Information processing device

Abstract

To improve usability in determining a waveform of a drive pulse.SOLUTION: An information processing device, which is used for determining a waveform of a drive pulse that is applied to a driving element provided in a liquid discharge head thar discharges liquid, comprises: a first receiving part that receives input of first information concerning a first setting item for determining a waveform of a drive pulse; a second receiving part that receives input of second information concerning a second setting item different from the first setting item for determining a waveform of a drive pulse; and a third receiving part that receives in a lump the first information and the second information from information stored in advance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

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

[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

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to determine the waveform of a drive pulse using a program as described in Patent Document 1, for example, it is necessary to set target conditions for ejection characteristics such as the ejection amount, ejection frequency, or ejection speed of the liquid from the nozzle, or to set measurement conditions such as the reference waveform or ejection pattern of the drive pulse used when measuring the ejection characteristics. Here, in reality, for example, when the same user determines the waveform of the drive pulse for a target device with the same configuration, it is assumed that the same target conditions or measurement conditions as the previous conditions are repeatedly used. On the other hand, even when the same user determines the waveform of the drive pulse for a target device with the same configuration, there may be a case where it is desired to make the target conditions or measurement conditions different from the previous conditions. Under such circumstances, it is desirable to improve the usability when determining the waveform of the drive pulse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device used to determine the waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head that discharges liquid, and comprises: a first receiving unit that receives input of first information relating to a first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse; a second receiving unit that receives input of second information relating to a second setting item different from the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse; and a third receiving unit that receives input of the first information and the second information together from pre-stored information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a drive pulse waveform. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the measurement of discharge characteristics. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the process for determining the waveform of the drive pulse. [Figure 6] This figure shows the main window displayed on the display device when setting up the evaluation of discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the display used for setting up the evaluation environment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the display used for setting target characteristic values. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the display for measurement settings. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the display for measurement settings. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the display for measurement settings. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the display for measurement settings. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 15] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 16] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 17] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 18] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 19] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 20] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 21] This is a diagram for explaining the display for measurement settings. [Figure 22] This is a diagram for explaining the display for waveform settings. [Figure 23] This is a diagram for explaining the display for waveform settings. [Figure 24] This is a diagram for explaining the display for waveform settings. [Figure 25] This is a diagram for explaining the display for waveform settings. [Figure 26] This is a diagram for explaining the display for waveform settings.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions and scales of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones, and there are also some parts shown schematically for easy understanding. Also, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless there is a description to specifically limit the present disclosure in the following description.

[0009] 1. System including an information processing device Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a system 100 including an information processing device 400 according to the first embodiment. The system 100 determines the waveform of a drive pulse PD used when ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, and evaluates the waveform for that determination. In this embodiment, the system 100 is capable of performing both the determination and the evaluation. However, 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] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a liquid dispensing device 200, a measuring device 300, and an information processing device 400. Below, we will first describe the outlines of these devices in order.

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

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 200 includes a liquid dispensing 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 the recording medium. In Figure 1, multiple drive elements 211 are shown as components of the liquid ejection head 210. Although not shown, the liquid ejection head 210 also includes a cavity for containing ink and a nozzle communicating with the cavity, in addition to the drive elements 211. 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 that 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. In the following, the liquid ejection head 210 may be simply referred to as the "head".

[0014] In the example shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 200 has one liquid dispensing head 210, but this number may be two or more. In this case, for example, two or more liquid dispensing heads 210 are unitized. When the liquid dispensing device 200 is of serial type, liquid dispensing heads 210 or units containing two or more of them are used so that multiple nozzles are distributed over a portion of the width direction of the recording medium. When the liquid dispensing device 200 is of line type, units containing two or more liquid dispensing heads 210 are used so that multiple nozzles are distributed over the entire width direction of the recording medium.

[0015] The moving mechanism 220 changes the relative position between the liquid discharge head 210 and the recording medium. More specifically, if the liquid discharge device 200 is serial type, the moving mechanism 220 includes a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium in a predetermined direction and a moving mechanism that repeatedly moves the liquid discharge head 210 along an axis perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium. If the liquid discharge device 200 is line type, the moving mechanism 220 includes a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of a unit containing two or more liquid discharge heads 210.

[0016] The power supply circuit 230 receives power from a commercial power source (not shown) and generates various predetermined potentials. The generated potentials are supplied to various parts of the liquid dispensing 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 dispensing head 210, etc. The power supply potential VHV is supplied to the drive signal generation circuit 240, etc.

[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 discharge head 210. Specifically, the drive signal generation circuit 240 includes, for example, a DA conversion circuit and an amplification circuit. In the drive signal generation circuit 240, the DA conversion circuit converts the waveform specification signal dCom from the processing circuit 280 (described later) from a digital signal to an analog signal, and the amplification circuit amplifies the analog signal using the power supply potential VHV from the power supply circuit 230 to generate the drive signal Com. Here, the signal that is actually supplied to the drive element 211 from among the waveforms included in the drive signal Com is the drive pulse PD. The drive pulse PD will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 2.

[0018] The drive circuit 250 switches whether or not to supply at least a portion of the waveform included in the drive signal Com as a drive pulse PD to each of the multiple drive elements 211 based on the control signal SI described later. 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 that is communicatively connected to the information processing device 400. The communication circuit 260 includes interfaces such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and LAN (Local Area Network). The communication circuit 260 may be wirelessly connected to the information processing device 400 by means of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or it may be connected to the information processing device 400 via LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are registered trademarks, respectively.

[0020] The memory circuit 270 stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 280 and various data such as print data processed by the processing circuit 280. The memory circuit 270 includes, for example, one or both of semiconductor memories: a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or PROM (Programmable ROM). The print data is supplied, for example, from the information processing device 400. The memory circuit 270 may also be configured as part of the processing circuit 280.

[0021] The processing circuit 280 has the function of controlling the operation of each part of the liquid dispensing device 200 and the function of processing various data. The processing circuit 280 includes, for example, one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units). The processing circuit 280 may also include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) instead of a CPU, or in addition to a CPU.

[0022] The processing circuit 280 controls the operation of each part of the liquid dispensing device 200 by executing a program stored in the memory circuit 270. Here, the processing circuit 280 generates signals such as control signals Sk and SI and waveform specification signal dCom as signals to control the operation of each part of the liquid dispensing device 200.

[0023] The control signal Sk is a signal for controlling the drive of the moving mechanism 220. The control signal SI is a signal for controlling the drive of the drive circuit 250. Specifically, the control signal SI specifies at predetermined intervals whether or not the drive circuit 250 supplies the drive signal Com from the drive signal generation circuit 240 to the liquid ejection head 210 as a drive pulse PD. This specification determines the amount of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. 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 ink ejection characteristics from the liquid ejection head 210. These ejection characteristics include, for example, ejection speed, ejection angle, ejection volume, number of satellites, and stability. In the following, the ink ejection characteristics from the liquid ejection head 210 may simply be referred to as "ejection characteristics."

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

[0026] Furthermore, the ink volume among the aforementioned ejection characteristics can also be measured without using the measuring device 300, by using a device that images the ink that has landed on a recording medium, or by using an electronic balance that measures the mass of the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. Also, the ejection characteristics only need to be characteristics related to the state of ink ejection from the liquid ejection head 210, and are a concept that includes not only the characteristics mentioned above, but also the driving frequency or residual vibration of the liquid ejection head 210. This residual vibration is a vibration that remains in the ink flow path in the liquid ejection head 210 after the driving element 211 has been driven, and is detected, for example, as a voltage signal from the driving element 211.

[0027] 1-1c. Information processing device 400 The information processing device 400 is a computer that controls the operation of the liquid dispensing device 200 and the measuring device 300. The information processing device 400 is connected to the liquid dispensing device 200 and the measuring device 300 wirelessly or via wired connections, enabling them to communicate with each other. A communication network, including a LAN or the Internet, may be involved in this connection.

[0028] In particular, the information processing device 400 has the function of determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD and evaluating the waveform for that determination. The configuration of the information processing device 400 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 4.

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

[0030] Each of the drive pulses PDa and PDb is a drive pulse PD that drives the drive element 211 to generate pressure fluctuations in the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210 that cause ink to be ejected from the nozzle of the liquid ejection head 210. Here, the unit period Tu is divided into a period Tu1 including the drive pulse PDa and a period Tu2 including the drive pulse PDb. In the following, each of the drive pulses PDa and PDb may be referred to as the drive pulse PD.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 5, the waveform of the drive pulse PDa, during period Tu1, is a waveform that passes through the intermediate potential Vca, the first potential VLa, and the second potential VHa in that order, before returning to the intermediate potential Vca. The first potential VLa is lower than the intermediate potential Vca. In contrast, the second potential VHa is higher than the intermediate potential Vca. The intermediate potential Vca is the offset potential VBA mentioned above or a reference potential obtained by applying a predetermined bias to it.

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

[0033] The drive pulse PDa described above increases the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210 by changing the intermediate potential Vca to the first potential VLa, and then rapidly decreases the volume of the pressure chamber by changing the first potential VLa to the second potential VHa. Due to this change in the volume of the pressure chamber, a portion of the ink in the pressure chamber is ejected as droplets from the nozzle of the liquid ejection head 210.

[0034] On the other hand, the waveform of the drive pulse PDb, during period Tu2, is a waveform that passes through the intermediate potential Vcb, the first potential VLb, and the second potential VHb in that order, before returning to the intermediate potential Vcb. The first potential VLb is lower than the intermediate potential Vcb. In contrast, the second potential VHb is 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 Figure 5, the first potential VLb is equal to the first potential VLa, but the second potential VHb is higher than the second potential VHa. The intermediate potential Vcb is equal to the intermediate potential Vca. Note that the potentials of each part of the drive pulse PDb are not limited to the example shown in Figure 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 the following periods in order from the start point to the end point: the first period P1b, the second period P2b, the third period P3b, the fourth period P4b, the fifth period P5b, the sixth period P6b, and the seventh period P7b. The first period P1b is the period during which the potential is maintained at the intermediate potential VCb. The second period P2b is the period during which the potential is lowered from the intermediate potential VCb to the first potential VLb. The third period P3b is the period during which the potential is maintained at the first potential VLa. The fourth period P4b is the period during which the potential is raised from the first potential VLb to the second potential VHb. The fifth period P5b is the period during which the potential is maintained at the second potential VHb. The sixth period P6b is the period during which the potential is lowered from the second potential VHb to the intermediate potential Vcb. The seventh period P7b is the period during which the potential is maintained at the intermediate potential Vcb. The starting point of the waveform of the drive pulse PDb is the starting point of period Tu2. Similarly, the ending point of the waveform of the drive pulse PDb is the ending point of period Tu2.

[0036] The drive pulse PDb described above increases the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210 by changing the intermediate potential Vcb to the first potential VLb, and then rapidly decreases the volume of the pressure chamber by changing the first potential VLb to the second potential VHb. Due to this change in the volume of the pressure chamber, a portion of the ink in the pressure chamber is ejected as droplets from the nozzle of the liquid ejection head 210.

[0037] As mentioned 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. Therefore, when using the drive pulse PDb, a larger amount of liquid is ejected from the nozzle compared to when using the drive pulse PDa. Consequently, if the size of the dots formed by the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 when using the drive pulse PDa is defined as the first size, then the size of the dots formed by the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210 when using the drive pulse PDb is a second size, which is larger than the first size.

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

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

[0040] 3. Measurement of discharge characteristics Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the measurement of ejection characteristics. As shown in Figure 3, the measuring device 300 images the state of the ink droplet DR ejected from the nozzle N of the liquid ejection head 210 in flight from a direction perpendicular to or intersecting with the ejection direction.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 3, the liquid discharge head 210 is provided with a nozzle surface 212 through which the nozzle N opens. The nozzle surface 212 is usually positioned 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 Figure 3, in addition to the droplet DR, several droplets called satellites, called DRa, are ejected from the nozzle N as secondary droplets that occur following the generation of the droplet DR. The droplets DRa are smaller in diameter than the droplet DR, and the presence, number, and size of the droplets DRa vary depending on the type of ink or the waveform of the drive pulse PD.

[0043] The measuring device 300 continuously or intermittently images the droplet DR in flight at minute time intervals. Based on the results of this imaging, the timing of the droplet DR's arrival at the recording medium M can be measured. Furthermore, based on the measurement results of the measuring device 300, the position of the droplet DR at predetermined timings can be measured, and the ejection direction, ejection velocity, or impact position of the droplet DR can be measured based on the position at multiple timings.

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

[0045] The amount of droplet DR from the liquid ejection head 210 is calculated, for example, as the volume of the droplet DR based on the diameter LB of the droplet DR using the image captured by the measuring device 300. The ejection velocity of the droplet DR from the liquid ejection head 210 is calculated, for example, based on the distance LC between any two positions of the droplet DR in flight and the time elapsed. In Figure 3, the droplet DR after the predetermined time is shown by a dashed line. The aspect ratio (LA / LB) of the ink from the liquid ejection head 210 can also be calculated as the ink ejection characteristic. The ejection angle of the ink from the liquid ejection head 210 can also be determined from the positional relationship of the droplet DR before and after the predetermined time. The amount of droplet DR from the liquid ejection head 210 may also be calculated as the mass of the droplet DR based on the diameter LB of the droplet DR and the density of the droplet DR.

[0046] 4. Information Processing Device Figure 4 shows an information processing device 400 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 400 includes a display device 410, an input device 420, a communication circuit 430, a storage circuit 440 which is an example of a "storage unit", and a processing circuit 450. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[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. Note that the display device 410 may be provided outside the information processing device 400. Also, the display device 410 may be a component of the liquid dispensing device 200.

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

[0049] The communication circuit 430 is a communication device that is connected to the liquid dispensing device 200 and the measuring device 300 in a communicative manner. The communication circuit 430 includes interfaces such as USB and LAN. The communication circuit 430 may be wirelessly connected to the liquid dispensing device 200 or the measuring device 300 by means of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or it may be connected to the liquid dispensing device 200 or the measuring device 300 via LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

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

[0051] The memory circuit 440 of this embodiment stores program P, drive pulse information DP, environment setting information D1, target value setting information D2 (an example of "first information"), measurement setting information D3 (an example of "second information"), waveform setting information D4, scenario information D5, and evaluation information D6. In addition to this information and the program, the memory circuit 440 may also appropriately include information on other discharge characteristics, waveforms used for measurement by the measuring device 300, information on measurement conditions such as temperature, etc.

[0052] The drive pulse information DP is information about the waveform of the drive pulse PD and is generated by the determination unit 453, which will be described later. For example, the drive pulse information DP is information about various parameters for defining the waveform of the drive pulse PD.

[0053] Environmental setting information D1 is setting information related to the environment of the liquid discharge head 210 used for evaluation, and is generated by the setting unit 451 described later. Examples of environmental setting information D1 include setting information related to the nozzle resolution of the liquid discharge head 210, setting information related to whether the number of drive signals Com is multiple or single, setting information related to whether or not to control the temperature of the liquid discharge 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 among the multiple nozzles of the liquid discharge head 210, and setting information related to the storage location of information regarding the measurement results of the discharge characteristics during evaluation.

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

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

[0056] Here, the measurement setting information D3 includes voltage information D3a1, D3a2, and D3a3. Voltage information D3a1 is information for specifying the voltage based on the evaluation result of the first discharge characteristic, which is one of two different discharge characteristics, as the voltage of the drive pulse PD used to evaluate the second discharge characteristic, which is the other discharge characteristic. Voltage information D3a2 is information for specifying a voltage arbitrarily specified by the user as the voltage of the drive pulse PD used to evaluate the second discharge characteristic. Voltage information D3a3 is information for specifying a voltage obtained by correcting the voltage from the evaluation result of the first discharge characteristic to obtain a predetermined evaluation result as the voltage of the drive pulse PD used to evaluate the second discharge characteristic.

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

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

[0059] Waveform information D4a1 is information for determining the first waveform as the waveform of the drive pulse PD. The first waveform is, for example, the waveform of drive pulse PDA. Waveform information D4a2 is information for determining the second waveform as the waveform of the drive pulse PD, which is different from the first waveform. The second waveform is, for example, the waveform of drive pulse PDb. Waveform information D4a3 is information for determining the third waveform as the waveform of the drive pulse PD, which is different from the first and second waveforms. 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 the drive pulse PDa (first waveform), and concerns whether or not to adjust the waveform of drive pulse PDa to have the same elements as the waveform of drive pulse PDb. Adjustment information D4b2 is information used when determining the waveform of drive pulse PDb (second waveform), and concerns whether or not to adjust the waveform of drive pulse PDb to have the same elements as the waveform of drive pulse PDa. Adjustment information D4b3 is information used when determining the third waveform, and concerns whether or not to adjust the waveform of the third waveform to have the same elements as the waveform of drive pulse PDa or drive pulse PDb.

[0061] The adjustments indicated by adjustment information D4b1, D4b2, and D4b3 include, for example, adjustments such as setting the voltage value at the start of the waveform to be adjusted to be the same as the voltage value at the end of another waveform, setting the midpoint potential Vc of the waveform to be adjusted to be the same as the midpoint potential Vc of another waveform, setting the maximum potential (second potential VH) of the waveform to be adjusted to be the same as the maximum potential of another waveform, and setting the duration of the waveform to be adjusted to be the same as the duration of another waveform.

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

[0063] Scenario information D5 is information relating to one or more combinations of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3, and is generated by the setting unit 451 described later. Scenario information D5 may include the information of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 as is, or it may only show the relationship between the combinations of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3. For example, scenario information D5 may be information that combines target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3, or information that shows the link between target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3. Preferably, scenario information D5 is information relating to multiple combinations of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3.

[0064] Evaluation information D6 is information regarding the evaluation of discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD, and is generated by the evaluation unit 452 described later.

[0065] 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 dispensing device 200, and the measuring 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 consist of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the processing circuit 450 may be implemented 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 circuit 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 memory circuit 440.

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

[0069] Here, the setting unit 451 includes a first receiving unit 451a that receives input of target value setting information D2, a second receiving unit 451b that receives input of measurement setting information D3, a third receiving unit 451c that receives input of scenario information D5, and a fourth receiving unit 451d that receives a request to store the scenario information D5 in the memory circuit 440.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first receiving unit 451a displays the target characteristic value setting unit G3 (described later) on the display device 410 as an image for the GUI for inputting the target value setting information D2. The second receiving unit 451b displays the measurement setting unit G4 (described later) on the display device 410 as an image for the GUI for inputting the measurement setting information D3. The third receiving unit 451c displays the input unit G2-1 of the evaluation scenario input / output unit G2 (described later) on the display device 410 as an image for the GUI for inputting the scenario information D5. The fourth receiving unit 451d displays the input unit G2-2 of the evaluation scenario input / output unit G2 (described later) on the display device 410 as an image for the GUI for storing the scenario information D5 in the memory circuit 440.

[0071] Furthermore, the first reception unit 451a can update the target value setting information D2 by receiving input of the target value setting information D2 after receiving input of the target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 at the third reception unit 451c. In addition, the third reception unit 451c reads scenario information D5 from the memory circuit 440 and accepts input of the target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 all at once from the information that has been stored in advance.

[0072] The evaluation unit 452 evaluates the discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD, based on the setting results in the setting unit 451. Specifically, the evaluation unit 452 generates evaluation information D6 based on the environmental setting information D1, target value setting information D2, measurement setting information D3, and waveform setting information D4. For example, the evaluation unit 452 uses the drive pulse PD with a waveform based on the waveform setting information D4 to measure the discharge characteristics using the measuring device 300 under the conditions based on the environmental setting information D1 and measurement setting information D3. 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.

[0073] The determination unit 453 determines the waveform of the drive pulse PD based on the evaluation information D6 which shows the evaluation results of the evaluation unit 452. Specifically, the determination unit 453 determines, for example, the waveform corresponding to the evaluation result that is closest to the target value among the evaluation results shown in the evaluation information D6 as the waveform of the drive pulse PD, and generates drive pulse information DP which shows that waveform.

[0074] 5. Determining the waveform of the drive pulse Figure 5 shows the process for determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD. The waveform determination of the drive pulse PD is performed by executing the following steps in order, as shown in Figure 5: step S10 for setting, step S20 for evaluation, and step S30 for determination.

[0075] In step S10, the setting unit 451 performs various settings necessary for evaluating the discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD. In the example shown in Figure 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 the execution order of steps S11, S12, S13, and S14 is arbitrary.

[0076] In step S20, the evaluation unit 452 performs a measurement based on the measurement conditions set in step S10 and evaluates the measurement result based on whether or not it satisfies the target conditions set in step S10. Then, in step S30, the determination unit 453 determines the waveform of the drive pulse PD based on the evaluation result in step S20.

[0077] 6. Setting the evaluation of discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse. In step S10 described above, information regarding various settings necessary for evaluating the discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD is input to the information processing device 400 using the GUI provided by 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.

[0078] 6-1. Main Window Figure 6 shows the main window MW displayed on the display device 410 when setting up the evaluation of discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD. In step S10 described above, the main window MW is displayed on the display device 410 as shown in Figure 6. The main window MW displays images for inputting the information necessary for setting up the evaluation of discharge characteristics based on the waveform of the drive pulse PD. Specifically, the main window MW displays the evaluation environment setting unit G1, the evaluation scenario input / output unit G2, the target characteristic value setting unit G3, the measurement setting unit G4, the waveform setting unit G5, and the evaluation setting button BT. Note that in Figure 6, the main window MW is simplified for illustrative purposes.

[0079] The evaluation environment setting unit G1 is a display for setting the environment of the liquid discharge head 210 used for evaluation. The information entered using the evaluation environment setting unit G1 is stored as environment setting information D1 in the memory circuit 440 of the information processing device 400. The evaluation environment setting unit G1 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 7.

[0080] The evaluation scenario input / output unit G2 is an area for storing information about the conditions input using the target characteristic value setting unit G3, the measurement setting unit G4, and the waveform setting unit 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 unit G3, the measurement setting unit G4, and the waveform setting unit G5. The evaluation scenario input / output unit G2 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 8.

[0081] The target characteristic value setting unit G3 is a region for setting target conditions for discharge characteristics. Information input using the target characteristic value setting unit G3 is stored in the memory circuit 440 as target value setting information D2. The target characteristic value setting unit G3 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 8.

[0082] The measurement setting section G4 is an area for setting the measurement conditions for discharge characteristics. The information entered using the measurement setting section G4 is stored in the memory circuit 440 as measurement setting information D3. The measurement setting section G4 will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 9 to 21.

[0083] The waveform setting section G5 is an area for setting the waveform of the drive pulse PD used for evaluation. The information input using the waveform setting section G5 is stored in the memory circuit 440 as waveform setting information D4. The waveform setting section G5 will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 22 to 26.

[0084] The evaluation setting button BT is used to set the conditions input using the evaluation scenario input / output unit G2, the target characteristic value setting unit G3, the measurement setting unit G4, and the waveform setting unit G5 as the measurement conditions and target conditions in step S20 described above.

[0085] 6-2. Evaluation Environment Setup Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the evaluation environment setting unit G1, which is a display for setting the evaluation environment. As shown in Figure 7, the evaluation environment setting unit G1 includes input units G1-1, G1-2, G1-3, G1-4, G1-5, and G1-6.

[0086] Input section G1-1 is an area for inputting the nozzle resolution of the liquid discharge 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 or not to control the temperature of the liquid discharge head 210, and inputting the reference value of the temperature and its error range if such control is performed. Input section G1-4 is an area for selecting and inputting the detection nozzle, which is the nozzle to be evaluated from among the multiple nozzles of the liquid discharge head 210. Input section G1-5 is an area for inputting the storage location for information regarding the measurement results of the discharge characteristics during evaluation.

[0087] 6-3. Setting Target Characteristic Values Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the evaluation scenario input / output unit G2 and the target characteristic value setting unit G3, which are displays for setting target characteristic values. As shown in Figure 8, the evaluation scenario input / output unit G2 includes an input unit (also called the third input unit) G2-1 and an input unit (also called the fourth input unit) G2-2.

[0088] The input section G2-1 is an area for reading scenario information D5 from the memory circuit 440 and reflecting the information indicated by scenario information D5 to the target characteristic value setting section G3, the measurement setting section G4, and the waveform setting section G5. In the example shown in Figure 8, the input section G2-1 includes a field where the path to the reference destination of scenario information D5 can be displayed or entered, a button for displaying a dialog for referencing scenario information D5, and a button for reflecting the information indicated by the selected scenario information D5 to each setting section.

[0089] As described later, the user can input data into each input unit G4-1 to G4-43 and G5-1 to G5-19, and individually set the 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 enabling waveform determination under the user's desired conditions. However, because many setting items must be set, some users may find the setting process cumbersome, potentially reducing usability. In contrast, in this embodiment, scenario information D5, in which information is pre-set for each setting item, is stored in the memory circuit 440, and the user can select the scenario information D5 from the memory circuit 440 and input it to the input unit G2-1. This allows information to be set for each setting item all at once. This reduces the complexity of the setting process and improves usability.

[0090] 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 Figure 8, the input section G2-2 includes a field for displaying or inputting the save path for the scenario information D5, a button for displaying a dialog for saving the scenario information D5, and a button for saving the scenario information D5 to the save path.

[0091] When using the scenario information D5 described above, predetermined information is set for each setting item all at once. For example, it is conceivable that some of this information may differ from the conditions desired by the user. In that case, after setting the information for each setting item all at once using scenario information D5, the user can simply input data only into the input units G4-1 to G4-43 and G5-1 to 5-19 that correspond to the setting item they wish to change, and update the information to the user's desired information. However, for users who want to repeatedly perform waveform determination under the same conditions, performing the above process each time a waveform determination is performed may be cumbersome. In contrast, in this embodiment, if the user deviates from some of the information in the pre-set scenario information D5, that 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 data into each input unit G4-1 to G4-43 and G5-1 to 5-19 without using scenario information D5 from the beginning, it is also possible to save that combination of information as new scenario information D5.

[0092] The target characteristic value setting unit G3 includes input units G3-1, G3-2, and G3-3. Here, the target characteristic value setting unit G3 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T1, and inputs can be made using input units G3-1, G3-2, and G3-3 for each tab T1.

[0093] Input section G3-1 is an area for inputting a target value for the amount of liquid (Iw) dispensed per discharge from the liquid discharge head 210. Input section G3-2 is an area for inputting a target value for the driving frequency of the driving element 211. Input section G3-3 is an area for inputting a target value for the discharge velocity (Vm) of the main droplet discharged from the liquid discharge head 210. Input sections G3-1, G3-2, and G3-3 are examples of first and second input sections. For example, input section G3-1 can be considered as the first input section, and input section G3-3 as the second input section.

[0094] 6-4. Measurement Settings Figures 9 to 21 are diagrams illustrating the measurement setting unit G4, which is a display for setting measurement parameters. As shown in Figure 9, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T2-1 to T2-6, and information can be entered for each of these tabs.

[0095] In the example shown in Figure 9, tab T2-1 is selected when inputting the measurement conditions for the natural oscillation period (Tc) of the liquid in the pressure chamber of the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-2 is selected when inputting the measurement conditions for the amount of ink per ejection from the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-3 is selected when inputting the measurement conditions for the ink ejection speed from the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-4 is selected when inputting the measurement conditions for the frequency characteristics of the drive frequency at the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-5 is selected when inputting the measurement conditions for acquiring an image of the flight state of the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210. Tab T2-6 is selected when inputting the measurement conditions for measuring the stability of the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0096] The following explains the display when tabs T2-1 to T2-5 are selected. The explanation for selecting tab T2-6 will be omitted.

[0097] 6-4-1. Setting the measurement conditions for the natural vibration period (Tc) As shown in Figure 9, when tab T2-1 is selected, input units G4-1 to G4-7 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T3, and input using input units G4-1 to G4-7 is possible for each tab T3. Input units G4-1 to G4-7 are examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to 3-3.

[0098] Input section G4-1 is a region for inputting whether or not to measure the natural oscillation period (Tc) of the liquid in the pressure chamber of the liquid discharge head 210.

[0099] Input section G4-2 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting the information from that file.

[0100] Input section G4-3 is an area for selecting whether to continuously measure within the measurement range of period Pwh1, which corresponds to the third period P3, or to measure a portion of the measurement range of period Pwh1. This selection switches the display on tab T4. In the following, the case of continuously measuring within the measurement range of period Pwh1 will be explained as a representative example.

[0101] Input section G4-4 is an area for specifying a file to set the reference waveform of the drive pulse used for measuring the natural vibration period (Tc), and for inputting the information from that file.

[0102] Input section G4-5 is a region for inputting the voltage value of the drive pulse used to measure the natural oscillation period (Tc).

[0103] Input section G4-6 is an area for specifying the range of the period Pwh1. In the example shown in Figure 9, input section G4-6 displays fields for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval at which the period Pwh1 will change within that range.

[0104] Input section G4-7 is a region for specifying the number of times the measurement of the natural vibration period (Tc) is repeated under the same conditions.

[0105] 6-4-2. Setting the measurement conditions for ink volume Iw As shown in Figure 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 multiple selectable tabs T5, and input using input sections G4-8 to G4-15 is possible for each tab T5. Input sections G4-8 to G4-15 can also be seen as examples of first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to 3-3.

[0106] Input section G4-8 is an area for specifying the number of nozzles used to measure the amount of ink Iw dispensed per injection from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0107] Input section G4-9 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting the information from that file.

[0108] Input section G4-10 is an area for specifying the number of times ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0109] The input section G4-11 is an area for specifying the ink ejection frequency from the liquid ejection head 210. In the example shown in Figure 10, buttons for setting the ejection frequency to a target value, a button for setting the ejection frequency to half of the target value, and a button for setting the ejection frequency to a specified value are displayed on the input section G4-11.

[0110] Input section G4-12 is an area for inputting a specified value for the discharge frequency.

[0111] Input section G4-13 is a region for specifying the range of voltage Vh, which corresponds to the potential difference between the first potential VL and the second potential VH mentioned above. In the example shown in Figure 10, input section G4-13 displays fields for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval at which the voltage Vh is changed within that range.

[0112] Input section G4-14 is an area for specifying the calculation method for each evaluation voltage used to calculate the appropriate voltage for the amount of ink Iw. In the example shown in Figure 10, buttons for specifying the use of the average value of the measured values, the maximum value of the measured values, and the minimum value of the measured values ​​are displayed on input section G4-14.

[0113] Input section G4-15 is an area for specifying the number of times the ink quantity Iw measurement is repeated under the same conditions.

[0114] 6-4-3. Setting the Measurement Conditions for Discharge Rate Vw As shown in Figure 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 multiple selectable tabs T6, and input using input sections G4-16 to G4-19 is possible for each tab T6. Input sections G4-16 to G4-19 can also be seen as examples of first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to 3-3.

[0115] The input section G4-16 is a region for specifying the interval for detecting droplets when measuring the discharge rate Vm.

[0116] Input section G4-17 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting the information from that file.

[0117] Input section G4-18 is a region for specifying the drive frequency of the liquid discharge head 210.

[0118] The input section G4-19 is a region for specifying the voltage range Vh. In the example shown in Figure 11, the input section G4-19 displays fields for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval at which the voltage Vh is varied within that range.

[0119] 6-4-4. Setting Measurement Conditions for the Frequency Characteristics of the Drive Frequency at the Head As shown in Figure 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 multiple selectable tabs T7, and input using input sections G4-20 to G4-25 is possible for each tab T7. Input sections G4-20 to G4-25 can also be seen as examples of first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to 3-3.

[0120] The input section G4-20 is an area for specifying the number of nozzles used to measure the frequency characteristics of the drive frequency in the liquid discharge head 210.

[0121] Input section G4-21 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting the information from that file.

[0122] The input section G4-22 is an area for specifying the number of times ink should be ejected from the liquid ejection head 210.

[0123] The input section G4-23 is an area for specifying the voltage Vh. In the example shown in Figure 12, the input section G4-23 displays three buttons: button B1 for inputting the optimal voltage Vh obtained from the measurement of the ink volume Iw as the appropriate voltage; button B2 for inputting the voltage Vh with a correction value added to the appropriate voltage; and button B3 for specifying a value as the voltage Vh. In other words, in evaluating the ejection frequency, the user can choose whether to use the voltage Vh that was judged to be appropriate in the evaluation of the ink volume Iw, the voltage that was judged to be appropriate and corrected by the correction value input in the input section G4-24, or a voltage arbitrarily specified by the user. The reception unit receives the result of that selection.

[0124] Input section G4-24 is an area for inputting the specified value and correction value of the voltage Vh used in input section G4-23.

[0125] Input section G4-25 is an area for specifying a file to set the discharge frequency and inputting the information from that file.

[0126] 6-4-5. Setting Measurement Conditions for Ink Flight As shown in Figure 13, when tab T2-5 is selected, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T8. By selecting a tab T8, it is possible to set the shooting range, voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and shooting mode. The following describes the cases when each item is selected.

[0127] When the shooting range item is selected in tab T8, input units G4-26 and G4-27 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T9, and input using input units G4-26 and G4-27 is possible for each tab T9. Input units G4-26 and G4-27 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0128] The input section G4-26 is an area for specifying the range of distance PG included in the shooting range.

[0129] Input section G4-27 is an area for inputting the distance PG value, which is used to output the shooting result.

[0130] As shown in Figure 14, when the voltage item is selected in tab T8, input units G4-28 and G4-29 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T10, and input using input units G4-28 and G4-29 is possible for each tab T10. Input units G4-28 and G4-29 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0131] The input section G4-28 is an area for specifying the voltage Vh. In the example shown in Figure 14, the input section G4-28 displays buttons for inputting the optimal voltage Vh as the appropriate voltage when measuring the ink amount Iw, a button for inputting a voltage Vh with a correction value added to the appropriate voltage, and a button for specifying a value as the voltage Vh.

[0132] Input section G4-29 is an area for inputting the specified value and correction value of the voltage Vh used in input section G4-28.

[0133] As shown in Figure 15, when the discharge pattern item is selected in tab T8, input units G4-30 and G4-31 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T11, and input using input units G4-30 and G4-31 is possible for each tab T11. Input units G4-30 and G4-31 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0134] Input section G4-30 is an area for inputting an arbitrary discharge pattern name.

[0135] Input section G4-31 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting the information from that file.

[0136] As shown in Figure 16, when the frequency item is selected in tab T8, input units G4-32 and G4-33 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T12, and input using input units G4-32 and G4-33 is possible for each tab T12. Input units G4-32 and G4-33 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0137] The input section G4-32 is an area for specifying the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head 210. In the example shown in Figure 16, buttons for setting the discharge frequency to a target value, a button for setting the discharge frequency to half of the target value, and a button for setting the discharge frequency to a specified value are displayed in the input section G4-32.

[0138] Input section G4-33 is an area for inputting a specified value for the discharge frequency.

[0139] As shown in Figure 17, when the shooting mode item is selected in tab T8, input units G4-34 and G4-35 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T13, and input using input units G4-34 and G4-35 is possible for each tab T13. Input units G4-34 and G4-35 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0140] The input section G4-34 is an area for selecting whether the imaging range is the entire nozzle row or a portion of it.

[0141] Input section G4-35 is an area for specifying the nozzle row for checking the distance PG.

[0142] 6-4-6. Setting Measurement Conditions for Ink Discharge Stability As shown in Figure 18, when tab T2-6 is selected, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T14, and by selecting tab T14, it is possible to set the voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and shooting mode.

[0143] When the voltage item is selected in tab T14, input sections G4-36 and G4-37 are displayed in the measurement setting section G4. Here, the measurement setting section G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T15, and input using input sections G4-36 and G4-37 is possible for each tab T15. Input sections G4-36 to G4-37 can be seen as examples of first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to G3-3.

[0144] The input section G4-37 is an area for specifying the voltage Vh. In the example shown in Figure 18, the input section G4-37 displays a button for inputting the optimal voltage Vh as the appropriate voltage when measuring the ink amount Iw, and a button for specifying a value as the voltage Vh.

[0145] Input section G4-38 is an area for inputting the range of specified values ​​for the voltage Vh used in input section G4-37. In the example shown in Figure 18, input section G4-38 displays fields for specifying the start and end points of the range, as well as the interval at which the voltage Vh is changed within that range.

[0146] As shown in Figure 19, when the discharge pattern item is selected in tab T14, input units G4-38 and G4-39 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T16, and input using input units G4-38 and G4-39 is possible for each tab T16. Input units G4-38 and G4-39 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0147] Input section G4-38 is an area for inputting an arbitrary discharge pattern name.

[0148] Input section G4-39 is an area for specifying a file for setting the ink ejection pattern from the liquid ejection head 210 and for inputting the information from that file.

[0149] As shown in Figure 20, when the frequency item is selected in tab T14, input units G4-40 and G4-41 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T17, and input using input units G4-40 and G4-41 is possible for each tab T17. Input units G4-40 and G4-41 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0150] The input section G4-40 is an area for specifying the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head 210. In the example shown in Figure 20, buttons for setting the discharge frequency to a target value, a button for setting the discharge frequency to half of the target value, and a button for setting the discharge frequency to a specified value are displayed on the input section G4-40.

[0151] Input section G4-41 is an area for inputting a specified value for the discharge frequency.

[0152] As shown in Figure 21, when the shooting mode item is selected in tab T14, input units G4-42 and G4-43 are displayed in the measurement setting unit G4. Here, the measurement setting unit G4 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T18, and input using input units G4-42 and G4-43 is possible for each tab T18. Input units G4-42 and G4-43 can also be seen as examples of first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0153] The input section G4-42 is an area for selecting whether the imaging range is the entire nozzle row or a portion of it.

[0154] Input section G4-43 is an area for specifying the nozzle row for checking the distance PG.

[0155] 6-5. Waveform settings Figures 22 to 26 are diagrams illustrating the waveform setting unit G5, which is a display for waveform setting. As shown in Figure 22, the waveform setting unit G5 displays input units G5-1 to G5-4. The waveform setting unit G5 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T19, and input using input units G5-1 to G5-4 is possible for each tab T19.

[0156] Furthermore, the waveform setting unit G5 is provided with multiple selectable tabs T20, and by selecting a tab T20, it is possible to set each item of discharge volume, discharge speed, frequency characteristics, flight image, and stability. Here, the discharge volume item of tab T20 corresponds to the item of tab T2-2, the discharge speed item of tab T20 corresponds to the item of tab T2-3, the frequency characteristics item of tab T20 corresponds to the item of tab T2-4, the flight image item of tab T20 corresponds to the item of tab T2-5, and the stability item of tab T20 corresponds to the item of tab T2-6. Each item of tab T20 can be set for each tab T19. The following describes the cases when each item of tab T20 is selected.

[0157] As shown in Figure 22, when the discharge volume item is selected in tab T20, the waveform setting unit G5 displays input units G5-1 to G5-7. Input units G5-1 to G5-7 are examples of the first and second input units, similar to input units G3-1 to G3-3.

[0158] Input section G5-1 is an area for specifying the size of ink droplets from the liquid ejection head 210, specifying a file for setting the waveform that will serve as the basis for evaluation, and inputting information from that file. In the example shown in Figure 22, one size is selected as the droplet size from several sizes such as "Large," "Middle," and "Small."

[0159] Input section G5-2 is an area for specifying a file to set the timing for supplying the drive pulse PD to the liquid discharge head 210 and for inputting the information in that file. In the example shown in Figure 22, in addition to inputting the information in the file, an item (LMS mixed discharge) for inputting whether or not to combine multiple droplets of different sizes is displayed in input section G5-2.

[0160] Input section G5-3 is a region for setting whether or not to adjust the waveform during measurement for the waveform being evaluated. Although not shown in the diagram, input section G5-3 displays, for example, an option to not perform waveform adjustment and an option to adjust the intermediate potential Vc to the same value as the intermediate potential Vc at the appropriate voltage for each droplet size.

[0161] Specifically, the input unit 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 one of these options and inputs it. The reception unit accepts the input result. This allows the system to adjust whether or not to match the intermediate potential Vc to the drive waveform for other sizes when determining the drive waveform for the size of the input location (as shown in the examples in Figures 22 to 26, the drive waveform for Large as shown in G5-1). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 22 to 26, if "Adjust intermediate potential Vc to the same value as Small" is selected, the system can search for the drive waveform for Large while satisfying the constraint that the intermediate potential Vc is the same value as the drive waveform for Small. As shown in Figure 2, since the drive waveforms for different sizes are connected to each other at an intermediate potential Vc, if, for example, the drive waveform for Large and the drive waveform for Small are searched and determined individually, the intermediate potential Vc will be different, and there is a risk that problems will occur at the point where the drive waveform switches due to this intermediate potential difference. However, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the drive waveform for each size while avoiding such problems.

[0162] The input section G5-4 is an area for inputting the reference source for the target value of the waveform to be evaluated and the reference source for the appropriate voltage to be used during measurement. Specifically, in the input section G5-4, the item on tab T1 of the aforementioned target characteristic value setting section G3 is set as the reference source for the target value of the waveform to be evaluated. In addition, although not shown in the diagram, the input section G5-4 displays two options for the reference source for the appropriate voltage to be used during measurement: one that uses the appropriate voltage calculated in the self-waveform evaluation, and another that uses the appropriate voltage calculated in the waveform evaluation for each other droplet size. Furthermore, a button for disabling input using the input section G5-4 is displayed in the input section G5-4.

[0163] Input section G5-5 is an area for inputting whether or not to perform measurements on the waveform to be evaluated.

[0164] Input section G5-6 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0165] The input section G5-7 is the area for selecting items in tab T5 of the measurement setting section G4. In the example shown in Figure 22, in addition to the display for selecting items in tab T5, buttons for confirming the contents of the items in tab T5 are displayed in the input section G5-7. Here, the selection of items in tab T5 is performed using multiple tabs T20, which can be selected for each case based on the number of cases entered in the input section G5-6.

[0166] As shown in Figure 23, when the discharge speed item is selected in tab T20, the waveform setting section G5 displays input sections G5-8 to G5-10. Input sections G5-8 to G5-10 are examples of the first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to 3-3.

[0167] Input section G5-8 is an area for inputting whether or not to perform measurements on the waveform to be evaluated.

[0168] Input section G5-9 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0169] The input section G5-10 is the area for selecting items in tab T5 of the measurement setting section G4. In the example shown in Figure 23, in addition to the display for selecting items in tab T5, input section G5-10 also displays a button to confirm the contents of the items in tab T5 and a field for entering the number of measurement repetitions. Here, the selection of items in tab T5 is done using multiple tabs T22, which can be selected for each case based on the number of cases entered in input section G5-9.

[0170] As shown in Figure 24, when the frequency response item is selected in tab T20, the waveform setting section G5 displays input sections G5-11 to G5-13. Input sections G5-11 to G5-13 are examples of the first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to 3-3.

[0171] Input section G5-11 is an area for inputting whether or not to perform measurements on the waveform to be evaluated.

[0172] Input section G5-12 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0173] The input section G5-13 is the area for selecting items in tab T5 of the measurement setting section G4. In the example shown in Figure 24, in addition to the display for selecting items in tab T5, input section G5-13 also displays a button to confirm the contents of the items in tab T5 and a field for entering the number of measurement repetitions. Here, the selection of items in tab T5 is done using multiple tabs T23, which can be selected for each case based on the number of cases entered in input section G5-12.

[0174] As shown in Figure 25, when the "Flight Photograph" item is selected in tab T20, the waveform setting section G5 displays input sections G5-14 to G5-16. Input sections G5-14 to G5-16 are examples of the first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to G3-3.

[0175] Input section G5-14 is an area for inputting whether or not to perform measurements on the waveform to be evaluated.

[0176] Input section G5-15 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0177] The input section G5-16 is an area for selecting items from tabs T9 to T13 of the measurement setting section G4 for each of the shooting range, voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and shooting mode. In the example shown in Figure 25, in addition to the display for selecting items from tabs T9 to T13, a field for entering the number of measurement repetitions is displayed in the input section G5-16. Here, the selection of items from tabs T9 to T13 is performed using multiple tabs T24 that can be selected for each case of the number of cases entered in the input section G5-15.

[0178] As shown in Figure 26, when the "Stability" option is selected in tab T20, the waveform setting section G5 displays input sections G5-17 to G5-19. Input sections G5-17 to G5-19 are examples of the first and second input sections, similar to input sections G3-1 to 3-3.

[0179] Input section G5-17 is an area for inputting whether or not to perform measurements on the waveform to be evaluated.

[0180] Input section G5-18 is an area for inputting the number of measurement cases for the waveform to be evaluated.

[0181] The input section G5-19 is an area for selecting items from tabs T10 to T13 of the measurement setting section G4 for voltage, discharge pattern, frequency, and shooting mode, respectively. In the example shown in Figure 25, in addition to the display for selecting items from tabs T10 to T13, a field for inputting the number of measurement repetitions is displayed in input section G5-16. Here, the selection of items from tabs T10 to T13 is performed using multiple tabs T25, which can be selected for each case based on the number of cases entered in input section G5-19.

[0182] As described above, the information processing device 400 is used to determine the waveform of the drive pulse PD applied to the drive element 211 provided on the liquid ejection head 210 that ejects ink, which is an example of a "liquid". Here, as mentioned above, the information processing device 400 has a first receiving unit 451a, a second receiving unit 451b, and a third receiving unit 451c.

[0183] The first reception unit 451a receives input of target value setting information D2, which is an example of "first information". Target value setting information D2 is information about the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD. The second reception unit 451b receives input of measurement setting information D3, which is an example of "second information". Measurement setting information D3 is information about the second setting item, which is different from the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD. The third reception unit 451c receives input of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 together from pre-stored information.

[0184] The information processing device 400 described above allows for the individual input of target value setting information D2 or measurement setting information D3, or the input of both target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 together from pre-stored information. Therefore, usability can be improved compared to a configuration in which only the target value setting information D2 or measurement setting information D3 can be input individually.

[0185] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the information processing device 400 further has a fourth receiving unit 451d that receives a request to store scenario information D5 in a memory circuit 440, which is an example of a "memory unit". Scenario information D5 is information relating to combinations of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3. Therefore, any desired combination of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 can be stored.

[0186] As mentioned above, the memory circuit 440 can store information regarding multiple combinations of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3. Therefore, it can store multiple desired combinations of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3. In addition, the third receiving unit 451c can receive input of information for any one combination that is appropriately selected from these multiple combinations.

[0187] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first reception unit 451a can update the target value setting information D2 by receiving input of the target value setting information D2 after receiving input of the target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 at the third reception unit 451c. Therefore, the combination of target value setting information D2 and measurement setting information D3 can be optimized.

[0188] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the first setting item is an item relating to the target value of the ink ejection amount from the liquid ejection head 210, it is possible to determine or evaluate the waveform of the drive pulse PD such that the ink ejection amount from the liquid ejection head 210 becomes the target value.

[0189] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the first setting item is an item relating to the target value of the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head 210, it is possible to determine or evaluate the waveform of the drive pulse PD such that the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head 210 becomes the target value.

[0190] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the first setting item is an item relating to the target value of the ink ejection speed from the liquid ejection head 210, it is possible to determine or evaluate the waveform of the drive pulse PD such that the ink ejection speed from the liquid ejection head 210 becomes the target value.

[0191] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the second setting item is an item related to the reference waveform used when determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD, the waveform of the drive pulse PD can be a waveform based on the reference waveform.

[0192] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the second setting item is an item relating to a measurement ejection pattern used to eject ink using the liquid ejection head 210 when determining the waveform of the drive pulse PD, then the waveform of the drive pulse for the desired ejection pattern can be determined or evaluated.

[0193] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first reception unit 451a, the second reception unit 451b, and the third reception unit 451c each display an image for information input on the display device 410. Therefore, a GUI for inputting target value setting information D2, measurement setting information D3, and scenario information D5 can be provided to the user. As a result, usability can be improved compared to a configuration without such displays.

[0194] 7. Variations Each of the forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to each of the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0195] 7-1. Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the program P is exemplified as being executed by a processing circuit provided in the same device as the installed memory circuit. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the program P may be executed by a processing circuit provided in a different device from the installed memory circuit. For example, the program P stored in the memory circuit 440 of the information processing device 400 may be executed by the processing circuit 280 of the liquid dispensing device 200. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0196] 100...System, 200...Liquid Discharge Device, 210...Liquid Discharge Head, 211...Drive Element, 212...Nozzle Surface, 220...Movement Mechanism, 230...Power Supply Circuit, 240...Drive Signal Generation Circuit, 250...Drive Circuit, 260...Communication Circuit, 270...Memory Circuit, 280...Processing Circuit, 300...Measurement 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 Reception Unit, 451b...Second Reception Unit, 451c...Third Reception Unit, 451d...Fourth Reception Unit, 452...Evaluation Unit, 453...Decision Unit B1...Button, B2...Button, B3...Button, BT...Evaluation setting button, Com...Drive signal, D1...Environment setting information, D2...Target value setting information (first information), D3...Measurement setting information (second information), D3a1...Voltage information, D3a2...Voltage information, D3a3...Voltage 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 unit, G1-1...Input unit, 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...Drive pulse, PDa...Drive pulse, PDb...Drive pulse PG...Distance, 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, T 24...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...Discharge rate, Vw...Discharge rate, dCom...Waveform specification signal, t...Time.

Claims

1. An information processing device used to determine the waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head that discharges liquid, A first receiving unit that receives input from the user of first information relating to a first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, A second receiving unit that receives input from the user of second information relating to a second setting item different from the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, A third reception unit that receives user input of the first information and the second information from pre-stored information, The system includes a fourth receiving unit that receives input from the user via the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit regarding storing information about a new combination of the first and second information in the storage unit when the user updates the first or second information, An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The storage unit is capable of storing information relating to multiple combinations of the first information and the second information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The first setting item is an item relating to the target value of the amount of liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first setting item is an item relating to the target value of the discharge frequency of the liquid discharge head. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An information processing device used to determine the waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head for discharging liquid, A first receiving unit that receives input of first information relating to a first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, A second receiving unit that receives input of second information relating to a second setting item different from the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, It has a third receiving unit that accepts the input of the first information and the second information from pre-stored information all at once, The first setting item described above is an item relating to the target value of the liquid discharge speed from the liquid discharge head. An information processing device characterized by the following:

6. An information processing device used to determine the waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head for discharging liquid, A first receiving unit that receives input of first information relating to a first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, A second receiving unit that receives input of second information relating to a second setting item different from the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, It has a third receiving unit that accepts the input of the first information and the second information from pre-stored information all at once, The second setting item is an item relating to the reference waveform used when determining the waveform of the drive pulse. An information processing device characterized by the following:

7. An information processing device used to determine the waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head for discharging liquid, A first receiving unit that receives input of first information relating to a first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, A second receiving unit that receives input of second information relating to a second setting item different from the first setting item for determining the waveform of the drive pulse, It has a third receiving unit that accepts the input of the first information and the second information from pre-stored information all at once, The second setting item is an item relating to the measurement discharge pattern used to discharge liquid using the liquid discharge head when determining the waveform of the drive pulse. An information processing device characterized by the following:

8. Each of the first, second, and third reception units displays an image for information input on a display device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images