Setting value data providing system

Abstract

Provided is a setting value data provision system that provides setting value data for generating an appropriate drive waveform without actual measurement. A setting value data provision system includes an input unit, a setting value data calculation unit, and an output unit. The input unit receives a parameter including a driving condition of the inkjet head and a physical property value of the ink from the client through the cloud. The setting value data calculation unit estimates a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head from the parameter by a drive waveform estimation algorithm, and calculates setting value data for generating the suitable drive waveform. The output unit provides the setting value data to the client through the cloud.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a setting value data providing system. Background Art

[0002] A liquid ejection device having an inkjet head generally forms an image on a printing medium being transported by inputting a drive signal to a drive element such as a piezoelectric element of the inkjet head to eject a liquid such as ink from a nozzle. The drive signal is generated by a drive circuit of the inkjet head based on a drive waveform. The drive waveform is generated based on set value data.

[0003] Conventionally, the optimum driving waveform for an inkjet head is determined by using the ink actually used, allocating the parameters of the driving waveform, and measuring the flying state of ink droplets and the printing quality.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-160314

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-95531 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In this method, it takes a lot of effort and time to actually use ink and inkjet head for measurement and evaluation. In addition, every time measurement and evaluation is performed, the ink and its supply system are discarded, so in addition to the effort and time spent on it, it is not good for environmental protection.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a setting value data providing system which provides setting value data for generating a suitable driving waveform without performing actual measurement.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The setting value data providing system according to the embodiment includes an input unit, a setting value data calculating unit, and an output unit. The input unit receives parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head and the physical property values ​​of the ink from the client through the cloud. The setting value data calculating unit estimates the driving waveform suitable for the inkjet head based on the parameters by using a driving waveform estimation algorithm, and calculates the setting value data for generating the suitable driving waveform. The output unit provides the setting value data to the client through the cloud. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a liquid droplet ejection device that operates using setting value data provided from a setting value data providing system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 To show Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configuration example of a head controller of a liquid ejecting device shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 3 To show Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of an inkjet head of a liquid ejecting device shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 4 The flowchart shows the procedure for selecting the driving conditions of the inkjet head by the conventional method.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a setting value data providing system according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 To show Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an authentication server of a setting value data providing system.

[0017] Figure 7 To show Figure 5 The illustrated block diagram is a functional configuration of an application server and a network API (Application Programming Interface) server of a setting value data providing system.

[0018] Figure 8 To show Figure 5 The block diagram shown is a functional configuration of a database server of a setting value data providing system.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a setting value data calculation program executed by the setting value data providing system.

[0020] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a UI screen for inputting parameters displayed on a screen of a PC.

[0021] Fig.11 Graph showing the correlation equation between ink specific gravity and pressure propagation time.

[0022] Fig.12 This is a functional block diagram showing the process from parameter input to setting value data output.

[0023] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the flow of a process from parameter input to setting value data output.

[0024] Fig.14 To show Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of another configuration example of a head controller of a liquid ejecting device shown in FIG.

[0025] Fig.15 To show Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another configuration example of an inkjet head of a liquid ejecting device shown in FIG.

[0026] Description of Reference Numerals

[0027] 10: liquid 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; 251: driver IC; 252: analog switch circuit; 253: data processing circuit; 254: actuator group; 2511: driver IC; 2521: drive signal generation circuit; 2531: data processing circuit; 26: head controller; 261: bus bridge; 262: set value data buffer; 263: print data buffer; 264: control signal generating unit; 265: drive control unit; 266: drive waveform generating circuit; 267: print data transmission unit; 268: control signal transmission unit; 2621: set value data buffer; 2651: drive control unit; 2661: set value data transmission unit; 27: system bus; 28: power supply circuit; 30: client; 31: control server; 32: PC; 50: set value data providing system; 51: network server; 52: authentication server; 53: firewall; 54: application server; 55: network API server; 56: database server; 57: database. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The setting value data providing system involved in the embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The setting value data providing system is a system that receives the driving conditions of the inkjet head and the physical property values ​​of the ink from the client through the cloud, and infers the driving waveform suitable for the inkjet head based on the received driving conditions and physical property values, and calculates the setting value data for generating the inferred suitable driving waveform, and provides the calculated setting value data to the client through the cloud. Below, before describing the setting value data providing system, first, a liquid ejection device that operates using the setting value data provided by the setting value data providing system is described.

[0029] (Liquid ejection device)

[0030] Figure 1 The block diagram is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a liquid ejecting device 10 that operates using the setting value data provided by the setting value data providing system according to the embodiment. The liquid ejecting device 10 is, for example, an inkjet recording device. It should be noted that the liquid ejecting device 10 is not limited thereto, and may also be other devices such as a copier.

[0031] The liquid ejecting device 10 performs various processes such as image formation while conveying a printing medium as a recording medium.

[0032] The liquid 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, a head controller 26, a system bus 27, and a power supply circuit 28. In addition, the liquid ejection device 10 includes a conveying mechanism, a paper supply box, a paper discharge tray, etc., which are not shown in the figure. It should be noted that in the drawings, the interface is abbreviated as "IF".

[0033] The power circuit 28 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power. The power circuit 28 supplies the DC power to each component in the liquid ejection device 10 .

[0034] The system bus 27 is a communication path among the control unit 11, the display 14, the operation unit 15, the communication interface 16, the motor drive circuit 22, the pump drive circuit 24, and the head controller 26. The control unit 11, the display 14, the operation unit 15, the communication interface 16, the motor drive circuit 22, the pump drive circuit 24, and the head controller 26 can send and receive information, data, addresses, control signals, commands, responses, and the like through the system bus 27.

[0035] The control unit 11 performs various controls on the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 11 includes a processor 12 and a memory 13. The processor 12 is a computing element that performs arithmetic processing. The processor 12 performs various processing based on, for example, a program stored in the memory 13 and data used in the program. The memory 13 stores the program, data used in the program, etc. in a rewritable manner.

[0036] The display 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, etc. The display 14 displays an image based on a video signal input from the processor 12 or a graphic controller (not shown) for performing image processing.

[0037] The operation unit 15 has an operation component that generates an operation signal based on the user's operation. The operation component is, for example, a touch sensor, a numeric keypad, a power key, a paper feed key, various function keys, a keyboard, etc. The touch sensor is, for example, a resistive film touch sensor, an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor, etc. The touch sensor acquires information indicating a position specified in a certain area. In addition, the touch sensor can also be used as a touch panel configured on the surface of the display 14 and formed integrally. In this case, the touch sensor generates a signal indicating the position on the screen of the display 14 that is touched.

[0038] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The communication interface 16 is used, for example, for communicating with a client 30 that sends print data and register values ​​of setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10. The communication interface 16 communicates with the client 30 via a wired or wireless network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The client 30 is a control server, a PC, or the like that controls the liquid ejection device 10.

[0039] The conveying motor 21 rotates to operate the conveying components of the conveying mechanism (not shown) for conveying the print medium. The conveying components are a conveying belt for conveying the print medium, a plurality of rollers (driving rollers and driven rollers) on which the conveying belt is mounted, and a guide. The conveying motor 21 rotates the driving roller to move the conveying belt holding the print medium. The print medium moves on a conveying path defined by a guide disposed near the conveying belt.

[0040] The motor drive circuit 22 is a circuit for driving the conveying motor 21. 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 supply box (not shown) to the paper discharge tray (not shown) via the plurality of inkjet heads 25. It should be noted that the paper supply box is a box that accommodates a plurality of printing media. The paper discharge tray is a tray that accommodates the printing medium discharged from the liquid ejection device 10.

[0041] The pump 23 supplies ink from the ink tank to the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25 through the ink supply path. The pump 23 is arranged on the ink supply path constituted by a tube (not shown) connecting the ink tank and the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25.

[0042] The pump driving circuit 24 drives the pump 23 according to the ink supply control signal input from the processor 12 . The pump 23 supplies the ink in the ink tank to the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25 .

[0043] The inkjet head 25 is an image forming unit that ejects ink onto a printing medium to form an image. Although not shown, the inkjet head 25 includes an actuator such as a plurality of piezoelectric elements as a driving element that ejects ink from a nozzle, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the ink, a driving circuit for driving the actuator, and the like. The inkjet head 25 forms an image by ejecting ink onto a printing medium transported by a transport mechanism based on a driving power supply and a control signal supplied from a head controller 26. A plurality of inkjet heads 25 are provided, each corresponding to each color of ink, for example, each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and the like.

[0044] The liquid ejection device 10 receives the register values ​​of the print data and the setting value data from the client 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 register values ​​of the print data and the setting value data from the memory 13 and sends them to the head controller 26.

[0045] The head controller 26 is a circuit that controls the plurality of inkjet heads 25 based on the register values ​​of the print data and the setting value data. The head controller 26 supplies a plurality of power supply voltages to the inkjet heads 25 based on the register values ​​of the setting value data. In addition, the head controller 26 generates a control signal based on the print data. The head controller 26 supplies the power supply voltage and the control signal to the inkjet heads 25 to operate the actuators in the inkjet heads 25, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzles of the inkjet heads 25, thereby forming an image on the print medium.

[0046] (Head Controller)

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 2 , a configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejecting device 10 is described. Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejecting device 10.

[0048] The head controller 26 includes a bus bridge 261 , a set value data buffer 262 , a print data buffer 263 , a control signal generation unit 264 , and a drive control unit 265 . The drive control unit 265 includes a drive waveform generation circuit 266 , a print data transmission unit 267 , and a control signal transmission unit 268 .

[0049] The setting value data is inputted to the setting value data buffer 262 from the system bus 27 via the bus bridge 261. The setting value data is waveform digital data for determining the drive waveform. The setting value data buffer 262 temporarily stores the setting value data, appropriately performs necessary processing on the setting value data, and outputs the setting value data to the drive waveform generation circuit 266 of the drive control unit 265. The drive waveform generation circuit 266 generates a digital drive waveform according to the setting value data, and outputs the drive waveform to the inkjet head 25.

[0050] Print data is input from the system bus 27 to the print data buffer 263 via the bus bridge 261. The print data buffer 263 temporarily stores the print data, performs necessary processing as appropriate, and outputs the print data to the print data transmission unit 267 of the drive control unit 265. The print data transmission unit 267 transmits the print data to the inkjet head 25.

[0051] The control signal generation unit 264 generates a control signal for the inkjet head 25 and outputs it to the control signal transmission unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal includes a clock signal for obtaining an operation timing, etc. The control signal generation unit 264 also generates a power supply voltage to be supplied to the inkjet head 25 and outputs it to the control signal transmission unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal transmission unit 268 transmits the control signal and the power supply voltage to the inkjet head 25.

[0052] (Inkjet Head)

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 3 , a configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejecting device 10 is described. Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejecting device 10.

[0054] The inkjet head 25 has a driver IC 251 and an actuator group 254. The actuator group 254 has a plurality of actuators. Each actuator is a driving element for expanding / contracting a pressure chamber containing ink and ejecting ink droplets from a nozzle connected to the pressure chamber. For example, each actuator is a piezoelectric driving element made of PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0055] The driver IC 251 is a driving circuit for the inkjet head 25. Specifically, the driver IC 251 is a driving circuit for driving the actuator group 254. The driver IC 251 includes an analog switch circuit 252 and a data processing circuit 253. The analog switch circuit 252 receives a digital drive waveform from the drive waveform generation circuit 266. The data processing circuit 253 receives print data from the print data transmission unit 267, and receives a control signal and a power supply voltage from the control signal transmission unit 268. The data processing circuit 253 supplies the power supply voltage to the analog switch circuit 252. In addition, the data processing circuit 253 generates a control signal for the analog switch circuit 252 based on the print data and the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the analog switch circuit 252. Under the control of the data processing circuit 253, the analog switch circuit 252 generates an analog drive signal based on the digital drive waveform input from the drive waveform generation circuit 266, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 254. Specifically, the analog switch circuit 252 includes a plurality of switch elements at different power supply voltage levels, and generates an analog drive signal by selectively turning on / off the plurality of switch elements.

[0056] Each actuator of the actuator group 254 operates according to a drive signal input from the driver IC 251 to expand / contract a pressure chamber that contains ink, thereby ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle.

[0057] (Selecting set value data by existing method)

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the procedure for selecting the setting value data of the inkjet head 25 by the conventional method is described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the procedure for extracting the setting value data of the inkjet head 25 by the conventional method.

[0059] In ACT 11 , the inkjet head 25 is driven by the basic driving waveform to eject ink, thereby forming an image on a printing medium.

[0060] In ACT 12, ink ejection is evaluated. The ink ejection is evaluated based on the size, speed, shape, etc. of the ejected ink droplets and based on the image formed on the printing medium, such as resolution, color reproducibility, clarity, dot position accuracy, etc.

[0061] In ACT 13, the evaluation result is checked. For example, the evaluation result is checked by digitizing each of the above parameters and comparing the value with a threshold value. For example, when it can be confirmed that the value of each parameter is better than each threshold value, the evaluation result is set to OK; otherwise, the evaluation result is set to NG.

[0062] If the result of the inspection and evaluation in ACT 13 is NG (No in ACT 13), the drive waveform is reselected in ACT 14. Next, in ACT 15, the inkjet head 25 is driven by the reselected drive waveform to eject ink and form an image on the printing medium. Then, the actions of ACT 12 and ACT 13 are performed.

[0063] That is, the operations of ACT 14 , ACT 15 , and ACT 12 are repeated until the evaluation result in ACT 13 becomes OK.

[0064] When the result of the inspection and evaluation in ACT 13 is OK (YES in ACT 13 ), the drive waveform at that time is recognized as the optimal drive waveform in ACT 16 , and the setting value data for generating the drive waveform is selected as the optimal setting value data.

[0065] (Setting value data provision system)

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 5 , a configuration example of the setting value data providing system 50 is described. Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a setting value data providing system 50 according to an embodiment. The setting value data providing system 50 is configured by a server etc. on a cloud. That is, the setting value data providing system 50 may also be referred to as a setting value data providing server.

[0067] The setting value data providing system 50 includes a network server 51, an authentication server 52, a firewall 53, an application server 54, a network API server 55, a database server 56, and a database 57. It should be noted that in the drawings, the application server is abbreviated as "AP server" and the database is abbreviated as "DB".

[0068] The network server 51 is the initial entry point for the client to access the setting value data providing system 50 , and cooperates with each server (authentication server 52 , application server 54 , network API server 55 , database server 56 ) and database 57 to return a response to the client's request to the client.

[0069] In one example, the client is the control server 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10. In this case, the control server 31 sends a request to the network server 51 through an API disclosed as a network API, and receives a response from the network server 51.

[0070] In another example, the client is a PC 32 that controls the liquid ejection device 10. The PC 32 is a user PC or an administrator PC. In this case, the user or administrator operating the PC 32 sends a request to the network server 51 using, for example, HTTPS communication through a user interface screen (UI screen) of a network application (e.g., a network browser) displayed on the PC 32, and receives a response from the network server 51. The UI screen of the network application is created using, for example, HTML, CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), etc.

[0071] The database 57 stores various data. The database server 56 manages the database 57. The database server 56 stores appropriate data in the database 57 according to the request from the authentication server 52, the application server 54, and the network API server 55, and also reads appropriate data from the database 57 and provides them to the authentication server 52, the application server 54, and the network API server 55.

[0072] exist Figure 6 , a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the authentication server 52 is shown. The authentication server 52 has a login function. In addition, the authentication server 52 has a customer database, a user database, a white list, and a serial number database as a dedicated database in the database 57. It should be noted that in the drawings, the serial number is abbreviated as "S / N".

[0073] The authentication server 52 receives the login information of the client from the network server 51, and uses the login function to cooperate with the white list that holds the information of the allowed clients to allow the allowed clients to log in. In addition, the authentication server 52 requires the new client to input the required information through the login function, and identifies the access source domain. After registering the required information and the access source domain in the white list, the authentication server 52 allows the login. The authentication server 52 outputs the authentication result to the firewall 53.

[0074] The authentication server 52 allows the administrator to register the user database, access each database, etc. The authentication server 52 performs a check with the customer database and the serial number database based on the input of the serial number of the inkjet head after login.

[0075] The firewall 53 protects the application server 54 and the network API server 55 from illegal access, etc. The firewall 53 allows the permitted client to access the application server 54 and the network API server 55 based on the authentication result received from the authentication server 52 .

[0076] The application server 54 provides an execution environment for the web application. The web API server 55 provides an API.

[0077] exist Figure 7 , a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the application server 54 and the network API server 55 is shown in FIG. The application server 54 and the network API server 55 have a set value data calculation function, an ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine, and a drive waveform estimation algorithm. In addition, the application server 54 and the network API server 55 have a coefficient database, a serial number database, an operation log database, and master data in the database 57 as a dedicated database. The application server 54 and the network API server 55 provide the administrator with an update function of the ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine and an update function of the drive waveform estimation algorithm.

[0078] The application server 54 and the network API server 55 receive parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink from the client that has logged in and authenticated. The set value data calculation function uses the ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine and a dedicated database, etc., to infer the optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25 through a driving waveform inference algorithm based on data analysis based on the parameters including the driving conditions and the physical property values. The driving waveform inference algorithm is an inference algorithm that uses the type of ink, the specific gravity of the ink, and the type of the inkjet head as input variables. The set value data calculation function calculates the set value data for generating the inferred optimal driving waveform. Furthermore, the set value data calculation function corrects the set value data based on the viscosity or temperature of the ink. The types of ink are, for example, ultraviolet curing ink, oil-based ink, solvent ink, ceramic ink, and water-based ink.

[0079] exist Figure 8 The block diagram showing the functional configuration of the database server 56 is shown. The database server 56 has a data management function, a data update function, and a user management function. In addition, the database server 56 has a coefficient database, a serial number database, a customer database, master data, a user database, an operation log database, etc. in the database 57. In addition, the database server 56 provides a data update function and a user management function to the administrator.

[0080] In the setting value data providing system 50 configured as above, the network server 51 functions as an input unit that receives parameters from the client via the cloud. In addition, the application server 54 and the network API server 55 function as a setting value data calculation unit that calculates setting value data for generating the optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. The network server 51 also functions as an output unit that provides setting value data to the client via the cloud.

[0081] The client sends parameters including driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 and physical property values ​​of ink, and a request for calculation processing of setting value data for outputting an optimal driving waveform to the setting value data providing system 50 .

[0082] When the client's access is reasonable, the setting value data providing system 50 accepts parameters through the network server 51, calculates the setting value data for generating the optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25 in the application server 54 or the network API server 55, and sends the calculated setting value data to the client through the network server 51.

[0083] For example, when the client is the control server 31 controlling the liquid ejection device 10, the network API server 55 receives parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink, and outputs them to the database server 56. The database server 56 stores the input parameters in the database 57.

[0084] The network API server 55 calculates setting value data for generating the optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. The network API server 55 stores the setting value data in the database 57 via the database server 56. The network API server 55 also transmits the setting value data to the control server 31 via the firewall 53 and the network server 51.

[0085] The control server 31 sends the received setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10. The liquid ejection device 10 receives the setting value data through the communication interface 16 and stores it in the memory 13. When setting the inkjet head 25 (configuration), the processor 12 reads the setting value data from the memory 13 and sends it to the head controller 26. For example, the head controller 26 generates a driving waveform output to the inkjet head 25 based on the setting value data in the driving waveform generation circuit 266.

[0086] When the client is the PC 32 controlling the liquid ejection device 10, the application server 54 performs the same operation as the network API server 55. That is, the application server 54 receives parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink, and stores them in the database 57 through the database server 56.

[0087] The application server 54 calculates setting value data for generating the optimum driving waveform for the inkjet head 25. The application server 54 stores the setting value data in the database 57 via the database server 56. The application server 54 also transmits the setting value data to the PC 32 via the firewall 53 and the network server 51.

[0088] The PC 32 automatically or under the command of the user of the PC 32, sends the received setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10. The liquid ejection device 10 receives the setting value data through the communication interface 16 and stores it in the memory 13. When setting the inkjet head 25 (when configuring), the processor 12 reads the setting value data from the memory 13 and sends it to the head controller 26. For example, the head controller 26 generates a driving waveform output to the inkjet head 25 based on the setting value data in the driving waveform generation circuit 266.

[0089] (Operation example of setting value data provision system)

[0090] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , an operation example of the setting value data providing system 50 is described. Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of an operation example of the setting value data providing system 50. Here, for convenience, the client is described as the PC 32. Fig. 9 The flowchart shows the processing of the client (PC 32 and the user) on the left side, and shows the processing of the setting value data providing system 50 on the right side. It should be noted that in the drawings, the setting value data providing system is abbreviated as "system".

[0091] In ACT 21 , the PC 32 displays a UI screen for a login process in the network application on the screen to urge the user to perform the login process.

[0092] If the user has performed the login process, the setting value data providing system 50 will query the user database through the authentication server 52 in ACT 22 to perform user authentication, and check the authentication result in ACT 23.

[0093] If the authentication result is NG (No in ACT 23), the setting value data providing system 50 instructs the PC 32 to display an error message. The PC 32 displays the error message on the screen in ACT 24 and waits for the user to confirm. If the user confirms the error message, the PC 32 returns to the processing of ACT 21 and displays the UI screen of the login process on the screen to urge the user to perform the login process.

[0094] If the authentication result is OK (YES in ACT 23 ), the setting value data providing system 50 sends a request to the PC 32 to input the serial number of the inkjet head 25 .

[0095] The PC 32 that has received the request to input the serial number of the inkjet head 25 displays a UI screen for serial number input on the screen in ACT 25 to urge the user to input the serial number.

[0096] After the user inputs the serial number of the inkjet head 25 , the setting value data providing system 50 queries the serial number database through the authentication server 52 in ACT 26 to perform serial number verification processing, and checks the verification result in ACT 27 .

[0097] If the verification result is NG (No in ACT 27), the setting value data providing system 50 instructs the PC 32 to display an error message. In ACT 28, the PC 32 displays the error message on the screen and waits for the user to confirm. After the user confirms the error message, the PC 32 returns to the processing of ACT 25 and displays the UI screen for serial number input on the screen to urge the user to input the serial number.

[0098] If the verification result is OK (YES in ACT 27 ), the setting value data providing system 50 sends a request to the PC 32 to input parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink.

[0099] The PC 32 that has received the request to input parameters displays a UI screen for accepting parameter input on the screen in ACT 29 , thereby urging the user to input the parameters.

[0100] exist Fig.102 shows a parameter input UI screen displayed on the screen of the PC 32. The parameter input UI screen includes options for the serial number database or the coefficient database, a parameter input field for the inkjet head 25, a parameter input field for the ink, a parameter input field for the use condition, a parameter input field for the ink temperature / viscosity, a parameter input field for the drive voltage, and a parameter input field for the waveform type and the waveform value.

[0101] User from Fig.10 The parameter input UI screen shown inputs information on ink type, ink specific gravity, ink temperature, and ink viscosity as physical property values ​​of the ink. In addition, the user inputs information on head type, head inherent value, serial number, AL level, head drive voltage, number of ejected drops, and frequency as driving conditions of the inkjet head 25. Regarding the physical property values ​​of the ink and the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25, there are also values ​​related to printing conditions and print quality, which are not limited to the above. AL (acoustic length) is the time of half the natural vibration period of the ink in the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25, also known as the pressure propagation time. AL has different values ​​depending on the inkjet head. Grades are assigned according to the AL values, and AL grades are assigned.

[0102] It should be noted that in the parameter input column of ink temperature / viscosity, when the user selects the recommended temperature, the recommended value is automatically input without the need for user input. In addition, when the user selects the desired temperature or ejection viscosity, the user clicks the icon for ink temperature / viscosity calculation input to execute the ink temperature / viscosity calculation.

[0103] After the user inputs the parameters, the setting value data providing system 50 performs input parameter checking processing through the application server 54 in ACT 30 .

[0104] If the check result is NG (NG in ACT 30), the setting value data providing system 50 instructs the PC 32 to display an error message. The PC 32 displays the error message on the screen in ACT 31 and waits for the user to confirm. After the user confirms the error message, the PC 32 returns to the processing of ACT 29 and displays the UI screen for parameter input on the screen to urge the user to input the parameters.

[0105] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT 30), the setting value data providing system 50 performs a calculation process of the temperature and viscosity of the ink through the application server 54 in ACT 32. Fig.10 When the recommended temperature is selected in the parameter input field of the ink temperature / viscosity in the parameter input UI screen shown, the temperature / viscosity calculation process in ACT 32 is omitted.

[0106] Next, in ACT 33 , the setting value data providing system 50 uses the application server 54 to estimate the optimum driving waveform for ejecting ink based on the parameters input in ACT 29 using the driving waveform estimation algorithm and the dedicated database.

[0107] Next, in ACT 34, the setting value data providing system 50 calculates setting value data for generating an optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25 through the application server 54. After calculating the setting value data, the setting value data providing system 50 outputs the setting value data to the PC 32.

[0108] (Correlation equation between ink specific gravity and pressure propagation time)

[0109] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing the correlation equation between the ink specific gravity and the pressure propagation time (AL). As can be seen from the diagram, there is a strong correlation between the ink specific gravity and the pressure propagation time determined by the ink and the inkjet head 25. Therefore, based on the relationship between this relationship and the head factory inspection ink evaluation result, the inherent pressure propagation time of each inkjet head 25 can be derived by calculation. The head factory inspection ink evaluation result is the result of measuring the AL, driving voltage and printing of the inkjet head 25 using the inspection ink when the inkjet head 25 is inspected at the factory. In the following description, the inspection ink is described as the inspection ink. In the following description, the AL of the inkjet head 25 measured using the inspection ink is described as the inspection ink AL. The ink AL is different from the inspection ink AL, and it is the AL of the ink actually used. The ink AL is obtained by performing an inferred calculation based on the inspection ink AL. In addition, in the following description, the driving voltage measured using the inspection ink is described as the inspection ink voltage. The ink voltage is different from the inspection ink voltage, and it is the driving voltage of the ink actually used. The ink voltage is obtained by performing an estimated calculation based on the test ink voltage.

[0110] (Function of the process from parameter input to setting value data output)

[0111] Next, refer to Fig.12 , explains the process from parameter input to set value data output. Fig.12 This is a functional block diagram showing the process from inputting parameters to outputting setting value data. Here, for convenience, the client is described as PC32 and its user.

[0112] In ACT41, in the head / ink input screen, input parameters such as the physical properties of the ink (ink type, ink specific gravity, ink temperature, ink viscosity, etc.), the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 (head type, head inherent value, serial number, AL level, head driving voltage, number of ejected drops, frequency, etc.).

[0113] In ACT 42, waveform element value calculation is performed based on the parameters input in the head / ink input screen. The waveform element value calculation includes coefficient call, AL value calculation, boost (ejection speed amplification pulse) value calculation, drive waveform calculation, etc. In the waveform element value calculation, first, the inherent pressure propagation time determined by the ink and the inkjet head 25 is estimated and calculated based on the ink type, ink specific gravity, inkjet head 25 driving conditions, and the relationship between ink specific gravity and pressure propagation time. Next, the waveform element value is estimated and calculated based on the calculation formula derived from the pressure propagation time and the ink evaluation result data.

[0114] Alternatively, in ACT 43, a desired temperature input, three temperature inputs, and three viscosity inputs are performed on the temperature / viscosity input screen. Next, in ACT 44, temperature / viscosity calculation is performed based on the input parameters.

[0115] In ACT 45, waveform value voltage correction is performed on the calculation results of the waveform element value calculation and the calculation results of the temperature / viscosity calculation. In the waveform value voltage correction, the waveform element value and the drive waveform are corrected according to the ink temperature under the conditions to be used and the ink viscosity at that time. That is, the calculation result of the waveform element value calculation is corrected using the calculation result of the temperature / viscosity calculation. Specifically, the viscosity value finally calculated in the temperature / viscosity calculation is used to correct the AL value calculation, the lift value calculation, and the drive waveform.

[0116] Calculation of each waveform value is performed in ACT 46. In the calculation of each waveform value, each waveform value is calculated based on the AL value calculation and the lift value calculation. Specifically, the pulse time of all waveforms is estimated and calculated using a calculation formula that analyzes the data of the ink evaluation results by regression, classification, etc.

[0117] In ACT 47, the waveform value is register-converted to obtain setting value data. That is, by converting the waveform value into register data, setting value data for generating the optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25 is obtained. Finally, the setting value data is output.

[0118] (Flow of the process from parameter input to setting value data output)

[0119] Next, refer to Fig.13 , explains the process flow from parameter input to setting value data output. Fig.13 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process from parameter input to setting value data output. The process from parameter input to setting value data output is mainly performed by the application server 54.

[0120] In ACT 51, the application server 54 sends a display Fig.10 The PC 32 receives the request to display the UI screen for parameter input, and displays the UI screen for parameter input on the screen to urge the user to input parameters.

[0121] After the user inputs reasonable parameters, the application server 54 will obtain the physical properties of the ink (ink type, ink specific gravity, ink temperature, ink viscosity, etc.), the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 (head type, head inherent value, serial number, AL level, head driving voltage, number of ejected drops, frequency, etc.), etc. in ACT52.

[0122] Next, in ACT 53, the application server 54 performs pressure propagation time estimation calculation. In the pressure propagation time estimation calculation, the pressure propagation time is estimated and calculated based on the ink type, ink specific gravity, driving conditions of the inkjet head 25, and the relationship between ink specific gravity and pressure propagation time. The pressure propagation time is a value inherent to the inkjet head 25 and is determined by the ink and the inkjet head 25.

[0123] Next, in ACT 54 , the application server 54 performs waveform element estimation calculations. The application server 54 estimates and calculates each waveform element value based on a calculation formula derived from the pressure propagation time unique to the inkjet head 25 and the ink evaluation result data.

[0124] Furthermore, in ACT 55, the application server 54 performs a driving waveform estimation calculation. In the driving waveform estimation calculation, the driving waveform is estimated and calculated based on the head-specific value, ink specific gravity, and ink viscosity.

[0125] In ACT 56, the application server 54 checks whether there is any input for the ink temperature and the ink viscosity. If there is any input for the ink temperature and the ink viscosity (yes in ACT 56), the process proceeds to ACT 57. If there is no input for the ink temperature and the ink viscosity (no in ACT 56), the process proceeds to ACT 61.

[0126] In ACT 57, the application server 54 checks the contents of the inputs of the ink temperature and the ink viscosity. When there is an input of the ink viscosity (when there is an input of the viscosity in ACT 57), the process proceeds to ACT 59 and ACT 60. When there is no input of the ink viscosity (when there is only an input of the temperature in ACT 57), the process proceeds to ACT 58.

[0127] In ACT 58 , the application server 54 estimates and calculates the ink viscosity based on the ink temperature. Then, the process proceeds to ACT 59 and ACT 60 .

[0128] In ACT 59 , the application server 54 performs waveform element value correction. In the waveform element value correction, the waveform element value is corrected based on the ink temperature under the desired use condition and the ink viscosity at the ink temperature. Then, the process proceeds to ACT 61 .

[0129] Furthermore, in ACT 60, the application server 54 performs drive waveform correction. In the drive waveform correction, the drive waveform is corrected based on the ink temperature under the conditions to be used and the ink viscosity at the ink temperature.

[0130] In ACT 61, the application server 54 calculates each waveform value. In calculating each waveform value, a calculation formula that analyzes the data of the ink evaluation result by a method such as regression or classification is used to estimate and calculate the pulse time of all waveforms.

[0131] Next, in ACT 62, the application server 54 performs head driving waveform data conversion. In the head driving waveform data conversion, the waveform value is converted into register data to obtain setting value data for generating the driving waveform optimal for the inkjet head 25. Finally, the setting value data is output.

[0132] (Action example)

[0133] The following shows Fig.10 The parameter input UI screen shown starts with Fig.13 An example of an operation of outputting set value data by following the process of the flowchart.

[0134] The calculation formula for deriving the variables of the input value and the output waveform value is derived from the past measured data through statistical processing, and the output value is derived from the combination of the following multiple linear equations for the input value.

[0135] ax1 = minimum AL value of the test ink + an1 - formula (1)

[0136] ax2 = minimum AL value of the test ink + an2 - formula (2)

[0137] ay1=c11*ink specific gravity+c12—Formula (3)

[0138] ay2=c21*ink specific gravity+c22—Formula (4)

[0139] AL_slope = (ay2-ay1) / (ax2-ax1)—Equation (5)

[0140] AL_intercept = ay1-AL_slope*ax1—Formula (6)

[0141] Test ink AL value = test ink minimum AL value + test ink AL grade value - formula (7)

[0142] Ink AL_value = AL_slope * test ink AL value + AL_intercept - formula (8)

[0143] In the above equations (1) and (2), ax1 and ax2 are AL level values ​​of the test ink with respect to head-specific values, and an1 and an2 are AL level values ​​of the test ink as representatives of the respective inkjet heads 25 .

[0144] In the above formulas (3) and (4), ay1 and ay2 are the AL values ​​at the ink specific gravity inputted for ax1 and ax2. c11 to c22 are coefficients determined by the type of head and the type of ink. Fig.10 It will be called after entering the head type and ink type in the input screen.

[0145] As an example of the values ​​of the constants and coefficients based on the combination of the head type and the ink type, an1=AL4, an2=AL6, c11=0.491, c12=1.128, c21=0.495, c22=1.167.

[0146] The relationship between the AL value, the head-specific value, and the test ink is obtained by equations (1) and (2), and the relationship between the AL value, the head-specific value, and the ink specific gravity is obtained by equations (3) and (4). Equations (5) and (6) are the slope and intercept of the equations for obtaining the AL value using equations (1) to (4). The AL value of the test ink for the AL grade value required for the inkjet head 25 is derived by equation (7), and the AL value of the input specific gravity is derived by equation (8) using the AL_slope, AL_intercept, and AL value of the test ink obtained by equations (5) to (7).

[0147] Regarding the lift value, when coefficients c13 to c24 determined according to the head type and the ink type are used and lift values ​​for the intrinsic values ​​of each head are set to by1 and by2,

[0148] by1=c13*ink specific gravity+c14—Formula (9)

[0149] by2=c23*ink specific gravity+c24—Formula (10)

[0150] The AL value in equations (1) and (2) is used as the x-axis, and by1 and by2 are used as the y-axis, and the same calculation as AL is performed.

[0151] When the viscosity value is entered, the correction based on temperature / viscosity is prioritized as follows: ink voltage = test ink voltage + voltage addition variable + voltage correction coefficient_1*(ink viscosity - recommended viscosity value). In the above formula, the voltage addition variable is a variable determined by the head type, head inherent value, and ink type, and the voltage correction coefficient_1 is a coefficient that corrects the voltage value according to the viscosity value.

[0152] In the case of no viscosity input and temperature input, the value is: ink voltage = test ink voltage + voltage addition variable + voltage correction coefficient_2*(ink temperature in pressure chamber - recommended ink temperature). In the above formula, voltage correction coefficient_2 is a coefficient for correcting the voltage value according to the temperature value.

[0153] When there is no temperature or viscosity input, there is no correction.

[0154] As an example of calculation of each waveform value, the calculation of each waveform value is assigned in the manner of drive pulse_1=boost value, drive pulse_2=AL value, drive pulse_3=2*AL value, drive pulse_4=0.5*boost value-0.4*AL value+1.8, drive waveform cycle time=5*AL value.

[0155] Finally, based on the head type and its waveform value, the waveform is converted into register data of digital data according to its voltage pulses and the time of each pulse, thereby acquiring and outputting the set value data.

[0156] (Other Configuration Examples of Head Controller and Inkjet Head)

[0157] Refer to the following Fig.14 and Fig.15 , other configuration examples of the head controller 26 and the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejecting device 10 are described. Fig.14 2 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejecting device 10 . Fig.15 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10. Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the middle, mark and Figure 2 and Figure 3 Components with the same reference numerals as those shown are identical components, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following focuses on the different parts.

[0158] (Head Controller)

[0159] The head controller 26 includes a bus bridge 261, a setting value data buffer 2621, a print data buffer 263, a control signal generation unit 264, and a drive control unit 2651. The drive control unit 2651 includes a setting value data transmission unit 2661, a print data transmission unit 267, and a control signal transmission unit 268.

[0160] The setting value data is input from the system bus 27 to the setting value data buffer 2621 via the bus bridge 261. The setting value data buffer 2621 temporarily stores the setting value data, performs necessary processing on the setting value data as appropriate, and outputs the setting value data to the setting value data transmission unit 2661 of the drive control unit 2651. The setting value data transmission unit 2661 transmits the setting value data to the inkjet head 25.

[0161] (Inkjet Head)

[0162] The inkjet head 25 has a driver IC 2511 and an actuator group 254. The actuator group 254 has a plurality of actuators. Each actuator is a driving element for expanding and contracting a pressure chamber that contains ink and ejecting ink droplets from a nozzle that communicates with the pressure chamber.

[0163] The driver IC 2511 is a driving circuit of the inkjet head 25. Specifically, the driver IC 2511 is a driving circuit for driving the actuator group 254. The driver IC 2511 includes a driving signal generating circuit 2521 and a data processing circuit 2531. The driving signal generating circuit 2521 receives the setting value data from the setting value data transmission unit 2661. The data processing circuit 2531 receives the print data from the print data transmission unit 267, and receives the control signal and the power supply voltage from the control signal transmission unit 268. The data processing circuit 2531 supplies the power supply voltage to the driving signal generating circuit 2521. In addition, the data processing circuit 2531 generates a control signal for the driving signal generating circuit 2521 based on the print data and the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the driving signal generating circuit 2521. Under the control of the data processing circuit 2531, the driving signal generating circuit 2521 generates an analog driving signal according to the setting value data input from the setting value data transmission unit 2661, and outputs the driving signal to the actuator group 254. That is, the drive signal generating circuit 2521 can be said to be a circuit having both the functions of the drive waveform generating circuit 266 of the drive control unit 265 of the head controller 26 and the functions of the analog switch circuit 252 of the driver IC 251 of the inkjet head 25 .

[0164] Each actuator of the actuator group 254 operates according to a drive signal input from the driver IC 2511 to expand / contract a pressure chamber that contains ink, thereby ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle.

[0165] (Effect)

[0166] The setting value data providing system involved in the embodiment receives information such as the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical properties of the ink from the client through the cloud, calculates the setting value data for generating a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet head 25, and provides the calculated setting value data to the client through the cloud. Therefore, the client can obtain the setting value data for generating a suitable driving waveform without performing actual measurements. This can reduce the time and cost of ejection evaluation. In addition, the setting value data providing system involved in the embodiment can obtain the setting value data of the inkjet head 25 through the cloud. Figure 4 There is no need to perform ejection evaluation multiple times before the desired evaluation result described in the above is obtained. Therefore, the ink and its supply system are not discarded every time the measurement and evaluation are performed, which is also good for the environment.

[0167] (other)

[0168] The program executed by the setting value data providing system involved in the implementation mode can be transferred in a state of being stored in an electronic device or in a state of not being stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network or in a state of being stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc. that can store a program and can be read by a computer, regardless of its form.

[0169] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments are only 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 subject matter of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and subject matter of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A setting value data providing system, characterized in that: have: An input unit receives parameters including driving conditions of the inkjet head and physical property values ​​of the ink from a client via a cloud; a set value data calculation unit that estimates a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head based on the parameters using a drive waveform estimation algorithm, and calculates set value data for generating the suitable drive waveform; and An output unit provides the setting value data to the client through the cloud.

2. The setting value data providing system according to claim 1, wherein: The driving waveform estimation algorithm is an estimation algorithm that uses the type of the ink, the specific gravity of the ink, and the type of the inkjet head as input variables.

3. The setting value data providing system according to claim 2, wherein: The interface of the client is a user interface screen that receives input of the type of the ink, the specific gravity of the ink, and the type of the inkjet head.

4. The setting value data providing system according to claim 3, wherein: The user interface screen further accepts input of the temperature of the ink, the viscosity of the ink, the serial number of the inkjet head, a unique value of the inkjet head, and an ejection grayscale level.

5. The setting value data providing system according to claim 1, wherein: The set value data calculation unit corrects the set value data based on the viscosity or temperature of the ink.

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