Drive waveform provision system

Abstract

To provide a system for providing a drive waveform enabling correct discharge printing.SOLUTION: A system has: a communication part which performs communication via an external terminal and the cloud; and a response part which creates response information to reception information that is received by the communication part from the external terminal, and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication part. The response part provides response information of an interface receiving input of parameters including an ink jet print head drive condition and an ink physical property value to the external terminal via the communication part in response to the reception information requiring provision of drive waveform data of an ink jet print head. The response part provides response information of the drive waveform data calculated by using a drive waveform selection algorithm on the basis of the parameter in response to parameter reception information when all of values included in the parameter fall within a recommendation range to the external terminal via the communication part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a drive waveform providing system.

Background Art

[0002] A liquid ejection device having an inkjet print head generally inputs a drive signal to a drive element such as a piezoelectric element of the inkjet print head to eject a liquid such as ink from a nozzle, thereby forming an image on a printing medium being conveyed.

[0003] In order to perform high-quality image formation, it is necessary to obtain a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet print head in accordance with the drive conditions of the inkjet print head, physical property values of the ink, etc., so that the ejection characteristics of the ink from the nozzle become desired characteristics. Hereinafter, a suitable drive waveform is referred to as a preferred drive waveform.

[0004] Conventionally, a method for obtaining a preferred drive waveform of an inkjet print head is known in which, while varying the parameters of the drive waveform using the ink actually used, the flight state of the ink droplets and the printing quality are measured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In addition, it has been proposed to construct a system that proposes a suitable drive waveform using a drive waveform selection algorithm from input values such as drive conditions of an inkjet print head and physical property values of ink. For normal ejection printing, there are appropriate values for drive conditions, physical property values, etc. When the drive conditions, physical property values, etc. deviate significantly from the appropriate values, the calculation by the drive waveform selection algorithm may not be performed correctly, or even if a drive waveform can be provided, normal ejection printing may not be possible.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drive waveform providing system that provides a drive waveform capable of correct ejection printing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The drive waveform providing system according to the embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates via an external terminal and the cloud, and a response unit that creates response information for the received 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 via the communication unit, response information of an interface that accepts input of parameters including drive conditions of the inkjet print head and physical property values of ink for received information requesting provision of drive waveform data of the inkjet print head. For received information of parameters, when all the values included in the parameters are within the recommended range, the response unit provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, response information of drive waveform data calculated using a drive waveform selection algorithm based on the parameters.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a drive waveform providing system according to an embodiment will be described. The drive waveform providing system receives drive conditions of an inkjet print head and physical property values of ink from an external terminal via the cloud, calculates set value data suitable for the inkjet print head based on the received drive conditions and physical property values, and provides the calculated set value data to the external terminal via the cloud. Hereinafter, prior to the description of the drive waveform providing system, first, a liquid ejection device that operates using the set value data provided from the drive waveform providing system will be described. The set value data is data that determines the drive waveform. In the following description, the set value data may also be referred to as drive waveform data or simply waveform data.

[0011] (Liquid ejection device) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a liquid ejection device 10 that operates using set value data provided from a drive waveform providing system according to an embodiment. The liquid ejection device 10 is, for example, an inkjet recording device. Note that the liquid ejection device 10 is not limited thereto, and may be other devices such as a copying machine.

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

[0013] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display 14, an operation unit 15, a communication interface 16, a conveyance motor 21, a motor drive circuit 22, a pump 23, a pump drive circuit 24, a plurality of inkjet print heads 25, a head controller 26, a system bus 27, and a power supply circuit 28. Further, the liquid ejection device 10 includes a conveyance mechanism, a paper feed cassette, a paper discharge tray, etc. not shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the interface is abbreviated as "IF". Also, the inkjet print head is abbreviated as "inkjet head".

[0014] The power supply circuit 28 converts the AC power supplied from the commercial power supply into DC power. The power supply circuit 28 supplies the DC power to each component in the liquid ejection device 10.

[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 can transmit and receive information, data, addresses, control signals, commands, responses, etc. via the system bus 27.

[0016] The control unit 11 performs various controls of 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 stores programs, data used in the programs, etc. in a rewritable manner.

[0017] The display 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, for example. The display 14 displays an image according 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, numeric keypad, power key, paper feed key, various function keys, keyboard, etc. The touch sensor is, for example, a resistive film type touch sensor, a capacitance type touch sensor, etc. The touch sensor acquires information indicating a specified position within a certain area. Also, the touch sensor may be used as a touch panel arranged on the upper surface of the display 14 and integrally configured. In this case, the touch sensor generates a signal indicating the 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 the liquid ejecting device 10 to communicate with an external terminal 30 that transmits print data and register values of set value data. The communication interface 16 communicates with the external terminal 30 via a network configured by wire or wirelessly, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The external terminal 30 is a control server, PC, etc. that controls the liquid ejecting device 10.

[0020] The conveyance motor 21 operates a conveyance member of a conveyance mechanism (not shown) for conveying the print medium by rotating. The conveyance member is a conveyance belt for conveying the print medium, a plurality of rollers (drive roller and driven roller) around which the conveyance belt is wound, a guide, etc. The conveyance motor 21 rotates the drive roller to move the conveyance belt that holds the print medium. The print medium moves along a conveyance path defined by a guide arranged near the conveyance belt.

[0021] The motor drive circuit 22 is a circuit that drives the conveyance motor 21. The motor drive circuit 22 drives the conveyance motor 21 in accordance with the conveyance control signal input from the control unit 11. The motor drive circuit 22, the conveyance motor 21, and the conveyance mechanism convey the print medium taken out from a paper feed cassette (not shown) to a paper discharge tray (not shown) via a plurality of inkjet print heads 25. Note that the paper feed cassette is a cassette that accommodates a plurality of print media. The paper discharge tray is a tray that accommodates the print medium discharged from the liquid ejection device 10.

[0022] The pump 23 supplies ink from the ink tank to the pressure chamber of the inkjet print head 25 via the ink supply path. The pump 23 is arranged on an ink supply path composed 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 the ink supply control signal input from the processor 12. The pump 23 supplies the ink in the ink tank to the pressure chamber of the inkjet print head 25.

[0024] The inkjet print head 25 is an image forming unit that ejects ink onto the print medium to form an image. The inkjet print head 25 includes, although not shown, an actuator such as a plurality of piezoelectric elements that eject ink from nozzles, a sensor for detecting the ink temperature, etc., and a drive circuit that drives the actuator. The inkjet print head 25 forms an image by ejecting ink onto the print medium conveyed by the conveyance mechanism based on the drive power supply and the control signal supplied from the head controller 26. A plurality of inkjet print heads 25 corresponding to each color of ink, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc. are provided.

[0025] The liquid ejection device 10 receives the resist values of print data and 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 resist values of the print data and the 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 a plurality of inkjet print heads 25 based on the resist values of the print data and the setting value data. The head controller 26 supplies a plurality of drive voltages to the inkjet print head 25 based on the resist value of the setting value data. Further, the head controller 26 generates a control signal based on the print data. The head controller 26 supplies the drive voltage and the control signal to the inkjet print head 25 to operate the actuator in the inkjet print head 25, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzles of the inkjet print head 25 to form an image on the print medium.

[0027] (First configuration example of the head controller and the inkjet print head) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first configuration example of the head controller 26 and the inkjet print head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of the inkjet print head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10.

[0028] (Head controller) The head controller 26 includes 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 includes a setting value data transfer unit 266, a print data transfer unit 267, and a control signal transfer unit 268.

[0029] The set value data is input from the system bus 27 via the bus bridge 261 into the set value data buffer 262. The set value data buffer 262 temporarily stores the set value data, performs necessary processing on the set value data as appropriate, and outputs the set value data to the set value data transfer unit 266 of the drive control unit 265. The set value data transfer unit 266 transfers the set value data to the inkjet print head 25.

[0030] The print data is input from the system bus 27 via the bus bridge 261 into the print data buffer 263. The print data buffer 263 temporarily stores the print data, performs necessary processing as appropriate, and outputs it to the print data transfer unit 267 of the drive control unit 265. The print data transfer unit 267 transfers the print data to the inkjet print head 25.

[0031] The control signal generation unit 264 generates the control signal for the inkjet print head 25 and outputs it to the control signal transfer unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal includes a clock signal etc. for taking the operation timing. The control signal generation unit 264 also generates the drive voltage 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 drive element for expanding and contracting the pressure chamber that stores ink and ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber. For example, each actuator is a piezoelectric drive element made of PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0033] The driver IC 251 is a drive circuit for the inkjet print head 25. Specifically, the driver IC 251 is a drive circuit that drives the actuator group 256. The driver IC 251 includes a drive signal generation circuit 252 and a data processing circuit 255. The drive signal generation circuit 252 includes a drive waveform generation circuit 253 and an analog switch circuit 254.

[0034] The drive signal generation 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 the drive voltage to the drive signal generation circuit 252. Also, the data processing circuit 255 generates a control signal for the drive signal generation circuit 252 based on the print data and the control signal, and outputs the control signal to the drive signal generation circuit 252. The drive signal generation circuit 252 generates an analog drive signal from the set value data input from the set value data transfer unit 266 under the control of the data processing circuit 255, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0035] Specifically, the analog switch circuit 254 has a plurality of switch elements, and the data processing circuit 255 supplies a plurality of levels of drive voltage 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 the 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 any 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 in the actuator group 256 operates according to the drive signal input from the driver IC 251, expands and contracts the pressure chamber that stores the ink, and discharges ink droplets from the nozzles.

[0037] (Second Configuration Example of Head Controller and Inkjet Print Head) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second configuration example of the head controller 26 and the inkjet print head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described. 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 print head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10. In FIGS. 4 and 5, members with the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are the same members, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences.

[0038] (Head Controller) The head controller 26 includes a bus bridge 261, a set 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 includes a drive waveform generation circuit 2661, a print data transfer unit 267, and a control signal transfer unit 268.

[0039] The set value data is input from the system bus 27 via the bus bridge 261 to the set value data buffer 2621. The set value data is waveform digital data for determining the drive waveform. The set value data buffer 2621 temporarily stores the set value data, appropriately performs necessary processing on the set value data, and outputs the set value data to the drive waveform generation circuit 2661 of the drive control unit 2651. The drive waveform generation circuit 2661 generates a digital drive waveform according to the set value data and outputs the drive waveform to the inkjet print head 25.

[0040] (Inkjet Print Head) The inkjet print head 25 includes a driver IC 2511 and an actuator group 256. The actuator group 256 includes a plurality of actuators. Each actuator is a drive element for expanding and contracting a pressure chamber that stores ink and ejecting ink droplets from a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber.

[0041] The driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit for the inkjet print head 25. Specifically, the driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit that drives the actuator group 256. The driver IC 2511 includes 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 generation circuit 266. The data processing circuit 2551 receives print data from the print data transfer section 267, and a control signal and a drive voltage from the control signal transfer section 268. The data processing circuit 2551 supplies the drive voltage to the analog switch circuit 2521. 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. Also, the data processing circuit 2551 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 generates an analog drive signal from the digital drive waveform input from the drive waveform generation circuit 266 under the control of the data processing circuit 2551, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0042] Specifically, the analog switch circuit 2521 generates an analog drive signal by selectively turning ON any 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 in the actuator group 256 operates according to the drive signal input from the driver IC 2511, expands and contracts the pressure chamber that stores the ink, and discharges ink droplets from the nozzles.

[0044] (Selection of set value data by the conventional method) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a procedure for selecting set value data of the inkjet print head 25 by a conventional method will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting set value data of the inkjet print head 25 by a conventional method.

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

[0046] In ACT12, the ejection of the ink is evaluated. The evaluation of the ink ejection is performed based on, for example, the size, speed, shape, etc. of the droplets of the ejected ink, and based on the image formed on the print medium, for example, based on resolution, color reproducibility, sharpness, dot position accuracy, etc.

[0047] In ACT13, the evaluation result is checked. For example, the check of the evaluation result is performed by quantifying each of the above parameters and comparing the numerical values with threshold values. For example, when the numerical value of each parameter is recognized to be better than each threshold value, the evaluation result is considered OK, and when it is not, the evaluation result is considered NG.

[0048] If the evaluation result is NG in the check in ACT13 (No in ACT13), in ACT14, the drive waveform is reselected. Subsequently, in ACT15, the inkjet print head 25 is driven by the reselected drive waveform to eject ink and perform image formation on the print medium. Then, the operations of ACT12 and ACT13 are performed.

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

[0050] If the evaluation result is OK in the check in ACT13 (Yes in ACT13), in ACT16, the drive waveform at that time is recognized as a suitable drive waveform, and the set value data for generating the drive waveform is selected as suitable set value data.

[0051] (Functional Configuration of Drive Waveform Providing System) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functional configuration of the drive waveform providing system 50 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive waveform providing system 50 according to the embodiment. The drive waveform providing system 50 is composed of a server or the like on the cloud. That is, the drive waveform providing system 50 can also be said to be a drive waveform providing server.

[0052] The drive 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 of "DB" is not limited to FIG. 7.

[0053] The web server 51 serves as the first entry point for access from the external terminal 30 to the drive 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. 8. The web server 51 has a communication function and a user interface providing function. Also, the web server 51 has a user interface database as a dedicated database in the database 57. In the drawings, the user interface is abbreviated as "UI". Also, 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, that is, the PC 31 or the control server 32, and through this user interface, it cooperates with each server (authentication server 52, application server 54, web API server 55, database server 56) and the database 57 to receive requests from the external terminal 30 and return responses to those requests 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 sends a request to the web server 51 through the user interface screen (UI screen) of a web application (e.g., a web browser) displayed on the PC 31, for example, by means of HTTPS communication, 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 the web server 51 through 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. The database server 56 stores appropriate data in the database 57 in response to requests from the authentication server 52, the application server 54, and the web API server 55, 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 the authentication server 52 is shown in FIG. 9. The authentication server 52 has a login function. Also, the authentication server 52 has a customer database, a user database, a white list, and a serial number database as dedicated databases in the database 57. In the drawings, the serial number is abbreviated as "S / N".

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

[0059] The authentication server 52 permits operations with administrator privileges, such as registration of users in the user database and access to each database, for the administrator. The authentication server 52 performs collation with the customer database and the serial number database in response to input of the serial number of the inkjet print head after login.

[0060] The firewall 53 protects the application server 54 and the web API server 55 from unauthorized access and the like. 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 for the permitted external terminal 30.

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

[0062] A block diagram showing the functional configurations of the application server 54 and the web API server 55 is shown in FIG. 10. The application server 54 and the web API server 55 have a drive waveform providing function, an ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine, and a drive waveform selection algorithm. Also, the application server 54 and the web API server 55 have a coefficient database, a serial number database, an operation log database, and master data as a dedicated database in the database 57. The application server 54 and the web API server 55 provide an update function for the ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine and an update function for the drive waveform selection algorithm to the administrator.

[0063] The application server 54 and the web API server 55 receive parameters including the drive conditions of the inkjet print head 25 and the physical property values of the ink from the logged-in and authenticated external terminal 30. The drive waveform providing function uses the parameters including the drive conditions and physical property values, the ink temperature / viscosity calculation engine, and the dedicated database, etc., and derives a suitable drive waveform for the inkjet print head 25 by a drive waveform selection algorithm based on data analysis. The drive waveform selection algorithm is an algorithm that takes the type of ink, the specific gravity of the ink, the type of inkjet print head, etc. as input variables and derives a suitable drive waveform. The drive waveform providing function provides set value data for generating the derived suitable drive waveform. Further, the drive waveform providing function corrects the set value data based on the viscosity or temperature of the ink. The types of ink are, for example, ultraviolet curable ink, oil-based ink, solvent ink, ceramic ink, and aqueous ink.

[0064] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the database server 56 is shown in FIG. 11. The database server 56 has a data management function, a data update function, and a user management function. Further, the 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, etc. in the database 57. Also, the database server 56 provides a data update function and a user management function to the administrator.

[0065] In the drive waveform providing system 50 configured as described above, the web server 51 functions as a communication unit that communicates with the external terminal 30 via the cloud. Also, the web server 51, the application server 54, and the web API server 55 cooperate with the database server 56 and the database 57 to create response information for the received 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 parameters including the drive conditions of the inkjet print head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 and the physical property values of the ink, and a request for providing a drive waveform to the drive waveform providing system 50.

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

[0068] When the external terminal 30 is the PC 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the application server 54 receives parameters including the drive 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 them in the 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 the database 57 via the database server 56. Further, the application server 54 transmits the setting value data to the PC 31 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0070] The PC 31 transmits the received setting value data to the liquid ejection device 10 automatically or under the 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. At the time of setting (configuration) of 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 performs the same operation as the above application server 54. That is, the web API server 55 receives parameters including the drive 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 the database 57 via the database server 56. Further, the web API server 55 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 set value data to the liquid ejection device 10. The liquid ejection device 10 receives the set 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 set 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 can be configured by a computer. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, the hardware configuration of the computer 60 that can configure the driving waveform providing system 50 will be described. 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 ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, an auxiliary storage device 64, an input device 65, an output device 66, and a communication device 67.

[0076] The processor 61, the ROM 62, the RAM 63, the auxiliary storage device 64, the input device 65, the output device 66, and the communication device 67 are electrically connected to each other via a bus 68, and it is possible to transmit and receive data and information via the bus 68.

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

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

[0079] The RAM 63 is a volatile memory that forms part of the main memory device. The RAM 63 temporarily stores the programs necessary for the processing of the processor 61 and the data necessary for the execution of the programs. The processor 61 executes the programs in the RAM 63 to calculate the data in the RAM 63 and stores the calculation 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 the data necessary for the execution of the programs. The processor 61 reads the programs and data in the auxiliary storage device 64 into the RAM 63 and executes various functions by executing the programs.

[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 both functions. 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 data and information and a function of receiving them to and from 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, for example, via 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, etc.

[0084] The program non-temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 64 is read into and non-temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 64 via the input device 65 through a disk drive, for example, when the recording medium is a disk. Also, 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 startup, the processor 61 executes the program in the ROM 62 and reads and starts the OS into the RAM 63. The processor 61 monitors instruction inputs, connections to external devices, etc. under the control of the OS. Also, the processor 61 sets a program area and a data area in the RAM 63 under the control of the OS. In response to an instruction input for starting the drive waveform providing system 50, the processor 61 reads the drive waveform providing program from the auxiliary storage device 64 into the program area of the RAM 63 and reads data necessary for the execution of the drive waveform providing program from the auxiliary storage device 64 into the data area of the RAM 63. The processor 61 calculates the data in the data area according to the drive waveform providing program and writes the calculation result into the data area. By such operations, the processor 61, the RAM 63, and the auxiliary storage device 64 cooperate 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 drive waveform providing system 50.

[0086] Note that the external terminal 30 can also be configured by a computer. The hardware configuration of the external terminal 30 is the same as that of the computer 60.

[0087] (Operation Example of Drive Waveform Providing System) Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, an operation example of the drive waveform providing system 50 will be described. FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the processing flow of the operation example of the drive waveform providing system 50. Here, for convenience, it is assumed that the external terminal 30 is a PC 31 for explanation. In the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 to 15, the processing of the external terminal 30 (PC 31 and user) is shown on the left side, and the processing of the drive waveform providing system 50 is shown on the right side. Note that in FIGS. 13 to 15, the drive waveform providing system is abbreviated as "system".

[0088] When the user inputs an instruction to start using the drive waveform providing system 50 to the PC 31, the PC 31 sends a request to start using to the drive waveform providing system 50, receives the provision of the UI screen for login processing from the drive waveform providing system 50, and in ACT 21, displays the UI screen for login processing on the screen to prompt the user to perform the login processing.

[0089] When the user performs the login processing, in ACT 22, the drive waveform providing system 50 queries the user database by the authentication server 52 to perform user authentication processing, and in ACT 23, 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. The user ID and the password are associated one-to-one.

[0091] When the user ID and password input on the UI screen for login processing match the user ID and password stored in the user database respectively, the authentication server 52 determines that the authentication result is OK, and when 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 serial number input processing of the inkjet print head 25. In ACT25, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for the serial number input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0094] When the user inputs the serial number of the inkjet printhead 25, in ACT26, the driving waveform providing system 50 inquires the serial number database through the authentication server 52 to perform a serial number verification process, and in ACT27, checks the verification result.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 determines that the match result is OK; if there is no match, the authentication server 52 determines that the match result is NG.

[0097] When the verification result is NG (No in ACT27), the drive 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 the user to confirm. When the user confirms the error message, the PC 31 returns to the process of ACT25, and again displays the UI screen for serial number input processing on the screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0098] When the verification result is OK (Yes in ACT27), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for parameter input processing for providing drive waveform data that accepts input of parameters including the drive conditions of the inkjet print head 25 and the physical property values of the ink. In ACT29, the PC 31 displays the UI screen for parameter input processing for providing drive waveform data that accepts input of parameters on the screen to prompt the user to input the parameters.

[0099] FIG. 16 shows a UI screen 71 for parameter input processing for drive waveform data providing processing. The UI screen 71 for parameter input processing for drive waveform data providing processing includes a head selection column, an AL rank selection column, an ink selection column, a drive condition selection column, an ink temperature / viscosity input column, a drive voltage input column, a waveform creation button, and a register data creation button.

[0100] The head selection column includes a head type selection column and a serial number display column. The head type selection column enables selection of the head type by means of a pull-down function. The serial number inputted on the UI screen for serial number input processing displayed in ACT25 is displayed in the serial number display column.

[0101] The AL rank selection column includes a database selection button, a surface selection column, and an AL rank column. The database selection button enables selection of either a serial number database or a coefficient database. The surface selection column enables selection of the surface by means of a pull-down function. The AL rank column enables selection of the AL rank by means of a pull-down function.

[0102] AL (acoustic length) is half the time of the natural vibration period of the ink in the pressure chamber of the inkjet print head 25, and is also referred to as the pressure propagation time. AL has different values depending on the inkjet print head 25. Ranking is performed based on the AL value, and an AL rank is assigned.

[0103] The ink selection column includes an ink type selection column and an ink specific gravity input column. The ink type column enables selection of the ink type through a pull-down function. The ink specific gravity input column allows direct input of the ink specific gravity value. In addition, a message prompting input within the recommended range (0.70 - 3.0) is pre-displayed in the ink specific gravity input column.

[0104] The drive condition selection column includes a drop number selection column and a frequency input column. The drop number selection column enables selection of the drop number through a pull-down function. The drop number selection column may also allow direct input of the drop number value. The frequency input column allows direct input of the drive frequency value. In addition, a message prompting input within the recommended range (1.0 - 30.0) is pre-displayed in the frequency input column.

[0105] The ink temperature / viscosity input column includes a temperature / viscosity selection button and a calculation / input selection button. The temperature / viscosity selection button enables selection of either the recommended temperature, desired temperature, or desired viscosity. The calculation / input selection button enables selection of either value input or value calculation. The ink temperature / viscosity input column also includes an input / display column for the ink temperature at a viscosity of 10 mPa·s and an input / display column for the desired temperature of the ink. These input / display columns function as value input columns when value input is selected and as value display columns when value calculation is selected. When the user selects the recommended temperature, value calculation is automatically selected and the recommended value is displayed in the input / display column. When the user selects the desired temperature or desired viscosity, value input is automatically selected and the user inputs a value into the input / display column.

[0106] The user inputs the physical property values of the ink and the driving conditions of the inkjet print head 25 from the UI screen 71 for the parameter input process of the driving waveform data providing process shown in FIG. 16. The physical property values of the ink and the driving conditions of the inkjet print head 25 may include other values related to printing conditions and print quality, and are not limited to those shown on the UI screen 71 for the parameter input process of the driving waveform data providing process. That is, the UI screen 71 for the parameter input process of the driving waveform data providing process is an example of a UI screen and may be changed as appropriate.

[0107] When the user inputs the parameters, in ACT30, the driving waveform providing system 50 performs a parameter check process by the application server 54.

[0108] If the check result is NG (when it is NG in ACT30), the driving waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display an error message. In ACT31, 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 ACT29, displays the UI screen 71 for the parameter input process of the driving waveform data providing process on the screen, and prompts the user to input the parameters.

[0109] If the check result is OK (when it is OK in ACT30), in ACT32, the driving waveform providing system 50 determines by the application server 54 whether the numerical value in the drop number selection column is a value of an option in the drop-down list displayed by the drop-down function.

[0110] Note that since the drop number selection column is a column in which a numerical value can be selected by the drop-down function, in the drawings, the drop number selection column is denoted as the "PD column". Also, the value of the option is abbreviated as the "selected value". In the UI screen 71 shown in FIG. 16, the "PD column" is only one of the drop number selection columns. However, as described above, the UI screen 71 may be changed as appropriate, and there may be a plurality of "PD columns". In that case, the determination is made for all of the numerical values of the plurality of such "PD columns".

[0111] When the value in the drop number selection field is not the value of the option in the pull-down list (No in ACT32), the value in the drop number selection field is the input value by the user. In ACT33, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines, through the application server 54, whether the input value in the drop number selection field is within the recommended range. Here, the recommended range is the numerical range that substantially guarantees printing by the inkjet print head 25.

[0112] When the input value in the drop number selection field is outside the recommended range (No in ACT33), in ACT34, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines, through the application server 54, whether the input value in the drop number selection field is within the actual result range. Here, the actual result range is the numerical range in which printing has been achieved by the inkjet print head 25.

[0113] When the input value in the drop number selection field is outside the actual result range (No in ACT34), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided, and ends the drive waveform data providing process. In ACT35, the PC31 displays the comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided on the screen.

[0114] When the input value in the drop number selection field is within the actual result range (Yes in ACT34), in ACT36, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines whether all of the values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are within the recommended range.

[0115] In the drawings, the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are denoted as "input fields". As described above, the UI screen 71 may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the number of "input fields" may be one or three or more. In that case, the determination is made for all of the values in the "input fields".

[0116] If either the value in the ink specific gravity input field or the value in the frequency input field is not within the recommended range (No in ACT36), then in ACT37, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines whether all of the values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are within the actual result range.

[0117] If either the value in the ink specific gravity input field or the value in the frequency input field is not within the actual result range (No in ACT37), then the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided, and ends the drive waveform data providing process. The PC31 displays, in ACT35, a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided on the screen.

[0118] If all of the values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are within the recommended range (Yes in ACT36) or within the actual result range (Yes in ACT37), then the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display a UI screen for the drive waveform data providing condition display process. The PC31 displays, in ACT38, the UI screen for the drive waveform data providing condition display process on the screen to prompt the user to confirm their intention regarding the drive waveform data providing conditions.

[0119] FIG. 17 shows a UI screen 72 for the drive waveform data providing condition display process. The UI screen 72 for the drive waveform data providing condition display process includes a providing condition display column, a "Yes" button, and a "No" button. In this embodiment, the drive waveform data providing condition is the feedback of the ejection printing result. The UI screen 72 for the drive waveform data providing condition display process displays, in the providing condition display column, a comment indicating that the input parameter is outside the recommended range but within the actual result range, a comment indicating that there is a possibility that the ejection printing, which is the drive waveform data providing condition, cannot be performed normally, and a comment asking for the user's approval or disapproval regarding the feedback of the ejection printing result, and waits for the user to press the "Yes" button or the "No" button.

[0120] When the user presses the "No" button (in the case of No in ACT39), in ACT35, the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided, and ends the drive waveform data providing process. The PC31 displays a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided on the screen in ACT35.

[0121] When the user presses the "Yes" button (in the case of Yes in ACT39), the process proceeds to ACT42. The processing after ACT42 will be described later.

[0122] As a result of the determination in ACT32, if the numerical value in the drop number selection field is a value in the pull-down list options (in the case of Yes in ACT32), or as a result of the determination in ACT33, if the input value in the drop number selection field is a value within the recommended range (in the case of Yes in ACT33), in ACT40, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines whether all of the numerical values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are values within the recommended range by the application server 54.

[0123] As a result of the determination in ACT40, if any of the numerical values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field is not a value within the recommended range (in the case of No in ACT40), in ACT41, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines whether all of the numerical values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are values within the actual result range.

[0124] As a result of the determination in ACT41, if any of the numerical values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field is not a value within the actual result range (in the case of No in ACT41), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided, and ends the drive waveform data providing process. The PC31 displays a comment indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided on the screen in ACT35.

[0125] As a result of the determination in ACT41, if all of the values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are within the actual result range (when it is Yes in ACT41), the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC31 to display the UI screen for the drive waveform data providing condition display process. In ACT38, the PC31 displays the UI screen for the drive waveform data providing condition display process on the screen to prompt confirmation of the user's intention regarding the drive waveform data providing conditions. The processing for the user's intention is as described above.

[0126] As a result of the determination in ACT40, if all of the values in the ink specific gravity input field and the frequency input field are within the recommended range (when it is Yes in ACT40), in ACT42, the drive waveform providing system 50 performs the calculation process of the ink temperature and viscosity by the application server 54. The temperature and viscosity calculation process in ACT42 is omitted when the user selects the recommended temperature in the ink temperature and viscosity parameter input field of the UI screen 71 for the drive waveform data providing parameter input process shown in FIG. 16.

[0127] Next, in ACT43, the drive waveform providing system 50 uses the drive waveform selection algorithm and the dedicated database based on the parameters input to the UI screen 71 for the drive waveform data providing parameter input process displayed in ACT29 by the application server 54 to derive the suitable drive waveform for the inkjet print head 25.

[0128] Subsequently, in ACT44, the drive waveform providing system 50 calculates the set value data for generating the suitable drive waveform by the application server 54. The drive waveform providing system 50 transmits the set value data to the PC31 by the web server 51. Thereby, the provision process of the drive waveform data by the drive waveform providing system 50 ends.

[0129] In addition, the drive waveform providing system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display a UI screen for ejection printing result feedback processing. The PC 31 displays the UI screen for ejection printing result feedback processing on the screen to prompt the user to input ejection printing result feedback. The drive waveform providing system 50 continuously instructs the PC 31 to display the UI screen for ejection printing result feedback processing until it receives the ejection printing result feedback.

[0130] FIG. 18 shows a UI screen 73 for ejection printing result feedback processing. The UI screen 73 for ejection printing result feedback processing includes a feedback instruction field for the ejection printing result, an input field for the ejection printing result, and a send button. The UI screen 73 for ejection printing result feedback processing displays a comment indicating that the input parameter is outside the recommended range in the feedback instruction field and waits for the user to press the send button.

[0131] FIG. 19 shows a flowchart showing an example flow of using the ejection printing result feedback. When the drive waveform providing system 50 receives the ejection printing result feedback in ACT 51, it stores the ejection printing result feedback in the database 57 in ACT 52. In ACT 53, the drive waveform providing system 50 determines the ejection printing result. If the ejection printing result is OK (Yes in ACT 53), the drive waveform providing system 50 stores information suggesting, for example, consideration of relaxing the recommended range, associated with the ejection printing result, in the database 57 in ACT 54. Also, if the ejection printing result is NG (No in ACT 53), the drive waveform providing system 50 stores information suggesting, for example, consideration of strengthening the performance range, associated with the ejection printing result, in the database 57 in ACT 55.

[0132] (Effect) The drive waveform providing system 50 according to the embodiment provides an interface to an external terminal 30 that receives an input of parameters including the drive conditions of the inkjet print head 25 and the physical property values of the ink. When all of the values included in the parameters are within the recommended ranges, drive waveform data calculated using a drive waveform selection algorithm based on the parameters is provided to the external terminal 30. Therefore, the drive waveform providing system 50 can provide drive waveform data that enables correct ejection and printing.

[0133] Also, when at least one of the values included in the parameters is outside the recommended range but within the performance range for which there is a past record of successful printing, the drive waveform providing system 50 indicates the possibility of non-printability, presents the conditions for providing the drive waveform data, i.e., the feedback on the ejection and printing results, and provides an interface to the external terminal that receives the intention of acceptance or non-acceptance of the feedback. Further, when there is an intention of acceptance for the providing conditions, the drive waveform providing system 50 provides the drive waveform data to the external terminal 30, and when there is an intention of non-acceptance for the providing conditions, provides information indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided to the external terminal 30. Therefore, the drive waveform providing system 50 can accumulate the ejection and printing results for numerical values that are outside the recommended range but within the performance range.

[0134] Also, when at least one of the values included in the parameters is outside the performance range, the drive waveform providing system 50 provides information indicating that the drive waveform data cannot be provided to the external terminal 30. Therefore, the drive waveform providing system 50 can avoid providing drive waveform data that cannot result in correct ejection and printing.

[0135] (Others) The program executed by the drive waveform providing system according to the embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in an electronic device, or may be transferred in a state not stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be any medium that can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and is readable by a computer, regardless of its form.

[0136] 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0137] 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 unit, 266…Set value data transfer unit, 2661…Drive waveform generation 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, 71…UI screen for drive waveform data providing parameter input processing, 72…UI screen for drive waveform data providing condition display processing, 73…UI screen for ejection print result feedback processing.

Claims

1. A drive waveform providing system that provides drive waveform data for an inkjet print head, comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal via a cloud; a response unit that creates response information for received information received by the communication unit from the external terminal and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication unit; and having the response unit provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of a first interface that accepts input of parameters including drive conditions of the inkjet print head and physical property values of ink, for the received information that requests provision of the drive waveform data of the inkjet print head; for the received information of the parameters, when all of the values included in the parameters are within a recommended range, provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of the drive waveform data calculated using a drive waveform selection algorithm based on the parameters; A drive waveform providing system.

2. For the received information of the parameters, when at least one of the values included in the parameters is outside the recommended range but within an actual performance range with a past printing record, the response unit suggests a possibility of not being able to print, presents conditions for providing the drive waveform data, indicates that there may be a possibility that ejection printing cannot be performed normally, and provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of a second interface that accepts an intention of acceptance or non-acceptance of the conditions; The drive waveform providing system according to Claim 1.

3. For the received information with an intention of acceptance of the conditions, the response unit provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information of the drive waveform data calculated by the drive waveform selection algorithm based on the parameters; The drive waveform providing system according to Claim 2.

4. For the received information with an intention of non-acceptance of the conditions, provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information indicating that provision of the drive waveform data is not possible; The drive waveform providing system according to Claim 2.

5. For the received information of the parameters, when at least one of the values included in the parameters is outside the actual performance range, the response unit provides, to the external terminal via the communication unit, the response information indicating that provision of the drive waveform data is not possible; The drive waveform providing system according to claim 2.

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