Driving waveform providing system

Abstract

To provide a system for providing suitable driving waveform data based on a discharge observation measurement value.SOLUTION: A 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, to the external terminal, response information of a first interface that receives input of the number of waveforms, in response to the reception information requesting provision of initial waveform data. In response to the reception information of the number of waveforms, the response unit provides, to the external terminal, response information of initial waveform data calculated based on the number of waveforms and a second interface that receives input of a measurement value of ink discharge observation by the initial waveform data. The response unit provides response information of the suitable driving waveform data calculated based on the measurement value to the external terminal in response to the reception information of the measurement value.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] In order to form a high-quality image, it is necessary to determine a suitable drive waveform for the inkjet printhead in accordance with the drive conditions of the inkjet printhead and the physical properties of the ink so that the ink ejection characteristics from the nozzles will be the desired characteristics. Hereinafter, the suitable drive waveform will be referred to as the "preferred drive waveform."

[0004] Conventionally, a method for determining an optimal drive waveform by observing the ink ejection using the ink actually used is known. In order to determine an optimal drive waveform for each inkjet print head in response to various inks, it is necessary to consider multiple conditions. [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] To determine the optimum drive waveform using this method, it is necessary to have a discharge observation device or the like. If you do not have a discharge observation device or the like, you have no choice but to ask the head manufacturer to provide you with the optimum drive waveform. Conversely, if you have a discharge observation device or the like, you can save time and money by evaluating it yourself. However, it is difficult to carry out everything yourself for each head and ink. On the other hand, head manufacturers have information on the optimum drive waveform for standard inks, and by correlating it with the ink, it is relatively easy to determine the optimum drive waveform.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a driving waveform providing system that provides suitable driving waveform data for an inkjet printhead based on measured values ​​obtained by observing the ejection of the inkjet printhead. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inkjet printhead driving waveform providing system according to the 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 initial drive waveform data for the inkjet printhead, the response unit provides the external terminal with response information of a first interface that accepts an input of an initial drive waveform number via the communication unit. In response to received information on the initial drive waveform number, the response unit provides the external terminal with response information of initial drive waveform data calculated using a first drive waveform selection algorithm based on the initial drive waveform number and a second interface that accepts an input of a measured value of ink ejection observation when driving the inkjet printhead using the initial drive waveform data via the communication unit. In response to received information on the measured value, the response unit provides the external terminal with response information of suitable drive waveform data calculated using a second drive waveform selection algorithm based on the measured value 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 the initial driving waveform number selection process displayed on the screen of a PC of an external terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a UI screen for the measurement value input setting process displayed on the screen of the PC of the external terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a UI screen for the measurement value input process displayed on the screen of the external terminal PC. 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 is a system that receives information from an external terminal via the cloud, calculates setting value data suitable for an inkjet printhead based on the received information, and provides the calculated setting value data 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. The setting value data is data that determines the driving waveform of the inkjet printhead. In the following description, the setting value data may be referred to as driving waveform data or simply waveform data.

[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 a first configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a first 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 a second configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a second 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 by 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 by 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 suitable drive waveform, and the setting value data that generates that drive waveform is selected as the suitable setting value data.

[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." The abbreviation for "DB" is not limited to that in FIG. 7.

[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 user interface database in the database 57 as a dedicated database. 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, in database 57, the following dedicated databases: a customer database, a user database, a whitelist, a serial number database, a waveform disclosure ID database, and a password database. In the drawing, serial numbers are abbreviated as "S / N", waveform disclosure IDs as "ID", and passwords as "PW".

[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 properties of the ink from the external terminal 30 that has been logged in and authenticated. The driving waveform providing function derives a suitable driving waveform for the inkjet printhead 25 from the parameters including the driving conditions and the physical properties 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 derives a suitable driving waveform using input variables such as the type of ink, the specific gravity of the ink, and the type of inkjet printhead. The driving waveform providing function provides setting value data for generating the derived suitable 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, a user interface database, a white list, a waveform disclosure ID database, a password database, 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 suitable drive waveform 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 suitable drive waveform 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] When a user inputs an instruction to start using the driving waveform providing system 50 into PC 31, PC 31 sends a request to start using the driving waveform providing system 50, receives a UI screen for login processing from the driving waveform providing system 50, and in ACT21 displays the UI screen for login processing on the screen to prompt the user to perform the login processing.

[0089] When the user performs login processing, in ACT22, the driving waveform providing system 50 inquires about the user database through the authentication server 52, performs user authentication processing, and in ACT23, checks the authentication result.

[0090] The user database stores, for example, a user ID and a password associated with the user ID. Both the user ID and the password are unique identification information. There is a one-to-one association between the user ID and the password.

[0091] If the user ID and password entered into the UI screen for the login process match the user ID and password stored in the user database, the authentication server 52 determines that the authentication result is OK; if they do not match, the authentication server 52 determines that the authentication result is NG.

[0092] If the authentication result is NG (No in ACT23), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT24, 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 ACT21 and again displays the UI screen for the login processing on the screen to prompt the user to perform the login processing.

[0093] If the authentication result is OK (Yes in ACT23), the driving waveform providing system 50 permits the login, and then instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for waveform disclosure ID input processing. In ACT25, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for waveform disclosure ID input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input a waveform disclosure ID.

[0094] The waveform disclosure ID database stores waveform disclosure IDs. The waveform disclosure ID is identification information that proves that a person owns a discharge observation device, etc. For example, a waveform disclosure ID is issued to a purchaser when purchasing a discharge observation device, etc. The waveform disclosure ID is unique identification information. A waveform disclosure ID is linked one-to-one to a discharge observation device, etc.

[0095] If the waveform disclosure ID entered into the UI screen of the waveform disclosure ID input process matches any of the waveform disclosure IDs stored in the waveform disclosure ID database, the authentication server 52 determines that the user is the owner of the discharge observation device, etc., and that the matching result is OK; if there is no match, the authentication server 52 determines that the user is not the owner of the discharge observation device, etc., and that the matching result is NG.

[0096] If the comparison result is NG (No in ACT27), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT28, 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 process of ACT25 and again displays the UI screen for the waveform disclosure ID on the screen to prompt the user to input the waveform disclosure ID.

[0097] If the collation result is OK (Yes in ACT27), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for serial number input processing of the inkjet print head 25. In ACT29, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for serial number input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0098] When the user inputs the serial number of the inkjet printhead 25, in ACT 30, the driving waveform providing system 50 inquires of the serial number database through the authentication server 52 to perform a serial number verification process, and in ACT 31, checks the verification result.

[0099] The serial number database stores the serial numbers of the inkjet printheads 25. The serial numbers are associated one-to-one with the inkjet printheads 25. For example, the serial number is registered in the serial number database when the inkjet printhead 25 is purchased.

[0100] If the serial number entered into the UI screen for the serial number input process matches any of the serial numbers registered in the serial number database, the authentication server 52 recognizes that the match result is OK; if there is no match, the authentication server 52 recognizes that the match result is NG.

[0101] If the comparison result is NG (No in ACT31), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT32, 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 process of ACT29 and again displays the UI screen for the serial number input process on the screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0102] If the collation result is OK (Yes in ACT31), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for an initial drive waveform creation selection process that accepts a selection of whether or not an initial drive waveform is desired to be created. In ACT33, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for the initial drive waveform creation selection process on the screen to prompt the user to select whether or not an initial drive waveform is desired to be created.

[0103] The initial drive waveform creation is a process for calculating drive waveform data without using measured values ​​from the discharge observation. Since the user does not have drive waveform data at first, the user selects the initial drive waveform creation.

[0104] When the user selects to create an initial drive waveform (Yes in ACT33), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for an initial drive waveform number input process that accepts input of the number of initial drive waveforms. In ACT34, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for the initial drive waveform number input process that accepts input of the number of initial drive waveforms on the screen, and prompts the user to input the number of initial drive waveforms.

[0105] The number of initial drive waveforms is a parameter that specifies how many drive waveforms with different UL (Unit Length) are desired to be provided. Here, UL is the time obtained by applying appropriate rounding to the pressure propagation time (AL: Acoustic Length) when the half time of the natural vibration period of the ink in the pressure chamber of the inkjet print head 25 is set as the pressure propagation time.

[0106] FIG. 16 shows a UI screen 71 for the initial drive waveform number input process that accepts input of the initial drive waveform number. The UI screen 71 for the initial drive waveform number input process is an interface that accepts input of the initial drive waveform number. The UI screen 71 for the initial drive waveform number input process includes an input field for the initial drive waveform number, an OK button, and a Cancel button. The input field for the initial drive waveform number allows the value of the initial drive waveform number to be directly input. Also, a message prompting input of the allowable input value (3 to 11) for the initial drive waveform number is displayed in advance in the input field for the initial drive waveform number.

[0107] When the user presses the stop button, the PC 31 transmits a request to stop the process of providing the driving waveform data to the driving waveform providing system 50, and the driving waveform providing system 50 stops the process of providing the driving waveform data.

[0108] When a user enters a number in the input field for the number of initial drive waveforms and presses the OK button, the drive waveform providing system 50 performs an initial drive waveform number check process in ACT 35 using the application server 54. In the initial drive waveform number check process, it is determined whether the number of initial drive waveforms is within the input tolerance value. If the number of initial drive waveforms is within the input tolerance value, the check result is determined to be OK, and if the number of initial drive waveforms is not within the input tolerance value, the check result is determined to be NG.

[0109] If the check result is NG (No in ACT35), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT36, the PC 31 displays the error message on the screen and waits for the user's confirmation. When the user confirms the error message, the PC 31 returns to the processing in ACT34 and again displays the UI screen 71 for the initial driving waveform number input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input the initial driving waveform number.

[0110] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT35), in ACT37, the drive waveform providing system 50 identifies the head type from the serial number based on the number of initial drive waveforms input by the application server 54 into the UI screen 71 for the initial drive waveform number input process, and then uses a first drive waveform selection algorithm and a dedicated database to derive an initial drive waveform.

[0111] Next, in ACT38, the driving waveform providing system 50 calculates initial setting value data for generating an initial driving waveform using the application server 54. The driving waveform providing system 50 also generates an initial password linked to the initial setting value data using the authentication server 54. The authentication server 54 stores the generated initial password in a password database. The driving waveform providing system 50 transmits the initial setting value data and the initial password to the PC 31 using the web server 51.

[0112] PC 31 stores the received initial setting value data and initial password. This ends the process of creating the initial drive waveform. Thereafter, in ACT 39, the user drives the inkjet print head 25 using the initial setting value data, and performs a discharge observation measurement using a discharge observation device or the like. The measured values ​​of the discharge observation are the ink discharge speed or discharge volume. Measuring the discharge volume is easier than measuring the discharge speed. On the other hand, the accuracy of calculating the drive waveform data is higher when it is based on the measurement of the discharge speed than when it is based on the measurement value of the discharge volume.

[0113] When a user who has acquired the measurement values ​​of the discharge observation logs in from the login screen displayed in ACT21, the user goes through a process similar to the process of creating an initial drive waveform and then reaches the process in ACT33. This time, since the user has acquired the measurement values ​​of the discharge observation, the user will not select creating an initial drive waveform in ACT33.

[0114] If the user does not select the creation of an initial drive waveform (No in ACT33), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for password input processing that accepts input of an initial password. In ACT40, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for password input processing that accepts the initial password on the screen, and prompts the user to input the initial password.

[0115] When the user inputs an initial password, in ACT41, the driving waveform providing system 50 inquires of the password database through the authentication server 52, performs initial password verification processing, and in ACT42, checks the verification result.

[0116] If the comparison result is NG (No in ACT42), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT43, 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 ACT40 and again displays the UI screen for the password input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input the initial password.

[0117] If the comparison result is OK (Yes in ACT42), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for input setting processing that accepts input settings of measurement values ​​of the discharge observation. In ACT44, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for input setting processing that accepts input settings of measurement values ​​of the discharge observation on the screen, and prompts the user to input settings of measurement values ​​of the discharge observation.

[0118] FIG. 17 shows a UI screen 72 for the measurement value input setting process that accepts the input setting of the measurement values ​​of the discharge observation. The UI screen 72 for the measurement value input setting process is an interface that accepts the input setting of the measurement values ​​of the discharge observation. The UI screen 72 for the measurement value input setting process includes a measurement method selection field, an input field for the number of drive waveforms, an input field for the number of measurement nozzles, an OK button, and a cancel button. In the measurement method selection field, the discharge volume or the discharge speed can be selected by a pull-down function. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the discharge volume has been selected. In the input field for the number of drive waveforms, the value of the number of drive waveforms can be directly input. In addition, in the input field for the number of drive waveforms, a message prompting the input of the input allowable value (3 to 11) of the number of drive waveforms is displayed in advance. In the input field for the number of measurement nozzles, the value of the number of measurement nozzles can be directly input. In addition, in the input field for the number of measurement nozzles, a message prompting the input of the input allowable value (5 to 9) of the number of measurement nozzles is displayed in advance.

[0119] When the user presses the stop button, the PC 31 transmits a request to stop the process of providing the driving waveform data to the driving waveform providing system 50, and the driving waveform providing system 50 stops the process of providing the driving waveform data.

[0120] When the user enters numerical values ​​in the input fields for the number of drive waveforms and the number of measurement nozzles and presses the OK button, the drive waveform providing system 50 performs a parameter check process in ACT45 using the application server 54. The parameter check process determines whether or not both the number of drive waveforms and the number of measurement nozzles are within the input allowable values. If both the number of drive waveforms and the number of measurement nozzles are within the input allowable values, the check result is determined to be OK, and if at least one of the number of drive waveforms and the number of measurement nozzles is not within the input allowable values, the check result is determined to be NG.

[0121] If the check result is NG (No in ACT45), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT46, 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 ACT44 and again displays the UI screen 72 for the measurement numerical value input setting processing on the screen to prompt the user to input and set the measurement numerical values.

[0122] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT45), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for measurement value input processing that accepts input of measurement values ​​for the measurement method selected on the UI screen for measurement value input setting processing displayed in ACT44. In ACT47, the PC 31 displays on the screen the UI screen for measurement value input processing that accepts input of measurement values ​​for the measurement method selected in ACT44, and prompts the user to input measurement values.

[0123] Fig. 18 shows a UI screen 73 for the measurement value input process that accepts the input of measurement values ​​for discharge observation. The UI screen 73 for the measurement value input process is an interface that accepts the input of measurement values ​​for discharge observation. The UI screen 73 for the measurement value input setting process includes an input field for measurement values, a send button, and a cancel button. Fig. 18 shows an example in which 4 is selected as the number of drive waveforms and 5 is selected as the number of measurement nozzles on the UI screen for the measurement value input setting process displayed in ACT44. For this reason, the input field for measurement values ​​is in the form of a matrix with 4 rows and 5 columns.

[0124] When the user presses the stop button, the PC 31 transmits a request to stop the process of providing the driving waveform data to the driving waveform providing system 50, and the driving waveform providing system 50 stops the process of providing the driving waveform data.

[0125] When the user inputs a value in the measurement value input field and presses the OK button, the drive waveform providing system 50, in ACT 48, identifies the head type from the serial number based on the measurement value input by the application server 54 in the UI screen 73 for measurement value input processing, and then uses a second drive waveform selection algorithm and a dedicated database to derive a suitable drive waveform. If the measurement value is the ejection speed, the drive waveform providing system 50 derives a suitable drive waveform based on the ejection speed, and if the measurement value is the ejection volume, the drive waveform providing system 50 derives a suitable drive waveform based on the ejection volume.

[0126] The first drive waveform selection algorithm and the second drive waveform selection algorithm differ in that the first drive waveform selection algorithm derives a drive waveform based on a number of initial drive waveforms, whereas the second drive waveform selection algorithm derives a drive waveform based on measured numerical values.

[0127] Next, in ACT49, the driving waveform providing system 50 calculates setting value data for generating a suitable driving waveform using the application server 54. The driving waveform providing system 50 transmits the setting value data to the PC 31 using the web server 51. This completes the process of providing driving waveform data by the driving waveform providing system 50.

[0128] (effect) In response to a user's selection of creating an initial drive waveform, the drive waveform providing system 50 according to the embodiment receives the initial drive waveform number from the external terminal 30 via the cloud, calculates initial drive waveform data for the inkjet print head 25, and provides the calculated initial drive waveform data via the cloud to the external terminal 30. Thus, the user of the external terminal 30 can be provided with the initial drive waveform data simply by transmitting the initial drive waveform number to the drive waveform providing system 50.

[0129] The user who receives the initial drive waveform data drives the inkjet print head 25 using the provided initial drive waveform data, performs ejection observation measurements, and obtains measured values ​​of the ink ejection speed or ejection volume.

[0130] When the user does not select creation of an initial drive waveform, the drive waveform providing system 50 receives the measurement values ​​of the discharge observation from the external terminal 30 via the cloud, calculates setting value data for generating a suitable drive waveform for the inkjet print head 25, and provides the calculated setting value data via the cloud to the external terminal 30. Therefore, the user of the external terminal 30 can be provided with the suitable drive waveform data simply by transmitting the measurement values ​​of the discharge observation to the drive waveform providing system 50.

[0131] That is, the user of the external terminal 30 first transmits the initial driving waveform number, then performs discharge observation, and then transmits the measured values ​​of the discharge observation, thereby being able to receive setting value data for generating a suitable driving waveform from the driving waveform providing system 50. In other words, the user of the external terminal 30 can be provided with setting value data for generating a suitable driving waveform from the driving waveform providing system 50 without incurring much effort, time, or expense.

[0132] (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.

[0133] 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]

[0134] 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, 264...control signal generation unit, 265...drive control unit, 2651...drive control control unit, 266...setting value data transfer unit, 2661...driving waveform generating circuit, 267...printing data transfer unit, 268...control signal transfer unit, 27...system bus, 28...power supply circuit, 30...external terminal, 31...PC, 32...control server, 50...driving 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, 71...UI screen for initial driving waveform number input processing, 72...UI screen for measurement numerical value input setting processing, 73...UI screen for measurement numerical value input processing.

Claims

1. A driving waveform providing system for providing driving waveform data for an inkjet printhead, comprising: 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 the response information of a first interface that accepts an input of an initial drive waveform number to the external terminal via the communication unit in response to the received information requesting provision of initial drive waveform data of the inkjet print head; providing, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of initial drive waveform data calculated using a first drive waveform selection algorithm based on the initial drive waveform number and a second interface that accepts input of a measured value of ink ejection observation when the ink jet print head is driven using the initial drive waveform data, in response to the received information of the initial drive waveform number; and providing, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of suitable drive waveform data calculated using a second drive waveform selection algorithm based on the measurement value in response to the received information of the measurement value. Driving waveform providing system.

2. the measured value is an ejection speed or an ejection volume of the ink, The second interface has an input field for the ejection speed or the ejection volume. The driving waveform providing system according to claim 1 .

3. The response unit calculates the suitable driving waveform data based on the ejection speed in response to the received information of the ejection speed. The driving waveform providing system according to claim 2 .

4. the response unit calculates the suitable driving waveform data based on the ejection volume in response to the received information on the ejection volume. The driving waveform providing system according to claim 2 .

5. the second interface has a selection field for receiving a selection of either the ejection speed or the ejection volume; The driving waveform providing system according to claim 2 .

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