program divides each interval into a limit frame of 0.2μs and a normal frame of 1.8μs. That is, the conversion processing program divides the D interval into a limit frame of Set1 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set2 of 1.8μs, divides the R interval into a limit frame of Set3 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set4 of 1.8μs, divides the P interval into a limit frame of Set5 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set6 of 1.8μs, and divides the next interval into a limit frame of Set7 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set8 of 1.8μs.

[0092] Further, the conversion processing program converts 0.2 μs into a register value of 00001010 and converts 1.8 μs into a register value of 01011010.

[0093] In addition, conversion handlers such as Figure 6 As shown, for each of Set1 to Set8, a potential is set for each of the electrode being driven (ACT) and the adjacent electrodes, and a potential is set for each of the electrode being non-driven (NEG) and the adjacent electrodes.

[0094] Specifically, the conversion processing program sets the potential for each of Set1 to Set8 as follows.

[0095] In the limit frame of Set1, VSS is set for the electrode driven (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode driven (ACT).

[0096] In the normal frame of Set2, -VAA is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0097] In the limit frame of Set3, VSS is set for the electrode driven (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode driven (ACT).

[0098] In the normal frame of Set4, VSS is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0099] In the limit box of Set5, VSS is set for the electrode of drive (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of drive (ACT).

[0100] In the normal frame of Set6, +VAA is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0101] In the limit box of Set7, +VAA is set for the electrode driven (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode driven (ACT).

[0102] In the normal frame of Set8, VSS is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0103] In addition, the conversion processing program sets VSS for both the electrode and the adjacent electrode that are not driven (NEG) in Set1 to Set8.

[0104] The conversion processing program converts the potential VSS into a register value of 00, converts the potential -VAA into a register value of 01, and converts the potential +VAA into a register value of 10.

[0105] If the register values ​​of the setting data converted in the above manner are shown at a glance, it becomes as follows Figure 7 As shown. Figure 7 The list of register values ​​of the setting data shown is shown as a combination of register address, register name, and register value (HEX: hexadecimal notation, BIN: binary notation). For example, a combination of register address (R1), register name (Time1 Set1Time), and register value (HEX: 0A, BIN: 00001010) is set as one record and stored in the storage device 44 of the computer 40 or the database 57 of the drive condition providing server 50. The same applies to other combinations of register address, register name, and register value.

[0106] The electrical limit required for converting the parameters of the driving waveform information into the register values ​​of the setting data differs depending on the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the driving waveform.

[0107] (DHP waveform conversion example)

[0108] Next, refer to Figure 8-Figure 9 , a conversion example of a DHP waveform different from a DRP waveform is described. The DHP waveform is a waveform having a Draw (expansion) pulse, an H pulse, and a Push (contraction) pulse. In other words, the DHP waveform is a waveform having an H pulse instead of an R pulse of the DRP waveform.

[0109] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen of parameters of the driving waveform information of the DHP waveform. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the parameter setting screen for the driving waveform information of the DHP waveform has various setting items. Fig. 9 The setting items on the setting screen shown are basically the same as Figure 6 The setting items on the setting screen shown are the same, and their description is omitted here.

[0110] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of conversion from parameters of driving waveform information of a DHP waveform to register values ​​of setting data. Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from parameters of driving waveform information of a DHP waveform. Fig.10 and Fig.11 A conversion example related to a timer (Time 1) is representatively shown. Fig.12 It is shown based on Fig.10 and Fig.11 The conversion result shown is a diagram of the DHP waveform of the register value of the setting data.

[0111] The conversion process performed by the conversion processing program on the DHP waveform is basically the same as the conversion process performed on the DRP waveform. In order to avoid redundant description, the following description focuses on the difference between the conversion process on the DRP waveform.

[0112] exist Fig.10 In the conversion example, the D interval, H interval, P interval, and the next interval are all 2μs. The conversion processing program divides the D interval into a limit frame of Set1 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set2 of 1.8μs, divides the H interval into a limit frame of Set3 of 0.2μs, a limit frame of Set4 of 0.2μs, and a normal frame of Set5 of 1.6μs, does not divide the P interval and sets it to a normal frame of Set6 of 2μs, and divides the next interval into a limit frame of Set7 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set8 of 1.8μs.

[0113] Further, the conversion processing program converts 0.2 μs into a register value of 00001010, converts 1.8 μs into a register value of 01011010, and converts 1.6 μs into a register value of 01010000.

[0114] The conversion processing program sets the potential for each of Set1 to Set8 as follows.

[0115] In the limit frame of Set1, VSS is set for the electrode driven (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode driven (ACT).

[0116] In the normal frame of Set2, -VAA is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0117] In the limit frame of Set3, VSS is set for the electrode driven (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode driven (ACT).

[0118] In the limit frame of Set4, VSS is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0119] In the normal frame of Set5, VSS is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0120] In the normal frame of Set6, +VAA is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0121] In the limit box of Set7, +VAA is set for the electrode driven (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode driven (ACT).

[0122] In the normal frame of Set8, VSS is set for the electrode to be driven (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode to be driven (ACT).

[0123] In addition, the conversion processing program sets VSS for both the electrode and the adjacent electrode that are not driven (NEG) in Set1 to Set8.

[0124] The conversion processing program converts the potential VSS into a register value of 00, converts the potential -VAA into a register value of 01, and converts the potential +VAA into a register value of 10.

[0125] If the register values ​​of the setting data converted in the above manner are shown at a glance, it becomes as follows Fig.11 As shown. Fig.11 The list of register values ​​of the setting data shown is shown as a combination of register address, register name, and register value (HEX: hexadecimal notation, BIN: binary notation). For example, a combination of register address (R1), register name (Time1 Set1Time), and register value (HEX: 0A, BIN: 00001010) is set as one record and stored in the storage device 44 of the computer 40 or the database 57 of the drive condition providing server 50. The same applies to other combinations of register address, register name, and register value.

[0126] (Conversion Processor)

[0127] Next, refer to Fig.13 , the processing flow of the conversion processing program executed by the conversion processing system 30 is explained. Fig.13 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the conversion processing program executed by the conversion processing system 30. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the client is a user of the computer 40 or PC 62.

[0128] First, users pass Figure 4 , Fig. 9 In the setting screen shown, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are input. The input parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are sent to the conversion processing system 30.

[0129] The conversion processing system 30 executes a series of processes described below on the parameters of the received drive waveform information by executing the conversion processing program.

[0130] In ACT 11, the conversion processing system 30 checks the parameters of the received drive waveform information. Here, it is checked whether the parameters of the drive waveform information are normal values ​​or abnormal values. When the parameters of the drive waveform information are abnormal values, the conversion processing system 30 causes the computer 40 or PC 62 to display an error message, and notifies the user that the parameters of the drive waveform information are abnormal values.

[0131] When the parameters of the driving waveform information are normal values, the conversion processing system 30 performs frame allocation processing on each parameter of the driving waveform information in ACT 12. The conversion processing system 30 first appropriately divides one cycle of ejection of one dot of ink into a plurality of frames with respect to the time parameter. Next, the conversion processing system 30 allocates a frame of a pulse of the main purpose (normal frame) or a frame for ensuring electrical limits (limit frame) to each of the divided frames.

[0132] In ACT 13, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting a time for the restriction frame. The time set for the restriction frame is set to a time that satisfies the restriction condition.

[0133] In ACT 14, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting the time for the normal frame. The time for the normal frame is set to a set time in which the sum of the time for satisfying the constraint condition is a parameter.

[0134] In ACT 15, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting a potential for the limit frame. The potential set for the limit frame is set to a potential that satisfies the limit condition.

[0135] In ACT 16, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting a potential for the normal frame. The potential set for the restriction frame is set to a potential at which one dot of ink is accurately ejected.

[0136] In ACT 17 , the conversion processing system 30 performs processing for converting the times set for the limit frame and the normal frame into registered values.

[0137] In ACT 18 , the conversion processing system 30 performs processing for converting the potentials set for the limit frame and the normal frame into registered values.

[0138] In ACT 19 , the conversion processing system 30 converts the registered values ​​of time and potential obtained through the conversion processing in ACT 17 and ACT 18 into a format of registered values ​​that conforms to the setting data used in the droplet discharge device 10 .

[0139] Finally, the conversion processing system 30 outputs the registered values ​​of the setting data converted into a format suitable for use in the droplet ejection device 10 to the computer 40 or PC 62 .

[0140] The conversion processing program involved in the implementation mode can be transferred in a state of being stored in an electronic device, or it can be transferred in a state of not being stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network, or it can be transferred in a state of being stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transient tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be a medium such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc. that can store a program and can be read by a computer, and its method is not limited.

[0141] (Effect)

[0142] The conversion processing system involved in the embodiment converts the parameters of the driving waveform information for determining the driving waveform of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 into the register value of the setting data that satisfies the electrical limitation of the inkjet head 25, and sends the converted register value to the droplet ejection device 10. Thus, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are converted into the register value of the setting data that satisfies the inherent limitation conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head 25 and the type of the driving waveform without the help of human hands. That is, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are converted into the register value of the appropriate setting data. In other words, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are prevented from being converted into the register value of the inappropriate setting data due to the user's mistake.

[0143] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and can be omitted, replaced, and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A conversion processing system, characterized in that: have: An input device for inputting driving waveform information of an inkjet head of a liquid drop ejection device; a storage device storing the driving waveform information of the inkjet head, a program for converting the driving waveform information into setting data, and the setting data converted from the driving waveform information, the setting data satisfying inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the driving waveform; A processor executes the program to convert the driving waveform information into the setting data; as well as The output device outputs the setting data to the liquid drop ejection device.

2. The conversion processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The program divides the parameters of the driving waveform information into a plurality of frames, and allocates the divided plurality of frames into a restriction frame for ensuring the restriction condition and a normal frame for ejecting ink.

3. The conversion processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The parameters of the driving waveform information include a time setting value and a potential setting value of a driving pulse, The program sets a time value and a potential value that satisfy the constraint condition for the constraint frame.

4. The conversion processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The program calculates the time of the normal frame so that the sum of the time of the normal frame and the time value satisfying the constraint condition becomes the time setting value.

5. The conversion processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The inkjet head is a shared mode head, including a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber adjacent to each other, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber eject ink, The restriction condition is to ensure a time interval between the timing of ejecting the ink from the first pressure chamber and the timing of ejecting the ink from the second pressure chamber.

6. A conversion processing system, characterized in that: have: A network server receives driving waveform information of an inkjet head of a droplet ejection device from an external terminal; a database storing the driving waveform information of the inkjet head, a program for converting the driving waveform information into setting data, and the setting data converted from the driving waveform information, the setting data satisfying inherent restriction conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the driving waveform; A database server, managing the database; as well as The API server executes the program to convert the driving waveform information into the setting data. The network server transmits the setting data to the external terminal.

7. The conversion processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The program divides the parameters of the driving waveform information into a plurality of frames, and allocates the divided plurality of frames into a restriction frame for ensuring the restriction condition and a normal frame for ejecting ink.

8. The conversion processing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The parameters of the driving waveform information include a time setting value and a potential setting value of a driving pulse, The program sets a time value and a potential value that satisfy the constraint condition for the constraint frame.

9. The conversion processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The program calculates the time of the normal frame so that the sum of the time of the normal frame and the time value satisfying the constraint condition becomes the time setting value.

10. The conversion processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: The inkjet head is a shared mode head, including a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber adjacent to each other, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber eject ink, The restriction condition is to ensure a time interval between the timing of ejecting the ink from the first pressure chamber and the timing of ejecting the ink from the second pressure chamber.

Images