Setting value data providing system

Abstract

To provide a setting value data providing system capable of providing setting value data for generating a suitable drive waveform without actual measurement.SOLUTION: This setting value data providing system comprises: an input unit; a setting data calculation unit; and an output unit. The input unit receives parameters containing a driving condition of an ink jet head and a physical value of ink from a client through a cloud. The setting data calculation unit estimates a driving waveform suited for the ink jet head from the parameters on the basis of a driving waveform estimation algorithm, and calculates setting value data for generating the suitable waveform. The output unit provides the setting value data to the client through the cloud.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A liquid ejection device having an inkjet head generally forms an image on a print medium being transported by inputting a drive signal to a drive element such as a piezoelectric element of the inkjet head to eject 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 setting value data.

[0003] Conventionally, the optimum drive waveform for an inkjet head is found by measuring the flight state of ink droplets and print quality while varying the parameters of the drive waveform using the ink actually used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-160314 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-95531 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] This method requires time and effort to perform measurement and evaluation using actual ink and inkjet heads. In addition, the ink and its supply system must be discarded every time a measurement and evaluation is performed, which is not only time-consuming but also environmentally unfriendly.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a set value data providing system that provides set value data for generating a suitable drive waveform without actually measuring the data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A setting value data providing system according to an embodiment includes an input unit, a setting data calculation unit, and an output unit. The input unit receives parameters including driving conditions of the inkjet head and physical properties of the ink from a client via the cloud. The setting data calculation unit estimates a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet head from the parameters using a driving waveform estimation algorithm, and calculates setting value data for generating the suitable driving waveform. The output unit provides the setting value data to the client via the cloud. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a droplet ejection device that operates using setting value data provided by a setting value data providing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head controller of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet head of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting the driving conditions of the inkjet head by a conventional method. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a setting value data providing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an authentication server of the setting value data providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the application server and the web API server of the setting value data providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a database server of the setting value data providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the setting value data calculation program executed by the setting value data providing system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a UI screen for inputting parameters, which is displayed on a PC screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a correlation formula between the ink specific gravity and the pressure propagation time. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the process from input of parameters to output of setting value data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow from input of parameters to output of setting value data. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the head controller of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the inkjet head of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A setting value data providing system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The setting value data providing system is a system that receives driving conditions of an inkjet head and physical property values ​​of ink from a client via the cloud, estimates a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet head from the received driving conditions and physical property values, calculates setting value data for generating the estimated suitable driving waveform, and provides the calculated setting value data to the client via the cloud. Prior to describing the setting value data providing system, a liquid ejection device that operates using setting value data provided by the setting value data providing system will be described below.

[0010] (Liquid discharge device) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection device 10 that operates using setting value data provided by a setting value data providing system according to an embodiment. The liquid ejection device 10 is, for example, an inkjet recording device. However, the liquid ejection device 10 is not limited to this, and may be another device such as a copier.

[0011] The liquid ejection device 10 performs various processes such as image formation while conveying a print medium, which is a recording medium.

[0012] The liquid 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, a head controller 26, a system bus 27, and a power supply circuit 28. The liquid 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."

[0013] The power supply circuit converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power, and supplies the DC power to each component in the liquid ejection device .

[0014] The system bus 27 is a communication path between 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 are capable of transmitting and receiving information, data, addresses, control signals, commands, responses, and the like via the system bus 27.

[0015] 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 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.

[0016] The display 14 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, etc. The display 14 displays an image in response to a video signal input from the processor 12, a graphic controller (not shown) for performing image processing, etc.

[0017] The operation unit 15 has an operation member that generates an operation signal based on a user's operation. The operation member 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 integrally configured therewith. In this case, the touch sensor generates a signal that indicates a touched position on the screen displayed on the display 14.

[0018] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with external devices. The communication interface 16 is used, for example, for communication with a client 30 that transmits print data and register values ​​of setting data to the liquid ejection device 10. The communication interface 16 communicates with the client 30 via a wired or wireless network, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The client 30 is a control server or a PC that controls the liquid ejection device 10.

[0019] The transport motor 21 rotates to operate transport members of a transport mechanism (not shown) for transporting the print medium. The transport members include a transport belt that transports the print medium, a plurality of rollers (drive rollers and driven rollers) around which the transport belt is stretched, and guides. The transport motor 21 rotates the drive roller to move the transport belt that holds the print medium. The print medium moves along a transport path defined by guides arranged near the transport belt.

[0020] The motor drive circuit 22 is a circuit that drives the transport motor 21. 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 from a paper feed cassette (not shown) via a plurality of inkjet heads 25 to a paper discharge tray (not shown). The paper feed cassette is a cassette that contains a plurality of print media. The paper discharge tray is a tray that contains the print media discharged from the liquid ejection device 10.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The pump drive circuit 24 drives the pump 23 in accordance with an ink supply control signal input from the processor 12. The pump 23 supplies ink from an ink tank to a pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25.

[0023] The inkjet head 25 is an image forming unit that ejects ink onto a print medium to form an image. Although not shown, the inkjet head 25 has actuators, which are driving elements such as a plurality of piezoelectric elements that eject ink from nozzles, sensors for detecting the ink temperature, and a driving circuit for driving the actuators. The inkjet head 25 ejects ink onto a print medium transported by a transport mechanism based on a driving power source and control signals supplied from a head controller 26 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.

[0024] The liquid ejection device 10 receives print data and registration values ​​of 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 out the print data and registration values ​​of setting value data from the memory 13, and transmits them to the head controller 26.

[0025] The head controller 26 is a circuit that controls the inkjet heads 25 based on the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data. The head controller 26 supplies a plurality of power supply voltages to the inkjet heads 25 based on the registration values ​​of the setting data. The head controller 26 also generates a control signal based on the print data. The head controller 26 supplies the power supply voltages and the control signals to the inkjet heads 25 to operate actuators in the inkjet heads 25, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzles of the inkjet heads 25 and forming an image on the print medium.

[0026] (Head controller) Next, a configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10.

[0027] The head controller 26 has a bus bridge 261, a setting 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 has a drive waveform generation circuit 266, a print data transfer unit 267, and a control signal transfer unit 268.

[0028] The set value data is input from the system bus 27 via the bus bridge 261 to the set value data buffer 262. The set value data is digital waveform data for determining a drive waveform. The set value data buffer 262 temporarily stores the set value data, performs necessary processing on the set value data as appropriate, and outputs the set value data to a drive waveform generation circuit 266 of the drive control unit 265. The drive waveform generation circuit 266 generates a digital drive waveform in accordance with the set value data, and outputs the drive waveform to the inkjet head 25.

[0029] The 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 data to the print data transfer unit 267 of the drive control unit 265. The print data transfer unit 267 transfers the print data to the inkjet head 25.

[0030] The control signal generation unit 264 generates a control signal for the inkjet head 25 and outputs it to a control signal transfer unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal includes a clock signal for determining operation timing. 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 transfer unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal transfer unit 268 transfers the control signal and the power supply voltage to the inkjet head 25.

[0031] (Inkjet head) Next, a configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10.

[0032] 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 and contracting a pressure chamber that contains ink, and ejecting ink droplets from a nozzle that communicates with the pressure chamber. For example, each actuator is a piezoelectric driving element made of PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0033] The driver IC 251 is a drive circuit for the inkjet head 25. More specifically, the driver IC 251 is a drive circuit for driving the actuator group 254. The driver IC 251 has an analog switch circuit 252 and a data processing circuit 253. The analog switch circuit 252 receives a digital drive waveform from a drive waveform generating circuit 266. The data processing circuit 253 receives print data from a print data transfer unit 267, and receives a control signal and a power supply voltage from a control signal transfer unit 268. The data processing circuit 253 supplies a power supply voltage to the analog switch circuit 252. The data processing circuit 253 also 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 from the digital drive waveform input from the drive waveform generating circuit 266, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 254. In detail, the analog switch circuit 252 has a plurality of switch elements at different power supply voltage levels, and generates an analog drive signal by selectively turning on and off the plurality of switch elements.

[0034] Each actuator of the actuator group 254 operates according to a drive signal input from the driver IC 251, expanding and contracting a pressure chamber that contains ink, and ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle.

[0035] (Setting value data selection by conventional method) Next, a procedure for selecting setting value data for the inkjet head 25 by a conventional method will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure for selecting setting value data for the inkjet head 25 by a conventional method.

[0036] In ACT11, the inkjet head 25 is driven by the basic drive waveform to eject ink and form an image on the print medium.

[0037] In ACT 12, the ink ejection is evaluated. The ink ejection is evaluated based on the size, speed, shape, etc. of the ejected ink drops, and based on the image formed on the print medium, for example, on the resolution, color reproducibility, clarity, and dot position accuracy.

[0038] In ACT13, the evaluation result is checked. For example, the evaluation result is checked by converting each of the above parameters into a numerical value and comparing the numerical value with a threshold value. For example, if the numerical value of each parameter is deemed better than the threshold value, the evaluation result is deemed OK, and if not, the evaluation result is deemed NG.

[0039] If the check result in ACT13 is NG (No in ACT13), the drive waveform is reselected in ACT14. Next, in ACT15, the inkjet head 25 is driven by the reselected drive waveform to eject ink and form an image on the print medium. After that, the operations in ACT12 and ACT13 are performed.

[0040] That is, in ACT13, the operations of ACT14, ACT15, and ACT12 are repeated until the evaluation result becomes OK.

[0041] As a result of the check in ACT13, if the evaluation result is OK (Yes in ACT13), in ACT16, the drive waveform at that time is recognized as the optimal drive waveform, and the setting value data that generates that drive waveform is selected as the optimal setting value data.

[0042] (Setting value data provision system) Next, a configuration example of the setting value data providing system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the setting value data providing system 50 according to an embodiment. The setting value data providing system 50 is composed of a server and the like on a cloud. In other words, the setting value data providing system 50 can also be said to be a setting value data providing server.

[0043] The setting value data providing system 50 includes a web server 51, an authentication server 52, a firewall 53, an application server 54, a web API server 55, a database server 56, and a database 57. In the drawings, the application server is abbreviated as "AP server" and the database is abbreviated as "DB."

[0044] The web server 51 is the first point of entry for clients to access the setting value data providing system 50, and works in conjunction with each server (authentication server 52, application server 54, web API server 55, database server 56) and database 57 to return responses to client requests to the clients.

[0045] In one example, the client is the control server 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10. In this case, the control server 31 transmits a request to the web server 51 and receives a response from the web server 51 using an API published as a web API.

[0046] 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 who operates the PC 32 transmits a request to the web server 51, for example, by HTTPS communication, through a user interface screen (UI screen) of a web application (for example, a web browser) displayed on the PC 32, and receives a response from the web server 51. The UI screen of the web application is created using, for example, HTML, CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), etc.

[0047] The database 57 stores various data. The database server 56 manages the database 57. In response to requests from the authentication server 52, the application server 54, and the web API server 55, the database server 56 stores appropriate data in the database 57, and also reads appropriate data from the database 57 and provides them to the authentication server 52, the application server 54, and the web API server 55.

[0048] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of authentication server 52 is shown in Fig. 6. Authentication server 52 has a login function. Also, authentication server 52 has dedicated databases in database 57, including a customer database, a user database, a whitelist, and a serial number database. In the drawing, the serial number is abbreviated as "S / N."

[0049] The authentication server 52 receives client login information from the web server 51, and allows authorized clients to log in by using a login function in conjunction with a whitelist that holds information on authorized clients. For new clients, the authentication server 52 requests input of necessary information using the login function, identifies the source domain of the access, and allows the client to log in after registering the necessary information and the source domain in the whitelist. The authentication server 52 outputs the authentication result to the firewall 53.

[0050] The authentication server 52 permits the administrator to perform operations that are granted administrator privileges, such as registering users in the user database and accessing each database. After logging in, the authentication server 52 checks the input serial number of the inkjet head against the customer database and serial number database.

[0051] The firewall 53 protects the application server 54 and the web API server 55 from unauthorized access, etc. Based on the authentication result received from the authentication server 52, the firewall 53 permits access to the application server 54 and the web API server 55 to authorized clients.

[0052] The application server 54 provides an execution environment for web applications. The web API server 55 provides an API.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the application server 54 and web API server 55. The application server 54 and web API server 55 have a setting value data calculation function, an ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine, and a drive waveform estimation algorithm. In addition, the application server 54 and web API server 55 have a coefficient database, a serial number database, an operation log database, and master data as dedicated databases in the database 57. The application server 54 and web API server 55 provide the administrator with an ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine update function and a drive waveform estimation algorithm update function.

[0054] The application server 54 and the web API server 55 receive parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink from the logged-in and authenticated client. The set value data calculation function estimates the optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25 from the parameters including the driving conditions and the physical property values ​​by a driving waveform estimation algorithm based on data analysis using an ink temperature and viscosity calculation engine and a dedicated database. The driving waveform estimation algorithm is an estimation algorithm that uses the type of ink, the specific gravity of the ink, and the type of inkjet head as input variables. The set value data calculation function calculates the set value data for generating the estimated 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.

[0055] 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of database server 56. Database server 56 has a data management function, a data update function, and a user management function. In addition, database server 56 has a coefficient database, a serial number database, a customer database, master data, a user database, an operation log database, master data, etc. in database 57. In addition, database server 56 provides the administrator with a data update function and a user management function.

[0056] In the setting value data providing system 50 configured in this manner, the web server 51 functions as an input unit that receives parameters from clients via the cloud. In addition, the application server 54 and the web API server 55 function as a setting value data calculation unit that calculates setting value data for generating an optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25. The web server 51 also functions as an output unit that provides setting value data to clients via the cloud.

[0057] The client transmits to the setting value data providing system 50 a request for a calculation process of setting value data for outputting an optimal driving waveform, as well as parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 and the physical properties of the ink.

[0058] If the client's access is appropriate, the setting value data providing system 50 receives parameters via the web server 51, and in the application server 54 or the web API server 55, calculates setting value data for generating an optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25, and transmits the calculated setting value data to the client via the web server 51.

[0059] For example, when the client is the control server 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the web 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 a database 57.

[0060] The web API server 55 calculates setting value data for generating an optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. The web API server 55 stores the setting value data in a database 57 via a database server 56. The web API server 55 also transmits the setting value data to the control server 31 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0061] The control server 31 transmits the received setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10. The liquid ejection device 10 receives the setting value data via the communication interface 16 and stores it in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads out the setting value data from the memory 13 and transmits it to the head controller 26. For example, the head controller 26 generates a drive waveform to be output to the inkjet head 25 in the drive waveform generation circuit 266 based on the setting value data.

[0062] When the client is the PC 32 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the application server 54 executes the same operation as the above-mentioned web 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 a database 57 via a database server 56.

[0063] The application server 54 calculates setting value data for generating an optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. The application server 54 stores the setting value data in a database 57 via a database server 56. The application server 54 also transmits the setting value data to the PC 32 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0064] The PC 32 transmits the received setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10 automatically or under an instruction from a user of the PC 32. The liquid ejection device 10 receives the setting value data via the communication interface 16 and stores it in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet head 25, the processor 12 reads out the setting value data from the memory 13 and transmits it to the head controller 26. For example, the head controller 26 generates a driving waveform to be output to the inkjet head 25 in the driving waveform generating circuit 266 based on the setting value data.

[0065] (Example of operation of the setting value data provision system) Next, an example of the operation of the setting value data providing system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of an example of the operation of the setting value data providing system 50. For convenience, the client will be described as PC 32. The flowchart in Fig. 9 shows the processing of the client (PC 32 and user) on the left side, and the processing of the setting value data providing system 50 on the right side. In the drawings, the setting value data providing system is abbreviated to "system".

[0066] In ACT21, the PC 32 displays a UI screen for login processing to a web application on the screen, and prompts the user to perform the login processing.

[0067] When a user performs login processing, in ACT22, the setting value data providing system 50 inquires about the user database through the authentication server 52, performs user authentication processing, and in ACT23, checks the authentication result.

[0068] If the authentication result is NG (No in ACT23), the setting value data providing system 50 instructs the PC 32 to display an error message. In ACT24, the PC 32 displays the error message on the screen and waits for confirmation from the user. When the user confirms the error message, the PC 32 returns to the processing of ACT21 and displays a UI screen for login processing on the screen to prompt the user to perform login processing.

[0069] If the authentication result is OK (Yes in ACT23), the setting value data providing system 50 transmits a request to the PC 32 for input of the serial number of the inkjet head 25.

[0070] Upon receiving the request to input the serial number of the inkjet head 25, the PC 32 displays a UI screen for inputting the serial number on the screen in ACT25, and prompts the user to input the serial number.

[0071] When the user inputs the serial number of the inkjet head 25, in ACT26, the setting value data providing system 50 inquires the serial number database through the authentication server 52 and performs a serial number verification process, and in ACT27, checks the verification result.

[0072] If the collation result is NG (No in ACT27), the setting value data providing system 50 instructs the PC 32 to display an error message. In ACT28, the PC 32 displays the error message on the screen and waits for confirmation from the user. When the user confirms the error message, the PC 32 returns to the processing of ACT25 and displays a UI screen for inputting the serial number on the screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0073] If the collation result is OK (Yes in ACT27), the setting value data providing system 50 transmits a request to the PC 32 for input of parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical properties of the ink.

[0074] Upon receiving the request for input of parameters, the PC 32 displays, in ACT 29, a parameter input UI screen for accepting input of parameters on the screen, and prompts the user to input the parameters.

[0075] The parameter input UI screen displayed on the screen of PC 32 is shown in Fig. 10. The parameter input UI screen includes a selection between serial number database and coefficient database, an inkjet head 25 parameter input field, an ink parameter input field, an operating condition parameter input field, an ink temperature / viscosity parameter input field, a drive voltage parameter input field, and waveform type and waveform value parameter input fields.

[0076] The user inputs information on the ink type, ink specific gravity, ink temperature, and ink viscosity as the ink physical property values ​​from the parameter input UI screen shown in FIG. 10. The user also inputs information on the head type, head specific value, serial number, AL rank, head drive voltage, number of ejected drops, and frequency as the inkjet head 25 drive conditions. The ink physical property values ​​and inkjet head 25 drive conditions include other values ​​related to printing conditions and print quality, and are not limited to the above. AL (acoustic length) is half the time of the natural vibration period of the ink in the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25, and is also called the pressure propagation time. AL has different values ​​depending on the inkjet head. Ranking is performed based on the AL value, and an AL rank is assigned.

[0077] In addition, if the user selects the recommended temperature in the parameter input field for ink temperature and viscosity, the recommended value is automatically entered and the user does not need to enter it. Also, if the user selects the desired temperature or ejection viscosity, the user clicks on the ink temperature and viscosity calculation input icon to execute the ink temperature and viscosity calculation.

[0078] When the user inputs parameters, in ACT30, the setting value data providing system 50 performs input parameter check processing using the application server 54.

[0079] If the check result is NG (NG in ACT30), the setting value data providing system 50 instructs the PC 32 to display an error message. In ACT31, the PC 32 displays the error message on the screen and waits for confirmation from the user. When the user confirms the error message, the PC 32 returns to the processing of ACT29 and displays a UI screen for parameter input on the screen to prompt the user to input parameters.

[0080] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT30), the setting value data providing system 50 performs calculation processing of the ink temperature and viscosity in ACT32 using the application server 54. The calculation processing of the temperature and viscosity in ACT32 is omitted if the user selects the recommended temperature in the ink temperature and viscosity parameter input field on the parameter input UI screen shown in FIG.

[0081] Next, in ACT33, the setting value data providing system 50 uses the application server 54 to estimate an optimal driving waveform for ink ejection from the parameters input in ACT29, using a driving waveform estimation algorithm and a dedicated database.

[0082] Next, in ACT34, the setting value data providing system 50 uses the application server 54 to calculate setting value data for generating an optimal driving waveform for the inkjet head 25. After calculating the setting value data, the setting value data providing system 50 outputs the setting value data to the PC 32.

[0083] (Correlation between ink specific gravity and pressure propagation time) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a correlation equation between ink specific gravity and pressure propagation time (AL). As can be seen from this 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 relational equation and the head shipping inspection ink evaluation result, the specific pressure propagation time of each inkjet head 25 can be derived by calculation. The head shipping inspection ink evaluation result is a result of performing AL measurement, driving voltage measurement, and print measurement of the inkjet head 25 using a test ink at the time of shipping inspection of the inkjet head 25. In the following description, the test ink will be described as the test ink. In the following description, the AL of the inkjet head 25 measured using the test ink will be described as the test ink AL. The ink AL is different from the test ink AL and is the AL of the ink that is actually used. The ink AL is obtained by an estimated calculation based on the test ink AL. In addition, the driving voltage measured using the test ink will be described as the test ink voltage in the following description. The ink voltage is different from the test ink voltage and is the driving voltage of the ink that is actually used. The ink voltage is estimated and calculated based on the test ink voltage.

[0084] (Process function from parameter input to setting value data output) Next, the process from input of parameters to output of setting value data will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the process from input of parameters to output of setting value data. For convenience, the client will be described as PC32 and its user.

[0085] In ACT41, parameters such as the ink physical property values ​​(ink type, ink specific gravity, ink temperature, ink viscosity, etc.) and the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 (head type, head specific value, serial number, AL rank, head driving voltage, number of ejected drops, frequency, etc.) are input on the head / ink input screen.

[0086] ACT42 calculates waveform element values ​​based on the parameters entered on the head and ink input screen. Waveform element value calculations include coefficient calling, AL value calculation, boost (ejection speed amplification pulse) value calculation, drive waveform calculation, etc. In waveform element value calculations, first, the specific pressure propagation time determined by the ink and inkjet head 25 is estimated and calculated from the ink type, ink specific gravity, inkjet head 25 drive conditions, and the ink specific gravity-pressure propagation time relationship. Next, each waveform element value is estimated and calculated based on a calculation formula derived from the pressure propagation time and ink evaluation result data.

[0087] Also, as an option, in ACT43, the desired temperature, three temperature points, and three viscosity points are input on the temperature / viscosity input screen. Then, in ACT44, the temperature / viscosity calculation is performed based on the input parameters.

[0088] In ACT45, waveform value voltage correction is performed on the results of the waveform element value calculation and the temperature / viscosity calculation. In waveform value voltage correction, the waveform element value and drive waveform are corrected based on the ink temperature under the desired conditions and the ink viscosity at that time. In other words, the calculation results of the temperature / viscosity calculation are used to perform corrections on the calculation results of the waveform element value calculation. Specifically, the viscosity value finally calculated in the temperature / viscosity calculation is used to correct the AL value calculation, boost value calculation, and drive waveform.

[0089] In ACT46, each waveform value is calculated. In the calculation of each waveform value, each waveform value is calculated from the AL value calculation and the boost 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 using methods such as regression and classification.

[0090] In ACT47, register conversion is performed on the waveform values ​​to obtain set value data. That is, by converting the waveform values ​​into register data, set value data is obtained for generating an optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. Finally, the set value data is output.

[0091] (Process flow from parameter input to setting value data output) Next, the process flow from input of parameters to output of setting value data will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow from input of parameters to output of setting value data. The process from input of parameters to output of setting value data is mainly performed by the application server 54.

[0092] In ACT51, the application server 54 transmits a request to display a UI screen for inputting parameters, as shown in Fig. 10, to the PC 32. Upon receiving the request to display the UI screen for inputting parameters, the PC 32 displays the UI screen for inputting parameters on the screen, and prompts the user to input parameters.

[0093] When the user inputs the appropriate parameters, in ACT52, the application server 54 obtains the ink physical properties (ink type, ink specific gravity, ink temperature, ink viscosity, etc.) and the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 (head type, head specific value, serial number, AL rank, head driving voltage, number of ejected drops, frequency, etc.).

[0094] Next, in ACT 53, the application server 54 performs a pressure propagation time estimation calculation. In the pressure propagation time estimation calculation, the pressure propagation time is estimated based on the ink type, ink specific gravity, driving conditions of the inkjet head 25, and a relational expression between the ink specific gravity and the pressure propagation time. The pressure propagation time is a value specific to the inkjet head 25 and is determined by the ink and the inkjet head 25.

[0095] Next, in ACT54, the application server 54 performs a waveform element estimation calculation. The application server 54 estimates and calculates each waveform element value based on a calculation formula derived from the pressure propagation time specific to the inkjet head 25 and the data of the ink evaluation result.

[0096] Furthermore, in ACT 55, the application server 54 performs a drive waveform estimation calculation. In the drive waveform estimation calculation, a drive waveform is estimated and calculated from a head characteristic value, ink specific gravity, and ink viscosity.

[0097] In ACT56, the application server 54 checks whether the ink temperature and ink viscosity have been input. If the ink temperature and ink viscosity have been input (if yes in ACT56), the process proceeds to the operation of ACT57. If the ink temperature and ink viscosity have not been input (if no in ACT56), the process proceeds to the operation of ACT61.

[0098] In ACT57, the application server 54 checks the input contents of the ink temperature and ink viscosity. If there is an input of ink viscosity (if there is a viscosity input in ACT57), the application server 54 proceeds to the operation of ACT59 and the operation of ACT60. If there is no input of ink viscosity (if only the temperature is input in ACT57), the application server 54 proceeds to the operation of ACT58.

[0099] In ACT58, the application server 54 estimates and calculates the ink viscosity from the ink temperature. Then, the process proceeds to ACT59 and ACT60.

[0100] In ACT59, 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 conditions to be used and the ink viscosity at that ink temperature. After that, the process proceeds to the operation of ACT61.

[0101] Furthermore, in ACT 60, the application server 54 performs drive waveform correction, which corrects the drive waveform based on the ink temperature under the desired conditions and the ink viscosity at that ink temperature.

[0102] In ACT 61, the application server 54 calculates each waveform value. In calculating each waveform value, the pulse time of all waveforms is estimated and calculated using a calculation formula obtained by analyzing the data of the ink evaluation result by a method such as regression or classification.

[0103] Next, in ACT62, the application server 54 performs head drive waveform data conversion. In the head drive waveform data conversion, the waveform value is converted into register data to obtain setting value data for generating an optimal drive waveform for the inkjet head 25. Finally, the setting value data is output.

[0104] (Example of operation) The following describes an example of an operation for outputting setting value data from the parameter input UI screen shown in FIG. 10 through the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0105] The formula for deriving the input variable and output waveform value is derived through statistical processing of past measured data, and the output value is derived from a combination of the following multiple linear equations for the input value.

[0106] ax1 = minimum AL value of test ink + an1 - formula (1) ax2 = minimum AL value of test ink + an2 - formula (2) ay1=c11*ink specific gravity+c12 - formula (3) ay2=c21*ink specific gravity+c22 - formula (4) AL_slope=(ay2-ay1) / (ax2-ax1) - Equation (5) AL_intercept=ay1-AL_slope*ax1 - Equation (6) Test ink AL value = Test ink minimum AL value + Test ink AL rank value - Equation (7) Ink AL_value = AL_slope * test ink AL value + AL_intercept - Equation (8) In the above formulas (1) and (2), ax1 and ax2 are the AL rank values ​​of the test ink for the head-specific value, and an1 and an2 are the AL rank values ​​of the test ink representative of each inkjet head 25.

[0107] In the above formulas (3) and (4), ay1 and ay2 are the AL values ​​for the input ink specific gravity for ax1 and ax2. c11 to c22 are coefficients determined by the head type and ink type, and are called up when the head type and ink type are input on the input screen in Figure 10.

[0108] An example of the values ​​of the constants and coefficients according to the combination of the above head type and ink type is an1=AL4, n2=AL6, c11=0.491, c12=1.128, c21=0.495, and c22=1.167.

[0109] Equations (1) and (2) are used to determine the relationship between the head-specific value and the AL value for the test ink, and equations (3) and (4) are used to determine the relationship between the head-specific value and the AL value for the ink specific gravity. Equations (5) and (6) are the slope and intercept of the equation used to determine the AL value using equations (1) to (4). Equation (7) is used to derive the AL value of the test ink for the desired AL rank value of the inkjet head 25, and equation (8) is used to derive the AL value of the input specific gravity using the AL_slope, AL_intercept, and AL value of the test ink determined using equations (5) to (7).

[0110] The boost values ​​are determined by coefficients c13 to c24, which are determined by the head type and ink type, and the boost values ​​for each head specific value are by1 and by2. by1=c13*ink specific gravity+c14 - formula (9) by2=c23*ink specific gravity+c24 - formula (10) Then, the AL value in equations (1) and (2) is placed on the x-axis, and by1 and by2 are placed on the y-axis, and the same calculation as for AL is performed.

[0111] Correction based on temperature and viscosity takes top priority when a viscosity value is entered, and is expressed 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 specific value, and ink type, and voltage correction coefficient_1 is a coefficient that corrects the voltage value according to the viscosity value.

[0112] If there is no viscosity input but there is a temperature input, the ink voltage = test ink voltage + voltage addition variable + voltage correction coefficient_2 * (ink temperature in the pressure chamber - recommended ink temperature). In the above formula, the voltage correction coefficient_2 is a coefficient that corrects the voltage value according to the temperature value.

[0113] If temperature and viscosity are not entered, no correction will be made.

[0114] As an example of calculating each waveform value, the calculation is performed to allocate each waveform value as follows: 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.

[0115] Finally, based on the head type and its waveform value, the waveform is converted into digital register data according to its voltage pulses and the respective pulse times, and the setting value data is acquired and output.

[0116] (Another example of the head controller and inkjet head configuration) Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, another example of the configuration of the head controller 26 and the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10. In Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, members denoted with the same reference numerals as those shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are similar members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The following description will focus on the different parts.

[0117] (Head controller) The head controller 26 has 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 has a setting value data transfer unit 2661, a print data transfer unit 267, and a control signal transfer unit 268.

[0118] The setting value data is input to a setting value data buffer 2621 via the system bus 27 and 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 a setting value data transfer unit 2661 of the drive control unit 2651. The setting value data transfer unit 2661 transfers the setting value data to the inkjet head 25.

[0119] (Inkjet head) 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.

[0120] The driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit for the inkjet head 25. More specifically, the driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit for driving the actuator group 254. The driver IC 2511 has a drive signal generation circuit 2521 and a data processing circuit 2531. The drive signal generation circuit 2521 receives set value data from the set value data transfer unit 2661. The data processing circuit 2531 receives print data from the print data transfer unit 267, and receives a control signal and a power supply voltage from the control signal transfer unit 268. The data processing circuit 2531 supplies a power supply voltage to the drive signal generation circuit 2521. In addition, the data processing circuit 2531 generates a control signal for the drive signal generation circuit 2521 based on the print data and the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the drive signal generation circuit 2521. The drive signal generating circuit 2521, under the control of the data processing circuit 2531, generates an analog drive signal from the setting value data input from the setting value data transfer unit 2661, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 254. In other words, the drive signal generating circuit 2521 can be said to be a circuit that combines the function of the drive waveform generating circuit 266 of the drive control unit 265 of the head controller 26 described above and the function of the analog switch circuit 252 of the driver IC 251 of the inkjet head 25 described above.

[0121] Each actuator of the actuator group 254 operates according to a drive signal input from a driver IC 2511, expanding and contracting a pressure chamber that contains ink, and ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle.

[0122] (effect) The set value data providing system according to the embodiment receives information such as the driving conditions of the inkjet head 25 and the physical properties of the ink from the client via the cloud, calculates set value data for generating a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet head 25, and provides the calculated set value data to the client via the cloud. This allows the client to obtain the set value data for generating a suitable driving waveform without actually measuring it. This reduces the number of steps and the cost of the ejection evaluation. In addition, the set value data providing system according to the embodiment does not require multiple ejection evaluations until the desired evaluation results are obtained as described in FIG. 4, which is good for the environment because there is no need to discard the ink and its supply system every time a measurement evaluation is performed.

[0123] (others) The program executed by the setting value data providing system 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 in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing a program and is computer-readable.

[0124] 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]

[0125] 10...liquid 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, 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 transfer unit, 268...control signal transfer unit, 2621...setting value data buffer, 2651...drive control unit, 2661...setting value data transfer unit, 27...system bus, 28...power supply circuit, 30...client, 31...control server, 32...PC, 50...setting value data providing system, 51...web server, 52...authentication server, 53...firewall, 54...application server, 55...web API server, 56...database server, 57...database.

Claims

1. an input unit that receives parameters including driving conditions of the inkjet head and physical property values ​​of the ink from a client via the cloud; a set value data calculation unit that estimates a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head from the parameters using a drive waveform estimation algorithm and calculates set value data for generating the suitable drive waveform; and an output unit that provides the setting value data to the client via the cloud. Setting value data provision system.

2. 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; The setting value data providing system according to claim 1 .

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

4. the user interface screen further receives 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 the number of ejection gradations; The setting value data providing system according to claim 3 .

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

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