Information processing device

Abstract

To improve usability in determining a waveform of a drive pulse on the basis of results of evaluation of a plurality of kinds of discharge characteristics.SOLUTION: An information processing device, which is used for determining a waveform of a drive pulse that is applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head, using results of evaluation of first discharge characteristics and second discharge characteristics of the liquid discharge head that discharges liquid, comprises: a first receiving part that receives input of first information for designating a voltage based on a result of evaluation of the first discharge characteristics as a voltage of a drive pulse that is used for evaluating the second discharge characteristics; and a second receiving part that receives input of second information for designating a voltage designated arbitrarily by a user as a voltage of a drive pulse that is used for evaluating the second discharge characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer, a liquid such as ink is generally ejected from a nozzle by applying a drive pulse to a drive element such as a piezoelectric element, where the waveform of the drive pulse is determined so that the ink ejection characteristics from the nozzle are as desired.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a computer that executes a program for determining the waveform of a drive pulse. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-115725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When determining a drive pulse waveform using a program such as that described in Patent Document 1, a drive pulse waveform is searched for to achieve a desired value for all of a plurality of ejection characteristics. The plurality of ejection characteristics include ejection characteristics searched for while varying the voltage component of the drive pulse waveform, and ejection characteristics searched for by varying only the time component without changing the voltage component of the drive pulse waveform. An example of the former is the ejection volume or ejection speed, and an example of the latter is the ejection frequency. When evaluating an ejection characteristic searched for without changing the voltage component, adopting a voltage value obtained from the evaluation results of an ejection characteristic searched for while varying the voltage component has the advantage of enabling measurement under optimal conditions, since the latter ejection characteristic can be evaluated after satisfying the former ejection characteristic. However, in cases where multiple evaluations are required under the same conditions, it may be preferable to use a user-specified value rather than the voltage obtained from the evaluation results of an ejection characteristic searched for while varying the voltage component. Under these circumstances, it is desirable to improve the usability of determining a drive pulse waveform based on the evaluation results of multiple types of ejection characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device used to determine the waveform of a drive pulse to be applied to a drive element provided in a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, using the results of evaluating the first and second ejection characteristics of the liquid ejection head, and has a first receiving unit that receives input of first information for designating a voltage based on the evaluation result of the first ejection characteristic as the voltage of the drive pulse to be used in evaluating the second ejection characteristic, and a second receiving unit that receives input of second information for designating a voltage arbitrarily designated by the user as the voltage of the drive pulse to be used in evaluating the second ejection characteristic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a driving pulse. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining measurement of ejection characteristics. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of determining the waveform of a drive pulse. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing a main window displayed on the display device when setting the evaluation of ejection characteristics based on the waveform of a driving pulse. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display for setting an evaluation environment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for setting a target characteristic value. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for measurement settings. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for waveform setting. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for waveform setting. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for waveform setting. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for waveform setting. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display for waveform setting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions and are shown schematically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present disclosure is limited.

[0009] 1. System including information processing device FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 100 including an information processing device 400 according to the first embodiment. The system 100 determines the waveform of a driving pulse PD used when ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, and performs evaluation for the determination. In this embodiment, the system 100 is capable of performing both the determination and the evaluation. Note that the system 100 may also be configured to perform only the evaluation. In this case, for example, the determination may be performed by a device separate from the system 100 using the results of the evaluation.

[0010] 1, the system 100 includes a liquid ejection device 200, a measurement device 300, and an information processing device 400. First, these will be outlined below in order.

[0011] 1-1a.Liquid discharge device 200 The liquid ejection device 200 is a printer that prints on a recording medium using an inkjet method. The recording medium is not particularly limited as long as it is a medium on which the liquid ejection device 200 can print, and may be, for example, various types of paper, various types of cloth, or various types of film. The liquid ejection device 200 may be a serial type printer or a line type printer.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 200 includes a liquid ejection head 210, a moving mechanism 220, a power supply circuit 230, a drive signal generation circuit 240, a drive circuit 250, a communication circuit 260, a memory circuit 270, and a processing circuit 280.

[0013] The liquid ejection head 210 ejects ink toward a recording medium. FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of drive elements 211 as components of the liquid ejection head 210. Although not illustrated, the liquid ejection head 210 also has, in addition to the drive elements 211, cavities that accommodate ink and nozzles that communicate with the cavities. Here, a drive element 211 is provided for each cavity, and by changing the pressure in the cavity, ink is ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the cavity. The drive element 211 is, for example, a piezoelectric element that deforms a diaphragm that forms part of the wall surface of the cavity, or a heater that heats the ink in the cavity. Note that hereinafter, the liquid ejection head 210 may be simply referred to as a "head."

[0014] 1, the liquid ejection device 200 has one liquid ejection head 210, but the number may be two or more. In this case, for example, two or more liquid ejection heads 210 are unitized. When the liquid ejection device 200 is a serial type, the liquid ejection head 210 or a unit including two or more of these is used so that a plurality of nozzles is distributed across a portion of the width of the recording medium. Furthermore, when the liquid ejection device 200 is a line type, a unit including two or more liquid ejection heads 210 is used so that a plurality of nozzles is distributed across the entire width of the recording medium.

[0015] The movement mechanism 220 changes the relative position between the liquid ejection head 210 and the recording medium. More specifically, when the liquid ejection device 200 is a serial type, the movement mechanism 220 has a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium in a predetermined direction, and a transport mechanism that repeatedly moves the liquid ejection head 210 along an axis perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium. Furthermore, when the liquid ejection device 200 is a line type, the movement mechanism 220 has a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium in a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of a unit including two or more liquid ejection heads 210.

[0016] The power supply circuit 230 receives power from a commercial power supply (not shown) and generates various predetermined potentials. The generated potentials are supplied to various parts of the liquid ejection device 200 as appropriate. For example, the power supply circuit 230 generates a power supply potential VHV and an offset potential VBS. The offset potential VBS is supplied to the liquid ejection head 210 and the like. The power supply potential VHV is also supplied to the drive signal generation circuit 240 and the like.

[0017] The drive signal generation circuit 240 is a circuit that generates a drive signal Com for driving each drive element 211 of the liquid ejection head 210. Specifically, the drive signal generation circuit 240 includes, for example, a DA conversion circuit and an amplifier circuit. In the drive signal generation circuit 240, the DA conversion circuit converts a waveform designation signal dCom (described later) from a digital signal to an analog signal from the processing circuit 280, and the amplifier circuit amplifies the analog signal using a power supply potential VHV from the power supply circuit 230 to generate the drive signal Com. Of the waveforms included in the drive signal Com, the signal with the waveform that is actually supplied to the drive element 211 is the drive pulse PD. The drive pulse PD will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0018] Based on a control signal SI described below, the drive circuit 250 switches whether or not to supply at least a part of the waveform included in the drive signal Com as a drive pulse PD to each of the plurality of drive elements 211. The drive circuit 250 is, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip such as a transmission gate.

[0019] The communication circuit 260 is a communication device communicatively connected to the information processing device 400. The communication circuit 260 includes interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and a Local Area Network (LAN). The communication circuit 260 may be wirelessly connected to the information processing device 400 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like, or may be connected to the information processing device 400 via a Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet, for example. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both registered trademarks.

[0020] The storage circuitry 270 stores various programs executed by the processing circuitry 280 and various data such as print data processed by the processing circuitry 280. The storage circuitry 270 includes semiconductor memory such as one or both of a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a programmable read-only memory (PROM). The print data is supplied from, for example, the information processing device 400. The storage circuitry 270 may be configured as a part of the processing circuitry 280.

[0021] The processing circuit 280 has a function of controlling the operation of each part of the liquid ejection device 200 and a function of processing various data. The processing circuit 280 includes, for example, one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that the processing circuit 280 may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0022] The processing circuitry 280 executes the programs stored in the memory circuitry 270 to control the operation of each part of the liquid ejection device 200. Here, the processing circuitry 280 generates signals such as control signals Sk, SI, and waveform designation signal dCom as signals for controlling the operation of each part of the liquid ejection device 200.

[0023] The control signal Sk is a signal for controlling the driving of the movement mechanism 220. The control signal SI is a signal for controlling the driving of the drive circuit 250. Specifically, the control signal SI specifies for each predetermined unit period whether the drive circuit 250 should supply the drive signal Com from the drive signal generation circuit 240 to the liquid ejection head 210 as a drive pulse PD. This specification specifies the amount of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210, etc. The waveform specification signal dCom is a digital signal for defining the waveform of the drive signal Com generated by the drive signal generation circuit 240.

[0024] 1-1b.Measuring device 300 The measuring device 300 is a device for measuring the ejection characteristics of ink from the liquid ejection head 210. Examples of the ejection characteristics include the ejection speed, ejection angle, ejection amount, number and stability of satellites, etc. In the following, the ejection characteristics of ink from the liquid ejection head 210 may be simply referred to as "ejection characteristics."

[0025] The measuring device 300 of this embodiment is an imaging device that captures ink in flight after being ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. Specifically, the measuring device 300 includes, for example, an imaging optical system and an imaging element. The imaging optical system is an optical system including at least one imaging lens, and may include various optical elements such as a prism, or may include a zoom lens or a focus lens. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) image sensor. The imaging results of the imaging element are input to an information processing device 400, which calculates each ejection characteristic by arithmetic processing using the imaging results. Note that measurement of ejection characteristics using the measuring device 300 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0026] Of the aforementioned ejection characteristics, the ink amount can also be measured without using the measuring device 300, by using a device that captures an image of ink that has landed on a recording medium or the like, or by using an electronic balance that measures the mass of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. The ejection characteristics may be any characteristics related to the state of ink ejection from the liquid ejection head 210, and are a concept that includes not only the aforementioned characteristics but also the drive frequency or residual vibration of the liquid ejection head 210. The residual vibration is vibration that remains in the ink flow path in the liquid ejection head 210 after the drive element 211 is driven, and is detected as a voltage signal from the drive element 211, for example.

[0027] 1-1c. Information processing device 400 The information processing device 400 is a computer that controls the operations of the liquid ejection device 200 and the measurement device 300. Here, the information processing device 400 is connected to each of the liquid ejection device 200 and the measurement device 300 wirelessly or via a wire so that they can communicate with each other. This connection may involve a communication network including a LAN or the Internet.

[0028] In particular, the information processing device 400 has the function of determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD and performing evaluation for that determination. The configuration of the information processing device 400 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0029] 2. Drive pulse FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of a drive pulse PD. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents potential V. FIG. 2 shows the change over time in the potential of the drive signal Com. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive signal Com includes a drive pulse PDa and a drive pulse PDb for each unit period Tu of a predetermined cycle. The waveform of the drive pulse PDa is an example of a "first waveform," and the waveform of the drive pulse PDb is an example of a "second waveform."

[0030] The drive pulses PDa and PDb are each a drive pulse PD that drives the drive element 211 to generate pressure fluctuations in the pressure chambers of the liquid ejection head 210 that are strong enough to eject ink from the nozzles of the liquid ejection head 210. Here, the unit period Tu is divided into a period Tu1 that includes the drive pulse PDa and a period Tu2 that includes the drive pulse PDb. Note that, hereinafter, the drive pulses PDa and PDb may each be referred to as the drive pulse PD.

[0031] 5, the waveform of the drive pulse PDa is a waveform that, during period Tu1, changes from an intermediate potential Vca, passes through a first potential VLa and a second potential VHa in this order, and then returns to the intermediate potential Vca. The first potential VLa is a potential lower than the intermediate potential Vca. In contrast, the second potential VHa is a potential higher than the intermediate potential Vca. The intermediate potential Vca is the aforementioned offset potential VBA or a reference potential obtained by applying a predetermined bias thereto.

[0032] Here, the waveform of the drive pulse PDa includes, from the start point to the end point, a first period P1a, a second period P2a, a third period P3a, a fourth period P4a, a fifth period P5a, a sixth period P6a, and a seventh period P7a, in this order. The first period P1a is a period during which the potential is maintained at the intermediate potential VCa. The second period P2a is a period during which the potential is lowered from the intermediate potential VCa to the first potential VLa. The third period P3a is a period during which the potential is maintained at the first potential VLa. The fourth period P4a is a period during which the potential is raised from the first potential VLa to the second potential VHa. The fifth period P5a is a period during which the potential is maintained at the second potential VHa. The sixth period P6a is a period during which the potential is lowered from the second potential VHa to the intermediate potential Vca. The seventh period P7a is a period during which the potential is maintained at the intermediate potential Vca. The start point of the waveform of the drive pulse PDa is the start point of the period Tu1, and the end point of the waveform of the drive pulse PDa is the end point of the period Tu1.

[0033] The drive pulse PDa increases the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210 by changing the potential from the intermediate potential Vca to the first potential VLa, and rapidly decreases the volume of the pressure chamber by changing the potential from the first potential VLa to the second potential VHa. This change in the volume of the pressure chamber causes some of the ink in the pressure chamber to be ejected as droplets from the nozzle of the liquid ejection head 210.

[0034] On the other hand, the waveform of the drive pulse PDb is a waveform that, during period Tu2, changes from the intermediate potential Vcb to the first potential VLb and the second potential VHb in this order, and then returns to the intermediate potential Vcb. The first potential VLb is a potential lower than the intermediate potential Vcb. In contrast, the second potential VHb is a potential higher than the intermediate potential Vcb. However, the potential difference between the first potential VLb and the second potential VHb is greater than the potential difference between the first potential VLa and the second potential VHa. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first potential VLb is a potential equal to the first potential VLa, but the second potential VHb is a potential higher than the second potential VHa. The intermediate potential Vcb is a potential equal to the intermediate potential Vca. Note that the potentials of each portion of the drive pulse PDb are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5. For example, the first potential VLb may be different from the first potential VLa, and the intermediate potential Vcb may be different from the intermediate potential Vca.

[0035] Here, the waveform of the drive pulse PDb includes, in this order from the start point to the end point, a first period P1b, a second period P2b, a third period P3b, a fourth period P4b, a fifth period P5b, a sixth period P6b, and a seventh period P7b. The first period P1b is a period during which the potential is maintained at an intermediate potential VCb. The second period P2b is a period during which the potential is lowered from the intermediate potential VCb to a first potential VLb. The third period P3b is a period during which the potential is maintained at a first potential VLa. The fourth period P4b is a period during which the potential is raised from the first potential VLb to a second potential VHb. The fifth period P5b is a period during which the potential is maintained at the second potential VHb. The sixth period P6b is a period during which the potential is lowered from the second potential VHb to an intermediate potential Vcb. The seventh period P7b is a period during which the potential is maintained at an intermediate potential Vcb. The start point of the waveform of the drive pulse PDb is the start point of the period Tu2, and the end point of the waveform of the drive pulse PDb is the end point of the period Tu2.

[0036] The drive pulse PDb increases the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210 by changing it from the intermediate potential Vcb to the first potential VLb, and rapidly decreases the volume of the pressure chamber by changing it from the first potential VLb to the second potential VHb. This change in the volume of the pressure chamber causes some of the ink in the pressure chamber to be ejected as droplets from the nozzle of the liquid ejection head 210.

[0037] Here, as described above, the potential difference between the first potential VLb and the second potential VHb is greater than the potential difference between the first potential VLa and the second potential VHa, so when the drive pulse PDb is used, the amount of liquid ejected from the nozzle is greater than when the drive pulse PDa is used. Therefore, if the size of the dots formed by the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 when the drive pulse PDa is used is a first size, the size of the dots formed by the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 when the drive pulse PDb is used is a second size that is larger than the first size.

[0038] In each of the drive pulses PDa and PDb described above, the ejection characteristics of ink from the liquid ejection head 210 can be adjusted by changing the aforementioned respective potentials or periods.

[0039] In the following, the intermediate potentials Vca and Vcb may be referred to as the intermediate potential Vc. The first potentials VLa and VLb may be referred to as the first potential VL. The second potentials VHa and VHb may be referred to as the second potential VH. The first period P1a and P1b may be referred to as the first period P1. The second period P2a and P2b may be referred to as the second period P2. The third period P3a and P3b may be referred to as the third period P3. The fourth period P4a and P4b may be referred to as the fourth period P4. The fifth period P5a and P5b may be referred to as the fifth period P5. The sixth period P6a and P6b may be referred to as the sixth period P6. The seventh period P7a and P7b may be referred to as the seventh period P7.

[0040] 3. Measurement of discharge characteristics 3 is a diagram for explaining measurement of ejection characteristics. As shown in Fig. 3, the measurement device 300 captures an image of the state of the ink droplets DR ejected from the nozzles N of the liquid ejection head 210 in flight from a direction perpendicular to or intersecting the ejection direction.

[0041] 3, the liquid ejection head 210 is provided with a nozzle surface 212 in which the nozzles N are opened. The nozzle surface 212 is usually placed so as to be parallel to the printing surface of the recording medium M.

[0042] The droplet DR is the main droplet ejected from the nozzle N. In the example shown in Fig. 3, in addition to the droplet DR, a plurality of droplets DRa called satellites that are generated following the droplet DR as a secondary result of the generation of the droplet DR are also ejected from the nozzle N. The droplets DRa have a smaller diameter than the droplets DR, and the presence or absence, number, size, etc. of the droplets DRa generated vary depending on the type of ink, the waveform of the drive pulse PD, etc.

[0043] The measuring device 300 captures images of the droplets DR in flight continuously or intermittently at small time intervals. Based on the results of this imaging, it is possible to measure the timing at which the droplets DR reach the recording medium M. Furthermore, based on the measurement results of the measuring device 300, it is also possible to measure the position of the droplets DR at each predetermined timing, or to measure the ejection direction, ejection speed, or landing position of the droplets DR based on the positions at multiple timings.

[0044] The timing at which the flight distance of the droplet DR from the liquid ejection head 210 reaches a predetermined distance may be calculated based on the time when the flight distance of the droplet DR actually reaches the predetermined distance, or may be calculated based on the ejection speed of the droplet DR and the predetermined distance. Here, if the predetermined distance is the distance PG between the nozzle face 212 and the recording medium M, the timing at which the droplet DR reaches the recording medium M is measured.

[0045] The amount of droplets DR ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 is calculated as the volume of the droplets DR based on the diameter LB of the droplets DR using, for example, an image captured by the measurement device 300. The ejection speed of the droplets DR from the liquid ejection head 210 is calculated based on, for example, the distance LC between any two positions of the droplets DR during flight and the time. In FIG. 3, the droplets DR after the predetermined time are indicated by a two-dot chain line. The aspect ratio (LA / LB) of the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 can also be calculated as the ink ejection characteristics. The ejection angle of the ink from the liquid ejection head 210 can also be calculated based on the positional relationship of the droplets DR before and after the predetermined time. The amount of droplets DR ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 may also be calculated as the mass of the droplets DR based on the diameter LB of the droplets DR and the density of the droplets DR.

[0046] 4. Information Processing Device Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an information processing device 400 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 400 has a display device 410, an input device 420, a communication circuit 430, a memory circuit 440, and a processing circuit 450. These are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0047] The display device 410 displays various images under the control of the processing circuit 450. Here, the display device 410 has various display panels, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel. The display device 410 may be provided outside the information processing device 400. The display device 410 may also be a component of the liquid ejection device 200.

[0048] The input device 420 is a device that accepts operations from a user. For example, the input device 420 has a pointing device such as a touchpad, a touch panel, or a mouse. Here, if the input device 420 has a touch panel, it may also function as the display device 410. Note that the input device 420 may be provided outside the information processing device 400. Furthermore, the input device 420 may be a component of the liquid ejection device 200.

[0049] The communication circuit 430 is a communication device that is communicatively connected to each of the liquid ejection device 200 and the measurement device 300. The communication circuit 430 includes interfaces such as USB and LAN. Note that the communication circuit 430 may be wirelessly connected to the liquid ejection device 200 or the measurement device 300 via, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or may be connected to the liquid ejection device 200 or the measurement device 300 via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0050] The storage circuitry 440 is a device that stores various programs executed by the processing circuitry 450 and various data processed by the processing circuitry 450. The storage circuitry 440 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. Note that part or all of the storage circuitry 440 may be provided in an external storage device, server, or the like external to the information processing device 400.

[0051] The memory circuitry 440 of this embodiment stores a program P, drive pulse information DP, environment setting information D1, target value setting information D2, measurement setting information D3, waveform setting information D4, scenario information D5, and evaluation information D6. In addition to this information and program, the memory circuitry 440 may also include information on other ejection characteristics, information on measurement conditions such as the waveform and temperature used in measurement by the measurement device 300, etc. as appropriate.

[0052] The drive pulse information DP is information relating to the waveform of the drive pulse PD, and is generated by a later-described determination unit 453. For example, the drive pulse information DP is information relating to various parameters for defining the waveform of the drive pulse PD.

[0053] The environmental setting information D1 is setting information related to the environment of the liquid ejection head 210 used for evaluation, and is generated by a setting unit 451, which will be described later. Examples of the environmental setting information D1 include setting information related to the nozzle resolution of the liquid ejection head 210, setting information related to whether the number of drive signals Com is multiple or single, setting information related to whether to control the temperature of the liquid ejection head 210, setting information related to the reference value of the temperature and its error range when such control is performed, setting information related to the nozzle to be evaluated out of the multiple nozzles possessed by the liquid ejection head 210, and setting information related to the storage destination of information related to the measurement results of the ejection characteristics during evaluation.

[0054] The target value setting information D2 is setting information relating to target conditions for the ejection characteristics, and is generated by a setting unit 451, which will be described later. The target conditions are an example of a first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD. Examples of the target value setting information D2 include setting information relating to a target value for the amount of liquid (Iw) per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210, setting information relating to a target value for the drive frequency (hereinafter also referred to as the ejection frequency) of the liquid ejection head 210, and setting information relating to a target value for the ejection speed (Vm) of the main droplet ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0055] The measurement setting information D3 is setting information related to measurement conditions for the ejection characteristics, and is generated by a setting unit 451, which will be described later. The measurement conditions are an example of second setting items that are different from first setting items for determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD. Examples of the measurement setting information D3 include setting information related to measurement conditions for the natural vibration period (Tc) of the liquid in the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210, setting information related to measurement conditions for the amount of ink per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210, setting information related to measurement conditions for the ejection speed of ink from the liquid ejection head 210, setting information related to measurement conditions for the frequency characteristics of the drive frequency of the liquid ejection head 210, setting information related to measurement conditions for acquiring an image of the flight state of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210, and setting information related to measurement conditions for measuring the stability of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0056] Here, the measurement setting information D3 includes voltage information D3a1, which is an example of “first information,” voltage information D3a2, which is an example of “second information,” and voltage information D3a3, which is an example of “third information.” The voltage information D3a1 is information for specifying a voltage based on an evaluation result of a first ejection characteristic, which is one of two different ejection characteristics, as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic, which is the other ejection characteristic. The voltage information D3a2 is information for specifying a voltage arbitrarily specified by the user as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic. The voltage information D3a3 is information for specifying a voltage obtained by correcting a voltage that has obtained a predetermined evaluation result, out of the voltages based on the evaluation result of the first ejection characteristic, as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic.

[0057] The waveform setting information D4 is information about the waveform of the driving pulse PD used for evaluation, and is generated by a setting unit 451, which will be described later. Examples of the waveform setting information D4 include setting information about the size of the ink droplets from the liquid ejection head 210, setting information about the waveform that serves as a reference for evaluation, setting information about the timing of supplying the driving pulse PD to the liquid ejection head 210, setting information about whether or not to combine multiple droplets of different sizes, setting information about whether or not to adjust the waveform of the evaluation target during measurement, setting information about the reference source for the target value of the waveform of the evaluation target, setting information about the reference source for the appropriate voltage to be used during measurement, and setting information about whether or not to measure the waveform of the evaluation target. These are included in the waveform setting information D4 for each type of measurement.

[0058] Here, the waveform setting information D4 includes waveform information D4a1, D4a2, and D4a3 and adjustment information D4b1, D4b2, and D4b3.

[0059] Waveform information D4a1 is information for determining a first waveform as the waveform of drive pulse PD. The first waveform is, for example, the waveform of drive pulse PDa. Waveform information D4a2 is information for determining a second waveform, different from the first waveform, as the waveform of drive pulse PD. The second waveform is, for example, the waveform of drive pulse PDb. Waveform information D4a3 is information for determining a third waveform, different from the first waveform and the second waveform, as the waveform of drive pulse PD. The third waveform is a waveform different from drive pulse PDa and drive pulse PDb.

[0060] Adjustment information D4b1 is information used when determining the waveform of drive pulse PDa (first waveform) and is information regarding whether or not to adjust at least a portion of the waveform of drive pulse PDa to be the same as elements of the waveform of drive pulse PDb. Adjustment information D4b2 is information used when determining the waveform of drive pulse PDb (second waveform) and is information regarding whether or not to adjust at least a portion of the waveform of drive pulse PDb to be the same as elements of the waveform of drive pulse PDa. Adjustment information D4b3 is information used when determining the third waveform and is information regarding whether or not to adjust at least a portion of the third waveform to be the same as elements of the waveform of drive pulse PDa or drive pulse PDb.

[0061] Examples of adjustments indicated by the adjustment information D4b1, D4b2, and D4b3 include adjustments such as making the voltage value at the start point of the waveform to be adjusted the same as the voltage value at the end point of another waveform, adjustments such as making the intermediate potential Vc of the waveform to be adjusted the same as the intermediate potential Vc of another waveform, adjustments such as making the maximum potential (second potential VH) of the waveform to be adjusted the same as the maximum potential of another waveform, and adjustments such as making the time length of the waveform to be adjusted the same as the time length of another waveform.

[0062] In this embodiment, when one of the three waveforms is to be adjusted, each of the adjustment information D4b1, D4b2, and D4b3 selectively indicates either adjusting the waveform to be adjusted so that at least a portion of the waveform to be adjusted is the same as an element of one of the other two waveforms, adjusting the waveform to be adjusted so that at least a portion of the waveform to be adjusted is the same as an element of the other of the other two waveforms, or not adjusting the waveform to be adjusted so that at least a portion of the waveform to be adjusted is the same as an element of either of the other two waveforms.

[0063] The scenario information D5 is information about one or more combinations of the target value setting information D2 and the measurement setting information D3, and is generated by the setting unit 451, which will be described later. The scenario information D5 may be information that directly includes the information about the target value setting information D2 and the measurement setting information D3, or may be information that indicates only the relationship between the combinations of the target value setting information D2 and the measurement setting information D3. For example, the scenario information D5 is information that combines the target value setting information D2 and the measurement setting information D3, or information that indicates the link between the target value setting information D2 and the measurement setting information D3. The scenario information D5 is preferably information about multiple combinations of the target value setting information D2 and the measurement setting information D3.

[0064] The evaluation information D6 is information relating to the evaluation of the ejection characteristics based on the waveform of the driving pulse PD, and is generated by an evaluation unit 452, which will be described later.

[0065] The program P provides the processing circuit 450 with various functions for determining or evaluating the waveform of the drive pulse PD.

[0066] The processing circuit 450 is a device that has the function of controlling each part of the information processing device 400, the liquid ejection device 200, and the measurement device 300, and the function of processing various data. The processing circuit 450 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 450 may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the processing circuit 450 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0067] The processing circuitry 450 functions as a setting unit 451, an evaluation unit 452, and a determination unit 453 by reading and executing the program P from the storage circuitry 440.

[0068] The setting unit 451 performs various settings required for evaluation to determine the waveform of the drive pulse PD. Specifically, the setting unit 451 displays an image for a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for settings on the display device 410, and receives input of environment setting information D1, target value setting information D2, measurement setting information D3, waveform setting information D4, and scenario information D5 in accordance with operations of the input device 420 based on the image, and generates this information.

[0069] Here, the setting unit 451 includes a first receiving unit 451a that receives input of voltage information D3a1, a second receiving unit 451b that receives input of voltage information D3a2, and a third receiving unit 451c that receives input of voltage information D3a3. The first receiving unit 451a receives the voltage information D3a1, the second receiving unit 451b receives the voltage information D3a2, and the third receiving unit 451c receives the voltage information D3a3 alternatively.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first receiving unit 451a causes the display device 410 to display a button B1 in a measurement setting section G4 (described later) as an image for the GUI for inputting voltage information D3a1. The second receiving unit 451b causes the display device 410 to display a button B3 in a measurement setting section G4 (described later) as an image for the GUI for inputting voltage information D3a2. The third receiving unit 451c causes the display device 410 to display a button B2 in a measurement setting section G4 (described later) as an image for the GUI for inputting voltage information D3a3.

[0071] The evaluation unit 452 evaluates the waveform of the driving pulse PD based on the setting results of the setting unit 451. Specifically, the evaluation unit 452 generates evaluation information D6 based on the environment setting information D1, target value setting information D2, measurement setting information D3, and waveform setting information D4. Here, for example, the evaluation unit 452 measures the ejection characteristics with the measurement device 300 under conditions based on the environment setting information D1 and the measurement setting information D3, using a driving pulse PD with a waveform based on the waveform setting information D4. Then, the evaluation unit 452 generates evaluation information D6 based on the difference between the measurement result and the target value indicated by the target value setting information D2.

[0072] The determining unit 453 determines the waveform of the drive pulse PD based on evaluation information D6 indicating the evaluation result of the evaluating unit 452. Specifically, the determining unit 453 determines, for example, the waveform of the drive pulse PD that corresponds to the evaluation result closest to the target value among the evaluation results indicated in the evaluation information D6, and generates drive pulse information DP indicating this waveform.

[0073] 5. Determining the waveform of the driving pulse FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD. As shown in FIG. 5, the waveform of the drive pulse PD is determined by executing step S10 for setting, step S20 for evaluation, and step S30 for determination in this order.

[0074] In step S10, the setting unit 451 performs various settings required for evaluating the ejection characteristics based on the waveform of the driving pulse PD. In the example shown in Fig. 5, step S10 includes step S11 for setting the evaluation environment, step S12 for setting the target characteristic value, step S13 for setting the measurement, and step S14 for setting the waveform. Note that steps S11, S12, S13, and S14 may be performed in any order.

[0075] In step S20, evaluation unit 452 performs measurement based on the measurement conditions set in step S10, and evaluates the measurement results based on whether or not the target conditions set in step S10 are satisfied. Then, in step S30, determination unit 453 determines the waveform of drive pulse PD based on the evaluation results in step S20.

[0076] 6. Setting for evaluation of ejection characteristics by drive pulse waveform In the above-mentioned step S10, information relating to various settings required for evaluating the ejection characteristics based on the waveform of the driving pulse PD is input to the information processing device 400 using a GUI made up of the display device 410 and input device 420 of the information processing device 400. Here, an image for this GUI is displayed on the display device 410. This image will be described below.

[0077] 6-1.Main window 6 is a diagram showing the main window MW displayed on the display device 410 when setting the evaluation of the ejection characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD. In the aforementioned step S10, the main window MW is displayed on the display device 410 as shown in FIG. 6. The main window MW displays an image for inputting items necessary for setting the evaluation of the ejection characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD. Specifically, the main window MW displays an evaluation environment setting section G1, an evaluation scenario input / output section G2, a target characteristic value setting section G3, a measurement setting section G4, a waveform setting section G5, and an evaluation setting button BT. Note that for convenience of drawing, the main window MW is shown in a simplified form in FIG. 6.

[0078] The evaluation environment setting section G1 is a display for setting the environment of the liquid ejection head 210 used for evaluation. Information input using the evaluation environment setting section G1 is stored as environment setting information D1 in the memory circuit 440 of the information processing device 400. The evaluation environment setting section G1 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0079] The evaluation scenario input / output section G2 is an area for storing information about conditions input using the target characteristic value setting section G3, measurement setting section G4, and waveform setting section G5 as scenario information D5 in the memory circuit 440, and for reading the scenario information D5 from the memory circuit 440 and reflecting the information indicated by the scenario information D5 in the target characteristic value setting section G3, measurement setting section G4, and waveform setting section G5. The evaluation scenario input / output section G2 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0080] The target characteristic value setting section G3 is an area for setting target conditions for the ejection characteristics. Information input using the target characteristic value setting section G3 is stored in the memory circuit 440 as target value setting information D2. The target characteristic value setting section G3 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0081] The measurement setting section G4 is an area for setting the measurement conditions for the ejection characteristics. Information input using the measurement setting section G4 is stored as measurement setting information D3 in the memory circuit 440. The measurement setting section G4 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21.

[0082] The waveform setting section G5 is an area for setting the waveform of the driving pulse PD used for evaluation. Information input using the waveform setting section G5 is stored as waveform setting information D4 in the memory circuit 440. The waveform setting section G5 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26.

[0083] The evaluation setting button BT is a button for setting the conditions input using the evaluation scenario input / output section G2, target characteristic value setting section G3, measurement setting section G4, and waveform setting section G5 as the measurement conditions and target conditions in the aforementioned step S20.

[0084] 6-2. Evaluation environment settings 7 is a diagram illustrating the evaluation environment setting section G1, which is a display for setting the evaluation environment. As shown in FIG. 7, the evaluation environment setting section G1 includes input sections G1-1, G1-2, G1-3, G1-4, G1-5, and G1-6.

[0085] Input section G1-1 is an area for inputting the nozzle resolution of the liquid ejection head 210. Input section G1-2 is an area for selecting and inputting whether the number of drive signals Com is multiple or single. Input section G1-3 is an area for selecting whether to control the temperature of the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting the reference value of the temperature and its error range when such control is performed. Input section G1-4 is an area for selecting and inputting the detection nozzle that is the nozzle to be evaluated from the multiple nozzles of the liquid ejection head 210. Input section G1-5 is an area for inputting the storage destination of information related to the measurement results of the ejection characteristics being evaluated.

[0086] 6-3. Setting target characteristic values 8 is a diagram for explaining the evaluation scenario input / output section G2 and the target characteristic value setting section G3, which are displays for setting target characteristic values. As shown in FIG. 8, the evaluation scenario input / output section G2 includes input sections G2-1 and G2-2.

[0087] The input section G2-1 is an area for reading the scenario information D5 from the memory circuit 440 and reflecting the information indicated by the scenario information D5 in the target characteristic value setting section G3, the measurement setting section G4, and the waveform setting section G5. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the input section G2-1 includes a field for displaying or inputting the path of the reference destination of the scenario information D5, a button for displaying a dialog for referencing the scenario information D5, and a button for reflecting the information indicated by the selected scenario information D5 in each setting section.

[0088] As will be described later, a user can input data into each input unit G4-1 to G4-43 and G5-1 to G5-19 and individually set desired information (conditions) for each setting item (including the first setting item and the second setting item) via the reception unit (including the first reception unit 451a and the second reception unit 451b), thereby determining a waveform under the user's desired conditions. However, since many setting items must be set, some users may find the setting process cumbersome, which could reduce usability. In contrast, in this embodiment, scenario information D5, in which information is set for each setting item, is stored in advance in the memory circuit 440, and the user can select scenario information D5 from the memory circuit 440 and input it into the input unit G2-1. This allows information to be set for each setting item collectively. This reduces the complexity of the setting process and improves usability.

[0089] The input section G2-2 is an area for storing information about the conditions input using the target characteristic value setting section G3, the measurement setting section G4, and the waveform setting section G5 as scenario information D5 in the memory circuit 440. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the input section G2-2 includes a field in which the path to the destination where the scenario information D5 is to be saved can be displayed or entered, a button for displaying a dialog for saving the scenario information D5, and a button for saving the scenario information D5 to the destination path.

[0090] When using the above-described scenario information D5, predetermined information is set for each setting item collectively. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable that some of the information may differ from the user's desired conditions. In such a case, after setting information for each setting item collectively using the scenario information D5, the user can update the information to the user's desired settings by inputting information into only the input section corresponding to the setting item they wish to change, among the input sections G4-1 to G4-43 and G5-1 to G5-19 described below. However, for a user who wants to repeatedly determine a waveform under the same conditions, it is conceivable that performing the above process each time a waveform is determined would be cumbersome. In contrast, in this embodiment, if the user changes some of the information from the preset scenario information D5, the combination of information can be saved as new scenario information D5. Of course, even if the user sets information for each setting item individually by inputting information into the input sections G4-1 to G4-43 and G5-1 to G5-19 without using the scenario information D5 from the beginning, the combination of information can also be saved as new scenario information D5.

[0091] The target characteristic value setting section G3 includes input sections G3-1, G3-2, and G3-3. Here, the target characteristic value setting section G3 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T1, and input using the input section G3-1, G3-2, and G3-3 is possible for each tab T1.

[0092] The input section G3-1 is an area for inputting a target value for the amount of liquid (Iw) per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210. The input section G3-2 is an area for inputting a target value for the amount of liquid (Iw) per ejection from the drive element 211. The input section G3-3 is an area for inputting a target value for the drive frequency of the main droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. The input section G3-4 is an area for inputting a target value for the ejection velocity (Vm) of the main droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0093] 6-4. Measurement settings 9 to 21 are diagrams illustrating the measurement setting section G4, which is a display for measurement settings. As shown in Fig. 9, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T2-1 to T2-6, and information can be input for each of these tabs.

[0094] In the example shown in FIG. 9, tab T2-1 is selected when inputting measurement conditions for the natural vibration period (Tc) of the liquid in the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-2 is selected when inputting measurement conditions for the amount of ink per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-3 is selected when inputting measurement conditions for the ejection speed of ink from the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-4 is selected when inputting measurement conditions for the frequency characteristics of the drive frequency of the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-5 is selected when inputting measurement conditions for acquiring an image of the flight state of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-6 is selected when inputting measurement conditions for measuring the stability of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0095] Below, the displays when tabs T2-1 to T2-5 are selected will be explained in order, and the explanation of the case when tab T2-6 is selected will be omitted.

[0096] 6-4-1. Setting measurement conditions for natural vibration period (Tc) 9, when tab T2-1 is selected, input sections G4-1 to G4-7 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T3, and input using the input sections G4-1 to G4-7 is possible for each tab T3.

[0097] The input section G4-1 is an area for inputting whether or not the natural vibration period (Tc) of the liquid in the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210 is to be measured.

[0098] The input section G4-2 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting information about the file.

[0099] Input section G4-3 is an area for selecting whether to measure continuously within the measurement range of period Pwh1, which corresponds to third period P3, or to measure a portion of the measurement range of period Pwh1. This selection switches the display on tab T4. Note that the following description will typically focus on the case where continuous measurement is performed within the measurement range of period Pwh1.

[0100] The input section G4-4 is an area for specifying a file for setting the reference waveform of the drive pulse used to measure the natural vibration period (Tc) and for inputting information about the file.

[0101] The input section G4-5 is an area for inputting the voltage value of the drive pulse used to measure the natural vibration period (Tc).

[0102] Input section G4-6 is an area for specifying the range of period Pwh1. In the example shown in Fig. 9, input section G4-6 displays fields for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval for changing period Pwh1 within the range.

[0103] The input section G4-7 is an area for specifying the number of times to repeat the measurement of the natural vibration period (Tc) under the same conditions.

[0104] 6-4-2. Setting the measurement conditions for the ink amount Iw 10, when tab T2-2 is selected, input sections G4-8 to G4-15 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T5, and input can be made using the input sections G4-8 to G4-15 for each tab T5.

[0105] The input section G4-8 is an area for specifying the number of nozzles used to measure the amount of ink Iw ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 per ejection.

[0106] The input section G4-9 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting information about the file.

[0107] The input section G4-10 is an area for specifying the number of times ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0108] The input section G4-11 is an area for specifying the ejection frequency of ink from the liquid ejection head 210. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the input section G4-11 displays a button for setting the ejection frequency to a target value, a button for setting the ejection frequency to half the target value, and a button for setting the ejection frequency to a specified value.

[0109] The input section G4-12 is an area for inputting a designated value for the ejection frequency.

[0110] The input section G4-13 is an area for specifying the range of the voltage Vh corresponding to the potential difference between the first potential VL and the second potential VH. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the input section G4-13 displays a field for specifying the start point and end point of the range, as well as the interval for changing the voltage Vh within the range.

[0111] Input section G4-14 is an area for specifying the calculation method for the ink amount Iw used to calculate the appropriate voltage for each evaluation voltage. In the example shown in Fig. 10, input section G4-14 displays a button for specifying that the average value of the measured values ​​be used, a button for specifying that the maximum value of the measured values ​​be used, and a button for specifying that the minimum value of the measured values ​​be used.

[0112] Input section G4-15 is an area for specifying the number of times to repeat the measurement of ink amount Iw under the same conditions.

[0113] 6-4-3. Setting the measurement conditions for discharge velocity Vw 11, when tab T2-3 is selected, input sections G4-16 to G4-19 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T6, and input using the input sections G4-16 to G4-19 is possible for each tab T6.

[0114] The input section G4-16 is an area for specifying the section in which droplets are detected when measuring the discharge velocity Vm.

[0115] The input section G4-17 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting information about the file.

[0116] The input section G4-18 is an area for specifying the drive frequency of the liquid ejection head 210.

[0117] Input section G4-19 is an area for specifying the range of voltage Vh. In the example shown in Fig. 11, input section G4-19 displays fields for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval for changing voltage Vh within the range.

[0118] 6-4-4. Setting the measurement conditions for the frequency characteristics of the head drive frequency 12, when tab T2-4 is selected, input sections G4-20 to G4-25 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T7, and input using the input sections G4-20 to G4-25 is possible for each tab T7.

[0119] The input section G4-20 is an area for specifying the number of nozzles used to measure the frequency characteristics of the drive frequency of the liquid ejection head 210.

[0120] The input section G4-21 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting information about the file.

[0121] The input section G4-22 is an area for specifying the number of times ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0122] Input section G4-23 is an area for specifying voltage Vh. In the example shown in FIG. 12, input section G4-23 displays button B1 for inputting the optimal voltage Vh obtained as a result of measuring the ink amount Iw described above as the appropriate voltage, button B2 for inputting a voltage Vh obtained by adding a correction value to the appropriate voltage, and button B3 for specifying a specified value as voltage Vh. In other words, in evaluating the ejection frequency, the user can select whether to use the voltage Vh determined to be appropriate in the evaluation of the ink amount Iw, use a voltage obtained by correcting the voltage Vh determined to be appropriate by the correction value entered in input section G4-24, or use a voltage arbitrarily specified by the user. The receiving section accepts the selection result.

[0123] The input section G4-24 is an area for inputting the designated value and correction value of the voltage Vh used in the input section G4-23.

[0124] The input section G4-25 is an area for specifying a file for setting the discharge frequency and inputting information about the file.

[0125] 6-4-5. Setting the measurement conditions for ink flight state 13, when tab T2-5 is selected, the measurement setting section G4 has multiple selectable tabs T8, and by selecting tab T8, it is possible to set each of the items: shooting range, voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and shooting mode. Below, we will explain what happens when each item is selected.

[0126] When the shooting range item is selected in tab T8, input fields G4-26 and G4-27 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T9, and input using input fields G4-26 and G4-27 is possible for each tab T9.

[0127] The input section G4-26 is an area for specifying the range of the distance PG included in the shooting range.

[0128] The input section G4-27 is an area for inputting the value of the distance PG at which the photographing result is output.

[0129] 14, when the voltage item is selected in tab T8, input fields G4-28 and G4-29 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T10, and input using input fields G4-28 and G4-29 is possible for each tab T10.

[0130] Input section G4-28 is an area for specifying voltage Vh. In the example shown in Fig. 14, input section G4-28 displays a button for inputting the optimum voltage Vh when measuring the ink amount Iw as the appropriate voltage, a button for inputting the voltage Vh obtained by adding a correction value to the appropriate voltage, and a button for specifying a specified value as voltage Vh.

[0131] The input section G4-29 is an area for inputting the designated value and correction value of the voltage Vh used in the input section G4-28.

[0132] 15, when the ejection pattern item is selected in tab T8, input fields G4-30 and G4-31 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T11, and input using input fields G4-30 and G4-31 is possible for each tab T11.

[0133] The input section G4-30 is an area for inputting an arbitrary ejection pattern name.

[0134] The input section G4-31 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting information about the file.

[0135] 16, when the frequency item is selected in tab T8, input fields G4-32 and G4-33 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T12, and input using input fields G4-32 and G4-33 is possible for each tab T12.

[0136] The input section G4-32 is an area for specifying the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head 210. In the example shown in Fig. 16, a button for setting the discharge frequency to a target value, a button for setting the discharge frequency to half the target value, and a button for setting the discharge frequency to a specified value are displayed in the input section G4-32.

[0137] The input section G4-33 is an area for inputting a designated value for the ejection frequency.

[0138] 17, when the shooting mode item is selected using tab T8, input sections G4-34 and G4-35 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T13, and input using input section G4-34 and input section G4-35 is possible for each tab T13.

[0139] The input section G4-34 is an area for selecting whether the photographing range is the entire nozzle row or a partial block.

[0140] The input section G4-35 is an area for specifying the nozzle row for checking the distance PG.

[0141] 6-4-6. Setting the measurement conditions for ink ejection stability As shown in Figure 18, when tab T2-6 is selected, the measurement setting section G4 has multiple selectable tabs T14, and by selecting tab T14, it is possible to set each item of voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and shooting mode.

[0142] When the voltage item is selected in tab T14, input fields G4-36 and G4-37 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T15, and input using input fields G4-36 and G4-37 is possible for each tab T15.

[0143] Input section G4-37 is an area for specifying voltage Vh. In the example shown in Fig. 18, input section G4-37 displays a button for inputting the optimum voltage Vh as the appropriate voltage when measuring the ink amount Iw described above, and a button for specifying a specified value as voltage Vh.

[0144] Input section G4-38 is an area for inputting the range of the specified value of voltage Vh used in input section G4-37. In the example shown in Fig. 18, input section G4-38 displays a field for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval for changing voltage Vh within the range.

[0145] 19, when the ejection pattern item is selected in tab T14, input fields G4-38 and G4-39 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T16, and input can be made using input fields G4-38 and G4-39 for each tab T16.

[0146] The input section G4-38 is an area for inputting an arbitrary ejection pattern name.

[0147] The input section G4-39 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and inputting information about the file.

[0148] 20, when the frequency item is selected in tab T14, input fields G4-40 and G4-41 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T17, and input using input fields G4-40 and G4-41 is possible for each tab T17.

[0149] The input section G4-40 is an area for specifying the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head 210. In the example shown in Fig. 20, a button for setting the discharge frequency to a target value, a button for setting the discharge frequency to half the target value, and a button for setting the discharge frequency to a specified value are displayed in the input section G4-40.

[0150] The input section G4-41 is an area for inputting a designated value for the ejection frequency.

[0151] 21, when the shooting mode item is selected in tab T14, input fields G4-42 and G4-43 are displayed in measurement setting section G4. Here, measurement setting section G4 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T18, and input using input fields G4-42 and G4-43 is possible for each tab T18.

[0152] The input section G4-42 is an area for selecting whether the photographing range is the entire nozzle row or a partial block.

[0153] The input section G4-43 is an area for specifying the nozzle row for checking the distance PG.

[0154] 6-5. Waveform settings 22 to 26 are diagrams illustrating the waveform setting section G5, which is a display for setting a waveform. As shown in Fig. 22, input sections G5-1 to G5-4 are displayed in the waveform setting section G5. Here, the waveform setting section G5 is provided with a plurality of selectable tabs T19, and input using the input sections G5-1 to G5-4 is possible for each tab T19.

[0155] The waveform setting section G5 also has a plurality of selectable tabs T20, and by selecting a tab T20, it is possible to set each of the following items: discharge amount, discharge speed, frequency characteristics, flight image, and stability. Here, the discharge amount item in tab T20 corresponds to the item in tab T2-2 described above, the discharge speed item in tab T20 corresponds to the item in tab T2-3 described above, the frequency characteristics in tab T20 corresponds to the item in tab T2-4 described above, the flight image in tab T20 corresponds to the item in tab T2-5 described above, and the stability in tab T20 corresponds to the item in tab T2-6 described above. Setting of each item in tab T20 is possible for each tab T19. Below, the operation when each item in tab T20 is selected will be described in order.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 22, when the item of discharge amount is selected in the tab T20, input fields G5-1 to G5-7 are displayed in the waveform setting section G5.

[0157] The input section G5-1 is an area for specifying the size of ink droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head 210, specifying a file for setting a waveform that will be the basis for evaluation, and inputting information about that file. In the example shown in Fig. 22, one droplet size is selected from multiple sizes such as "Large," "Middle," and "Small."

[0158] Input section G5-2 is an area for specifying a file for setting the timing for supplying the drive pulse PD to the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting information about the file. In the example shown in Fig. 22, in addition to inputting information about the file, an item for inputting whether or not to combine multiple droplets of different sizes (LMS mixed ejection) is displayed in input section G5-2.

[0159] Input section G5-3 is an area for setting whether or not to adjust the waveform of the waveform to be evaluated during measurement. Although not shown, input section G5-3 displays, for example, a choice not to adjust the waveform and a choice to adjust the intermediate potential Vc to the same value as the intermediate potential Vc at the appropriate voltage for each of the other droplet sizes.

[0160] Specifically, input section G5-3 displays four options: "None," "Adjust intermediate potential Vc to the same value as Large," "Adjust intermediate potential Vc to the same value as Middle," and "Adjust intermediate potential Vc to the same value as Small." The user selects and inputs one of these options. The receiving section accepts the input result. This allows the user to adjust whether or not to match the intermediate potential Vc with the drive waveform for another size when determining the drive waveform for the size being input (the drive waveform for Large as shown in G5-1 in the examples shown in FIGS. 22 to 26). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 22 to 26, selecting "Adjust intermediate potential Vc to the same value as Small" allows the drive waveform for Large to be searched for while satisfying the restriction that the drive waveform for Small and the intermediate potential Vc be the same value. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive waveforms for different sizes are connected to each other at the intermediate potential Vc. Therefore, if, for example, the drive waveform for Large and the drive waveform for Small are searched for and determined separately, the intermediate potential Vc will be different, and there is a risk that this intermediate potential difference will cause problems at the point where the drive waveforms switch. However, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the drive waveform for each size while avoiding such problems.

[0161] The input section G5-4 is an area for inputting the reference destination of the target value for the waveform to be evaluated and the reference source of the appropriate voltage to be used during measurement. Specifically, in the input section G5-4, the item of tab T1 of the target characteristic value setting section G3 described above is set as the reference destination of the target value for the waveform to be evaluated. Also, although not shown, the input section G5-4 displays two options for using the appropriate voltage calculated by the own waveform evaluation and the appropriate voltage calculated by waveform evaluation for each other droplet size as the reference source of the appropriate voltage to be used during measurement. In addition, a button for setting the input section G5-4 to not allow input is displayed in the input section G5-4.

[0162] The input section G5-5 is an area for inputting whether or not to measure the waveform to be evaluated.

[0163] The input section G5-6 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0164] The input section G5-7 is an area for selecting an item of the tab T5 of the measurement setting section G4. In the example shown in Fig. 22, in addition to the display for selecting the item of the tab T5, a button for confirming the contents of the item of the tab T5 is displayed in the input section G5-7. Here, the item of the tab T5 is selected using a plurality of tabs T20 that can be selected for each case of the number of cases input in the input section G5-6.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 23, when the discharge speed item is selected in the tab T20, input fields G5-8 to G5-10 are displayed in the waveform setting section G5.

[0166] The input section G5-8 is an area for inputting whether or not to measure the waveform to be evaluated.

[0167] The input section G5-9 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0168] The input section G5-10 is an area for selecting an item of tab T5 in the measurement setting section G4. In the example shown in Fig. 23, in addition to a display for selecting an item of tab T5, the input section G5-10 displays a button for confirming the contents of the item of tab T5 and a field for inputting the number of measurement repetitions. Here, the item of tab T5 is selected using multiple tabs T22 that can be selected for each case of the number of cases entered in the input section G5-9.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 24, when the frequency characteristics item is selected in tab T20, input fields G5-11 to G5-13 are displayed in waveform setting section G5.

[0170] The input section G5-11 is an area for inputting whether or not to measure the waveform to be evaluated.

[0171] The input section G5-12 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0172] The input section G5-13 is an area for selecting an item of tab T5 in the measurement setting section G4. In the example shown in Fig. 24, in addition to a display for selecting an item of tab T5, the input section G5-13 displays a button for confirming the contents of the item of tab T5 and a field for inputting the number of measurement repetitions. Here, the item of tab T5 is selected using multiple tabs T23 that can be selected for each case of the number of cases entered in the input section G5-12.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 25, when the item "flight photo" is selected in the tab T20, input fields G5-14 to G5-16 are displayed in the waveform setting section G5.

[0174] The input section G5-14 is an area for inputting whether or not to measure the waveform to be evaluated.

[0175] The input section G5-15 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0176] The input section G5-16 is an area for selecting the items of tabs T9 to T13 in the measurement setting section G4 for each of the imaging range, voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and imaging mode. In the example shown in Fig. 25, in addition to the display for selecting the items of tabs T9 to T13, a field for inputting the number of measurement repetitions is displayed in the input section G5-16. Here, the items of tabs T9 to T13 are selected using multiple tabs T24 that can be selected for each case of the number of cases entered in the input section G5-15.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 26, when the stability item is selected in the tab T20, input fields G5-17 to G5-19 are displayed in the waveform setting section G5.

[0178] The input section G5-17 is an area for inputting whether or not to measure the waveform to be evaluated.

[0179] The input section G5-18 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0180] The input section G5-19 is an area for selecting the items of tabs T10 to T13 in the measurement setting section G4 for each of voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and photography mode. In the example shown in Fig. 25, in addition to the display for selecting the items of tabs T10 to T13, a field for inputting the number of measurement repetitions is displayed in the input section G5-16. Here, the items of tabs T10 to T13 are selected using multiple tabs T25 that can be selected for each case of the number of cases entered in the input section G5-19.

[0181] As described above, the information processing device 400 is used to determine the waveform of the drive pulse PD to be applied to the drive element 211 provided in the liquid ejection head 210, using the results of evaluating the first and second ejection characteristics of the liquid ejection head 210 that ejects ink, which is an example of a "liquid." Here, the information processing device 400 has the first receiving unit 451a and the second receiving unit 451b, as described above.

[0182] The first receiving unit 451a receives input of voltage information D3a1, which is an example of "first information." The voltage information D3a1 is information for specifying a voltage based on the evaluation result of the first ejection characteristic as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic. The second receiving unit 451b receives input of voltage information D3a2, which is an example of "second information." The voltage information D3a2 is information for specifying a voltage arbitrarily specified by the user as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic.

[0183] In the information processing device 400 described above, the first receiving unit 451a receives input of voltage information D3a1. Therefore, by specifying a voltage based on the evaluation results of the first ejection characteristics as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used in evaluating the second ejection characteristics, the second ejection characteristics can be efficiently evaluated. Furthermore, the second receiving unit 451b receives input of voltage information D3a2. By specifying a voltage arbitrarily specified by the user as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used in evaluating the second ejection characteristics, the second ejection characteristics can be evaluated in accordance with various user preferences. In this way, usability can be improved when determining the waveform of the driving pulse PD based on the evaluation results of multiple types of ejection characteristics.

[0184] Furthermore, as described above, the first receiving unit 451a selectively receives the voltage information D3a1, and the second receiving unit 451b selectively receives the voltage information D3a2. Therefore, depending on the user's preference, the voltage based on the evaluation result of the first ejection characteristic can be designated as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic, or a voltage arbitrarily designated by the user can be designated as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic.

[0185] Furthermore, as described above, the voltage information D3a1 is information for specifying a voltage that has obtained a predetermined evaluation result from among the voltages based on the evaluation results of the first ejection characteristics as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristics. Therefore, a voltage that has obtained an appropriate evaluation result from among the voltages based on the evaluation results of the first ejection characteristics can be specified as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristics. As a result, the evaluation of the second ejection characteristics can be performed efficiently.

[0186] As described above, the information processing device 400 further includes a third receiving unit 451c. The third receiving unit 451c receives input of voltage information D3a3, which is an example of "third information." The voltage information D3a3 is information for specifying a voltage obtained by correcting a voltage that provides a predetermined evaluation result among voltages based on the evaluation results of the first ejection characteristics as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristics. Therefore, a voltage obtained by correcting a voltage that provides an optimal evaluation result among voltages based on the evaluation results of the first ejection characteristics can be specified as the voltage of the driving pulse PD used to evaluate the second ejection characteristics. As a result, the second ejection characteristics can be efficiently evaluated. Furthermore, the correction allows the user's knowledge to be utilized in the evaluation of the second ejection characteristics.

[0187] Furthermore, as described above, when the first ejection characteristic is the amount of ink ejected per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210, the waveform of the drive pulse PDa can be determined or an evaluation can be performed for that determination so that the amount of ink ejected per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210 is optimized.

[0188] Furthermore, as described above, when the first ejection characteristic is the ejection speed of ink from the liquid ejection head 210, the waveform of the drive pulse PDa can be determined or an evaluation can be performed for that determination so that the ejection speed of ink from the liquid ejection head 210 is optimized.

[0189] Furthermore, as described above, when the second ejection characteristic is the ejection frequency of ink from the liquid ejection head 210, the waveform of the drive pulse PDa can be determined or an evaluation can be performed for that determination so that the ejection frequency of ink from the liquid ejection head 210 is optimized.

[0190] Furthermore, as described above, in the evaluation of the first and second ejection characteristics, the waveforms of the drive pulse PDa and drive pulse PDb are used as the waveform of the drive pulse PD. The waveform of the drive pulse PDa is a first waveform for forming dots of a first size with ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. The waveform of the drive pulse PDb is a waveform for forming dots of a second size, which is larger than the first size, with ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. By using these two waveforms, it is possible to determine the waveforms of the drive pulse PDa and drive pulse PDb for improving gradation and to perform evaluation for that determination.

[0191] Furthermore, as described above, each of first receiving unit 451a and second receiving unit 451b displays an image for inputting information on display device 410. This makes it possible to provide the user with a GUI for inputting voltage information D3a1 and voltage information D3a2. As a result, usability can be improved compared to a configuration that does not use display device 410.

[0192] 7. Variations The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not mutually contradictory.

[0193] 7-1. Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the program P is executed by a processing circuit provided in the same device as the storage circuit in which the program P is installed, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and the program P may be executed by a processing circuit provided in a device different from the storage circuit in which the program P is installed. For example, the program P stored in the storage circuit 440 of the information processing device 400 may be executed by the processing circuit 280 of the liquid ejection device 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 100...system, 200...liquid ejection device, 210...liquid ejection head, 211...driving element, 212...nozzle surface, 220...movement mechanism, 230...power supply circuit, 240...driving signal generation circuit, 250...driving circuit, 260...communication circuit, 270...memory circuit, 280...processing circuit, 300...measuring device, 400...information processing device, 410...display device, 420...input device, 430...communication circuit, 440...memory circuit, 450...processing circuit, 451...setting unit, 451a...first receiving unit, 451b...second receiving unit, 451c...third receiving unit, 452...evaluation unit, 453...decision unit, B1...button, B2...button Button, B3...button, BT...evaluation setting button, Com...drive signal, D1...environment setting information, D2...target value setting information, D3...measurement setting information, D3a1...voltage information (first information), D3a2...voltage information (second information), D3a3...voltage information (third information), D4...waveform setting information, D4a1...waveform information, D4a2...waveform information, D4a3...waveform information, D4b1...adjustment information, D4b2...adjustment information, D4b3...adjustment information, D5...scenario information, D6...evaluation information, DP...drive pulse information, DR...droplet, DRa...droplet, G1...evaluation environment setting section, G1-1...input section, G1-2...input section, G1-3...input section, G1-4...input section, G1-5...input section, G1-6...input section, G2...evaluation scenario input / output section, G2-1...input section, G2-2...input section, G3...target characteristic value setting section, G3-1...input section, G3-2...input section, G3-3...input section, G4...measurement setting section, G4-1...input section, G4-10...input section, G4-11...input section, G4-12...input section, G4-13...input section, G4-14...input section, G4-15...input section, G4-16...input section, G4-17...input section, G4-18...input section, G4-19...input section, G4-2...input section, G4-20...input section, G4-21... Input section, G4-22...input section, G4-23...input section, G4-24...input section, G4-25...input section, G4-26...input section, G4-27...input section, G4-28...input section, G4-29...input section, G4-3...input section, G4-30...input section, G4-31...input section, G4-32...input section, G4-33...input section, G4-34...input section, G4-35...input section, G4-36...input section, G4-37...input section, G4-38...input section, G4-39...input section, G4-4...input section, G4-40...input section, G4-41...input section, G4-42...input section, G4-43...input section, G4-5...input section,G4-6...Input section, G4-7...Input section, G4-8...Input section, G4-9...Input section, G5...Waveform setting section, G5-1...Input section, G5-10...Input section, G5-11...Input section, G5-12...Input section, G5-13...Input section, G5-14...Input section, G5-15...Input section, G5-16...Input section, G5-17...Input section, G5-18...Input section, G5-19...Input section, G5-2...Input section, G5-3...Input section, G5-4...Input section, G5-5...Input section, G5-6...Input section, G5-7...Input section, G5-8...Input section, G5-9...Input section, Iw...Ink volume, LB...Diameter, LC...Distance, M ...recording medium, MW...main window, N...nozzle, P...program, P1...first period, P1a...first period, P1b...first period, P2...second period, P2a...second period, P2b...second period, P3...third period, P3a...third period, P3b...third period, P4...fourth period, P4a...fourth period, P4b...fourth period, P5...fifth period, P5a...fifth period, P5b...fifth period, P6...sixth period, P6a...sixth period, P6b...sixth period, P7...seventh period, P7a...seventh period, P7b...seventh period, PD...driving pulse, PDa...driving pulse, PDb...driving pulse, PG...distance Separation, Pvh1...safety, Pwh1...period, S10...step, S11...step, S12...step, S13...step, S14...step, S20...step, S30...step, SI...control signal, Sk...control signal, T1...tab, T10...tab, T11...tab, T12...tab, T13...tab, T14...tab, T15...tab, T16...tab, T17...tab, T18...tab, T19...tab, T2-1...tab, T2-2...tab, T2-3...tab, T2-4...tab, T2-5...tab, T2-6...tab, T20...tab, T22...tab, T23...tab, T24... Tab, T25...tab, T3...tab, T4...tab, T5...tab, T6...tab, T7...tab, T8...tab, T9...tab, Tu...unit period, Tu1...period, Tu2...period, V...potential, VBA...offset potential, VBS...offset potential, VCa...intermediate potential, VCb...intermediate potential, VH...second potential, VHV...power supply potential, VHa...second potential, VHb...second potential, VL...first potential, VLa...first potential, VLb...first potential, Vc...intermediate potential, Vca...intermediate potential, Vcb...intermediate potential, Vh...voltage, Vm...ejection speed, Vw...ejection speed, dCom...waveform designation signal, t...time.

Claims

1. 1. An information processing device used to determine a waveform of a drive pulse to be applied to a drive element provided in a liquid ejection head, using a result of evaluating a first ejection characteristic and a second ejection characteristic of the liquid ejection head, the information processing device comprising: a first receiving unit that receives input of first information for specifying a voltage based on the evaluation result of the first ejection characteristic as a voltage of a driving pulse used to evaluate the second ejection characteristic; a second receiving unit that receives input of second information for specifying a voltage arbitrarily designated by a user as the voltage of the driving pulse used for evaluating the second ejection characteristic; 1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The first information is received by the first receiving unit, and the second information is received by the second receiving unit, alternatively.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the first information is information for designating a voltage at which a predetermined evaluation result is obtained from among voltages based on the evaluation result of the first ejection characteristic as a voltage of a driving pulse to be used in evaluating the second ejection characteristic; 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. a third receiving unit configured to receive input of third information for specifying a voltage obtained by correcting a voltage for which a predetermined evaluation result has been obtained from among the voltages based on the evaluation results of the first ejection characteristics as a voltage of a driving pulse used for evaluating the second ejection characteristics; 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. the first ejection characteristic is an ejection amount of liquid per ejection from the liquid ejection head; 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

6. the first ejection characteristic is an ejection speed of the liquid from the liquid ejection head; 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

7. the second ejection characteristic is an ejection frequency of the liquid from the liquid ejection head; 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

8. In the evaluation of each of the first and second ejection characteristics, the waveform of the drive pulse is: a first waveform for forming dots of a first size by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head; a second waveform for forming dots of a second size larger than the first size by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head; 8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

9. each of the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit causes a display device to display an image for inputting information; 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

Images