Conversion processing system

Abstract

To provide a conversion processing system that converts drive waveform information which determines drive pulses into setting data to be transmitted to an inkjet head.SOLUTION: A conversion processing system includes: an input device for inputting drive waveform information of an inkjet head in a droplet ejection device; a storage device for storing the drive waveform information of the inkjet head, a program for converting the drive waveform information into setting data that satisfies specific constraint conditions determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of drive waveform and the setting data converted from the drive waveform information; a processor for executing the program to convert the drive waveform information into the setting data; and an output device for outputting the setting data to the droplet ejection device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In a liquid ejection device having an inkjet head, liquid such as ink is generally ejected from a nozzle by applying a drive pulse to a drive element such as a piezoelectric element of the inkjet head. As an example, the drive pulse is generated by a drive circuit. The drive circuit receives setting data and print data (tone values ​​corresponding to each nozzle) and drives the drive circuit. The setting data is stored in a setting register that specifies the operation of the drive circuit according to the tone value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6417129 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Normally, the user manually converts the drive waveform information that determines the drive pulses into setting data. However, if there are electrical constraints on the inkjet head settings, the user may enter incorrect setting data.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a conversion processing system that converts drive waveform information that determines the drive pulses for an inkjet head into setting data that satisfies the electrical constraints of the inkjet head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The conversion processing system according to the embodiment includes an input device for inputting driving waveform information of an inkjet head of a droplet ejection device, a storage device for storing the driving waveform information of the inkjet head, a program for converting the driving waveform information into setting data that satisfies unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head and the type of drive waveform, the setting data converted from the driving waveform information, a processor for executing the program to convert the driving waveform information into setting data, and an output device for outputting the setting data to the droplet ejection device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection device that is to be controlled by a conversion processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer that constitutes the conversion processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a working condition providing server that constitutes the conversion processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen for parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the waveform mode of the DRP waveform. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of conversion from parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform to register values ​​of setting data. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a DRP waveform based on the register values ​​of the setting data of the conversion results shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a setting screen for parameters of driving waveform information of a DHP waveform. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of conversion from parameters of drive waveform information of a DHP waveform to register values ​​of setting data. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from parameters of drive waveform information of a DHP waveform. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a DHP waveform based on the register values ​​of the setting data of the conversion results shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a conversion processing program executed by the conversion processing system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A conversion processing system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The conversion processing system converts parameters of drive waveform information that determines the drive waveform of an inkjet head of a droplet ejection device into register values ​​of setting data that satisfy the electrical constraints of the inkjet head, and transmits the converted register values ​​to the droplet ejection device. Prior to describing the conversion processing system, the droplet ejection device to which the register values ​​of the setting data are transmitted will first be described below.

[0009] (Droplet discharge device) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a droplet ejection device 10. The droplet ejection device 10 forms an image on a print medium, which is a recording medium, while conveying the print medium.

[0010] The droplet ejection device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display 14, an operation unit 15, a communication interface 16, a transport motor 21, a motor drive circuit 22, a pump 23, a pump drive circuit 24, a plurality of inkjet heads 25, and a head controller 26. The droplet ejection device 10 further includes a transport mechanism, a paper feed cassette, a paper discharge tray, etc., which are not shown. In the drawings, the interface is abbreviated as "IF."

[0011] The control unit 11 includes a processor 12 and a memory 13, and performs various controls on the droplet ejection device 10. The processor 12 is an arithmetic element that executes arithmetic processing. The processor 12 performs various processes based on, for example, a program stored in the memory 13 and data used in the program. The memory 13 rewritably stores the program, the data used in the program, and the like.

[0012] The display 14 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays images in response to video signals input from the processor 12 or a graphics controller (not shown) for performing image processing.

[0013] The operation unit 15 generates an operation signal based on a user's operation. The operation unit 15 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 touch sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, etc. The touch sensor obtains information indicating a specified position within a certain area. The touch sensor may also be used as a touch panel that is disposed on the upper surface of the display 14 and is integrally configured. In this case, the touch sensor generates a signal that indicates a touched position on the screen displayed on the display 14.

[0014] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with external devices. The communication interface 16 is used, for example, for communication with a conversion processing system 30 that transmits print data and register values ​​of setting data to the droplet ejection device 10. The communication interface 16 communicates with the conversion processing system 30 via a wired or wireless network, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0015] The transport motor 21 rotates to become the drive source for a transport mechanism (not shown) for transporting the print medium. The transport mechanism is composed of a transport belt that transports the print medium, multiple rollers (drive rollers and driven rollers) around which the transport belt is stretched, guides, etc. The transport motor 21 rotates the drive roller to move the transport belt. The print medium moves along a transport path defined by guides arranged near the transport belt.

[0016] The motor drive circuit 22 drives the transport motor 21 in accordance with a transport control signal input from the control unit 11. The motor drive circuit 22, the transport motor 21, and the transport mechanism transport the print medium taken out of a paper feed cassette (not shown) to a paper discharge tray (not shown) via multiple inkjet heads 25. The paper feed cassette is a cassette that contains multiple print media. The paper discharge tray is a tray that contains the print media discharged from the droplet ejection device 10.

[0017] The pump 23 supplies ink from an ink tank through an ink supply path to a pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25. The pump 23 is disposed on the ink supply path, which is made up of a tube (not shown) that connects the ink tank and the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25.

[0018] The pump drive circuit 24 drives the pump 23 in accordance with an ink supply control signal input from the processor 12 .

[0019] The inkjet head 25 ejects ink onto the print medium to form an image. Although not shown, the inkjet head 25 has a plurality of driving elements such as piezoelectric elements that eject ink, a sensor for detecting the ink temperature, etc., a control circuit for controlling the driving elements, etc. Based on a driving power source and a control signal supplied from the head controller 26, the ink is ejected onto the print medium transported by the transport mechanism to form an image. A plurality of inkjet heads 25 are provided corresponding to each color of ink, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.

[0020] The droplet ejection device 10 receives print data and registration values ​​of setting data from the conversion processing system 30 via the communication interface 16, and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet heads 25, the processor 12 reads the print data and registration values ​​of the setting data from the memory 13, and transmits them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the multiple inkjet heads 25 based on the print data and registration values ​​of the setting data. The head controller 26 operates the drive elements in the inkjet heads 25 to eject ink from the nozzles of the inkjet heads 25, thereby forming an image on the print medium.

[0021] (First configuration example of conversion processing system 30) Next, a first configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The first configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 is an example in which the conversion processing system 30 is configured with a computer 40. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the computer 40 that configures the conversion processing system 30 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 2, solid arrows indicate the flow of data, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of control.

[0022] The computer 40 constituting the conversion processing system 30 has a processor 41, a storage device 44, an input device 45, and an output device 46. The computer 40 may further have other peripheral devices in addition to these.

[0023] The processor 41, the storage device 44, the input device 45, and the output device 46 are electrically connected to one another via a bus, and can transmit and receive data and instructions via the bus.

[0024] The storage device 44 stores programs and data necessary for processing executed by the processor 41. The processor 41 reads out the necessary programs and data from the storage device 44 and executes them to perform various types of processing.

[0025] The storage device 44 may include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device and the auxiliary storage device can transmit and receive programs and data between each other.

[0026] The main storage device stores programs and data temporarily required for processing by the processor 41. For example, the main storage device is configured with a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0027] The auxiliary storage device stores programs and data supplied via an external device or a network, and provides the main storage device with programs and data temporarily required for processing by the processor 41. For example, the auxiliary storage device is configured with a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0028] The processor 41 is hardware that processes data and instructions. For example, the processor 41 may include a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 41 includes an arithmetic unit 42 and a control unit 43.

[0029] The arithmetic unit 42 reads the program and data from the storage device 44 and executes the program to perform arithmetic and logical operations on the data, and provides the data resulting from the operations to the storage device 44 .

[0030] The control device 43 controls the arithmetic device 42 , the memory device 44 , the input device 45 and the output device 46 .

[0031] The processor 41 reads the program and data from the storage device 44 and executes the program, thereby controlling the arithmetic unit 42, the storage device 44, the input device 45, and the output device 46.

[0032] The input device 45 is a device for inputting data. For example, the input device 45 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a receiving device, etc. The input device 45 is not limited to these, and may include any other input device.

[0033] The output device 46 is a device for outputting data. For example, the output device 46 may include a display, a disk drive, a transmission device, etc. The output device 46 is not limited to these, and may include any other output device.

[0034] The display also functions as a device to assist input from a keyboard or mouse, and the touch panel functions as an input / output device that combines input and output functions.

[0035] In such a configuration, the input device 45 receives input of parameters of driving waveform information and print data for the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10. The input device 45 outputs the parameters of the driving waveform information for the inkjet head 25 and the print data to the storage device 44.

[0036] The storage device 44 stores print data and parameters of driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 input from the input device 45. The storage device 44 also stores a conversion processing program for converting parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 into registration values ​​of setting data that satisfy unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of driving waveform.

[0037] The processor 41 reads the conversion processing program, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and the print data from the storage device 44, and executes the conversion processing program on the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25. In this way, the processor 41 generates registration values ​​of the setting data that satisfy unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of driving waveform. The processor 41 outputs the registration values ​​of the setting data to the storage device 44. The storage device 44 stores the registration values ​​of the setting data input from the processor 41.

[0038] The output device 46 reads out the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data from the storage device 44, and transmits them to the droplet ejection device 10. The droplet ejection device 10 receives the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data via the communication interface 16, and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads out the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data from the memory 13, and transmits them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the inkjet head 25 based on the registration values ​​of the print data and the setting data.

[0039] (Second Configuration Example of Conversion Processing System 30) Next, a second configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The second configuration example of the conversion processing system 30 is an example in which the conversion processing system 30 is configured with a working condition providing server 50. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the working condition providing server 50 that constitutes the conversion processing system 30 according to the embodiment.

[0040] The working condition providing server 50 includes a web server 51, an authentication server 52, a firewall 53, an AP server 54, a web API server 55, a database server 56, and a database 57. In the drawings, the database is abbreviated as "DB."

[0041] The web server 51 receives a request from a client and returns a response to the client's request. In one example, the client is a control server 61 that controls the droplet ejection device 10. In this case, the control server 61 transmits a request to the web server 51 in accordance with an API procedure published on the web, and receives a response from the web server 51. In another example, the client is a user of a PC 62 that controls the droplet ejection device 10. In this case, the user of the PC 62 transmits a request to the web server 51 through a web browser screen displayed on the PC 62, for example, by HTTPS communication, and receives a response from the web server 51. The web browser screen is created using, for example, THLS, CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), etc.

[0042] The database 57 stores various data. The database server 56 manages the database 57. In response to requests from the authentication server 52, the AP server 54, and the web API server 55, the database server 56 reads appropriate data from the database 57 and provides them to the authentication server 52, the AP server 54, and the web API server 55.

[0043] The authentication server 52 receives authentication information of the client from the web server 51, and checks the authentication information against authentication information stored in a database 57 via a database server 56 to determine whether to permit access.

[0044] The firewall 53 protects the AP server 54 and the web API server 55 from unauthorized access, etc. The firewall 53 permits access that is permitted by the authentication server 52.

[0045] The AP server 54 provides an execution environment for web applications. The web API server 55 provides an API.

[0046] In such a configuration, the database 57 stores a conversion processing program that converts the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 into registration values ​​of setting data that satisfy the unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of drive waveform.

[0047] The client transmits to the driving condition providing server 50 parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10, print data, and a request for conversion processing to convert the parameters of the driving waveform information into register values ​​of the setting data.

[0048] If the client's access is appropriate, the driving condition providing server 50, in the AP server 54 or the web API server 55, converts the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 into registration values ​​of setting data that satisfy the unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of driving waveform, and returns the registration values ​​of the converted setting data to the client.

[0049] For example, when the client is a control server 61 that controls the droplet ejection device 10, the web API server 55 receives the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 and the print data, and outputs them to the database server 56. The database server 56 stores the input parameters of the driving waveform information and the print data in the database 57.

[0050] The web API server 55 reads the conversion processing program, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and the print data from the database 57, and executes the conversion processing program on the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25. In this way, the web API server 55 generates registration values ​​of the setting data that satisfy unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of driving waveform. The web API server 55 stores the registration values ​​of the setting data in the database 57 via the database server 56. The web API server 55 also transmits the registration values ​​of the setting data and the print data to the control server 61 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0051] The control server 61 transmits the registration values ​​of the received setting data and the print data to the droplet ejection device 10. The droplet ejection device 10 receives the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data via the communication interface 16 and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads out the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data from the memory 13 and transmits them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the inkjet head 25 based on the registration values ​​of the print data and the setting data.

[0052] When the client is a user of the PC 62 that controls the droplet ejection device 10, the AP server 54 executes the same operation as the above-mentioned web API server 55. That is, the AP server 54 receives the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 and the print data, and stores them in the database 57 via the database server 56.

[0053] The AP server 54 reads the conversion processing program, the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and the print data from the database 57, executes the conversion processing program on the parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25, and generates registration values ​​of the setting data that satisfy unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of driving waveform. The AP server 54 stores the registration values ​​of the setting data in the database 57 via the database server 56. The AP server 54 also transmits the registration values ​​of the setting data and the print data to the PC 62 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0054] The PC 62 transmits the registration values ​​of the received setting data and the print data to the droplet ejection device 10 automatically or under command of the user of the PC 62. The droplet ejection device 10 receives the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data via the communication interface 16 and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads out the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data from the memory 13 and transmits them to the head controller 26. The head controller 26 controls the inkjet head 25 based on the registration values ​​of the print data and the setting data.

[0055] (DRP waveform conversion example) 4 to 8, a description will be given of an example of conversion of a DRP waveform, which is one type of drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. The DRP waveform is a waveform having a Draw (expansion) pulse, a Release (release) pulse, and a Push (contraction) pulse.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen for parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform. This setting screen is displayed on the computer 40 or the PC 62. As shown in Fig. 4, the setting screen for parameters of the driving waveform information of the DRP waveform has various setting items.

[0057] The setting screen has a selection item for the driving waveform. The setting screen also has a waveform setup. For example, four timers (Time 1, Time 2, Time 3, Time 4) are prepared for the waveform setup according to the number of ink drops in the multi-drop method. For example, the Time 1 timer is used for drops 1 to 3, and the Time 2 timer is used for drops 4 to 7.

[0058] The setting screen has setting items for each timer, such as the driving waveform, the pulse width time (μm) of the BST (pre-contraction) section, D (expansion) section, R (release) section, P (contraction) section, DMP (pre-expansion), and PRE (precursor) section, as well as setting items for the time per drop (Drop cycle) and number of frames (Frame Set).

[0059] The setting screen also has setting items for 3-division drive (Order of divided), setting items for waveform frame control (Control of waveform frame), such as the maximum number of drops (Max frame), waveform mode (Waveform Mode), the number of drops to add BST, DMP, etc. (establish PPBD), whether to add the waveform to the front or back of the line (SelectWaveFill), a precursor setting item, and a setting item for fine adjustment control.

[0060] An example of the above parameter settings includes a function to display the waveform mode settings. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a waveform mode setting screen for the DRP waveform. The waveform mode setting screen shown in FIG. 5 shows which pulse setting is to be driven and which pulse width time setting is to be set for each drop. In the setting screen of FIG. 5, the types of pulse settings include pre-driving (BST), driving (ACT), non-driving (NEG), etc.

[0061] In addition, since the maximum number of drops is set to 8 on the setting screen of FIG. 4, the actual setting range of the waveform mode setting screen of FIG. 5 is 01 to 08 for Frame and 0h to 7h for Drop.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of conversion from the parameters of the drive waveform information of the DRP waveform to the register values ​​of the setting data. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the register values ​​of the setting data converted from the parameters of the drive waveform information of the DRP waveform. Figs. 6 and 7 representatively show an example of conversion related to a timer (Time 1). Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a DRP waveform based on the register values ​​of the setting data resulting from the conversion shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0063] There is a setting frame corresponding to each of the drive waveform parameters. For each setting frame, there is a time setting and a potential setting by a pulse setting.

[0064] The conversion processing program described above converts each time setting and potential setting into a register value of the setting data. As described above, the entities that execute the processing of the conversion processing program are the processor 41, the AP server 54, and the web API server 55, but for the sake of convenience, the conversion processing program is described here as executing the processing.

[0065] When executing the conversion process, the conversion process program first divides each parameter into a plurality of frames. For example, the conversion process program divides the time required to eject one drop of ink (i.e., one cycle), more specifically, the section included in one cycle, into a plurality of frames as appropriate. Next, the conversion process program assigns each divided frame to a frame for the main target pulse (normal frame) and a frame for ensuring electrical constraints (constraint frame). In the frame for ensuring electrical constraints, a time and potential that satisfy the constraint conditions are set. The time of the main target pulse frame is calculated so that the sum of the time and the time that satisfies the constraint conditions becomes the setting time of the parameter.

[0066] In this conversion process, electrical constraints must be satisfied. In particular, when the inkjet head 25 is a share mode head, the electrical constraints are as follows, for example. The electrode connected to the pressure chamber that ejects ink must not be driven simultaneously with the adjacent electrode connected to the adjacent pressure chamber. A certain time interval must be provided between driving the electrode and the adjacent electrode. The electrode in question and adjacent electrodes must not exceed the latch-up voltage due to the drive pulse of other electrodes.

[0067] That is, the conversion processing program divides the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 into a plurality of frames, and assigns the divided frames to a constraint frame for ensuring the constraint conditions and a normal frame for ejecting ink. The parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 include a time setting value and a potential setting value of the drive pulse. The conversion processing program sets a time value and a potential value that satisfy the constraint conditions in the constraint frame.

[0068] In the conversion example of Fig. 6, the D section, the R section, the P section and the next section are all 2μs, and the conversion processing program divides each section into a constraint frame of 0.2μs and a normal frame of 1.8μs. That is, the conversion processing program divides the D section into a constraint frame of Set1 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set2 of 1.8μs, divides the R section into a constraint frame of Set3 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set4 of 1.8μs, divides the P section into a constraint frame of Set5 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set6 of 1.8μs, and divides the next section into a constraint frame of Set7 of 0.2μs and a normal frame of Set8 of 1.8μs.

[0069] Furthermore, the conversion processing program converts 0.2 μs to a register value of 00001010, and 1.8 μs to a register value of 01011010.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the conversion processing program sets potentials for the driven (ACT) electrode and adjacent electrodes for each of Set1 to Set8, and sets potentials for the non-driven (NEG) electrode and adjacent electrodes.

[0071] In detail, the conversion processing program sets the potentials for each of Set1 to Set8 as follows. In the constraint frame of Set1, VSS is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set2, -VAA is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the constraint frame of Set3, VSS is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set4, VSS is set to the electrode of the driving (ACT), and VSS is set to the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the constraint frame of Set5, VSS is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set6, +VAA is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the constraint frame of Set7, +VAA is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set8, VSS is set to the electrode of the driving (ACT), and VSS is set to the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT).

[0072] Moreover, the conversion processing program sets VSS for both the non-driven (NEG) electrode and the adjacent electrodes in any of Set1 to Set8.

[0073] The conversion processing program converts the potential VSS to a register value of 00, the potential −VAA to a register value of 01, and the potential +VAA to a register value of 10.

[0074] The register values ​​of the setting data converted as described above are listed in Fig. 7. The list of register values ​​of the setting data shown in Fig. 7 is represented by a combination of register address, register name, and register value (HEX: hexadecimal notation, BIN: binary notation). For example, a combination of register address (R1), register name (Time1 Set1Time), and register value (HEX: 0A, BIN: 00001010) is stored as one record in storage device 44 of computer 40 or database 57 of working condition providing server 50. The same applies to other combinations of register address, register name, and register value.

[0075] The electrical constraints required in converting the parameters of the drive waveform information into register values ​​of the setting data vary depending on the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of drive waveform.

[0076] (DHP waveform conversion example) Next, a conversion example of a DHP waveform, which is different from a DRP waveform, will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. A DHP waveform is a waveform having a Draw (expansion) pulse, an H pulse, and a Push (contraction) pulse. In other words, a DHP waveform is a waveform having an H pulse instead of the R pulse of the DRP waveform.

[0077] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a setting screen for parameters of the driving waveform information of the DHP waveform. As shown in Fig. 9, the setting screen for parameters of the driving waveform information of the DHP waveform has various setting items. The setting items of the setting screen shown in Fig. 9 are basically the same as those of the setting screen shown in Fig. 6, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0078] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of conversion from the parameters of the drive waveform information of a DHP waveform to register values ​​of setting data. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of register values ​​of setting data converted from the parameters of the drive waveform information of a DHP waveform. Figs. 10 and 11 representatively show conversion examples related to a timer (Time 1). Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a DHP waveform based on the register values ​​of the setting data resulting from the conversion shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0079] The conversion process that the conversion process program executes on the DHP waveform is basically the same as the conversion process executed on the DRP waveform. In the following, to avoid redundancy, the explanation will be focused on the differences from the conversion process on the DRP waveform.

[0080] In the conversion example of Fig. 10, the D section, H section, P section and the next section are all 2μs. The conversion processing program divides the D section into a 0.2μs Set1 constraint frame and a 1.8μs Set2 normal frame, divides the H section into a 0.2μs Set3 constraint frame, a 0.2μs Set4 constraint frame and a 1.6μs Set5 normal frame, and does not divide the P section, leaving it as a 2μs Set6 normal frame, and divides the next section into a 0.2μs Set7 constraint frame and a 1.8μs Set8 normal frame.

[0081] Furthermore, the conversion processing program converts 0.2 μs into a register value of 00001010, 1.8 μs into a register value of 01011010, and 1.6 μs into a register value of 01010000.

[0082] The conversion processing program sets the potentials for each of Set1 to Set8 as follows. In the constraint frame of Set1, VSS is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set2, -VAA is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the constraint frame of Set3, VSS is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and +VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the constraint frame of Set4, VSS is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set5, VSS is set to the electrode of the driving (ACT), and -VAA is set to the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set6, +VAA is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and -VAA is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the constraint frame of Set7, +VAA is set for the electrode of the driving (ACT), and VSS is set for the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT). In the normal frame of Set8, VSS is set to the electrode of the driving (ACT), and VSS is set to the adjacent electrode of the driving (ACT).

[0083] Moreover, the conversion processing program sets VSS for both the non-driven (NEG) electrode and the adjacent electrodes in any of Set1 to Set8.

[0084] The conversion processing program converts the potential VSS to a register value of 00, the potential −VAA to a register value of 01, and the potential +VAA to a register value of 10.

[0085] The register values ​​of the setting data converted as described above are listed in Fig. 11. The list of register values ​​of the setting data shown in Fig. 11 is represented by a combination of register address, register name, and register value (HEX: hexadecimal notation, BIN: binary notation). For example, a combination of register address (R1), register name (Time1 Set1Time), and register value (HEX: 0A, BIN: 00001010) is stored as one record in storage device 44 of computer 40 or database 57 of working condition providing server 50. The same applies to other combinations of register address, register name, and register value.

[0086] (Conversion processing program) Next, a process flow of the conversion processing program executed by the conversion processing system 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the conversion processing program executed by the conversion processing system 30. For convenience, the client will be described as a user of the computer 40 or the PC 62.

[0087] 4 or 9, the user inputs parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25. The input parameters of the driving waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are transmitted to the conversion processing system 30.

[0088] The conversion processing system 30 executes a conversion processing program to perform a series of processes described below on the parameters of the received drive waveform information.

[0089] In ACT11, the conversion processing system 30 checks the parameters of the received drive waveform information. Here, it is checked whether the parameters of the drive waveform information are normal or abnormal. If the parameters of the drive waveform information are abnormal, the conversion processing system 30 displays an error message on the computer 40 or PC 62 to inform the user that the parameters of the drive waveform information are abnormal.

[0090] If the parameters of the drive waveform information are normal, in ACT12, the conversion processing system 30 performs frame allocation processing for each parameter of the drive waveform information. First, with regard to the time parameter, the conversion processing system 30 appropriately divides one cycle of ejection of one drop of ink into a plurality of frames. Next, the conversion processing system 30 assigns to each divided frame either a frame for the main target pulse (normal frame) or a frame for ensuring electrical constraints (constraint frame).

[0091] In ACT 13, the conversion processing system 30 performs processing for setting a time for the constraint window. The time set for the constraint window is set to a potential that satisfies the constraint condition.

[0092] In ACT 14, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting a time for the normal frame. The time for the normal frame is set so that the sum of the time that satisfies the constraint conditions becomes the set time for the parameters.

[0093] In ACT 15, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting a potential for the constraint frame. The potential set for the constraint frame is a potential that satisfies the constraint conditions.

[0094] In ACT 16, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of setting a potential for the normal frame. The potential set for the constraint frame is a potential at which one drop of ink is ejected appropriately.

[0095] In ACT17, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of converting the times set for the constraint window and the normal window into registration values.

[0096] In ACT18, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of converting the potentials set for the constraint frame and the normal frame into resist values.

[0097] In ACT19, the conversion processing system 30 performs a process of converting the time resist value and the potential resist value converted in ACT17 and ACT18 so that they match the format of the resist value of the setting data used in the droplet ejection device 10.

[0098] Finally, the conversion processing system 30 outputs the register values ​​of the setting data that have been converted into a format suitable for use in the droplet ejection device 10 to the computer 40 or the PC 62 .

[0099] The conversion processing program according to the embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in an electronic device, or in a state not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be any medium, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, that can store a program and is computer-readable, and its form is not important.

[0100] (effect) The conversion processing system according to the embodiment converts the parameters of the drive waveform information that determines the drive waveform of the inkjet head 25 of the droplet ejection device 10 into register values ​​of the setting data that satisfy the electrical constraints of the inkjet head 25, and transmits the converted register values ​​to the droplet ejection device 10. As a result, the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are converted into register values ​​of the setting data that satisfy the unique constraints determined by the type of inkjet head 25 and the type of drive waveform without manual intervention. That is, the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 are converted into register values ​​of appropriate setting data. In other words, it is possible to prevent the parameters of the drive waveform information of the inkjet head 25 from being converted into register values ​​of inappropriate setting data due to a user error.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10...droplet ejection device, 11...control unit, 12...processor, 13...memory, 14...display, 15...operation unit, 16...communication interface, 21...conveyor motor, 22...motor drive circuit, 23...pump, 24...pump drive circuit, 25...inkjet head, 26...head controller, 30...conversion processing system, 40...computer, 41...processor, 42...arithmetic unit, 43...control unit, 44...storage device, 45...input device, 46...output device, 50...driving condition providing server, 51...web server, 52...authentication server, 53...firewall, 54...AP server, 55...web API server, 56...database server, 57...database, 61...control server, 62...PC.

Claims

1. an input device for inputting driving waveform information for an inkjet head of the droplet ejection device; a storage device that stores the drive waveform information of the inkjet head, a program that converts the drive waveform information into setting data that satisfies unique constraints determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the drive waveform, and the setting data converted from the drive waveform information; a processor that executes the program to convert the drive waveform information into the setting data; an output device that outputs the setting data to the droplet ejection device; Conversion processing system.

2. a web server that receives drive waveform information for an inkjet head of a droplet ejection device from an external terminal; a database that stores the drive waveform information of the inkjet head, a program that converts the drive waveform information into setting data that satisfies unique constraints determined by the type of the inkjet head and the type of the drive waveform, and the setting data converted from the drive waveform information; A database server for managing the database; an API server that executes the program and converts the drive waveform information into the setting data; The web server transmits the setting data to the external terminal. Conversion processing system.

3. the program divides parameters of the driving waveform information into a plurality of frames, and assigns the divided frames to a constraint frame for ensuring the constraint condition and a normal frame for ejecting ink.

3. The conversion processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The parameters of the drive waveform information include a time setting value and a potential setting value of the drive pulse, the program sets, in the constraint frame, time values ​​and potential values ​​that satisfy the constraint conditions; The conversion processing system according to claim 3 .

5. the inkjet head is a share mode head and includes a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber adjacent to each other for ejecting ink; the constraint condition being to ensure a time interval between a timing at which the ink is ejected from the first pressure chamber and a timing at which the ink is ejected from the second pressure chamber; 3. The conversion processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

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