Driving waveform providing system

Abstract

To provide a driving waveform providing system for providing a driving waveform suitable for an inkjet print head without need of performing discharge observation.SOLUTION: An inkjet print head driving waveform providing system according to an embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal via a cloud, and a response unit that creates response information for reception information received by the communication unit from the external terminal and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication unit. The response unit provides response information of an interface that receives input of a parameter including a driving condition of an ink jet print head, an ejection request, and a physical property value of the ink to the external terminal via the communication unit in response to the reception information for requesting provision of the driving waveform of the ink jet print head. In response to the reception information of the parameter, the response unit derives the driving waveform from the parameter by driving waveform selection algorithm, and provides information of the driving waveform to the external terminal via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An embodiment of the present invention relates to a driving waveform providing system. [Background technology]

[0002] A liquid ejection device having an inkjet print 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 print head to eject liquid, such as ink, from nozzles.

[0003] To form high-quality images, it is necessary to determine a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet printhead in accordance with the driving conditions of the inkjet printhead and the physical properties of the ink, so that the ink ejection characteristics from the nozzles will be as desired.

[0004] Conventionally, a drive waveform suitable for an inkjet printhead is determined by performing ejection observations using the ink actually used, in which the flight state of ink droplets and print quality are measured while varying the parameters of the drive waveform. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-25893 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] This method requires time and effort since ejection observation is carried out using actual ink and an inkjet print head.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a driving waveform providing system that provides a driving waveform suitable for an inkjet print head without the need for ejection observation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system according to an embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal via a cloud, and a response unit that creates response information in response to received information received by the communication unit from the external terminal and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication unit. In response to received information requesting the provision of a driving waveform for an inkjet printhead, the response unit provides the external terminal with response information of an interface that accepts input of parameters including driving conditions for the inkjet printhead, ejection requirements, and physical properties of the ink, via the communication unit. In response to the received parameter information, the response unit derives a driving waveform from the parameters using a driving waveform selection algorithm, and provides the driving waveform information to the external terminal via the communication unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [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 driving waveform 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 print head of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the head controller of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the inkjet print head of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure for selecting setting data for an inkjet printhead according to a conventional method. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a driving waveform providing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a web server of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an authentication server of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the application server and the web API server of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a database server of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer that constitutes the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of an initial process in an operation example of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the middle stage in the operation example of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of a later process in an example of the operation of the driving waveform providing system shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a UI screen for parameter input processing displayed on the screen of a PC of an external terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of a pull-down selection field in the discharge request selection field on the UI screen of the parameter input process shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a basic waveform and an adjusted waveform for mist reduction in an adjustment example of the drive waveform in response to a request for reducing mist when ejecting ink. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a basic waveform and an adjusted waveform for improving landing accuracy in an example of adjusting the drive waveform in response to a request for improving landing accuracy. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a basic waveform, an adjusted waveform for increasing the ejection volume, and an increased ejection volume waveform in an adjustment example of the drive waveform in response to an ejection request for increasing the ejection volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A driving waveform providing system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The driving waveform providing system receives driving conditions for an inkjet printhead and physical property values ​​of ink from an external terminal via the cloud, derives a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet printhead from the received driving conditions and physical property values, and provides the derived driving waveform to the external terminal via the cloud. Prior to describing the driving waveform providing system, a liquid ejection device that operates using setting value data provided by the driving waveform providing system will be described below.

[0011] (Liquid discharge device) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a liquid ejection apparatus 10 that operates using setting value data provided by a driving waveform providing system according to an embodiment. The liquid ejection apparatus 10 is, for example, an inkjet recording apparatus. However, the liquid ejection apparatus 10 is not limited to this, and may be other devices such as a copier.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 10 performs various processes such as image formation while conveying a print medium, which is a recording medium.

[0013] 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 printheads 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, and the like, which are not shown. In the drawings, the interface is abbreviated as "IF." Also, the inkjet printhead is abbreviated as "inkjet head."

[0014] 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 .

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The communication interface 16 is used, for example, for communication with an external terminal 30 that transmits print data and register values ​​of setting data to the liquid ejection device 10. The communication interface 16 communicates with the external terminal 30 via a wired or wireless network, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The external terminal 30 is a control server or a PC that controls the liquid ejection device 10.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 of a paper feed cassette (not shown) to a paper discharge tray (not shown) via multiple inkjet printheads 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 liquid ejection device 10.

[0022] The pump 23 supplies ink from an ink tank through an ink supply path to a pressure chamber of the inkjet print 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 print head 25.

[0023] 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 an inkjet print head 25.

[0024] The inkjet print head 25 is an image forming unit that ejects ink onto a print medium to form an image. Although not shown, the inkjet print 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 print 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 print heads 25 are provided corresponding to each color of ink, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.

[0025] The liquid ejection device 10 receives print data and registration values ​​of setting value data from the external terminal 30 via the communication interface 16, and stores them in the memory 13. When setting (configuring) the inkjet print 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.

[0026] The head controller 26 is a circuit that controls the inkjet printheads 25 based on the print data and the registration values ​​of the setting data. The head controller 26 supplies a plurality of drive voltages to the inkjet printheads 25 based on the registration values ​​of the setting data. The head controller 26 also generates control signals based on the print data. The head controller 26 supplies the drive voltages and control signals to the inkjet printheads 25 to operate actuators in the inkjet printheads 25, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzles of the inkjet printheads 25 to form an image on the print medium.

[0027] (First configuration example of head controller and inkjet print head) A first configuration example of the head controller 26 and the inkjet printhead 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the first configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the inkjet printhead 25 of the liquid ejection device 10. In Figure 2, the inkjet printhead is abbreviated to "inkjet head".

[0028] (Head controller) 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 setting value data transfer unit 266, a print data transfer unit 267, and a control signal transfer unit 268.

[0029] The setting value data is input from the system bus 27 to a setting value data buffer 262 via a bus bridge 261. The setting value data buffer 262 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 266 of a drive control unit 265. The setting value data transfer unit 266 transfers the setting value data to the inkjet print head 25.

[0030] 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 a print data transfer unit 267 of the drive control unit 265. The print data transfer unit 267 transfers the print data to the inkjet print head 25.

[0031] The control signal generation unit 264 generates a control signal for the inkjet print 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, etc. The control signal generation unit 264 also generates a drive voltage to be supplied to the inkjet print 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 drive voltage to the inkjet print head 25.

[0032] (Inkjet print head) The inkjet print head 25 has a driver IC 251 and an actuator group 256. The actuator group 256 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 print head 25. More specifically, the driver IC 251 is a drive circuit that drives the actuator group 256. The driver IC 251 has a drive signal generation circuit 252 and a data processing circuit 255. The drive signal generation circuit 252 has a drive waveform generation circuit 253 and an analog switch circuit 254.

[0034] The drive signal generating circuit 252 receives set value data from the set value data transfer unit 266. The data processing circuit 255 receives print data from the print data transfer unit 267, and receives a control signal and a drive voltage from the control signal transfer unit 268. The data processing circuit 255 supplies a drive voltage to the drive signal generating circuit 252. The data processing circuit 255 also generates a control signal for the drive signal generating circuit 252 based on the print data and the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the drive signal generating circuit 252. Under the control of the data processing circuit 255, the drive signal generating circuit 252 generates an analog drive signal from the set value data input from the set value data transfer unit 266, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0035] In detail, the analog switch circuit 254 has a plurality of switch elements, and the data processing circuit 255 supplies a plurality of levels of drive voltages to the plurality of switch elements in the analog switch circuit 254. The drive waveform generation circuit 253 generates a digital drive waveform according to the set value data and print data, and outputs the drive waveform to the analog switch circuit 254. The analog switch circuit 254 generates an analog drive signal by selectively turning on one of the plurality of switch elements to which different drive voltages are supplied according to the input digital drive waveform. The driver IC 251 outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0036] Each actuator of the actuator group 256 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.

[0037] (Second configuration example of head controller and inkjet printhead) A second configuration example of the head controller 26 and the inkjet printhead 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the second configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the inkjet printhead 25 of the liquid ejection device 10. In Fig. 4, the inkjet printhead is abbreviated as "inkjet head". In Figs. 4 and 5, members with the same reference numerals as those shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are similar members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The following description will focus on the different parts.

[0038] (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 drive waveform generation circuit 2661, a print data transfer unit 267, and a control signal transfer unit 268.

[0039] The setting value data is input to the setting value data buffer 2621 via the system bus 27 and the bus bridge 261. The setting value data is waveform digital data for determining a drive waveform. 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 drive waveform generation circuit 2661 of the drive control unit 2651. The drive waveform generation circuit 2661 generates a digital drive waveform in accordance with the setting value data, and outputs the drive waveform to the inkjet print head 25.

[0040] (Inkjet print head) The inkjet print head 25 has a driver IC 2511 and an actuator group 256. The actuator group 256 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.

[0041] The driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit for the inkjet print head 25. More specifically, the driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit for driving the actuator group 256. The driver IC 2511 has an analog switch circuit 2521 and a data processing circuit 2551. The analog switch circuit 2521 receives a digital drive waveform from the drive waveform generating circuit 266. The data processing circuit 2551 receives print data from the print data transfer unit 267, and receives a control signal and a drive voltage from the control signal transfer unit 268. The data processing circuit 2551 supplies a drive voltage to the analog switch circuit 2521. More specifically, the analog switch circuit 2521 has a plurality of switch elements, and the data processing circuit 2551 supplies a plurality of levels of drive voltage to the plurality of switch elements in the analog switch circuit 2521. The data processing circuit 2551 also generates a control signal for the analog switch circuit 2521 based on the print data and the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the analog switch circuit 2521. The analog switch circuit 2521 , under the control of the data processing circuit 2551 , 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 256 .

[0042] In detail, the analog switch circuit 2521 generates an analog drive signal by selectively turning on one of a plurality of switch elements to which different drive voltages are supplied. The driver IC 2511 outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0043] Each actuator of the actuator group 256 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.

[0044] (Setting value data selection by conventional method) Next, a procedure for selecting setting value data for the inkjet print head 25 using a conventional method will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure for selecting setting value data for the inkjet print head 25 using a conventional method.

[0045] In ACT11, the inkjet print head 25 is driven by the basic drive waveform to eject ink and form an image on the print medium.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] If the check result in ACT13 is NG (No in ACT13), the drive waveform is reselected in ACT14. Next, in ACT15, the inkjet print 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.

[0049] That is, in ACT13, the operations of ACT14, ACT15, and ACT12 are repeated until the evaluation result becomes OK.

[0050] 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 a drive waveform suitable for inkjet print head 25, and the setting value data that generates that drive waveform is selected as the setting value data suitable for inkjet print head 25.

[0051] (Functional configuration of the driving waveform providing system) Next, the functional configuration of the driving waveform providing system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the driving waveform providing system 50 according to an embodiment. The driving waveform providing system 50 is composed of a server and the like on a cloud. In other words, the driving waveform providing system 50 can also be said to be a driving waveform providing server.

[0052] The driving waveform 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."

[0053] The web server 51 is the first entry point for access from the external terminal 30 to the driving waveform providing system 50, and provides a user interface for the external terminal 30. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the web server 51 is shown in FIG. 9. The web server 51 has a communication function and a user interface providing function. The web server 51 also has a customer database, a user database, and a user interface database as dedicated databases in the database 57. In the drawings, the user interface is abbreviated as "UI". In the following description, the user interface may also be abbreviated as "UI". The web server 51 provides a user interface to the external terminal 30, i.e., the PC 31 or the control server 32, and through this user interface, in cooperation with each server (the authentication server 52, the application server 54, the web API server 55, and the database server 56) and the database 57, receives a request from the external terminal 30, and returns a response to the request to the external terminal 30.

[0054] In one example, the external terminal 30 is a PC 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10. The PC 31 is a user PC or an administrator PC. In this case, the user or administrator who operates the PC 31 transmits a request to a 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 31, 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.

[0055] In another example, the external terminal 30 is a control server 32 that controls the liquid ejection device 10. In this case, the control server 32 sends a request to a web server 51 using an API published as a web API, and receives a response from the web server 51.

[0056] 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.

[0057] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of authentication server 52 is shown in Fig. 9. 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."

[0058] The authentication server 52 receives login information of the external terminal 30 from the web server 51, and permits login for permitted external terminals 30 through cooperation between the login function and a whitelist that holds information on permitted external terminals 30. Furthermore, for new external terminals 30, the authentication server 52 requests input of necessary information through the login function, identifies the access source domain, and permits login after registering the necessary information and the access source domain in the whitelist. The authentication server 52 outputs the authentication result to the firewall 53.

[0059] 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 serial number of the inkjet printhead entered against the customer database and serial number database.

[0060] 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 external terminals 30.

[0061] The application server 54 provides an execution environment for web applications. The web API server 55 provides an API.

[0062] Fig. 10 is 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 drive waveform providing function, an ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine, and a drive waveform selection 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 selection algorithm update function.

[0063] The application server 54 and the web API server 55 receive parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet printhead 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink from the external terminal 30 that has been logged in and authenticated. The driving waveform providing function derives a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet printhead 25 from the parameters including the driving conditions and the physical property values ​​by a driving waveform selection algorithm based on data analysis using an ink temperature and viscosity calculation engine and a dedicated database. The driving waveform selection algorithm is an algorithm that uses the type of ink, the specific gravity of the ink, the type of inkjet printhead, etc. as input variables to derive a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet printhead 25. The driving waveform providing function provides setting value data for generating the derived driving waveform. Furthermore, the driving waveform providing function corrects the setting 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.

[0064] 11 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.

[0065] In the driving waveform providing system 50 configured in this manner, the web server 51 functions as a communication unit that communicates with the external terminal 30 via the cloud. The web server 51, application server 54, and web API server 55 also work together with the database server 56 and database 57 to create response information in response to reception information received from the external terminal 30 and function as a response unit that provides the response information to the external terminal 30.

[0066] The external terminal 30 transmits to the driving waveform providing system 50 parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet print head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 and the physical properties of the ink, and a request for providing a driving waveform.

[0067] If the access from the external terminal 30 is appropriate, the driving waveform providing system 50 receives parameters via the web server 51, and calculates setting value data for generating a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet print head 25 in the application server 54 or the web API server 55, and transmits the calculated setting value data to the external terminal 30 via the web server 51.

[0068] When the external terminal 30 is a PC 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the application server 54 receives parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet print head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink, and outputs them to a database server 56. The database server 56 stores them in a database 57.

[0069] The application server 54 calculates setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet print 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 31 via a firewall 53 and a web server 51.

[0070] The PC 31 transmits the received setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10 automatically or under command of the user of the PC 31. 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 print head 25, the processor 12 reads out the setting value data from the memory 13 and transmits it to the head controller 26.

[0071] When the external terminal 30 is the control server 32 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the web API server 55 executes the same operation as the application server 54 described above. That is, the web API server 55 receives parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet print head 25 and the physical property values ​​of the ink, and outputs them to the database server 56. The database server 56 stores the parameters in the database 57 via the database server 56.

[0072] The web API server 55 calculates setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet print 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 32 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0073] The control server 32 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 print head 25, the processor 12 reads the setting value data from the memory 13 and transmits it to the head controller 26.

[0074] (Hardware configuration of the driving waveform providing system) The driving waveform providing system 50 may be configured by a computer. Hereinafter, a hardware configuration of a computer 60 that may configure the driving waveform providing system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the driving waveform providing system 50.

[0075] The computer 60 includes a processor 61 , a read only memory (ROM) 62 , a random access memory (RAM) 63 , an auxiliary storage device 64 , an input device 65 , an output device 66 , and a communication device 67 .

[0076] The processor 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, auxiliary memory device 64, input device 65, output device 66, and communication device 67 are electrically connected to each other via a bus 68, and are capable of sending and receiving data and information via the bus 68.

[0077] The processor 61 is configured with a general-purpose hardware processor including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), etc. The processor 61 controls the ROM 62, the RAM 63, the auxiliary storage device 64, the input device 65, the output device 66, and the communication device 67 as a whole.

[0078] The ROM 62 is a non-volatile memory constituting a part of the main storage device. The ROM 62 non-temporarily stores a startup program required when the processor 61 is started. The processor 61 is started by executing a program in the ROM 62. The ROM 62 is composed of, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and stores various settings at the time of startup in addition to the startup program.

[0079] The RAM 63 is a volatile memory constituting a part of the main storage device. The RAM 63 temporarily stores programs necessary for the processing of the processor 61 and data necessary for executing the programs. The processor 61 executes the programs in the RAM 63 to operate the data in the RAM 63 and store the operation results in the RAM 63.

[0080] The auxiliary storage device 64 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 64 non-temporarily stores the programs executed by the processor 61 and data required for executing the programs. The processor 61 loads the programs and data in the auxiliary storage device 64 into the RAM 63 and executes the programs to perform various functions.

[0081] For example, the input device 65 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input device 65 is not limited to this and may be composed of any other input device. For example, the output device 66 is composed of a display, etc. The output device 66 is not limited to this and may be composed of any other output device. The input device 65 and the output device 66 may be composed of an input / output device having the functions of both devices. For example, the input / output device is composed of a tablet, a disk drive, etc.

[0082] The communication device 67 has a function of transmitting and receiving data and information between the external terminal 30. For example, the communication device 67 has a receiving device and a transmitting device.

[0083] The program non-temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 64 is provided to the computer via, for example, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is non-temporarily recorded. Such a recording medium is called a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium. For example, the non-temporary computer-readable recording medium is a disk such as a flexible disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, etc.), a magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), or a semiconductor memory.

[0084] The program non-temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 64 is read into the auxiliary storage device 64 via a disk drive and via the input device 65 when the recording medium is a disk, for example, and non-temporarily stored therein. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a server on a network, downloaded from the server, and non-temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 64.

[0085] At the time of startup, the processor 61 executes a program in the ROM 62, and loads and starts the OS in the RAM 63. Under the control of the OS, the processor 61 monitors input instructions and connections to external devices. In addition, under the control of the OS, the processor 61 sets a program area and a data area in the RAM 63. In response to an instruction input to start the driving waveform providing system 50, the processor 61 loads the driving waveform providing program from the auxiliary storage device 64 into the program area of ​​the RAM 63, and loads data required for executing the driving waveform providing program from the auxiliary storage device 64 into the data area of ​​the RAM 63. The processor 61 calculates data in the data area according to the driving waveform providing program, and writes the calculation result into the data area. Through such operations, the processor 61, the RAM 63, and the auxiliary storage device 64 work together to execute the functions of the web server 51, the authentication server 52, the firewall 53, the application server 54, the web API server 55, the database server 56, and the database 57 of the driving waveform providing system 50.

[0086] The external terminal 30 may also be configured as a computer. The hardware configuration of the external terminal 30 is similar to the hardware configuration of the computer 60.

[0087] (Example of operation of the driving waveform providing system) Next, an operation example of the driving waveform providing system 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Figs. 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the process flow of the operation example of the driving waveform providing system 50. Here, for convenience, the description will be given assuming that the external terminal 30 is a PC 31. In the flowcharts of Figs. 13 to 15, the process of the external terminal 30 (PC 31 and user) is shown on the left side, and the process of the driving waveform providing system 50 is shown on the right side. In Figs. 13 to 15, the driving waveform providing system is abbreviated to "system".

[0088] In ACT21, the PC 31 displays a UI screen for login processing on the screen to prompt the user to perform login processing.

[0089] When the user performs a login process, in ACT22, the drive waveform providing system 50 queries the user database by the authentication server 52 to perform user authentication processing, and in ACT23, checks the authentication result.

[0090] If the authentication result is NG (No in ACT23), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display an error message. In ACT24, the PC31 displays the error message on the screen and waits for the user to confirm. When the user confirms the error message, the PC31 returns to the process of ACT21, displays the UI screen for the login process on the screen, and prompts the user to perform the login process.

[0091] If the authentication result is OK (Yes in ACT23), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display the UI screen for the serial number input process of the inkjet print head 25.

[0092] The PC31 that receives the instruction displays the UI screen for the serial number input process on the screen in ACT25 and prompts the user to input the serial number.

[0093] When the user inputs the serial number of the inkjet print head 25, in ACT26, the drive waveform providing system 50 queries the serial number database by the authentication server 52 to perform serial number verification processing, and in ACT27, checks the verification result.

[0094] If the verification result is NG (No in ACT27), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display an error message. In ACT28, the PC31 displays the error message on the screen and waits for the user to confirm. When the user confirms the error message, the PC31 returns to the process of ACT25, displays the UI screen for the serial number input process on the screen, and prompts the user to input the serial number.

[0095] If the comparison result is OK (Yes in ACT27), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for parameter input processing that accepts input of parameters including the driving conditions of the inkjet print head 25 for the driving waveform providing process and the physical properties of the ink.

[0096] Upon receiving the instruction, the PC 31 displays, in ACT29, a UI screen for parameter input processing that accepts input of parameters for the drive waveform providing processing, and prompts the user to input the parameters.

[0097] FIG. 16 shows a UI screen for parameter input processing displayed on the screen of the PC 31. The UI screen for parameter input processing shown in FIG. 16 includes a head selection field, a drive condition selection field, an ink selection field, and an ejection request selection field. The head selection field allows the head type to be selected using a pull-down function. The drive condition selection field includes a drop number selection field and a frequency input field. The drop number selection field allows the drop number to be selected using a pull-down function. The drop number selection field may allow the drop number value to be directly input. The frequency input field allows the drive frequency value to be directly input. The ink selection field includes an ink type selection field, an ink specific gravity input field, and an ink viscosity input field. The ink type selection field allows the ink type to be selected using a pull-down function. The ink specific gravity input field and the ink viscosity input field allow the ink specific gravity and ink viscosity values ​​to be directly input, respectively. The ejection request selection field has a free entry field in addition to a pull-down selection field using a pull-down function. The free entry field allows text to be freely entered.

[0098] First, the user selects the head type in ACT29 from the head selection field on the UI screen for parameter input processing shown in FIG.

[0099] 16, the user selects the number of drops via a drop number selection field in ACT30, inputs a drive frequency via a frequency input field in ACT31, selects the type of ink via an ink type selection field in ACT32, inputs the ink specific gravity via an ink specific gravity input field in ACT33, and inputs the ink viscosity via an ink viscosity input field in ACT34. The operations in ACT30 to ACT34 may be performed in any order.

[0100] In ACT35, if the user has a desire to eject (Yes in ACT35), the process proceeds to ACT36, and if the user does not have a desire to eject (No in ACT35), the process proceeds to ACT39.

[0101] If there is a discharge request (Yes in ACT35), in ACT36, the user clicks on the pull-down selection field in the discharge request selection field to display discharge request options. An example of the pull-down selection field is shown in Fig. 17. The pull-down selection field shown in Fig. 17 displays the options of reducing mist, improving landing accuracy, and increasing discharge volume.

[0102] Each item in the ejection request options indicates what type of adjustment is desired. Mist reduction is an adjustment item that reduces the tiny droplets and particles that are generated when ink drops are ejected from the nozzle. Landing accuracy improvement is an adjustment item that increases the accuracy of where ink drops land. Ejection volume increase is an adjustment item that increases the volume of one dot of ink.

[0103] In ACT36, if the desired discharge request is in the discharge request options (Yes in ACT36), the user clicks on the desired discharge request option in ACT37 to select the discharge request.

[0104] In ACT36, if the desired discharge request is not present in the discharge request options (No in ACT36), the user can enter the desired discharge request in the free description field in ACT38.

[0105] In ACT39, PC31 checks that the drive frequency entered in the frequency input field on the UI screen of the parameter input process shown in Fig. 16 is equal to or lower than the maximum drive frequency. The maximum drive frequency is determined in accordance with the number of drops selected in the drop number selection field. If the drive frequency exceeds the maximum drive frequency, good printing cannot be performed.

[0106] If the drive frequency exceeds the maximum drive frequency (if NG in ACT39), PC31 displays an error message on the screen in ACT40 and waits for confirmation from the user. If the user confirms the error message, PC31 returns to the process in ACT30 and displays a UI screen for parameter input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input parameters.

[0107] If the drive frequency is equal to or lower than the maximum drive frequency (if OK in ACT39), PC31 waits for the user to press the drive waveform creation button. When the user presses the drive waveform creation button in ACT41, PC31 transmits the parameters inputted in the UI screen of the parameter input process shown in FIG. 16 to the drive waveform providing system 50 in ACT42.

[0108] Upon receiving the parameters, the driving waveform providing system 50 performs a parameter check process using the application server 54 in ACT43.

[0109] If the check result is NG (NG in ACT43), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT44, the PC 31 displays the error message on the screen and waits for confirmation from the user. When the user confirms the error message, the PC 31 returns to the processing of ACT29 and displays the UI screen for the parameter input processing on the screen to prompt the user to re-input the parameters.

[0110] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT43), the driving waveform providing system 50 judges in ACT45 whether the input parameters include an ejection request entered in the free description field. In other words, it judges whether there is an ejection request entered in the free description field. If the judgment result shows that there is an ejection request (Yes in ACT45), the ejection request is saved in a dedicated database in ACT46, and then the process proceeds to ACT47. On the other hand, if the judgment result shows that there is no ejection request (No in ACT45), the process skips ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47.

[0111] Next, in ACT47, the driving waveform providing system 50 uses a driving waveform selection algorithm and a dedicated database to derive a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet print head 25 from the parameters entered by the application server 54 into the UI screen for the parameter input process shown in FIG. 16.

[0112] Next, in ACT48, the driving waveform providing system 50, by the application server 54, calculates setting value data for generating a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet print head 25. After calculating the setting value data, the driving waveform providing system 50, by the web server 51, transmits the setting value data to the PC 31.

[0113] In ACT46, the freely entered discharge requests stored in the dedicated database can be used later to add discharge request options to the discharge request selection field, update the waveform selection algorithm, and so on.

[0114] (Discharge request) Each of the options (reduce mist, improve accuracy, increase ejection volume) is explained below. Each option (reduce mist, improve accuracy, increase ejection volume) indicates what adjustments are required for the basic waveform determined by the parameters entered in ACT29 to ACT34.

[0115] (Mist reduction) First, with reference to FIG. 18, an example of adjusting the drive waveform in response to the ejection request for mist reduction will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a basic waveform and an adjusted waveform for mist reduction. The drive waveform is divided into an expansion time, a waiting time, and a contraction time. The expansion time is a time for controlling the actuator to expand the pressure chamber and maintain the expansion time for a certain period of time. The waiting time is a time for controlling the pressure chamber to maintain a steady state in which the pressure chamber is neither expanded nor contracted for a certain period of time. The contraction time is a time for controlling the actuator to contract the pressure chamber and maintain the steady state for a certain period of time. The drive waveform expands the pressure chamber, maintains it for a certain period of time, maintains the steady state for a certain period of time, then contracts the pressure chamber, maintains it for a certain period of time, and returns it to the steady state again. The adjustment waveform for mist reduction has a longer waiting time than the basic waveform. By increasing the waiting time, the mist is reduced. The time for increasing the waiting time is determined by the waveform generation algorithm according to the parameters inputted on the UI screen of the parameter input process shown in FIG. 16.

[0116] (Improved accuracy of impact) Next, an example of adjusting the drive waveform in response to a discharge request for improved landing accuracy will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a basic waveform and an adjusted waveform for improved landing accuracy. The drive waveform is divided into an expansion time, a standby time, and a contraction time. The adjusted waveform for improved landing accuracy shortens the contraction time and lengthens the standby time compared to the basic waveform. By shortening the contraction time and lengthening the standby time, the landing accuracy of the drops is improved. The amount of time to shorten the contraction time is determined by a waveform generation algorithm based on parameters input on the UI screen for parameter input processing shown in FIG. 16.

[0117] (Increased discharge volume) First, an example of adjusting the drive waveform when an ejection volume is increased will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a basic waveform, an adjustment waveform for increasing the ejection volume, and an ejection volume increase waveform. The drive waveform is divided into an expansion time, a standby time, and a contraction time. The adjustment waveform for increasing the ejection volume extends the contraction time and shortens the standby time compared to the basic waveform. By extending the contraction time and shortening the standby time, the ejection volume increases.

[0118] An increase in ejection volume can also be achieved by changing the basic waveform to one that ejects drops with a larger ejection volume. This technique is effective when a larger ejection volume is required. The waveform resulting from this technique is shown below the adjustment waveform in Figure 20 as the ejection volume increase waveform. This ejection volume increase waveform lengthens the contraction time and also significantly shortens the wait time. This results in a larger increase in the ejection volume.

[0119] (effect) The driving waveform providing system 50 according to the embodiment receives parameters such as the driving conditions of the inkjet printhead 25 and the physical properties of the ink from the external terminal 30 via the cloud, derives a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet printhead 25, and provides the derived driving waveform to the external terminal 30 via the cloud. Therefore, the user of the external terminal 30 can be provided with a driving waveform suitable for the inkjet printhead 25 without the need to perform ejection observation. This eliminates the need for ejection evaluation, and the evaluation cost can be reduced.

[0120] Furthermore, in the driving waveform providing system 50 according to the embodiment, the UI screen for parameter input processing displayed on the screen of the external terminal 30 has an ejection request selection field, allowing the user of the external terminal 30 to select an ejection request. When there is an ejection request, the driving waveform providing system derives a driving waveform that has been adjusted according to the ejection request, and provides the derived driving waveform to the external terminal 30 via the cloud. Therefore, the user of the external terminal 30 can be provided with a driving waveform that matches his or her ejection request.

[0121] In addition, the UI screen for parameter input processing displayed on the screen of the external terminal 30 has a free entry field in the discharge request selection field, and the user of the external terminal 30 can freely enter text in the free entry field. The text entered in the free entry field is stored in the database of the driving waveform providing system 50, and can be used in the future to add discharge request options to the discharge request selection field, update the waveform selection algorithm, etc.

[0122] (others) The program executed by the driving waveform 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.

[0123] 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]

[0124] 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 print head, 251...driver IC, 2511...driver IC, 252...drive signal generation circuit, 254...analog switch circuit, 255...data processing circuit, 2521...analog switch circuit, 2551...data processing circuit, 256...actuator group, 26...head controller, 261...bus bridge, 262...set value data buffer, 2621...set value data buffer, 263...print data buffer, 26 4...control signal generating unit, 265...drive control unit, 2651...drive control unit, 266...setting value data transfer unit, 2661...drive waveform generating circuit, 267...print data transfer unit, 268...control signal transfer unit, 27...system bus, 28...power supply circuit, 30...external terminal, 31...PC, 32...control server, 50...drive waveform providing system, 51...web server, 52...authentication server, 53...firewall, 54...application server, 55...web API server, 56...database server, 57...database, 60...computer, 61...processor, 62...ROM, 63...RAM, 64...auxiliary storage device, 65...input device, 66...output device, 67...communication device, 68...bus.

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with an external terminal via a cloud; a response unit that creates response information in response to the reception information received by the communication unit from the external terminal and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication unit; having The response unit: providing, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of an interface that accepts input of parameters including drive conditions, ejection requirements, and ink physical properties of the inkjet printhead in response to the received information requesting provision of a drive waveform of the inkjet printhead; With respect to the received information of the parameters, the drive waveform is derived from the parameters by a drive waveform selection algorithm, and information of the drive waveform is provided to the external terminal via the communication unit. Inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system.

2. The interface has a discharge request selection section that displays options for the discharge request.

2. The inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system of claim 1.

3. When the parameters include the options of the ejection desire, the response unit derives, as the drive waveform, an adjusted waveform obtained by adjusting a basic waveform derived by the drive waveform selection algorithm from the parameters excluding the options of the ejection desire according to the options of the ejection desire.

3. The inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system according to claim 2.

4. The interface includes a free description field for accepting free entry of the discharge request, 3. The inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system according to claim 2.

5. When the parameters include the free entry in the free entry field, the response unit stores the free entry in a database.

5. The inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system according to claim 4.

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