Drive waveform proposal system

Abstract

To provide a system for outputting set value data for a drive waveform suitable for an ink jet head with a reduced required burden and time.SOLUTION: A system according to an embodiment of the present invention has: a communication unit for communicating with an external terminal through a cloud; and a response unit for generating response information to received information which the communication unit receives from the external terminal and providing a unit number input screen for accepting an input of the number of ink jet heads desired for outputs of setting value data. If a plurality of units is input in the unit number input screen, the response unit provides a parameter input screen for accepting an input of ink information commonly applied to a plurality of ink jet heads and use conditions, and calculates and outputs all of the setting value data of the plurality of ink jet heads by using the ink information and the use condition input to the parameter input screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a drive waveform proposing system. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] Conventionally, the drive waveform suitable for an inkjet head is determined by performing ejection observations using the ink actually used, such as measuring the flight state of ink droplets and print quality while varying the drive waveform parameters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0006] This method requires a lot of time and effort because the ejection observation is carried out using actual ink and an inkjet head.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drive waveform suggestion system that outputs setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for an inkjet head while minimizing the effort and time required. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A drive waveform proposing system according to an embodiment is a system that outputs setting value data for generating a drive waveform for an inkjet head, and 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 from the external terminal by the communication unit and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication unit. The response unit provides a number input screen that accepts input of the number of inkjet heads for which setting value data is desired to be output. When a plurality of inkjet heads are input into the number input screen, the response unit provides a parameter input screen that accepts input of ink information and usage conditions that are to be applied commonly to the plurality of inkjet heads, and calculates and outputs setting value data for all of the plurality of inkjet heads using the ink information and usage conditions input into the parameter input screen. [Brief explanation 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 drive waveform proposal system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of the head controller of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of the inkjet 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. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the inkjet head of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive waveform proposing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a web server of the drive waveform proposal system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the authentication server of the drive waveform proposal system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the application server and the web API server of the drive waveform proposal system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the database server of the drive waveform proposing system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer that constitutes the drive waveform proposing system shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the initial flow of processing from accessing the drive waveform proposing system according to the embodiment to obtaining setting value data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing following FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing following FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing following FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing following FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the login screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the head number input screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the serial number input screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform proposal screen that accepts input processing of parameters to be applied to one inkjet head. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the serial number input method selection screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the serial number input screen. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the upload screen. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of how to enter a file to be uploaded on the upload screen of FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of a waveform proposal screen that accepts input processing of parameters that are commonly applied to a plurality of inkjet heads. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the register data output method selection screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the drive voltage output method selection screen. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a list of all AL register data. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the ink information pre-input screen. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the use condition advance input screen. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform proposal screen according to a modified example. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state in which the ink name selection field of the waveform proposal screen shown in FIG. 32 displays a list of multiple ink names. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state in which the use condition name selection field of the waveform proposal screen shown in FIG. 32 displays a list of a plurality of use condition names. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A drive waveform proposal system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drive waveform proposal system receives parameters related to an inkjet head and ink from an external device via the cloud, estimates a drive waveform for the inkjet head based on the received parameters, calculates setting value data for generating the estimated drive waveform, and provides the calculated setting value data to the external device via the cloud.

[0011] Here, the set value data is digital data, and the drive waveform is a digital waveform pulse. Hereinafter, the set value data for generating the drive waveform may be simply referred to as drive waveform set value data or simply as set value data.

[0012] The set value data specifically includes register data and drive voltage data. The drive voltage data is the voltage applied to the drive element of the inkjet head to drive the inkjet head. Hereinafter, the drive voltage data will be simply referred to as the drive voltage. The register data is data that conforms to the format of the driver IC mounted on the inkjet head.

[0013] The external terminal supplies setting value data (register data, drive voltage) and print data to the liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device generates drive pulses for the inkjet head from the setting value data and print data, generates analog drive signals from the generated drive pulses to drive drive elements of the inkjet head, and supplies the generated drive signals to the drive elements to drive the inkjet head.

[0014] Before describing the drive waveform proposal system, a liquid ejection apparatus that operates using setting value data provided by the drive waveform proposal system will be described below.

[0015] (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 drive waveform proposal 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 another apparatus such as a copier.

[0016] The liquid ejection device 10 performs various processes such as image formation while transporting a print medium, which is a recording medium.

[0017] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display 14, an operation unit 15, a communication interface 16, a transport motor 21, a motor drive circuit 22, a pump 23, a pump drive circuit 24, a plurality of inkjet heads 25, a head controller 26, a system bus 27, and a power supply circuit 28. The liquid ejection device 10 also includes a transport mechanism, a paper feed cassette, a paper discharge tray, etc., which are not shown. Note that in the drawings, the interface is abbreviated as "IF."

[0018] 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 .

[0019] 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 able to send and receive information, data, addresses, control signals, commands, responses, etc. via the system bus 27.

[0020] 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, programs stored in the memory 13 and data used in the programs. The memory 13 stores the programs, data used in the programs, etc. in a rewritable manner.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The operation unit 15 has an operation member that generates an operation signal based on a user's operation. The operation member may be, for example, a touch sensor, a numeric keypad, a power key, a paper feed key, various function keys, a keyboard, or the like. The touch sensor may be, for example, a resistive touch sensor or a capacitive touch sensor. The touch sensor acquires 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 top surface of the display 14 and integrated with it. In this case, the touch sensor generates a signal that indicates the touched position on the screen displayed on the display 14.

[0023] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with external devices. 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, a PC, or the like that controls the liquid ejection device 10.

[0024] 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, multiple 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.

[0025] The motor drive circuit 22 is a circuit that drives the transport motor 21. The motor drive circuit 22 drives the transport motor 21 in accordance with a transport control signal input from the control unit 11. The motor drive circuit 22, the transport motor 21, and the transport mechanism transport the print medium taken out from a paper feed cassette (not shown) via multiple inkjet heads 25 to an output tray (not shown). The paper feed cassette is a cassette that stores multiple print media. The output tray is a tray that stores the print media discharged from the liquid ejection device 10.

[0026] The pump 23 supplies ink from an ink tank through an ink supply path to a pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25. The pump 23 is disposed on the ink supply path, which is made up of a tube (not shown) that connects the ink tank and the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25.

[0027] The pump drive circuit 24 drives the pump 23 in accordance with an ink supply control signal input from the processor 12. The pump 23 supplies ink from an ink tank to a pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25.

[0028] The inkjet head 25 is an image forming unit that ejects ink onto a print medium to form an image. Although not shown, the inkjet head 25 includes actuators, which are driving elements such as piezoelectric elements that eject ink from nozzles, sensors for detecting ink temperature, and a drive circuit for driving the actuators. The inkjet head 25 forms an image by ejecting ink onto a print medium transported by a transport mechanism based on a drive power source and control signals supplied from a head controller 26. A plurality of inkjet heads 25 are provided, each corresponding to a different ink color, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0029] The liquid ejection device 10 receives print data and register 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 head 25, the processor 12 reads the print data and register values ​​of setting value data from the memory 13 and transmits them to the head controller 26.

[0030] The head controller 26 is a circuit that controls the multiple inkjet heads 25 based on the print data and the register values ​​of the setting data. The head controller 26 supplies multiple drive voltages to the inkjet heads 25 based on the register 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 heads 25 to operate actuators in the inkjet heads 25, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzles of the inkjet heads 25 and forming an image on the print medium.

[0031] (First configuration example of head controller and inkjet head) 2 and 3, a first configuration example of the head controller 26 and inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the first configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the first configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10.

[0032] (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.

[0033] The setting value data is input from the system bus 27 to the setting value data buffer 262 via the 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 the drive control unit 265. The setting value data transfer unit 266 transfers the setting value data to the inkjet head 25.

[0034] Print data is input from system bus 27 to print data buffer 263 via bus bridge 261. Print data buffer 263 temporarily stores the print data, processes it as needed, and outputs it to print data transfer unit 267 of drive control unit 265. Print data transfer unit 267 transfers the print data to inkjet head 25.

[0035] The control signal generation unit 264 generates a control signal for the inkjet head 25 and outputs it to a control signal transfer unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal includes a clock signal for determining operation timing, etc. The control signal generation unit 264 also generates a drive voltage to be supplied to the inkjet head 25 and outputs it to the control signal transfer unit 268 of the drive control unit 265. The control signal transfer unit 268 transfers the control signal and drive voltage to the inkjet head 25.

[0036] (inkjet head) The inkjet 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 that expands and contracts a pressure chamber that contains ink, and ejects 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).

[0037] The driver IC 251 is a drive circuit for the inkjet 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.

[0038] 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. The data processing circuit 255 also 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. Under the control of the data processing circuit 255, 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, and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0039] More specifically, the analog switch circuit 254 has a plurality of switch elements, and the data processing circuit 255 supplies drive voltages of a plurality of levels to the plurality of switch elements in the analog switch circuit 254. The drive waveform generation circuit 253 generates a digital drive waveform in accordance with 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 a plurality of switch elements to which different drive voltages are supplied in accordance with the input digital drive waveform. The driver IC 251 outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256.

[0040] Each actuator of the actuator group 256 operates in accordance with 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.

[0041] (Second configuration example of head controller and inkjet head) A second configuration example of the head controller 26 and inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of the head controller 26 of the liquid ejection device 10. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10. In Figures 4 and 5, components with the same reference numerals as those shown in Figures 2 and 3 are similar components, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The following description will focus on the differences.

[0042] (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.

[0043] The setting value data is input from the system bus 27 via the bus bridge 261 to the setting value data buffer 2621. 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 the 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 head 25.

[0044] (inkjet head) The inkjet 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 that expands and contracts a pressure chamber that contains ink, and ejects ink droplets from a nozzle that communicates with the pressure chamber.

[0045] The driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit for the inkjet head 25. More specifically, the driver IC 2511 is a drive circuit that drives 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 a drive waveform generation circuit 2661. The data processing circuit 2551 receives print data from a print data transfer unit 267 and a control signal and a drive voltage from a 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 multiple switch elements, and the data processing circuit 2551 supplies drive voltages of multiple levels to the multiple 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 generation circuit 2661 , and outputs the drive signal to the actuator group 256 .

[0046] Specifically, 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.

[0047] Each actuator of the actuator group 256 operates in accordance with 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.

[0048] (Setting value data selection using conventional methods) The selection of set value data according to the conventional method is carried out as follows.

[0049] First, the inkjet head 25 is driven by the basic drive waveform to eject ink and form an image on the print medium.

[0050] Next, the ink ejection is evaluated based on the size, speed, shape, etc. of the ejected ink droplets, and on the image formed on the printing medium, such as resolution, color reproducibility, clarity, and dot position accuracy.

[0051] Next, the evaluation results are checked. For example, the evaluation results are 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 found to be better than the threshold value, the evaluation result is deemed OK, and if not, the evaluation result is deemed NG.

[0052] If the evaluation result is NG, the drive waveform is reselected, the inkjet head 25 is driven with the reselected drive waveform to eject ink, an image is formed, and the ink ejection is evaluated. This series of operations is repeated until the evaluation result is OK.

[0053] If the evaluation result is OK, the drive waveform at that time is recognized as the target drive waveform, and the setting value data that generates this drive waveform is selected as the target setting value data.

[0054] (Functional configuration of the driving waveform proposal system) Next, the functional configuration of the drive waveform proposal system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive waveform proposal system 50 according to an embodiment. The drive waveform proposal system 50 is configured from a server and the like on the cloud. In other words, the drive waveform proposal system 50 can also be said to be a drive waveform proposal server.

[0055] The drive waveform proposal 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." In the following description, the application server may also be abbreviated as "AP server" and the database may also be abbreviated as "DB."

[0056] The web server 51 is the first point of entry for access from the external terminal 30 to the drive waveform proposal system 50 and provides a user interface to the external terminal 30. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the web server 51 is shown in FIG. 7. The web server 51 has a communication function and a user interface provision function. The web server 51 also has a user interface database as a dedicated database in the database 57. Note that in the drawings, the user interface is abbreviated as "UI." In the following description, the user interface will 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, via this user interface, interacts 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 to receive requests from the external terminal 30 and return responses to those requests to the external terminal 30.

[0057] 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 operating the PC 31 sends 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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, or reads appropriate data from the database 57 and provides it to the authentication server 52, the application server 54, and the web API server 55.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the authentication server 52. The authentication server 52 has a login function. The authentication server 52 also has dedicated databases in its database 57, including a customer database, a user database, a whitelist, and a serial number database. In the drawing, the serial number is abbreviated as "S / N." In the following explanation, the serial number may also be abbreviated as "S / N."

[0061] The authentication server 52 receives login information for the external terminal 30 from the web server 51, and permits login for authorized external terminals 30 through cooperation between the login function and a whitelist that holds information on authorized external terminals 30. Furthermore, for new external terminals 30, the authentication server 52 requests input of necessary information using 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.

[0062] The authentication server 52 allows the administrator to perform operations with administrator privileges, such as registering users in the user database and accessing each database. After logging in, the authentication server 52 checks the input serial number of the inkjet head against the customer database and serial number database.

[0063] 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 authorized external terminals 30 to access the application server 54 and the web API server 55.

[0064] The application server 54 provides an execution environment for web applications. The web API server 55 provides APIs.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the application server 54 and web API server 55. The application server 54 and web API server 55 have a drive waveform proposal function, an ink temperature and viscosity calculation engine, and a drive waveform estimation algorithm. In addition, the application server 54 and web API server 55 have dedicated databases in the database 57, including a coefficient database, a serial number database, an operation log database, and master data. The application server 54 and web API server 55 provide the administrator with an ink temperature and viscosity calculation engine update function and a drive waveform estimation algorithm update function.

[0066] The application server 54 and web API server 55 receive parameters, including ink information and operating conditions for the inkjet head 25, from the logged-in and authenticated external terminal 30. The drive waveform proposal function derives the drive waveform for the inkjet head 25 from parameters, including operating conditions and physical properties, using an ink temperature and viscosity calculation engine, a dedicated database, and other data analysis-based drive waveform estimation algorithm. The drive waveform estimation algorithm derives the drive waveform using input variables such as the ink type, ink specific gravity, and inkjet head type. The drive waveform proposal function provides setting value data for generating the derived drive waveform. Furthermore, the drive waveform proposal function corrects the setting value data based on the ink viscosity or temperature. Examples of ink types include UV-curable ink, oil-based ink, solvent ink, ceramic ink, and water-based ink.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the database server 56. The database server 56 has a data management function, a data update function, and a user management function. The database server 56 also has databases 57, including 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, and a whitelist. The database server 56 also provides the administrator with a data update function and a user management function.

[0068] In the drive waveform proposal 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 received information from the external terminal 30 and function as a response unit that provides the response information to the external terminal 30.

[0069] The external terminal 30 transmits to the drive waveform proposal system 50 parameters including the usage conditions and ink information of the inkjet head 25 of the liquid ejection device 10, and a request for a drive waveform proposal.

[0070] If the access from the external terminal 30 is appropriate, the drive waveform proposal system 50 receives parameters via the web server 51, calculates setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet 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.

[0071] When the external terminal 30 is a PC 31 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the application server 54 receives parameters including the usage conditions and ink information of the inkjet head 25 and outputs them to the database server 56. The database server 56 stores the parameters in a database 57.

[0072] The application server 54 calculates setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head 25. The application server 54 stores the setting value data in a database 57 via a database server 56. The application server 54 also transmits the setting value data to the PC 31 via a firewall 53 and a web server 51.

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

[0074] When the external terminal 30 is a control server 32 that controls the liquid ejection device 10, the web API server 55 performs the same operations as the application server 54 described above. That is, the web API server 55 receives parameters including the usage conditions and ink information of the inkjet head 25, and outputs them to the database server 56. The database server 56 stores the parameters in a database 57 via the database server 56.

[0075] The web API server 55 calculates setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head 25. The web API server 55 stores the setting value data in a database 57 via a database server 56. The web API server 55 also transmits the setting value data to the control server 32 via the firewall 53 and the web server 51.

[0076] 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 head 25, the processor 12 reads the setting value data from the memory 13 and transmits it to the head controller 26.

[0077] (Hardware configuration of the driving waveform proposal system) The drive waveform proposal system 50 can be configured by a computer. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of a computer 60 that can configure the drive waveform proposal system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0078] 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 .

[0079] 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.

[0080] The processor 61 is configured by 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.

[0081] The ROM 62 is a non-volatile memory that constitutes 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 starts up by executing the program in the ROM 62. The ROM 62 is configured, for example, with an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and stores various startup settings in addition to the startup program.

[0082] The RAM 63 is a volatile memory that constitutes part of the main storage device. The RAM 63 temporarily stores programs required for processing by the processor 61 and data required for executing the programs. The processor 61 executes the programs in the RAM 63 to perform operations on the data in the RAM 63 and store the results of the operations in the RAM 63.

[0083] The auxiliary storage device 64 is configured by 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 programs to be 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.

[0084] For example, the input device 65 is configured with a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input device 65 is not limited to this and may be configured with any other input device. For example, the output device 66 is configured with a display, etc. The output device 66 is not limited to this and may be configured with any other output device. The input device 65 and the output device 66 may be configured with an input / output device having the functions of both devices. For example, the input / output device is configured with a tablet, a disk drive, etc.

[0085] The communication device 67 has a function of transmitting and receiving data and information to and from the external terminal 30. For example, the communication device 67 has a receiving device and a transmitting device.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The program non-temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 64 is read into the auxiliary storage device 64 via the input device 65 through a disk drive if the recording medium is a disk, and then non-temporarily stored. 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.

[0088] At startup, the processor 61 executes a program in the ROM 62 and loads and starts the OS into the RAM 63. Under control of the OS, the processor 61 monitors input instructions, connections to external devices, and the like. Under control of the OS, the processor 61 also sets up a program area and a data area in the RAM 63. In response to an instruction to start the drive waveform proposal system 50, the processor 61 loads the drive waveform proposal program from the auxiliary storage device 64 into the program area of ​​the RAM 63, and loads data required for executing the drive waveform proposal 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 drive waveform proposal program and writes the calculation results to the data area. Through these operations, the processor 61, the RAM 63, and the auxiliary storage device 64 work together to execute the functions of the web server 51, authentication server 52, firewall 53, application server 54, web API server 55, database server 56, and database 57 of the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0089] 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.

[0090] (Example of operation of the drive waveform proposal system) Next, an example of the operation of the drive waveform proposal system 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 16. Figs. 12 to 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing in an example of the operation of the drive waveform proposal 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. 12 to 16, the processing of the external terminal 30 (PC 31 and user) is shown on the left side, and the processing of the drive waveform proposal system 50 is shown on the right side. Note that in the flowcharts of Figs. 12 to 16, the drive waveform proposal system is abbreviated as "system." Also, in the flowcharts, the inkjet head is abbreviated as "head" and register data is abbreviated as "register."

[0091] When a user inputs an instruction to start using the drive waveform proposal system 50 into the PC 31, the PC 31 sends a request to start use to the drive waveform proposal system 50. The drive waveform proposal system 50 creates a UI screen for login processing using the web server 51. Hereinafter, the UI screen for login processing will be abbreviated as the login screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the login screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the login screen. The PC 31 receives the login screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT11 displays the login screen to prompt the user to perform the login processing.

[0092] FIG. 17 shows an example of a login screen. The login screen is an interface that accepts login processing. The login screen has a user ID input field, a password input field, and a "Sign in" button. The login screen also has a link for performing the "Forgot your password" process.

[0093] The user enters the user ID in the user ID input field, the password in the password input field, and clicks the "Sign in" button to complete the login process.

[0094] When the user performs the login process, the PC 31 transmits the input information on the login screen, i.e., the user ID and password, to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT12, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the authentication server 52 to query the user database for the user ID and password to perform user authentication processing, and in ACT13, checks the authentication result.

[0095] A user database stores, for example, user IDs and passwords associated with the user IDs. Both user IDs and passwords are unique identification information. User IDs and passwords are associated one-to-one.

[0096] If the user ID and password entered on the login screen 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 result is NG.

[0097] If the authentication result is NG (No in ACT13), the drive waveform proposal system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT14, 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 ACT11 and displays the login screen on the screen again to prompt the user to perform the login process.

[0098] If the authentication result is OK (Yes in ACT13), the drive waveform proposal system 50 permits the login. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for inputting the number of inkjet heads 25 for which setting value data is desired to be output. Hereinafter, the UI screen for inputting the number of inkjet heads 25 will be abbreviated as the head number input screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the head number input screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the head number input screen. The PC 31 receives the head number input screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT15 displays the head number input screen to prompt the user to select the number of inkjet heads 25.

[0099] FIG. 18 shows an example of the head number input screen. The head number input screen is an interface that accepts input processing for the number of inkjet heads 25 for which setting value data is desired to be output. The head number input screen has a field for selecting the number of inkjet heads 25 and a "OK" button. The number selection field allows the number of inkjet heads 25 to be selected using a pull-down function. The "OK" button is a UI controller that sends information about the number of inkjet heads 25 selected in the number selection field to the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0100] The user clicks the expansion icon on the right side of the number selection field to display a list of options for the number of inkjet heads 25, clicks one of the number options to select it, and clicks the ``Decide'' button to enter the number of inkjet heads 25.

[0101] When the user inputs the number of inkjet heads 25, the PC 31 transmits the information on the number of inkjet heads 25 to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT16, the drive waveform proposal system 50 determines, using the application server 54, whether the number of inkjet heads 25 is one or multiple.

[0102] If there is one inkjet head 25 (one in ACT16), the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for inputting the serial number. Hereinafter, the UI screen for inputting the serial number will be abbreviated as the serial number input screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the serial number input screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the serial number input screen. The PC 31 receives the serial number input screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT17 displays the serial number input screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0103] 19 shows an example of the serial number input screen. The serial number input screen is an interface that accepts input processing of the serial number of the inkjet head 25. The serial number input screen has a serial number input field, an "OK" button, and a "Cancel" button.

[0104] The user enters the serial number in the serial number input field and clicks the "OK" button to complete the serial number input process.

[0105] The "Cancel" button is a UI controller for canceling use of the drive waveform proposal system 50. When the user clicks the "Cancel" button, the PC 31 transmits a request to cancel use to the drive waveform proposal system 50, and the drive waveform proposal system 50 cancels processing of the drive waveform proposal service.

[0106] When the user performs the serial number input process, the PC 31 transmits the input information on the serial number input screen, i.e., the serial number, to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT18, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the authentication server 52 to query the serial number against a serial number database and performs a serial number verification process, and in ACT19, checks the verification result.

[0107] The serial number matching process verifies whether the user of PC 31 is a legitimate user who is authorized to use the drive waveform proposal system 50. In more detail, the serial number database and customer database are used to check whether the customer linked to the serial number matches the customer linked to the user ID.

[0108] The serial number database stores serial number linking information that links the serial numbers of the inkjet heads 25 with customers. The serial number linking information links serial numbers with customers on a one-to-one basis. A customer is a specific user who is authorized to use the drive waveform proposal system 50, such as a legitimate purchaser of the inkjet head 25.

[0109] The customer database stores user ID linking information that links user IDs with customers. The user ID linking information links user IDs with customers on a one-to-one basis.

[0110] The serial number linking information is registered in the serial number database when the inkjet head 25 is purchased. The user ID linking information is newly registered or added and updated in the customer database when the inkjet head 25 is purchased.

[0111] If the customer linked to the serial number matches the customer linked to the user ID, the authentication server 52 determines that the user of the drive waveform proposal system 50 is a legitimate user and the matching result is OK, and if the customer linked to the serial number does not match the customer linked to the user ID, the authentication server 52 determines that the user of the drive waveform proposal system 50 is an unauthorized user and the matching result is NG.

[0112] If the result of the serial number collation is NG (No in ACT19), the drive waveform proposal system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT20, 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 ACT17 and again displays the serial number input screen on the screen to prompt the user to input the serial number.

[0113] For example, if the comparison result is NG three times in a row, the drive waveform proposal system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message indicating that the drive waveform proposal service will be forcibly terminated because the serial number comparison has failed three times, and waits for confirmation from the user before forcibly terminating the drive waveform proposal service.

[0114] If the serial number verification result is OK (Yes in ACT19), the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for inputting parameters required for proposing a drive waveform. The parameters required for proposing a drive waveform include the usage conditions and ink information of the inkjet head 25. Hereinafter, the UI screen for inputting parameters required for proposing a drive waveform will be abbreviated as the waveform proposal screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the waveform proposal screen to the PC 31 and instructs the PC 31 to display the waveform proposal screen. In ACT21, the PC 31 displays the waveform proposal screen on its screen and prompts the user to input parameters.

[0115] An example of the waveform proposal screen is shown in Figure 20. The waveform proposal screen is an interface that accepts input processing of parameters including ink information and usage conditions to be applied to one inkjet head 25. The waveform proposal screen includes a head selection field, an AL rank selection field, an ink selection field, a usage condition selection field, an ink temperature and viscosity input field, a drive voltage display field, a "Create waveform" button, a "Create register data" button, and fields for displaying the head and waveform type and waveform value.

[0116] The head selection field includes a head type selection field and a serial number display field. The head type selection field allows the head type to be selected using a pull-down function. The serial number display field displays the serial number entered on the serial number input screen displayed in ACT17.

[0117] The AL rank selection field includes a database selection field, a surface selection field, and an AL rank field. The database selection field has an "S / N DB" option and a "Coefficient DB" option. The "S / N DB" option is an option for using the serial number database. The "Coefficient DB" option is an option for using the coefficient database. Either of these options can be selected using a radio button or option button. The surface selection field allows you to select a surface using a pull-down function. The AL rank field allows you to select an AL rank using a pull-down function.

[0118] When selecting the AL rank, selecting the serial number database applies the AL rank linked to the serial number. In other words, when "From S / N DB" in Figure 20 is selected, the AL rank linked to the serial number is applied. Because the AL rank of the inkjet head 25 is measured before shipping, the AL rank of the inkjet head 25 linked to the serial number is determined before shipping. The AL rank of the inkjet head 25 linked to the serial number is managed in the serial number database.

[0119] AL (acoustic length) is half the natural vibration period of the ink in the pressure chamber of the inkjet head 25, and is also called the pressure propagation time. AL has a different value depending on the inkjet head 25. The inkjet heads are ranked according to the AL value, and an AL rank is assigned.

[0120] The ink selection field includes an ink type selection field and an ink specific gravity input field. The ink type field allows you to select the ink type using a pull-down function. The ink specific gravity input field allows you to directly input the ink specific gravity value. In addition, the ink specific gravity input field displays a message prompting you to input the recommended range (0.70 to 3.0) in advance.

[0121] The usage condition selection field includes a drop number selection field and a frequency input field. The drop number selection field allows the drop number to be selected using a pull-down function. The drop number selection field may allow the drop number value to be directly input. The frequency input field allows the drive frequency value to be directly input. Furthermore, the frequency input field displays a message in advance prompting the user to input a value within the recommended range (1.0 to 30.0).

[0122] The ink temperature and viscosity input field includes a temperature and viscosity selection field and a calculation and input field. The temperature and viscosity selection field has a "Recommended Temperature" option, a "Desired Temperature" option, and a "Desired Viscosity" option. The "Recommended Temperature" option is for selecting the recommended temperature. The "Desired Temperature" option is for selecting the desired temperature. The "Desired Viscosity" option is for selecting the desired viscosity. Each of these options can be selected using a radio button or option button. The calculation and input field has a "Value Input" option and a "Value Calculation" option. The "Value Input" option is for selecting a value input. The "Value Calculation" option is for selecting a value calculation. Each of these options can be selected using a radio button or option button. The calculation and input field also includes an "Ink Temperature and Viscosity Calculation" button. The "Ink Temperature and Viscosity Calculation" button is a UI controller that, when the "Value Calculation" option is selected, commands the execution of a calculation of the ink temperature, viscosity, or both. The "Ink Temperature and Viscosity Calculation" button is disabled when the "Value Input" option is selected. The ink temperature / viscosity input field also displays an input field for entering values ​​when the "Value input" option is selected in the calculation / input field, and displays a display field for displaying the calculation result when the "Value calculation" option is selected.

[0123] On the waveform proposal screen shown in Figure 20, the desired temperature is selected in the temperature / viscosity selection field, and value input is selected in the calculation / input field, and accordingly the ink temperature / viscosity input field displays a display field for the ink temperature at a viscosity of 10 mPa·s and an input field for the desired ink temperature. In this case, the user enters the ink temperature in the input field for the desired ink temperature.

[0124] Also, for example, if the recommended temperature is selected in the temperature / viscosity selection field, the ink temperature / viscosity input field will display a field showing the ink temperature at a viscosity of 10 mPa·s. When the user clicks the "Input ink temperature / viscosity calculation" button to instruct execution of the calculation, the ink temperature / viscosity input field will display the calculation results in the field showing the ink temperature at a viscosity of 10 mPa·s.

[0125] The "Create Waveform" button is a UI controller that instructs the drive waveform proposal system 50 to estimate a waveform pulse for generating an appropriate drive waveform for the inkjet head 25 and output the waveform data of that waveform pulse. The drive voltage display field displays the drive voltage of that waveform pulse. The head waveform type and waveform value display field displays the waveform type and waveform value of that waveform pulse. The waveform type has element 1, element 2, ..., and the waveform value has pulse 1, pulse 2, .... Element 1, element 2, ... represent the components of the waveform pulse that determine the waveform type, and pulse 1, pulse 2, ... represent the time width of element 1, element 2, ....

[0126] The "Create Register Data" button is a UI controller that instructs the drive waveform proposal system 50 to derive a waveform pulse for generating an appropriate drive waveform for the inkjet head 25 and output setting value data for the waveform data of that waveform pulse. The setting value data includes the drive voltage of that waveform pulse and register data for the waveform value of that waveform pulse. The register data is data obtained by converting each element of the waveform value of the waveform pulse and each pulse of the waveform value to match the format of the driver IC 251 mounted on the inkjet head 25. For example, the drive waveform proposal system 50 outputs the setting value data of the drive waveform to the PC 31 as a file.

[0127] The ink information and usage conditions also include values ​​related to printing conditions and print quality. Therefore, the UI screen for inputting the ink information and usage conditions is not limited to the waveform proposal screen shown in Fig. 20. In other words, the waveform proposal screen shown in Fig. 20 is merely an example and may be changed as appropriate.

[0128] The following explanation assumes that the user has entered the necessary parameters into the waveform proposal screen and clicked the "Create Register Data" button. When the user clicks the "Create Register Data" button, the PC 31 sends the input parameters of the waveform proposal screen and an instruction to output the setting value data of the drive waveform to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT 22, the drive waveform proposal system 50 performs a check process of the input parameters using the application server 54. The targets of the check process in ACT 22 are ink information and usage conditions.

[0129] If the check result is NG (NG in ACT22), the web server 51 updates the waveform proposal screen so that an error message is displayed in the message display area. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the updated waveform proposal screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the updated waveform proposal screen. The PC 31 receives the updated waveform proposal screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT21 displays the updated waveform proposal screen on the screen and prompts the user to input parameters again.

[0130] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT22), the driving waveform proposal system 50 performs calculation processing of the temperature and viscosity of the ink using the application server 54 in ACT23.

[0131] Next, in ACT24, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the application server 54 to use a drive waveform estimation algorithm and a dedicated database based on the input parameters on the waveform proposal screen to derive a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head 25. More specifically, the waveform estimation algorithm uses the input parameters on the waveform proposal screen as input variables and derives a waveform pulse for generating an appropriate drive waveform.

[0132] Next, in ACT 25, the drive waveform proposal system 50 calculates the set value data of the waveform pulse using the application server 54. The set value data includes register data and a drive voltage. The register data includes each element of the waveform pulse and each pulse value.

[0133] Next, in ACT26, the drive waveform proposal system 50 outputs the setting value data to the PC 31. For example, the drive waveform proposal system 50 creates a file containing the setting value data using the application server 54, and transmits the file to the PC 31 using the web server 51. For example, the file containing the setting value data is a text file. Alternatively, the file containing the setting value data may be a CSV file or the like.

[0134] The PC 31 receives and stores the file containing the setting value data. This completes the process for when the number of inkjet heads 25 for which setting value data is desired to be output is one.

[0135] If the result of the determination in ACT16 is that there are multiple inkjet heads 25 for which setting value data output is desired (if there are multiple inkjet heads in ACT16), the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for selecting a serial number input method. Hereinafter, the UI screen for selecting a serial number input method will be abbreviated as the serial number input method selection screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the serial number input method selection screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the serial number input method selection screen. The PC 31 receives the serial number input method selection screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT27 displays the serial number input method selection screen and prompts the user to select a serial number input method.

[0136] FIG. 21 shows an example of a serial number input method selection screen. The serial number input method selection screen is an interface that accepts the selection process of the serial number input method. The serial number input method selection screen has an "input on screen" option, an "upload file" option, and an "OK" button. The "input on screen" option is an option for performing the serial number input process on the screen of PC 31. The "upload file" option is an option for uploading a file containing a list of serial numbers to the drive waveform proposal system 50. Either of these options can be selected using a radio button or an option button. The "OK" button is a UI controller that sends information about the selected option to the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0137] The user selects either the "screen input" option or the "file upload" option and clicks the "OK" button to select the method for inputting the serial number.

[0138] When the user selects the serial number input method, PC 31 transmits the selection information on the serial number input method selection screen, i.e., information on the serial number input method, to drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT 28, drive waveform proposal system 50 obtains the information on the serial number input method using web server 51, and in ACT 29, application server 54 determines whether the serial number input method is screen input or file upload.

[0139] If the serial numbers are input via screen input (in ACT 29), the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for inputting the serial numbers of all the inkjet heads 25. Hereinafter, the UI screen for inputting the serial numbers of all the inkjet heads 25 will be abbreviated as the all serial number input screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the all serial number input screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the all serial number input screen. The PC 31 receives the all serial number input screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT 30 displays the all serial number input screen to prompt the user to input the serial numbers.

[0140] FIG. 22 shows an example of the all-serial-number input screen. The all-serial-number input screen is an interface that accepts input of the serial numbers of all inkjet heads 25. The all-serial-number input screen has a "head S / N" input field, a "head type" selection field, an "add" button, and an "input" button. The "head S / N" input field has multiple input fields. Each input field is for inputting the serial number of each inkjet head 25. The "head type" selection field allows selection of the type of inkjet head 25 using a pull-down function. The "add" button is a UI controller that increases the number of "head S / N" input fields when the number of input fields in the "head S / N" input field displayed by default is insufficient. The "input" button is a UI controller that sends the input information on the all-serial-number input screen to the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0141] The user enters the serial number in the "Head S / N" input field, selects the head type in the "Head Type" selection field, and clicks the "Input" button to input the serial numbers of all the inkjet heads 25. For example, the serial number can be input into the "Head S / N" input field by copying and pasting from a text file or the like that contains the serial numbers of all the inkjet heads 25.

[0142] When the user performs the serial number input process, the PC 31 sends all the input information on the serial number input screen, i.e., the serial numbers and head type information, to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT 31, the drive waveform proposal system 50 obtains the serial numbers and head type information of all the inkjet heads 25 from the web server 51. The drive waveform proposal system 50 then proceeds to the process of verifying all serial numbers in ACT 35.

[0143] If the serial numbers are entered by uploading a file (upload in ACT 29), the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for uploading a file containing the serial numbers of all the inkjet heads 25. Hereinafter, the UI screen for uploading a file will be abbreviated as the upload screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the upload screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the upload screen. The PC 31 receives the upload screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT 32 displays the upload screen to prompt the user to upload the file. For example, the file containing the serial numbers is a text file. The file containing the serial numbers may also be a CSV file or the like.

[0144] FIG. 23 shows an example of the upload screen. The upload screen is an interface that accepts the upload process of a file containing the serial numbers of all inkjet heads 25. The upload screen has a file selection field and an "Upload" button. The file selection field is a UI element for inputting or selecting a file containing serial numbers. For example, the full path of a file can be input into the file selection field. Furthermore, by clicking the icon on the right side of the file selection field, a dialog box for selecting the file can be displayed, and the full path of the file can be input in the dialog box. The "Upload" button is a UI controller that sends the file specified in the file selection field to the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0145] Figure 24 shows an example of a file listing the serial numbers of all inkjet heads 25. The file contains a list of the serial numbers of all inkjet heads 25 ("head S / N") and text indicating the "head type." The list of serial numbers is made up of multiple lines of text, each line containing the ID and serial number of each inkjet head 25.

[0146] On the upload screen, the user enters the full path of the file containing the serial numbers of all the inkjet heads 25 in the file selection field and clicks the "Upload" button to perform the file upload process.

[0147] When the user performs the file upload process, the PC 31 sends the uploaded file to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT 33, the drive waveform proposal system 50 obtains the uploaded file via the web server 51, and in ACT 33, obtains the serial numbers and head type information of all inkjet heads 25 via the application server 54. The drive waveform proposal system 50 then proceeds to the process of verifying all serial numbers in ACT 35.

[0148] In ACT35, the driving waveform proposal system 50 uses the authentication server 52 to query the serial number database for the serial numbers of all inkjet heads 25 obtained in ACT31 or ACT34, and performs a serial number matching process, and in ACT36, checks the matching results.

[0149] In the processing for all inkjet heads 25 in ACT35 and ACT36, the process of matching each serial number and the process of certifying each matching result are the same as the process of matching the serial number for one inkjet head 25 in ACT18 and ACT19 and the process of certifying the matching result.

[0150] If the result of checking all the serial numbers is NG (No in ACT36), the drive waveform proposal system 50 instructs the PC 31 to display an error message. In ACT37, 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 ACT24 and again displays the screen for inputting all the serial numbers in ACT30, or displays the upload screen in ACT32, prompting the user to upload files.

[0151] If the result of verifying all serial numbers is OK (Yes in ACT36), the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for inputting parameters necessary for proposing a drive waveform. The parameters necessary for proposing a drive waveform include the usage conditions and ink information of the inkjet head 25. Hereinafter, the UI screen for inputting parameters necessary for proposing a drive waveform will be abbreviated as the waveform proposal screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the waveform proposal screen to the PC 31 and instructs the PC 31 to display the waveform proposal screen. In ACT38, the PC 31 displays the waveform proposal screen on the screen and prompts the user to input parameters.

[0152] An example of the waveform proposal screen is shown in Figure 25. The waveform proposal screen is an interface that accepts input processing of ink information and usage condition parameters that are commonly applied to all of the multiple inkjet heads 25. The waveform proposal screen shown in Figure 25 is the waveform proposal screen shown in Figure 20 with the head selection field and AL rank selection field omitted. This is because the head selection field and AL rank selection field are not necessary when processing multiple inkjet heads 25. The reason for this is as follows.

[0153] The reason why the head selection field is not necessary is as follows: Head type information has already been acquired in ACT 31 or ACT 34. Therefore, the head type selection field is not necessary. Also, the serial number display field is not necessarily a necessary UI element, and the same can be said for the waveform proposal screen shown in Figure 20.

[0154] The reason why the AL rank is not necessary is as follows: When processing multiple inkjet heads 25, the AL rank of each inkjet head 25 is not selected on the waveform proposal screen, but is determined from the serial number of each inkjet head 25 based on the fact that the AL rank is linked to the serial number.

[0155] In other words, the process for multiple inkjet heads 25 is a process that omits the process of selecting the head type and the process of selecting the AL rank for each inkjet head 25 each time.

[0156] The following description assumes that the user has entered the necessary parameters, i.e., ink information and usage conditions, into the waveform proposal screen and clicked the "Create Register Data" button. When the user clicks the "Create Register Data" button, PC 31 sends the input parameters of the waveform proposal screen and an instruction to output the setting value data of the drive waveform to drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT 39, drive waveform proposal system 50 uses application server 54 to perform a process of checking the input parameters, i.e., ink information and usage conditions.

[0157] If the check result is NG (NG in ACT39), the web server 51 updates the waveform proposal screen so that an error message is displayed in the message display area. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the updated waveform proposal screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the updated waveform proposal screen. The PC 31 receives the updated waveform proposal screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT38 displays the updated waveform proposal screen on the screen and prompts the user to input parameters again.

[0158] If the check result is OK (OK in ACT39), the driving waveform proposal system 50 performs calculation processing of the ink temperature and viscosity using the application server 54 in ACT40.

[0159] Next, in ACT41, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the application server 54 to apply the ink information and usage conditions entered from the waveform proposal screen to all of the multiple inkjet heads 25, and uses a drive waveform estimation algorithm and a dedicated database to derive a drive waveform suitable for each of the inkjet heads 25, or more specifically, a waveform pulse for generating that drive waveform.

[0160] Next, in ACT 42, the drive waveform proposal system 50 calculates the set value data of the waveform pulse using the application server 54. The set value data includes register data and a drive voltage. The register data includes each element of the waveform pulse and each pulse value.

[0161] Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for selecting an output method for register data. Hereinafter, the UI screen for selecting an output method for register data will be abbreviated as a register output method selection screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the register output method selection screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the register output method selection screen. The PC 31 receives the register output method selection screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and displays the register output method selection screen in ACT 43, prompting the user to select an output method for register data.

[0162] Figure 26 shows an example of the register output method selection screen. The register output method selection screen is an interface that accepts the selection process for the register data output method. The register output method selection screen has options for "Output all AL register data list," "Output all head register data at once," and a "OK" button. The "Output all AL register data list" option displays a list of register data for all AL ranks on the PC 31 screen. All AL ranks refer to all AL ranks that the inkjet head 25 can have based on the head type. The "Output all head register data at once" option outputs a file containing register data for each inkjet head 25. These multiple files can be identified, for example, by adding a serial number and text information indicating side A / B in the file name. Either of these options can be selected using radio buttons or option buttons. The "OK" button is a UI controller that sends the information of the selected option to the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0163] The user selects either the "List output of all AL register data" option or the "Bulk output of register data for all heads" option, and then clicks the "OK" button to select the register data output method.

[0164] When the user selects the register data output method, the PC 31 transmits the selection information on the register output method selection screen, i.e., the information on the register data output method, to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT 44, the drive waveform proposal system 50 obtains the information on the register data output method from the web server 51.

[0165] Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen for selecting a drive voltage output method. Hereinafter, the UI screen for selecting a drive voltage output method will be abbreviated as a drive voltage output method selection screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the drive voltage output method selection screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the drive voltage output method selection screen. The PC 31 receives the drive voltage output method selection screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50, and in ACT 45 displays the drive voltage output method selection screen and prompts the user to select a drive voltage output method.

[0166] Figure 27 shows an example of the drive voltage output method selection screen. The drive voltage output method selection screen is an interface that accepts the selection process for the drive voltage output method. The drive voltage output method selection screen has a "List of drive voltages for all heads" option, a "Voltage conversion formula" option, and a "Confirm" button. The "List of drive voltages for all heads" option displays a list of the drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25 on the PC 31 screen. The "Voltage conversion formula" option outputs a voltage conversion formula for the drive voltage instead of the drive voltage itself. The voltage conversion formula can be expressed as a linear equation: y = ax + b. Here, y is the drive voltage [V] of the customer's ink, x is the drive voltage [V] of the test ink presented to the customer by the service provider of the drive waveform proposal system 50, and a and b are eigenvalues ​​calculated by the drive waveform proposal system 50 based on the ink information entered by the customer. One of these options can be selected using a radio button or an option button. The “OK” button is a UI controller that transmits information about the selected option to the drive waveform proposal system 50 .

[0167] The user selects either the "voltage conversion formula output" option or the "output list of drive voltages for all heads" option, and then clicks the "OK" button to select the drive voltage output method.

[0168] When the user performs the process of selecting the drive voltage output method, the PC 31 transmits the selection information on the drive voltage output method selection screen, i.e., the information on the drive voltage output method, to the drive waveform proposal system 50. In ACT46, the drive waveform proposal system 50 obtains the information on the drive voltage output method from the web server 51.

[0169] Next, in ACT47, the drive waveform proposal system 50 determines, by the application server 54, whether the register data output method is "output of a list of all AL register data" or "output of register data of all heads all at once."

[0170] If the register data output method is "list output of all AL register data" (list in ACT47), in ACT48, the drive waveform proposal system 50 determines using the application server 54 whether the drive voltage output method is "list output of drive voltages for all heads" or "voltage conversion formula output."

[0171] If the drive voltage output method is "output of a list of drive voltages for all heads" (if a list is selected in ACT48), in ACT49, the drive waveform proposal system 50 outputs a list of register data for all AL ranks and a list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25.

[0172] The output is performed, for example, as follows: The drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen including a list of register data for all AL ranks and a list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25, and provides the UI screen to the PC 31, instructing it to display the UI screen. The PC 31 receives the UI screen and displays it on its screen.

[0173] An example of a list of register data for all AL ranks is shown in Fig. 28. The list of register data for all AL ranks is expressed in a matrix format, with the values ​​for each element of the register for each of all AL ranks written in each column.

[0174] 29 shows an example of a list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25. The list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25 is expressed in a matrix format, with each row listing the serial number of the inkjet head 25, the drive voltage for side A, and the drive voltage for side B for each of the ID numbers (No.) 1 to 10 of all inkjet heads 25. In addition to the matrix, the head type is also listed.

[0175] If the drive voltage output method is "voltage conversion formula output" (if conversion formula is selected in ACT48), in ACT50 the drive waveform proposal system 50 outputs a list of register data for all AL ranks and the voltage conversion formula for the drive voltage.

[0176] The output is performed, for example, as follows: The drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen including a list of register data for all AL ranks and a display of the voltage conversion formula for drive voltage, provides the UI screen to the PC 31, and instructs it to display the UI screen. The PC 31 receives the UI screen and displays it on its screen. The voltage conversion formula for drive voltage may be output, for example, by creating a file containing the voltage conversion formula for drive voltage using the application server 54, and sending the file to the PC 31 using the web server 51. The PC 31 receives and saves the file.

[0177] If the register data output method is "output of register data of all heads at once" (if it is "all at once" in ACT47), in ACT51, the drive waveform proposal system 50 determines using the application server 54 whether the drive voltage output method is "output of a list of drive voltages of all heads" or "output using a voltage conversion formula."

[0178] If the drive voltage output method is "output of a list of drive voltages for all heads" (if a list is selected in ACT51), the drive waveform proposal system 50 outputs a file containing register data for each of all inkjet heads 25 and a list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25.

[0179] The output is performed, for example, as follows: For "outputting register data for all heads at once," the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the application server 54 to create files containing register data for each of all inkjet heads 25, and the web server 51 sends these files to the PC 31. The PC 31 receives and saves these files. For "outputting a list of drive voltages for all heads," the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen containing a list of drive voltages for all inkjet heads 25, provides this UI screen to the PC 31, and instructs the PC 31 to display this UI screen. The PC 31 receives the UI screen and displays it on its screen.

[0180] If the drive voltage output method is "voltage conversion formula output" (if conversion formula is used in ACT51), the drive waveform proposal system 50 outputs a file containing register data for each of all inkjet heads 25 and a voltage conversion formula for the drive voltage.

[0181] The output is performed, for example, as follows. For the "output of register data for all heads at once," the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the application server 54 to create files containing register data for each of all inkjet heads 25, and the web server 51 sends these files to the PC 31. The PC 31 receives and stores these files. For the "output of voltage conversion formula," the drive waveform proposal system 50 uses the web server 51 to create a UI screen containing a display of the voltage conversion formula for the drive voltage, provides this UI screen to the PC 31, and instructs the PC 31 to display this UI screen. The PC 31 receives this UI screen and displays it on its screen. For the output of the voltage conversion formula for the drive voltage, the application server 54 may create a file containing the voltage conversion formula for the drive voltage, and the web server 51 may send this file to the PC 31. The PC 31 receives and stores this file.

[0182] This completes the process when multiple inkjet heads 25 are desired to output setting value data.

[0183] (Variation) The drive waveform proposal system 50 may store in advance an ink information group including multiple ink information, or a usage condition group including multiple usage conditions, or both, and provide a selection screen that accepts the selection of any one ink information from the ink information group, or any one usage condition from the usage condition group, or both, and acquire ink information, usage conditions, or both that are commonly applied to multiple inkjet heads 25 via the selection screen. An example of this is described below.

[0184] The ink information group and the usage condition group that are to be stored in advance in the drive waveform proposal system 50 are input in advance by the user to the drive waveform proposal system 50 via the PC 31 before using the output of the drive waveform setting value data. The drive waveform proposal system 50 stores the input ink information group and the usage condition group in a database 57.

[0185] When the user inputs an instruction to pre-input an ink information group into the PC 31, the PC 31 sends a request to pre-input the ink information group to the drive waveform proposal system 50. The drive waveform proposal system 50 creates a UI screen for pre-input processing of the ink information group using the web server 51. Hereinafter, the UI screen for pre-input processing of the ink information group will be abbreviated as the ink information pre-input screen. Next, the drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the ink information pre-input screen to the PC 31 and instructs it to display the ink information pre-input screen. The PC 31 receives the ink information pre-input screen from the drive waveform proposal system 50 and displays the ink information pre-input screen to prompt the user to pre-input processing of the ink information group.

[0186] FIG. 30 shows an example of the ink information pre-input screen. The ink information pre-input screen is an interface that accepts the pre-input process of ink information. The ink information pre-input screen includes an ink name input field, an ink selection field, an ink temperature / viscosity input field, and a "Save" button. The ink name input field is a field for inputting the ink name used to identify each ink information. The ink selection field and the ink temperature / viscosity input field are the same as the ink selection field and the ink temperature / viscosity input field on the waveform proposal screen shown in FIG. 20. The "Save" button is a UI controller that associates the selection content of the ink selection field and the selection content of the ink temperature / viscosity input field with the ink name and sends them to the drive waveform proposal system 50.

[0187] The user enters the ink name in the ink name input field, selects and inputs the desired parameters as appropriate in the ink selection field, selects and inputs the desired parameters as appropriate in the ink temperature and viscosity input field, and clicks the "Save" button to perform the ink information pre-input process.

[0188] When the user performs the ink information pre-input process, the PC 31 transmits the input parameters of the ink information pre-input screen to the drive waveform proposal system 50. The drive waveform proposal system 50 acquires the input parameters of the ink information pre-input screen via the web server 51 and stores them in the database 57.

[0189] The user can save multiple ink information, i.e., ink information groups, in the drive waveform proposal system 50 by changing the ink name entered in the ink name input field, selecting and inputting the desired parameters, and saving them.

[0190] When the user inputs an instruction to pre-input a group of use conditions into PC 31, PC 31 transmits a request for pre-input of a group of use conditions to drive waveform proposal system 50. Drive waveform proposal system 50 creates a UI screen for pre-input processing of a group of use conditions using web server 51. Hereinafter, the UI screen for pre-input processing of a group of use conditions will be abbreviated as a use condition pre-input screen. Next, drive waveform proposal system 50 provides the use condition pre-input screen to PC 31 and instructs it to display the use condition pre-input screen. PC 31 receives the use condition pre-input screen from drive waveform proposal system 50 and displays the use condition pre-input screen to prompt the user to pre-input processing of a group of use conditions.

[0191] FIG. 31 shows an example of a usage condition advance input screen. The usage condition advance input screen is an interface that accepts advance input processing of usage conditions. The usage condition advance input screen includes a usage condition name input field, a usage condition selection field, and a "Save" button. The usage condition name input field is a field for inputting the usage condition name for identifying each usage condition. The usage condition selection field is the same as the usage condition selection field on the waveform proposal screen shown in FIG. 20. The "Save" button is a UI controller that associates the selection content of the usage condition selection field with the usage condition name and transmits it to the driving waveform proposal system 50.

[0192] The user enters the name of the use condition in the use condition name input field, selects and inputs the desired parameters in the use condition selection field, and clicks the "Save" button to perform the pre-input process of the use conditions.

[0193] When the user performs the pre-input process for the usage conditions, the PC 31 transmits the input parameters of the usage conditions pre-input screen to the drive waveform proposal system 50. The drive waveform proposal system 50 acquires the input parameters of the usage conditions pre-input screen via the web server 51 and stores them in the database 57.

[0194] The user can save multiple usage conditions, i.e., groups of usage conditions, in the drive waveform proposal system 50 by changing the usage condition name entered in the usage condition name input field, selecting and inputting the desired parameters, and saving them.

[0195] Fig. 32 shows an example of a waveform proposal screen according to this modification, which is displayed on the screen of PC 31 in ACT 38 when this modification is applied to the embodiment. The waveform proposal screen is an interface that accepts input processing of ink information and usage condition parameters that are commonly applied to all of the multiple inkjet heads 25. The waveform proposal screen shown in Fig. 32 is obtained by adding an ink name selection field and a usage condition name selection field to the waveform proposal screen shown in Fig. 25.

[0196] In the ink name selection field, a pull-down function allows the user to select one ink name from a plurality of ink names.

[0197] The user clicks the expand icon on the right side of the ink name selection field to display a list of multiple ink names, as shown in Figure 33, and selects an ink name by clicking on one of the ink names in the list (for example, ink name A). Each ink name is associated with corresponding ink information.

[0198] That is, instead of entering ink information using the ink selection field and ink temperature / viscosity input field, the user can enter ink information by selecting the ink name in the ink name selection field. Entering ink information using the ink name selection field simply involves selecting the ink name, so the user can enter ink information easily and with less hesitation.

[0199] The use condition name selection field allows the user to select one of a plurality of use condition names using a pull-down function.

[0200] The user clicks the expand icon on the right side of the use condition name selection field to display a list of multiple use condition names, as shown in Figure 34, and selects one of the use condition names by clicking on it (for example, use condition name A). Each use condition name is associated with corresponding use condition information.

[0201] That is, instead of inputting the use condition information using the use condition selection field, the user can input the use condition information by selecting the use condition name in the use condition name selection field. Since inputting the use condition information using the use condition name selection field simply involves selecting the use condition name, the user can input the use condition information easily and with less hesitation.

[0202] (effect) The drive waveform proposal system 50 according to the embodiment receives parameters such as ink information and usage conditions from the external terminal 30 via the cloud, calculates setting value data for generating a drive waveform suitable for the inkjet head 25, and outputs the setting value data to the external terminal 30 via the cloud. This allows the user of the external terminal 30 to receive the setting value data without having to perform ejection observation. This eliminates the need for ejection evaluation, thereby reducing evaluation costs.

[0203] Furthermore, when the user desires to output setting value data for a plurality of inkjet heads 25, the drive waveform proposal system 50 receives ink information and usage conditions that are commonly applied to all of the plurality of inkjet heads 25, and uses the ink information and usage conditions to calculate and output setting value data for all of the plurality of inkjet heads 25. This eliminates the need for the user to input ink information and usage conditions for each inkjet head 25. In other words, the ink information and usage conditions only need to be input once for multiple inkjet heads 25, significantly reducing the time and effort required for input processing.

[0204] Furthermore, the drive waveform proposal system 50 can present a selection screen for multiple ink information and multiple usage conditions, and through this selection screen, can acquire ink information and usage conditions that are commonly applied to all of the multiple inkjet heads 25. This allows the user to easily input ink information and usage conditions.

[0205] Therefore, the drive waveform proposal system 50 according to the embodiment can output drive waveform data suitable for the inkjet head 25 while minimizing the time and effort required by the user.

[0206] (others) The program executed by the drive waveform proposal 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 an 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 in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0207] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, they are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied 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 within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 10...liquid ejection device, 11...control unit, 12...processor, 13...memory, 14...display, 15...operation unit, 16...communication interface, 21...conveyance motor, 22...motor drive circuit, 23...pump, 24...pump drive circuit, 25...inkjet head, 26...head controller, 27...system bus, 28...power supply circuit, 30...external terminal, 31...PC, 32...control server, 50...drive waveform proposal 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, 251...IC driver, 252...drive signal generation circuit, 253...drive waveform generation circuit, 254...analog switch circuit, 255...data processing circuit, 256...actuator group, 261...bus bridge, 262...setting value data buffer, 263...print data buffer, 264...control signal generation unit, 265...drive control unit, 266...setting value data transfer unit, 267...print data transfer unit, 268...control signal transfer unit, 2511...IC driver, 2521...analog switch circuit, 2551...data processing circuit, 2621...setting value data buffer, 2651...drive control unit, 2661...drive waveform generation circuit.

Claims

1. A drive waveform proposal system that outputs setting value data for generating a drive waveform for an inkjet head, a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal via a cloud; a response unit that generates response information in response to reception information received by the communication unit from the external terminal and provides the response information to the external terminal via the communication unit; and The response unit providing a number input screen for receiving input of the number of inkjet heads for which the setting value data is desired to be output; If the number of units entered on the unit number input screen is more than one, A parameter input screen is provided that accepts input of ink information and usage conditions that are commonly applied to multiple inkjet heads, calculating and outputting the setting value data for all of the plurality of inkjet heads using the ink information and the usage conditions input on the parameter input screen; Drive waveform suggestion system.

2. when a plurality of units are input into the unit number input screen, the response unit provides an input method selection screen for selecting a method for inputting the serial numbers, the input method including an option for inputting all of the serial numbers of the plurality of inkjet heads on the screen and an option for uploading a file describing all of the serial numbers of the plurality of inkjet heads. The drive waveform proposing system according to claim 1 .

3. the response unit acquires serial numbers of all of the inkjet heads in accordance with the input method selected on the input method selection screen, and provides the parameter input screen when authentication of all of the serial numbers has been completed. The drive waveform proposing system according to claim 2 .

4. the response unit provides an output method selection screen for selecting a method for outputting the setting value data, the output method including an option for outputting a list of all the setting value data of the plurality of inkjet heads and an option for outputting a plurality of files at once, each file describing the setting value data of each of the plurality of inkjet heads; outputting the setting value data of the plurality of inkjet heads in accordance with the output method selected on the output method selection screen; The drive waveform proposing system according to claim 3 .

5. The response unit a parameter group including at least one of an information group including a plurality of ink information items and a condition group including a plurality of usage conditions is stored in advance; providing a parameter selection screen for accepting selection of any one parameter from the parameter group; acquiring the parameters to be commonly applied to the plurality of inkjet heads via the parameter selection screen; The drive waveform proposing system according to claim 1 .

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