Inkjet printing method and inkjet printing device

Abstract

This inkjet printing method comprises the steps of: applying, by a control unit, a drive signal to a head comprising a nozzle; driving the head in response to the drive signal; and applying, by the control unit, a first control signal that changes a driving waveform of the driving signal to the head.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments relate to a method of inkjet printing. More particularly, embodiments relate to a method of inkjet printing and an inkjet printing apparatus for performing the method. BACKGROUND

[0002] A print head of an inkjet printing apparatus can include a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to the plurality of nozzles. Here, the piezoelectric element refers to an element that changes its shape by generating pressure in the case where a voltage is applied.

[0003] In the case where print data is provided to the inkjet printing apparatus, a voltage can be applied to each of the piezoelectric elements included in the print head corresponding to the print data. The piezoelectric element to which the voltage is applied can discharge ink built in the print head through the nozzle while a portion of the piezoelectric element protrudes. SUMMARY

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a method of inkjet printing having improved efficiency.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing apparatus that performs the method of inkjet printing.

[0006] However, the object of the present invention is not limited to this object and can be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0007] TECHNICAL SOLUTION To achieve the above object of the present invention, a method of inkjet printing according to an embodiment can include applying, by a controller, a driving signal to a head including a plurality of nozzles, driving the head in response to the driving signal, and applying, by the controller, a first control signal that changes a driving waveform of the driving signal to the head.

[0008] In an embodiment, in the step of applying, by the controller, the first control signal to the head, a third control signal that specifies the driving signal can be applied, by the controller, to the head.

[0009] In an embodiment, the controller can include discharge data for each of the plurality of nozzles, and in the step of applying, by the controller, the first control signal to the head, the driving waveform can be changed using the discharge data.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method can further include applying, by the controller, a second control signal that changes a voltage setting of the driving waveform to the head.

[0011] In an embodiment, in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, a third control signal can be applied, by the controller, to the head.

[0012] In an embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head by the controller, the discharge data can be used to change the time of the applied voltage.

[0013] In an embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head by the controller, the discharge data can be used to change the voltage setting of the drive waveform.

[0014] In an embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head by the controller, n discharge data among the discharge data can be used, where n is a natural number, and the voltage of the drive waveform can be changed to a value obtained by dividing the maximum level of the voltage by 2m m , where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n.

[0015] In an embodiment, in the step of applying the second control signal to the head by the controller, n discharge data among the discharge data can be used, where n is a natural number, the n discharge data can include data units each including m discharge data, where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n, k discharge data included in each of the data units can be used to change the voltage of the drive waveform, where k is a natural number less than m, and m-k discharge data included in each of the data units can be used to set the time.

[0016] In an embodiment, the discharge data can include a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal.

[0017] In an embodiment, in the step of applying the drive signal to the head by the controller and in the step of driving the head, the first control signal and the second control signal can not be applied to the head.

[0018] In an embodiment, in the step of applying the first control signal to the head by the controller and in the step of applying the second control signal to the head by the controller, the drive signal can not be applied to the head.

[0019] To achieve another object of the above-described application, an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment can include a head including a plurality of nozzles, and a controller applying a drive signal or a first control signal changing a drive waveform of the drive signal to the head.

[0020] In an embodiment, the controller can simultaneously apply the first control signal and a third control signal designating the drive signal to the head.

[0021] In an embodiment, the controller can include discharge data for each of the plurality of nozzles, and the drive waveform can be changed using the discharge data.

[0022] In an embodiment, the controller can apply the drive signal, the first control signal, or the second control signal that changes a voltage setting of the drive waveform to the head.

[0023] In an embodiment, the controller can apply the second control signal and the third control signal to the head at the same time.

[0024] In an embodiment, the controller can change a time at which a voltage is applied using the discharge data.

[0025] In an embodiment, the controller can change a voltage setting of the drive waveform using the discharge data.

[0026] In an embodiment, the controller can change the voltage of the drive waveform to a value obtained by dividing a maximum level of the voltage by 2m, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n, using n discharge data among the discharge data, where n is a natural number. m In an embodiment, the controller can change the voltage of the drive waveform to a value obtained by dividing a maximum level of the voltage by 2m, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n, using n discharge data among the discharge data, where n is a natural number.

[0027] In an embodiment, the controller can change the voltage of the drive waveform using k discharge data included in each of data units including m discharge data, where k is a natural number less than m, using n discharge data among the discharge data, where n is a natural number, and the data units including m discharge data, where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n, and can set a time using m-k discharge data included in each of the data units.

[0028] In an embodiment, the discharge data can include the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

[0029] Advantageous Effects In the method of inkjet printing according to an embodiment, the method can be performed using an inkjet printing apparatus including a controller that applies discharge data and a control signal to a head. The control signal can include a first control signal that changes a drive waveform of a drive signal, a second control signal that changes a voltage setting of the drive waveform of the drive signal, and a third control signal that specifies the drive signal.

[0030] In a case where it is desired to change the drive waveform, since the drive waveform can be changed using the data of the controller, a separate configuration for changing the drive waveform can not be needed. Since it is not desired to stop printing to change the drive waveform, within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, changing the drive waveform can be performed regardless of a time point, such as in a case where printing starts, during printing, in a case where printing is completed, in a case where a target substrate having a different size is changed, etc. Accordingly, it is possible to improve printing efficiency using the inkjet printing apparatus.

[0031] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A diagram of the head and the data contained in the controller of the inkjet printing apparatus.

[0034] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 2 The diagram of the third control signal in the data.

[0035] Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an inkjet printing method according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, the disclosed embodiments will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions of the same components may be omitted.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The inkjet printing apparatus 10 may include a head HD and a controller CON. The inkjet printing apparatus 10 may be mounted on a stage ST.

[0040] The platform ST can be parallel to the plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. For example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0041] The ST substrate can support the target substrate SUB. Ink IK can be deposited on the target substrate SUB to form a pattern.

[0042] The head HD can be spaced apart from the stage ST on a third direction DR3 that intersects each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the third direction DR3 can be perpendicular to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0043] The head HD discharges ink IK onto a target substrate SUB disposed on the stage ST. The head HD may include multiple nozzles NZ that discharge ink IK toward the target substrate SUB in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3. For example, the nozzles NZ may be arranged or disposed on the first direction DR1.

[0044] The head HD can move along the second direction DR2. The head HD can move along the second direction DR2 and discharge ink IK onto the target substrate SUB. For example, the head HD can discharge ink IK in a stationary state, and can move a selected distance along the second direction DR2 and discharge ink IK again in a stationary state. However, the disclosure is not limited to this, and the head HD can repeatedly discharge ink IK while moving.

[0045] The ink IK discharged onto the target substrate SUB can be cured to form a pattern. The ink IK discharged from the head HD can form a pattern in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0046] The controller CON can control the drive of the head HD. The controller CON can apply (or output) a drive signal DS to the head HD. The drive signal DS can include information about the discharge of ink IK. The drive signal DS can have a driving waveform. The head HD can be driven in response to the drive signal DS.

[0047] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A diagram of the head and the data contained in the controller of the inkjet printing apparatus. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 2 The diagram of the third control signal in the data.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inkjet printing apparatus 10 may include a head HD and a controller CON.

[0049] The head HD may include multiple nozzles NZ. For example, the head HD may include a first nozzle NZ1 to an i-th nozzle NZi (where i is a natural number). Each of the first nozzle NZ1 to the i-th nozzle NZi can discharge ink IK.

[0050] The controller CON can include data DT. The controller CON can apply (or output) data DT to the header HD. Data DT can be expressed as a binary value "0" or "1". Data DT can include output data DD and control signal CS.

[0051] The discharge data DD can be data that controls the discharge of ink IK from each of the nozzles NZ. The discharge data DD can include first discharge data D1 to i-th discharge data Di that respectively control whether the first nozzle NZ1 to the i-th nozzle NZi discharge ink IK. The first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di can each correspond to the first nozzle NZ1 to the i-th nozzle NZi. For example, the i-th discharge data Di can control the discharge of ink IK from the i-th nozzle NZi. The first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di can each control the operation of the first nozzle NZ1 to the i-th nozzle NZi along the printing direction PD.

[0052] When the drive signal DS is applied from the controller CON to the head HD, the head HD can be driven in response to the drive signal DS. In this case, the first nozzle NZ1 to the i-th nozzle NZi of the head HD can discharge ink IK or may not discharge ink IK in response to the first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di, respectively.

[0053] The control signal CS can be data that controls the operation of the head HD. In an embodiment, the control signal CS may not be included in the discharge data DD, and may be data separate from the discharge data DD. The control signal CS may include a first control signal CS1, a second control signal CS2, and a third control signal CS3.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first control signal CS1 may be a signal that changes the driving waveform of the driving signal DS. The second control signal CS2 may be a signal that changes the voltage setting of the driving waveform of the driving signal DS.

[0055] For example, the drive waveform can be changed when the first control signal CS1 is "1" and the second control signal CS2 is "0". The voltage setting of the drive waveform can be changed when the first control signal CS1 is "0" or "1" and the second control signal CS2 is "1".

[0056] In this embodiment, the head HD may not be driven if at least one of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 is "1". For example, if either the first control signal CS1 or the second control signal CS2 is "1", the ink IK may not be discharged. If each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 is "0", the head HD may be driven to discharge the ink IK.

[0057] The third control signal CS3 can be a signal that specifies the drive signal DS, in which the drive waveform is changed by the first control signal CS1 or the voltage setting is changed by the second control signal CS2. For example, the third control signal CS3 can be a signal that specifies the number of the drive waveform.

[0058] The third control signal CS3 may include first numbered data CS31 to j-th numbered data CS3j (where j is a natural number). The drive signal DS may be specified based on the binary value of each of the first numbered data CS31 to j-th numbered data CS3j. For example, the drive signal DS may be specified by a j-bit binary number.

[0059] For example, if the third control signal CS3 can include the first numbered data CS31 to the sixth numbered data CS36, the drive signal DS can be specified by a 6-bit binary number. For example, if the third control signal CS3 is "000100", the drive waveform of the drive signal DS can be the fourth drive waveform (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0060] Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an inkjet printing method according to an embodiment.

[0061] For example, a reference can be used Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inkjet printing apparatus 10 described herein is used to perform the reference. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The inkjet printing method is described. Therefore, redundant descriptions can be omitted or simplified.

[0062] For example, Figure 5 A diagram could be shown illustrating the step (S100) of applying the drive signal DS to the head HD via the controller CON. Figure 6 A diagram could be shown illustrating the step (S200) of applying the first control signal CS1 to the head HD via the controller CON. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the step (S300) of applying the second control signal CS2 to the head HD via the controller CON. Figure 9 and Figure 10This could be a diagram illustrating another example of the step (S300') of applying the second control signal CS2 to the head HD via the controller CON.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The controller CON can apply the drive signal DS to the head HD (S100).

[0064] The head HD can be driven in response to the drive signal DS. In an embodiment, when the head HD is being driven, each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 may not be applied to the head HD. For example, each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 may be "0".

[0065] When the first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di is "1", the first nozzles NZ1 to the i-th nozzles NZi corresponding to the first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di can discharge ink IK respectively. When the first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di is "0", the first nozzles NZ1 to the i-th nozzles NZi corresponding to the first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di can not discharge ink IK respectively.

[0066] For example, if only the third discharge data D3, the tenth discharge data D10, and the i-th discharge data Di are "1", then each of the third nozzle NZ3, the tenth nozzle NZ10, and the i-th nozzle NZi can discharge ink IK, and the other nozzles can not discharge ink IK (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0067] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The controller CON can apply the first control signal CS1, which changes the drive waveform of the drive signal DS, to the head HD (S200).

[0068] The controller CON can simultaneously apply the first control signal CS1 and the third control signal CS3 to the head HD. When the first control signal CS1 is applied to the head HD, the head HD may not be driven.

[0069] In an embodiment, the drive waveform of the drive signal DS can be modified by using discharge data DD. For example, a drive waveform of (0.1*i)μsec can be generated by using first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di, and each of the first discharge data D1 to the i-th discharge data Di being defined as approximately 0.1μsec. For example, the drive waveform can be generated in the form of a graph of voltage V versus time t.

[0070] Therefore, the drive waveform of the drive signal DS specified by the third control signal CS3 can be changed to a drive waveform generated using the discharge data DD.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The controller CON can apply a second control signal CS2, which changes the voltage setting of the drive waveform, to the head HD (S300).

[0072] The controller CON can simultaneously apply the second control signal CS2 and the third control signal CS3 to the head HD. When the second control signal CS2 is applied to the head HD, the head HD may not be driven.

[0073] In this embodiment, the voltage setting of the drive waveform can be changed by using discharge data DD. In this case, n discharge data (where n is a natural number less than or equal to i) can be used. For example, the first discharge data D1 to the nth discharge data Dn can be used.

[0074] In an embodiment, the voltage V of the driving waveform can be changed by dividing the maximum level of voltage V by 2. p (where p is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n) and the value obtained.

[0075] The voltage V can be changed based on the binary value of each of the first discharge data D1 to the nth discharge data Dn. For example, the voltage V can be changed by an n-bit binary number. In this case, only one of the discharge data from the first discharge data D1 to the nth discharge data Dn can be "1", or all of the first discharge data D1 to the nth discharge data Dn can be "1".

[0076] In an embodiment, if only one of the discharge data from the first discharge data D1 to the nth discharge data Dn is "1", the voltage V can be changed to the first voltage V1 to the nth voltage Vn corresponding to the discharge data that is "1". The first voltage V1 to the nth voltage Vn can each correspond to the maximum level of voltage V divided by 2. 1 Up to 2 n The obtained value. For example, if the nth output data Dn is "1", the voltage V can be changed to the nth voltage Vn, and the nth voltage Vn can be obtained by dividing the maximum level of voltage V by 2. n The value obtained.

[0077] In an embodiment, when all values ​​in the first discharge data D1 to the nth discharge data Dn are "1", the voltage V can be changed to the zeroth voltage V0. In this case, the zeroth voltage V0 can be obtained by dividing the maximum level of voltage V by 2. 0 The value obtained.

[0078] For example, when using first discharge data D1 to twelfth discharge data D12 and the maximum voltage level V is 20V, the voltage V can be changed using a 12-bit binary number. For instance, if the binary representation of first discharge data D1 to twelfth discharge data D12 is "010000000000", since the second discharge data D2 is "1", the voltage V can be changed to a second voltage V2. In this case, the second voltage V2 can be 5V, which is obtained by dividing 20V, the maximum voltage level V, by 2. 2 The value obtained (see) Figure 8 ).

[0079] Therefore, the voltage setting of the drive waveform of the drive signal DS, specified by the third control signal CS3, can be changed to the specified voltage using the discharge data DD.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The controller CON can apply a second control signal CS2, which changes the voltage setting of the drive waveform, to the head HD (S300').

[0081] The controller CON can simultaneously apply the second control signal CS2 and the third control signal CS3 to the head HD. When the second control signal CS2 is applied to the head HD, the head HD may not be driven.

[0082] The voltage setting of the drive waveform can be changed using the discharge data DD. In this case, n discharge data points from the discharge data DD can be used.

[0083] In an embodiment, the n discharge data may include data units DU. Each data unit DU may include m (where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n) discharge data. For example, the first data unit DU1 in the data unit DU may include first discharge data D1 to the m-th discharge data Dm, and the second data unit DU2 in the data unit DU may include the (m+1)-th discharge data Dm+1 to the 2m-th discharge data D2m.

[0084] In one embodiment, each of the data units (DUs) can change the voltage of the drive waveform and can set the duration of voltage application. Alternatively, each of the data units (DUs) can change only the duration of voltage application. Because each of the data units (DUs) changes either the voltage or the duration of voltage application, the voltage setting of the drive waveform can be altered. Therefore, relatively complex drive waveforms can be generated.

[0085] In an embodiment, the voltage can be changed by using k (where k is a natural number less than m) discharge data included in each of the data units DU. The voltage can be changed based on the binary value of each of the k discharge data. For example, the voltage can be changed by a k-bit binary number. In this case, the voltage level changed by the k-bit binary number can be preset.

[0086] In an embodiment, the time-varying voltage can be specified using k discharge data included in each of the data units (DUs). For example, the voltage can be specified using a k-bit binary number. In this case, the voltage level specified by the k-bit binary number can be preset.

[0087] For example, the voltage can be changed or designated as a first unit voltage VU1 using the binary value of each of the first discharge data D1 to the kth discharge data Dk. Similarly, the voltage can be changed or designated as a second unit voltage VU2 using the binary value of each of the (m+1)th discharge data Dm+1 to the (m+k+1)th discharge data Dm+k+1.

[0088] The duration of voltage application can be set or changed using mk discharge data included in each of the data units (DU). The time can be set or changed based on the binary value of each of the mk discharge data. For example, the time can be set or changed using an mk-bit binary number. For instance, the voltage application time can be obtained by multiplying the mk-bit binary number (converted to decimal) by approximately 0.1 μsec.

[0089] For example, the first unit time TU1 for applying the first unit voltage VU1 can be set or changed using the binary value of each of the (k+1)th discharge data Dk+1 to the mth discharge data Dm. The first unit voltage VU1 can be applied during the first unit time TU1.

[0090] The second unit time TU2 for applying the second unit voltage VU2 can be set or changed using the binary value of each of the m+k+2th discharge data Dm+k+2 to the 2mth discharge data D2m. The second unit voltage VU2 can be applied during the second unit time TU2.

[0091] For example, first discharge data D1 to 100th discharge data D100 can be used, and each of the data units DU can include 10 discharge data. For example, 10 data units DU can be used. For example, each of the data units DU can change or specify the voltage by using 2 discharge data, and can set or change the time by using 8 discharge data. The first data unit DU1 can include first discharge data D1 to 10th discharge data D10, and can change or specify the voltage to a first unit voltage VU1 by using first discharge data D1 and second discharge data D2, and can set or change the first unit time TU1 by using third discharge data D3 to 10th discharge data D10. The second data unit DU2 can include 11th discharge data D11 to 20th discharge data D20, and can change or specify the voltage to a second unit voltage VU2 by using 11th discharge data D11 and 12th discharge data D12, and can set or change the second unit time TU2 by using 13th discharge data D13 to 20th discharge data D20.

[0092] In this scenario, when the binary representation of the two output data points is "01", the voltage can be changed or specified as a first set voltage; when the binary representation of the two output data points is "10", the voltage can be changed or specified as a second set voltage; and when the binary representation of the two output data points is "11", the voltage can be changed or specified as a third set voltage. The level of each of the first, second, and third set voltages can be preset. For example, the first set voltage can be approximately 5V, the second set voltage can be approximately 10V, and the third set voltage can be approximately 15V, but the disclosure is not limited to these.

[0093] For example, when the binary representation of the first discharge data D1 and the second discharge data D2 is "01" and the binary representation of the third discharge data D3 to the tenth discharge data D10 is "00010100", since the first unit voltage VU1 is the first set voltage, the voltage can be changed or specified as the first set voltage, and the first set voltage can be set or changed to be applied for 2 (=20*0.1) μsec. When the binary representation of the eleventh discharge data D11 and the twelfth discharge data D12 is "10" and the binary representation of the thirteenth discharge data D13 to the twentieth discharge data D20 is "00101000", since the second unit voltage VU2 is the second set voltage, the voltage can be changed or specified as the second set voltage, and the second set voltage can be set or changed to be applied for 4 (=40*0.1) μsec (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0094] Therefore, the voltage setting of the drive waveform of the drive signal DS, specified by the third control signal CS3, can be repeatedly changed along the data unit DU using the discharged data DD.

[0095] Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The illustration shows that a first control signal CS1 and a second control signal CS2 are applied together to the head HD, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the second control signal CS2 is applied to the head HD, the first control signal CS1 may not be applied to the head HD.

[0096] Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is shown that each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 may include one data point, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 may include two or more data points; therefore, the drive waveform may be an analog waveform.

[0097] The inkjet printing method according to the embodiment can be performed using an inkjet printing apparatus 10, which includes a controller CON that applies ejected data DD and a control signal CS to a head HD. The control signal CS may include a first control signal CS1 that changes the drive waveform of a drive signal DS, a second control signal CS2 that changes the voltage setting of the drive waveform of the drive signal DS, and a third control signal CS3 that specifies the drive signal DS.

[0098] When it is desired to change the drive waveform (e.g., temperature change of the head HD, temperature change of the ink IK, etc.), since the drive waveform can be changed using the data DT of the controller CON, a separate configuration for changing the drive waveform is not required. Since it is not desired to stop printing to change the drive waveform, within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the change of the drive waveform can be performed regardless of the point in time, such as at the start of printing, during printing, at the end of printing, or when changing to a target substrate of a different size. Therefore, the printing efficiency using the inkjet printing apparatus 10 can be improved.

[0099] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0100] In addition to the discharge data DD, which may include the control signal CS, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The inkjet printing apparatus 10' described can be used with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inkjet printing apparatus 10 described is substantially the same as or similar to that described.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The inkjet printing method described can be used with reference to Figure 11 to Figure 12 The inkjet printing apparatus 10' described herein performs the operation. Therefore, redundant descriptions can be omitted or simplified.

[0102] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The inkjet printing apparatus 10' may include a print head HD and a controller CON. The controller CON can control the drive of the print head HD.

[0103] The head HD may include first nozzles NZ1 to i-th nozzles NZi that discharge ink respectively. The controller CON may include discharge data DD output to the head HD. The discharge data DD may include first discharge data D1 to i-th discharge data Di that control whether the first nozzles NZ1 to i-th nozzles NZi discharge ink respectively.

[0104] In this embodiment, the discharged data DD may include a control signal CS. The control signal CS may include a first control signal CS1 that changes the drive waveform of the drive signal, a second control signal CS2 that changes the voltage setting of the drive waveform, and a third control signal CS3 that specifies the drive signal. The third control signal CS3 may include first numbered data CS31 to j-th numbered data CS3j.

[0105] Some data in the discharge data DD that correspond to the control signal CS may not control the ink discharge from the nozzles. For example, the first control signal CS1, the second control signal CS2, and the third control signal CS3 may correspond to the first discharge data D1 to the (j+2)th discharge data Dj+2, respectively. In this case, the first discharge data D1 can be used as the first control signal CS1, the second discharge data D2 can be used as the second control signal CS2, and the third discharge data D3 to the (j+2)th discharge data Dj+2 can be used as the third control signal CS3. Therefore, the first discharge data D1 to the (j+2)th discharge data Dj+2 may not control the ink discharge from the first nozzles NZ1 to the (j+2)th nozzles NZj+2. For example, since the first discharge data D1 to the (j+2)th discharge data Dj+2 are always used as the first control signal CS1, the second control signal CS2, and the third control signal CS3, each of the first nozzles NZ1 to the (j+2)th nozzles NZj+2 may not discharge ink.

[0106] When the first control signal CS1 is "1" and the second control signal CS2 is "0", the drive waveform of the drive signal specified by the third control signal CS3 can be changed by using the (j+3)th discharge data Dj+3 to the ith discharge data Di.

[0107] When the first control signal CS1 is "0" or "1" and the second control signal CS2 is "1", the voltage setting of the drive waveform of the drive signal specified by the third control signal CS3 can be changed using the (j+3)th discharge data Dj+3 to the (i)th discharge data Di.

[0108] When each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 is "0", the drive signal can be applied to the head HD.

[0109] For example, if the third control signal CS3 may include the first numbered data CS31 to the sixth numbered data CS36, the drive signal may be specified by a 6-bit binary number.

[0110] For example, when the third control signal CS3 is “000011” and each of the tenth discharge data D10, the twelfth discharge data D12, and the (i-2)th discharge data Di-2 is “1”, ink can be discharged from each of the tenth nozzle NZ10, the twelfth nozzle NZ12, and the (i-2)th nozzle NZi-2 with a third drive waveform. In the next line along the printing direction PD, when the third control signal CS3 is “000100” and each of the eleventh discharge data D11 and the (i-1)th discharge data Di-1 is “1”, ink can be discharged from each of the eleventh nozzle NZ11 and the (i-1)th nozzle NZi-1 with a fourth drive waveform. In the next line along the printing direction PD, with the third control signal CS3 being "010000" and each of the ninth discharge data D9, the (i-3)th discharge data Di-3, and the i-th discharge data Di being "1", ink can be discharged from each of the ninth nozzle NZ9, the (i-3)th nozzle NZi-3, and the i-th nozzle NZi with the sixteenth drive waveform (see...). Figure 12 ).

[0111] The inkjet printing method according to the embodiment can be performed using an inkjet printing apparatus 10', which includes a controller CON that applies ejection data DD, including a control signal CS, to a head HD. By using some data from the ejection data DD as the control signal CS, separate additional data for the control signal CS is not required. For example, since the drive waveform can be changed or the voltage setting of the drive waveform can be changed using the existing ejection data DD, the printing efficiency using the inkjet printing apparatus 10' can be improved.

[0112] [Industrial Applicability] The disclosed embodiments can be applied to manufacturing processes of display devices and electronic devices including such display devices. For example, the disclosure can be applied to manufacturing processes of high-resolution smartphones, mobile phones, smart tablets, smartwatches, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, laptops, and the like.

[0113] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0114] <Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures> 10, 10': Inkjet printing device HD: Head NZ: Nozzle CON: Controller DS: Drive signal DD: Exhaust data CS1: First control signal CS2: Second control signal CS3: Third control signal DU: Data Unit.

Claims

1. A method of inkjet printing, the method comprising: applying, by a controller, a drive signal to a head, the head including a plurality of nozzles; driving the head in response to the drive signal; and applying, by the controller, a first control signal to the head that changes a drive waveform of the drive signal. in the step of applying, by the controller, the first control signal to the head, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein, applying, by the controller, a third control signal to the head that specifies the drive signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the controller includes discharge data for each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, and in the step of applying, by the controller, the first control signal to the head, the discharge data is used to change the drive waveform.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: applying, by the controller, a second control signal to the head that changes voltage settings of the drive waveform. in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, 5. The method of claim 4, wherein, applying, by the controller, the third control signal to the head. in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, 6. The method of claim 4, wherein, using the discharge data to change a time of applying voltage. in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, 7. The method of claim 4, wherein, using the discharge data to change the voltage settings of the drive waveform. in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, 8. The method of claim 7, wherein, using n discharge data out of the discharge data, where n is a natural number, and in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, changing a voltage of the drive waveform to a value obtained by dividing a maximum level of the voltage by 2 m where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, using n discharge data out of the discharge data, where n is a natural number, the n discharge data includes data units each including m discharge data, where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n, using k discharge data included in each of the data units to change voltage of the drive waveform, where k is a natural number smaller than m, and using m-k discharge data included in each of the data units to set time. the discharge data includes the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein, in the step of applying, by the controller, the drive signal to the head and in the step of driving the head, 11. The method of claim 4, wherein, the first control signal and the second control signal are not applied to the head. in the step of applying, by the controller, the first control signal to the head and in the step of applying, by the controller, the second control signal to the head, 12. The method of claim 4, wherein, the drive signal is not applied to the head.

13. An inkjet printing apparatus, the inkjet printing apparatus comprising: a head including a plurality of nozzles; and a controller that applies a drive signal or a first control signal that changes a drive waveform of the drive signal to the head. ​ ​ 14. The inkjet printing device of claim 13, wherein, The controller applies the first control signal and a third control signal that specifies the drive signal to the head at the same time.

15. The inkjet printing device of claim 14, wherein, The controller includes discharge data for each of the plurality of nozzles, and uses the discharge data to change the drive waveform.

16. The inkjet printing device of claim 15, wherein, The controller applies the drive signal, the first control signal, or a second control signal that changes a voltage setting of the drive waveform to the head.

17. The inkjet printing device of claim 16, wherein, The controller applies the second control signal and the third control signal to the head at the same time.

18. The inkjet printing device of claim 16, wherein, The controller uses the discharge data to change a time of application of voltage.

19. The inkjet printing device of claim 16, wherein, The controller uses the discharge data to change the voltage setting of the drive waveform.

20. The inkjet printing device of claim 19, wherein, The controller uses n pieces of the discharge data among the discharge data, where n is a natural number, and changes the voltage of the drive waveform to a value obtained by dividing the maximum level of the voltage by 2m m where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to n.

21. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The controller uses n pieces of discharge data out of the discharge data, where n is a natural number, The n pieces of discharge data include data units each including m pieces of discharge data, where m is a natural number that is a divisor of n, and The controller uses k pieces of discharge data included in each of the data units to change voltage of the drive waveform, and uses m-k pieces of discharge data included in each of the data units to set time, where k is a natural number smaller than m.

22. The inkjet printing device of claim 16, wherein, The discharge data includes the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

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